Why refinish?
Bathtub, tile, sink and countertop refinishing
Refinishing is the smart choice to deal with an outdated or damaged tub, counter top, sink or wall tile. Chips, rust, cracks, stains and dull areas completely go away. Fixtures with outdated colors can be changed and look new again. You choose the color to fit your new decor. Most customers can’t tell the difference between a refinished tub and a new one.
Faced with worn or dated fixtures, you have the choice of refinishing or replacement. Think again about replacement. Replacement, especially bathtubs, includes expensive tradesmen and a week of hassles. Frequently demolition is required. That means noisy, dusty work that causes damage to your floors, walls and plumbing. Not to mention the cost savings. Replacing a tub can cost $2,500 or more.
| Total Replacement | Liner | Our option: Refinish | |
| Cost
For multiple jobs (Commercial/Residence) ask a special price. |
$2,000 - $3,000 | $2,395 for tub, $3,695 for tub and wall | About $250 for tub, $525 for tub and 3 wall surround |
| Time without tub | 7 - 10 days | 2 day | 8 hours |
| Durability | 15 plus years | 5-10 years | 10 - 15 years |
| Color availability | Limited to what's produced - 3 to 5 colors | Limited – only 2 or 3 standard colors | Any color is available |
| Look and feel | Porcelain, plastic or fiberglass | Acrylic or plastic shell | Retains the look and feel of the original porcelain and ceramic fixtures |
| Disruption to home and life | Major: dust, debris, dumpsters, drywall, several workmen | Moderate: dust and debris | Minimal: one worker, done in a few hours |
Thinking about refinishing yourself? We strongly suggest you don't. Bathtub Refinishing or Reglazing is not a do-it-yourself project; it involves the use of strong chemicals and materials that are beyond the skill and ability for most homeowners and untrained users. DIY kits are limited in their strength, durability and way they are applied. Most often DIY refinishing jobs end up being redone by a professional with the additional cost of stripping the peeling finish. If these kits actually worked, there’d be no need for professional refinishers.
Choosing a refinisher is difficult. Make a poor choice and you could be in for trouble. We actually see a fair amount of newly refinished tubs with streaks or where the topcoat is peeling. The problems usually stem from improper surface preparation and poor quality materials. Here are some things to look for in a refinisher.
Experience: Make sure your refinisher has been refinishing for at least 5 years.
Quality Materials: The quality of the materials makes all the difference. Using inferior products increases the chances the finished product will peel or chip. We frequently get calls from customers who have had their tubs refinished with inferior materials. The finish is peeling or cracking. A tub that has been refinished with quality materials will last for 10 years or more if well maintained.
Workspace Preparation: Make sure your bathroom is protected from overspray. A little bit of topcoat material can get on your walls. It may not be apparent when both are white but even a little topcoat on a colored wall will stick out like a sore thumb. Also, make sure the bathroom is thoroughly ventilated. Some companies use a simple box fan stuck in a window. That just won't do. Make sure the area is ventilated with a powerful exhaust system.
Warranty: Make sure you get a warranty in writing. Companies make a lot of promises but don't always deliver. A written warranty is security you can bank on.