Reglazing is usually an efficient process that can have even the oldest bathtubs looking brand new. If you’ve already had your bathtub reglazed, you might be wondering how long this reglazing will last. Reglazing can last anywhere from five to 15 years, although it depends on many factors, including how well you take care of your bathtub.
If it’s time for bathtub reglazing, you should be sure to have the job done by a professional bathtub refinishing service in Glendale, AZ. Trying to reglaze a bathtub on your own can be time-consuming and even dangerous.
How to tell if your tub needs reglazing
Since the lifespan of your bathtub reglazing can vary based on many factors, it might be hard to tell when it’s time for another coat. One of the biggest things to look out for is any chipping on your bathtub’s finish. It’s best to have these chips fixed as soon as possible to avoid expensive repairs.
Bathtubs should have a glossy look, even when dry. If your tub is starting to lose its sheen, then it’s probably time for another reglazing. Bathtubs that need new reglazing might also start to change colors. Your bathtub could go from bright white to a dingy yellow because of the glaze wearing down.
The good news is that most of these issues can be fixed with reglazing. Check with a professional in Glendale, AZ to determine what improvements should be made to your bathtub.
Maintaining your reglazed bathtub
After investing in professional bathtub reglazing, you’ll want to make sure the results last! There are plenty of ways you can preserve the life of your bathtub reglazing, including the use of non-abrasive cleaners. Abrasive cleaners can include bleach and other harsh chemicals. You’ll probably also want to use sponges and other soft cleaning products as opposed to steel wool.
You should also do your best to avoid dropping anything in the bathtub. Heavy objects can cause chips in the finish, especially if your glazing is already a few years old. If you do notice any chips in the finish, it’s important to not pick at them and cause further damage.
Why a professional should handle the reglazing process
The best way of ensuring your bathtub reglazing lasts as long as possible is to have the job done by a professional. A reputable bathtub refinishing service in Glendale, AZ will utilize the highest-quality materials and equipment on your bathtub. They will also finish the job efficiently, so you won’t be without use of your bathtub for long.
Trying to reglaze your own bathtub is not only less efficient, but can also be very dangerous. Some of the chemicals used to reglaze tubs can produce toxic fumes, which are sometimes deadly. These chemicals should only be handled by professionals to avoid any damage to your home or your health.
Who doesn’t love a relaxing soak in the tub at the end of a busy day? If your tub isn’t in pristine condition, it can seriously put a damper on your daily “me time.” If you’re handy, you might be able to give your tub a quick facelift to bring it up to an acceptable condition. If you rely on the experience and knowledge of a professional bathtub reglazing and remodeling professional in Glendale, AZ, however, you’ll be able to get your tub in perfect shape. Here are some helpful bathtub refinishing tips if you feel like tackling the job yourself:
Collect the right supplies: You’ll need the right supplies to properly refinish your bathtub. Some essentials include a paint sprayer and a bathtub reglazing A paint tray and brush, masking tape, safety glasses and a respirator are some of the other paint-related products you’ll need for the job. Some non-abrasive cleaning powder, paper towels and gloves help you keep yourself and the rest of the bathroom clean.
Clean the tub: Begin the refinishing process by getting your tub completely clean. Remove the drain and its cover as well as the caulking around the edges of the tub. Use your cleaning powder to completely remove any dirt, mildew and soap scum that’s lingering on your tub and tub surround. Give the tub a thorough rinse once you’re done scrubbing.
Start sanding: Follow the directions on your bathtub reglazing kit and remove the current finish from the bathtub using sandpaper if necessary. Pick up any debris by vacuuming the tub and then wiping it with a clean cloth. Give the tub another rinse and allow it to dry.
Remove traces of soap: You can remove traces of soap and other cleaners by applying a solvent or primer reducer. This step gives your primer some extra grip and improves your overall finished product.
Protect unpainted areas: Grab your masking tape and cover any nearby surfaces that aren’t going to be painted. Use plastic wrap to cover fixtures like your faucet and knobs to keep them protected.
Apply primer: Before you mix your primer, be sure to secure your safety mask and goggles. Mix the primer and use a brush, roller or sprayer to apply the primer to the tub. If you have a window in the room, open it for ventilation.
Let the primer dry: Make sure the room is well ventilated and allow the primer to dry.
Apply the top coat: Use a roller or sprayer to lay the top coat. It’s best to work from the bottom up. Make sure the paint is even as you spread it.
Clean up: After painting, take off the masking tape. Remove the plastic wrap only when you’re sure the paint’s completely dry.
As you’ve likely surmised from reading these steps, bathtub refinishing is a difficult task! Many homeowners find that, once they realize how much labor is involved, they’d prefer to hire an expert to tackle this project for them. Luckily, the bathtub refinishing professionals in Glendale, AZ at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. can be relied on to get your tub in perfect condition. Contact us for your next refinishing or reglazing project!
Refinishing your bathtub is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to restore your tub’s beauty. Over time, bathtubs can chip, crack and discolor. You might have issues with permanent stains, or simply notice that it looks dull and dingy. Bathtub reglazing can add years to your tub’s lifespan in Phoenix, AZ. As long as you properly maintain your tub, it will look brand new for years.
How reglazing works
When you have your bathtub refinished, your refinishing specialists will strip the old tub of its former glaze. This is usually performed using hydrofluoric acid. It’s followed by rinsing the tub and sanding it down, which produces a smooth surface for the new glaze. Your bathtub contractor will remove any remaining dirt, fill in chips and cracks and wipe the tub down once more.
Once the tub is prepared, it’s time to reglaze. This usually requires several coats of epoxy, followed by a topcoat. When the topcoat is dry, the tub is polished to a high shine. Typically, the entire process takes about a day, and you can use your tub 24 to 48 hours later.
How long it will last
How long your finish lasts depends on whether you work with a professional, the materials they use and how well you maintain your tub. Avoid using DIY kits to refinish your bathtub—they might look nice at first, but usually start peeling or chipping within a year.
Professional reglazing may last up to 15 years, although most professional companies offer warranties for three to five years. If you’re planning to sell your home or just want to put off installing a new tub, bathtub refinishing is an economical choice in Phoenix, AZ.
Maintenance after reglazing
To maximize your new finish’s lifespan, you’ll need to be careful and maintain the surface regularly. Keep heavy objects out of your shower and tub area, like large shampoo bottles, toys and other items that could damage the tub if dropped. You should also avoid bathtub mats with suction cups on the bottom, as they can tear the glossy finish.
Cleaning your tub regularly also helps—but make sure you avoid abrasive cleaners and brushes. Never use steel wool, bleach or cleanser on your tub. This will damage the topcoat and make your bathtub more susceptible to stains and discoloration.
Instead, use gentle, bleach-free cleaners and a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth. Scrub your tub every week (or more often, as needed), and follow up with a urethane polish every six months.
When you work with professionals and use the right care and maintenance, your refinished bathtub could hold on for over a decade. That’s a lot cheaper than paying to remove and replace it with a brand-new tub.
Interested in learning more about bathtub reglazing in Phoenix, AZ? A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. can reglaze your fiberglass or porcelain tub to restore its original beauty. Let us help transform your bathroom on a budget—call today to get a quote.
Even if you clean your bathtub frequently, it’s eventually going to start to wear out. Whether you have a porcelain or fiberglass tub, they can suffer dents, dings, scratches and a dull finish. If your tub has seen better days, it’s time to consider bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ. This easy, fast process can restore your tub to like-new condition, allowing you to get several more years out of your old tub.
Here’s how to tell it’s time to refinish your tub:
Discoloration: When your tub reaches a certain age, you may start to see splotchy discoloration in different areas. It’s common to see off-white stains, brown, yellow and even pink areas on your tub’s finish. They could be due to hard water or mold, and they’re very difficult to get rid of, if not impossible. The best way to get rid of them for good is to have your tub refinished. It gives your tub a brand-new, stain-free surface so you don’t have to fight the splotches.
Chipping: Chips happen easily, especially if you drop heavy objects in the shower. Tools, kids’ bath toys and heavy toiletry bottles can all damage your tub’s finish. Not only is this unattractive and uncomfortable to stand on, but it also exposes the tub’s underlayers to moisture. That can cause rust and other issues, which damage the structural integrity of your tub. Refinishing replaces that moisture barrier.
Dullness: Over time, your tub’s protective coating will wear away, thanks to years of use and cleaning. That’s perfectly normal, but it’s also less than aesthetically appealing, and offers less protection than the coating did when it was new. If your tub’s seen better days, refinishing can give it a shiny new coat that will make your whole bathroom seem newer and nicer.
Impossible to clean: Sometimes your bathtub is just impossible to keep clean, thanks to degraded protective coatings. Instead of simply wiping dirt, grime and soap scum away, you’ll have to work extra hard to get it clean. Since the material is porous, the grime will settle back in right away. The only way to solve this is to either replace your tub or refinish it.
Unwanted color: Finally, not liking your tub’s color is a perfectly good reason to refinish it. Sometimes homes come with unattractive colored bathtubs, like 1970s yellow and avocado, or the baby pink that was popular in the 1950s. Refinishing is an inexpensive way to get rid of the ugly old color and replace it with something more to your liking.
Refinishing your bathtub can be done in a few hours, and you’ll be able to use it again within a day or two. It’s much easier than paying to demolish and haul away your old tub—and cheaper, too. If you’ve noticed the signs above in your own bathroom, it might be time to refinish your tub.
Are you getting ready to sell your home? If so, you probably already know that one of the best things you can do to increase your home’s value is refinish your tub. Home buyers are especially picky about kitchens and bathrooms, so whatever you can do to brighten up your space is bound to help you command a higher price. Here’s how refinishing your tub can increase your home value in Phoenix, AZ.
Cheaper than remodeling your bathroom
If you’re looking to sell your home as quickly—and make as much profit—as possible, then refinishing your bathroom is your best option. Bathroom remodels can cost tens of thousands of dollars, especially if you have to demo and haul out a bathtub, then install a new one. Instead of committing to an entire remodel, why not polish the features you already have? Bathtub refinishing takes less than 72 hours, gives new life to your existing tub and costs a few hundred dollars, depending on your particular tub. With bathtub refinishing and a fresh coat of paint, you can make your bathroom look incredibly appealing to prospective buyers.
Helps a buyer imagine themselves in the space
When you stage a home, your stager and real estate agent will stress that the key is to make sure another person can picture themselves living in your home right away. On one hand, that means taking down family photos and other personal touches that make your home truly “you.” On the other, it means that you need to get your home in the physical shape it should be. If your buyer can’t walk into your bathrooms and picture themselves sinking into the bathtub, they’re not going to think, “I want this home.” Instead, they’ll think, “Here’s another item I’ll have to fix after I move in.” If you’re competing against another seller who has everything you’ve got—plus a great bathroom—you’ll lose.
Helps you close the sale
Similarly, when you get ready to sell your home, it’s important that you understand most buyers are just as busy and overworked as you. If you want to sell your home at a discount, go ahead and skip sprucing it up—but if you want it to command full price, you’ll need to put a little cosmetic work into selling. That’s one of the most important reasons to refinish your bathtub before selling your home in Phoenix, AZ.
Since bathtub refinishing is safe, fast and cost effective, you can schedule it as soon as you’re ready to sell your home. Not only will your real estate agent appreciate your efforts, but it will make the entire process smoother—all for just a couple days’ work and a relatively low price tag. It’s a great way to make your home desirable.
Are you considering bathtub refinishing? A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. specializes in restoring old bathtubs to like-new status. We’d love to help you get ready for your home sale. Call us today to learn more.
