If your tub is looking a little worse for wear or you want to update its appearance, bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ can give you the look you desire. However, most homeowners fail to realize that there is one crucial step to take before having your tub refinished: you must check to see if the tub has been resurfaced in the past.
To the untrained eye, bathtub resurfacing can be a little hard to spot—after all, that’s the entire purpose of refinishing! But proper identification of a previously resurfaced tub is important to getting the job done well and budgeting for the project appropriately.
The problem with resurfaced bathtubs
When a bathtub is resurfaced, professionals will repair any cracks or holes in your tub, then coat it with a specialized chemical spray or roll-on substance.
Previously resurfaced bathtubs are able to undergo the refinishing process again, but a few more steps will need to be added to the process. If your tub has been resurfaced, it will need to be sanded down and stripped before the new layer of coating can be applied.
This is because new coatings will not adhere properly to existing coatings; they are designed to bond to the tub surface itself. This means that any existing coatings must be completely removed, so that they will last longer and look better.
Unfortunately, this process also comes with a higher price tag. Since stripping takes extra time, your bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ will probably cost more. However, this extra cost is worth the longevity and beauty that comes with a newly resurfaced bathtub.
How to spot a resurfaced tub
In order to tell if your bathtub has been resurfaced in the past, look for these three signs:
Peeling or flaking: If the surface layer of your tub is peeling or chipping away like old paint, the tub has probably been resurfaced in the past. Refinishing coatings don’t last forever, and they can eventually become worn-down and flaky over time. Chipping usually occurs near the tub drain and spreads outwards. You will usually be able to see the original tub’s color underneath the flakes, as well.
Painted drain cover: If your tub has a colored drain cover that matches the tub, it’s likely that it has been resurfaced in the past and that the prior refinishing company left it unmasked and coated over it as they did work on the tub. Covers for tub drains are typically only sold in metal finishes like chrome, and most homeowners aren’t in the habit of painting the covers themselves.
Tub looks newer or is a different color: If you have an older bathroom in which the walls and floors match, but the tub does not, it may be a possibility that your tub has been resurfaced. Older bathtubs used to be coated to match the bathroom colors, so a newer-looking, shiny white tub might be a sign that it’s been refinished recently to look more modern.
Call a professional for assistance
If you’ve checked for the signs and still aren’t sure if your tub has been resurfaced, call a professional like A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. for help. Our team is full of experts in bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ, and we can identify a previously refinished tub and get to work making it look like new once again.
Fiberglass tubs are not necessarily known for their long life and durability when compared with porcelain tubs. The fact is that while porcelain tubs may last for decades, a fiberglass tub is more likely to last about 10 to 15 years. One of the first problems with a fiberglass tub is that the bottom cracks or splits. You may think this is not a huge problem, but it can definitely become one if not dealt with quickly.
When you have a cracked tub, you should call a service for bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ. Addressing this problem in the early stages means you will be less likely to have to replace your tub. Here are some of the dangers associated with a cracked fiberglass tub and why you should get it fixed right away:
Floorboard rot: When water leaks below the tub’s support layer, it will bleed directly into the floorboards that act as the bathroom’s base. This can cause multiple issues with water damage, mold and rot accumulating in the tub. If this problem is left untreated, the floorboards beneath the tub could bust and eliminate support. You’ll want to avoid a cave-in at all costs.
Mold and mildew: Right beneath the tub is a cushion that prevents water from seeping through to the wood beneath. However, if you have a cracked tub bottom, it means this cushion is likely to break as well. A variety of materials like dirt, skin cells and water will seep through this and cause rot. This is a perfect place for mold and mildew to grow. It’s difficult to clean this out because it’s under the tub. Mold and mildew can also result in health issues like exacerbated respiratory conditions and allergic reactions.
What to do about it: You could take the DIY route—slap on half a roll of duct tape or try to do the fiberglass crack filling yourself. But let’s face it—these are at best temporary measures. The best call is to bring in the professionals. They may be able to repair the tub, or even replace it, for less than you think.
Is your home in need of bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ? Then you’ve come to the right place. A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. has been proudly providing the region with bathtub and shower refinishing services for more than 40 years. Our specialists will do it all, from repairing showers, sinks and tubs to fixing cracked fiberglass tubs. We also refinish and replace showers, sinks, tiles and vanities.
The bottom line is that if your bathroom needs a bit of TLC, then A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. is here for you. We’ve built a reputation for excellent customer service and will go the extra mile to make sure that you’re satisfied. Our happy customers also know to call us for maintenance, including caulking, installation and replacement of all bathroom fixtures. Call us today for all of your bathroom repair and refinishing needs. We look forward to assisting you!
Eliminating troublesome rust from the bath tub or sink in your bathroom is a twofold adventure. After you have scrubbed and removed any rust stains, you must also determine what is causing the problem. If not, the rust will just continue to come back until the source is eliminated. Fortunately, your local bath tub refinishing contractor in Glendale, AZ is here to let you know where the rust is coming from and why it keeps coming back so you can tackle your bathroom’s rust problem head-on.
What causes rust in the bathroom?
Rust is formed when dissolved iron particles mix with the oxygen in water. While iron is not naturally in the chemical makeup of water, it is commonly found in the rivers, lakes and groundwater that serve as the sources for the water in your home. As this dissolved iron sits and builds up over time, it can begin to clog the pipes, in addition to leaving unsightly rust and water stains. Alternatively, there might be rust in the pipes in your home, which will cause the water to have an orange-brown tint when it comes out of the faucet.
Why does the rust keep coming back?
If you clean rust spots vigorously as soon as you see them, there is a good chance that you can still successfully remove them. However, as long as iron, calcium, magnesium and other rust-generating minerals are present in the water in your home, the bothersome stains will continue to reappear even after a thorough cleaning. If you want to avoid rust and hard water stains altogether, consider having a water softener installed. A water softener will help remove these minerals and can also reduce some of the extra wear and tear that hard water can place on your bathroom’s plumbing fixtures.
Additionally, try to avoid storing metal items such as shaving cream cans or aerosol sprays in or around your bath tub or sink. Every time you take a shower and moisture is created in the bathroom, the metal in these items reacts with the surface they are resting on, causing orange rings to form. When you do try to clean the rust spots away, refrain from using bleach, as this will only serve to make the stains worse. Instead, try using a spray mixture of one part vinegar and one part water, and scrub with a pumice stone.
If the rust stains in your bathroom are more advanced and bath tub refinishing services in Glendale, AZ are needed, give the team of experts at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. a call. We have the personnel, the tools and the knowledge to tackle any bath tub repair or refinishing job, no matter how extensive the damage may be, and we can transform the look of your bathroom so that those unsightly stains are a thing of the past. To restore the condition of your bath tub, reach out to us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you!
Hard water is water that contains large amounts of minerals, like calcium, magnesium and limestone. While it’s not unusual for residential homes to have hard water—and it is perfectly safe to use—this kind of water supply can negatively impact your house over time. The most worrisome problem associated with hard water is lime scale buildup. This type of buildup will eventually form inside your plumbing and create a roadblock for water flow. Then there’s mineral-enriched water, which leaves hard water stains on everything it touches. Dishes, toilets, sinks, showers, glass, tubs, clothes and more can spot and/or tarnish.
The best thing you can do to save your home from hard water stains is address them as soon as possible. Here’s how to get rid of and prevent hard water stains in showers and bath tubs in Glendale.
Watch for blemishes
Hard water stains may be found in many parts of the home, but mostly in the bathrooms. If you have hard water, look in your sinks, showers and bathtubs—especially porcelain, plastic and glass features—for a thin film of rough powder. This powdery substance is there because mineral-based water has a hard time dissolving soap. Hard water with high iron content can do a number on metal, leaving behind slime or rust, but the biggest problem is minerals clogging appliances and pipes and staining water fixtures.
Removing hard water stains
You can buy any number of hard water stain cleaners at the store, but there are many home remedies worth trying first. For starters, you might try spraying lemon juice on hard water stains in showers and tubs, then letting it stand a few minutes before wiping clean. Vinegar solutions and ammonia mixtures are other popular home cleaning products, but you’ll have to play around with the ratio to get it just right for your specific stains. Also, before applying any solution to your bathroom fixtures, look up how to dilute and use products safely.
Hire a pro to clean or make repairs
Do you know you have hard water and regularly keep up with shower and tub cleaning? Whether you can use some assistance, an extra pair of eyes or someone who knows the business of hard water stain removal, a maid service may be right for you. Alternatively, you might need a plumber to handle pipe issues, or a service to help repair porcelain or fiberglass showers and tubs damaged by hard water buildup.
Prevention tips
Ultimately, you want to take preventative measures to avoid lime scale buildup. Clean your showers and bath tubs in Glendale on a regular basis, preferably weekly, and spray the entire shower with a store-bought cleaner or homemade vinegar solution. Never use soap and water on lime scale buildup—it will only make things worse.
Whether you need tub repairs or recommendations for cleaners to use on your home fixtures, the team at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. can help. Call us today to learn more or schedule an appointment for service!
Many people include cultured marble fixtures in their home. That’s because it’s easy to clean while having that unique, upmarket look of more expensive stone. When cultured marble cracks, you might not know exactly what to do. You can refinish cultured marble, but it’s a bit of a complicated process. In fact, you have to get rid of that shiny finish using sandpaper first before you can restore the gleam.
If you’re considering finding a company to handle your countertop finishing in Glendale, AZ, you want to pick a name you can trust. You should only entrust your home to the highest-quality professionals out there. A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. will get the job done right the first time, every time. Let’s take a look at the ins and outs of refinishing cultured marble:
Clean the countertop: Put on some gloves and goggles and give the countertop a thorough scrub. You’ll want to use warm, distilled water and a gentle cleaning solution. Use a sponge and a soft-bristled brush to clear off the dirt. Then rinse the countertop. Be careful doing this process, as hard bristles or too much force could result in additional damage to the cultured marble.
Fix surface damage: Repair small scratches and cracks using a polishing powder designed for marble, along with an epoxy-based glue. The tin dioxide powder will fill the scratches and the glue will be used on the cracks.
Tape the countertop: It’s important to surround the countertop with painter’s tape, especially around the sink. This will ensure polish and refinishing materials won’t get in the sink.
Sand it down: It’s time to use sandpaper with even pressure. This is to create a smooth surface. Wipe down the surface with a sponge again following this step.
Add primer: Find a paint roller to apply a primer layer on the surface. Let it sit for one hour and dry.
Use a stone-finish solution: You can find this at hardware stores. Use the spray on the countertop to restore its original shine.
Finish the process: Use a few drops of polymer resin on the countertop. Spread them across the surface using a paintbrush. Let the resin dry, then coat the surface with a high-gloss varnish appropriate for use on cultured marble.
If you’re willing to sink yourself into a long-term DIY project, then this one’s for you. If you’d rather skip the hassle and uncertainty of doing it yourself, you’ll be looking for the best in countertop finishing in Glendale, AZ. In this case, you need to go with A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. We’ve been the region’s leader since 1975, offering professional and affordable services that keep customers coming back. Our technicians are skilled in any project you could dream of and will work on bathroom fixtures, tub repair, showers and sinks. We specialize in repairing cracked fiberglass tubs.
We will also refinish tubs, showers, sinks, tiles and vanities. Our company offers a wide variety of services, from repair to refinishing of tubs and showers. We provide quality service no matter how simple or difficult the job. Call today for your free estimate!
