Stains and surface damage on a bathtub often fill homeowners with dread, as they anticipate replacing their bathtubs and other fixtures. However, less expensive types of bathtub repair in Phoenix, AZ often reduce anxiety and save money. At A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC, we have restored a number of seemingly hopeless cases, and can bring our skills to your home. Here are five common bathtub issues and their repairs that can help you avoid purchasing a new tub:
- Flaking and peeling: This unsightly damage can also lead to leaks and wet rot. Those conditions will not just necessitate a new bathtub—you will likely have to take apart your entire bathroom and reinstall sub-flooring and other essential structure. Flaking and peeling indicate that your bathtub was refinished before, but the job was not done correctly. The solution is simple: refinish your bathtub again, but this time, hire someone competent to do the work! We will remove the entire finish, acid etch it, prime the surface and add the finish, but this time, it should last up to 15 years.
- Bubbles: This development also arises from a poor finishing job. If the coating is not allowed to cure properly and the old finish is not entirely stripped before treatment, you will see bubbles appear. Like with flaking and peeling, the only solution is to start over. The current finish, plus any previous finish left behind, will need to be completely stripped. Only then can the new finish bond correctly and offer a smooth surface.
- Fading: If you notice spots where the color is fading—or, with a white bathtub, there is discoloration—then the refinish coating was not mixed well. Finish can be a picky material, and if it is too thin or the incorrect mixture, that will show in a few years with a bathtub that fades or discolors. Also, abrasive cleaners will wear down the surface and cause discoloration. Fortunately, this is solved easily by a surface refinishing. Once that is completed, use soft cleaners and avoid harsh brushes on your tub.
- Roughness: The surface of your bathtub should not feel like sandpaper—it should be smooth. No one wants to sit in a bathtub with a rough surface, so this issue is often noticed quickly. The rough texture develops because the surface was not sanded thoroughly, or it was sanded but not cleaned before applying a finish. A refinishing contractor must remove the old finish, sand the tub down and clean it multiple times before adding a finish.
- Tacky feel: Once the new finish is applied, it must have time to cure. If this is not done, the tub will be left feeling sticky or tacky. Poor mixes can also prevent curing. If you find your tub feels sticky after being treated, leave it alone—it may just require more time to cure. However, if that tackiness persists, call your contractor to investigate.
Before you look for a replacement, consider investing in bathtub repair in Phoenix, AZ. Call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC today and allow us to work our magic and restore your bathtub to nearly new condition!