Bathtub refinishing is a necessary maintenance step if you wish to improve the appearance and structural integrity of your tub. The most dangerous part of the bathtub refinishing process is inhaling the fumes associated with the job. It’s also possible to injure yourself if the product comes in contact with the skin. For these reasons, proper ventilation and a well-fitting respirator are essential if you’re considering tackling a bathtub refinishing project on your own.
Of course, you could also bypass all these concerns by hiring professionals for bathtub refinishing in Glendale, AZ instead. But if you’re planning on doing it yourself, read on to find out the risks and how to keep yourself safe:
Recognize the dangers: The sad reality is that fumes have taken the lives of people who have failed to prepare adequately for this hazardous situation. The CDC reports that 14 workers have died since 2000 as a result of using stripping agents in bathtub refinishing that contained methylene chloride. This is an extremely dangerous compound when not used in the right way. Methylene chloride is liable to affect brain function, reducing concentration. Exposure to this dangerous chemical may cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea and eye, nose and throat irritation.
Ventilation: One of the main keys is ensuring that air is moving in and out of the bathroom so that the fumes don’t stick around for too long. A good start is to leave the bathroom vent fan running on high. If you’re able to open a window or otherwise encourage the circulation of air, you should do so.
Read the signs: If the fumes are a bit overwhelming at any point during the application process, you need to remove yourself from the room. The smell of the fumes will decrease as the products dry. Some people are more sensitive to the odor of refinishing fumes then others, so it’s important to respond to what your body is telling you.
Come prepared: No matter if you’re refinishing a tub or using a chemical stripper, you need to use organic vapor cartridges. A dust mask isn’t going to do the trick and will provide no benefits.
Do you want to hand over the potentially hazardous job of bathtub refinishing in Glendale, AZ to the professionals? Let’s face facts: it just makes sense to bring in experts who will do the job right the first time, all while staying safe.
Since 1975, A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. has provided competitively priced bathtub and shower refinishing services across the Phoenix metro area. We specialize in repairing cracked fiberglass tubs and will also refinish showers, sinks, tiles and vanities.
Our loyal customers call us for all their bathroom maintenance needs, including caulking, installation and replacement of all bathroom fixtures. Our team of expert technicians is ready to make your bathroom look beautiful and increase your property’s value. Reach out to us today for all of your bathroom repair and refinishing needs—we look forward to working with you soon!
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!
As we get closer to summer, temperatures are rising, which means more homeowners are beginning to fill their homes with fans or cranking up the air conditioning to stay cool. After long, hot days spent in the sun and sweltering heat, the last thing you might want to do is hop in a hot shower.
Rather than bathe in hot water during the summertime, try another trick to cool off: soaking in cold water! Few things feel more refreshing than returning from a hike, short walk with the dog or gardening session and relaxing in a cool tub.
In order to take advantage of this handy summer trick, though, you’ll want your bathtub to be in great condition. After all, who wants to lay in a cracked, discolored and worn-down tub? If your bathtub is looking a little worse for wear, now is the perfect time to call a professional for bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ.
Why bother to refinish?
Refinishing your bathtub will strip away all of the old caulk, paint, rust, soap scum and grime that has been building up in your tub for years and replace it with a shiny new glaze. Not only will the process totally revitalize your bathtub, but it can also improve the value of your home.
Even better, you’ll be able to enjoy long, relaxing soaks in your glistening new tub year-round. In summer, this is especially important, since soaking in cool water can help lower your body temperature on blistering hot days and allow you some quality time to decompress.
This time is made even more special when it’s done in a newly refinished, clean bathtub. Add some bath salts, bubbles and a glass of fruit-infused water, and you just might think you’re in paradise!
What to expect
A lot of customers hesitate to get their bathtubs refinished because they think it is an extensive process. Really, the process is pretty simple, and your tub will be ready for use in just 48 hours! Bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ is the perfect project for those hot summer days when you and your family will be enjoying the outdoors.
First, the bathtub refinisher will clean your entire tub, removing any rust or grime present, and then will remove the caulking. Using strong tub cleaning chemicals, the expert will etch the top layer of your tub away, then fill any holes or cracks evident on the surface.
Once all surfaces have been smoothed out, a few coats of paint will be applied, followed by a glaze and new caulking. Once everything sets after 48 hours, your newly finished tub will be ready for endless lazy summer night soaks.
A-1 Porcelain can make your summer relaxation even better
If your tub is looking worn down, call the experts at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. and ask about bathtub refinishing in Phoenix, AZ. We have over 40 years of experience repairing and refinishing tubs, showers, sinks, tiles and vanities for homeowners all over the Phoenix area. We even offer maintenance services like caulking, installation and replacement of all bathroom fixtures! Call today for your free estimate!
