Why Refinish
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is the smart choice to deal with an outdated or damaged tub, counter top, sink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Fixtures with outdated colors can look new again.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, especially with our exclusive Presidential service!
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. Replacing a tub can cost $2,500 or
more. Frequently demolition is required. That means noisy, dusty work that
causes damage to your floors, walls and plumbing.
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 and
durability. Most often DIY refinishing jobs end up being redone by a
professional with the additional cost of stripping the peeling finish.
Call Supertubs at 717-979-0710 for more information–and why? Because we make ugly go away!
Choosing a Refinisher
Choosing a refinisher is difficult. Make a poor choice and you could be in for trouble. We 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 can 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. 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.
VIEW OUR WARRANTY & LIMITATIONS
Common Questions
Q: How long does it take?
A: Refinishing a tub, sink or countertop takes approximately five to seven hours.
Q: Is the new finish the same as the original finish?
A: We use a acrylic polyurethane that bonds directly to the tub. It has a similar look and feel of a new tub. With our exclusive Presidential service, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to tell the difference.
Q: How long after completion before we can use the tub?
A: All we ask is that the customer wait until the following morning before returning to full use.
Q: What kind of repairs can you do?
A: For bathtubs, we can fix cracks, rust, scratches, dull spots, chips, pits and discoloration in the refinishing process. Kitchen countertops, whether refinished with one-color or Stone Fleck Finishes, will also look like new after refinishing regardless of the damage done.
Q: Is “reglazing” the same as “refinishing”?
A: Yes, they are both describe the act of preparing and refinishing porcelain, tile or laminate fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen.
Q: What colors are available?
A: Refinishing is your only option when it comes to truly customizing your color choices. New fixture and liner color choices are extremely limited. We offer several stock colors and virtually any custom color choice is possible. We also offer a wide selection of Stone Fleck finishes, which appears like a granite finish.
Q: Will my tub look painted?
A: No. It won’t have brush marks or drips. The topcoat material is applied with a spray gun that yields a super-smooth, high gloss finish.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Refinishing is always your most affordable option compared to replacement or liners, but costs vary per project. We’ll be happy to provide a free estimate. Please call us at 717-979-0710 or use our on-line estimate request form.
Q: What if my tub is damaged?
A: No problem. In fact, that’s one of the major reasons tubs are refinished. Part of the process is fixing all types of damage. Contact us at 717-979-0710 and we’ll be happy to give you our professional opinion.
Q: What bathroom and kitchen surfaces can be refinished?
A: Tubs, wall tile, sinks, vanity tops, showers and shower bases, Formica countertops, cast iron porcelain, pressed steel enamel, fiberglass, and acrylic.
Q: My tub was refinished by someone else and is peeling. What happened?
A: More than likely shortcuts were taken during the preparation process. This results in a weak bond between the topcoat and the previous finish. We meticulously prepare the surface so the bond is Supertubs strong resulting in years of use. We don’t skip steps and use the best premium materials money can buy.
Q: My fiberglass tub/shower has a crack in it. Can it be repaired?
A: Absolutely. We have several processes to fix fiberglass fixtures. The preferred method matches the severity of the damage. Call us at 717-979-0710 and we’ll listen to your needs and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
Q: Can I do the same with a DIY kit from a home improvement store?
A: No. DIY kits are limited in strength and durability. They usually fail within a month or two. They typically consist of an epoxy coating that takes up to 5 days to dry and yellow significantly over time. Most kits are rolled or brushed on the fixture, giving an unsightly looking amateur finish. Some kits are sprayed on with an aerosol can, causing uneven coverage, dry spray and drips. The mirror-like finish you really want cannot be achieved without proper training and experience and professional spray equipment.
Q: Are there any offensive odors?
A: Any time you have painting done in your home there will be some lingering paint odors for a few days. We minimize these odors by using a sophisticated exhaust system that vents dust and odor to the outside while we work. In some instances, we can use a box fan.
