If tub refinishing has been on your mind lately, you may have already done some research about it and learned that it is an economical choice over a remodel. Many homeowners choose to have their tub or shower re-glazed in an effort to restore its beauty and breathe life into their bathroom space. Refinishing your bathtub can be a great move, especially if your tub is stained, chipped, or impossible to clean these days.

Before you jump the gun though, there are some questions you need to ask yourself before you get going. These five questions will help you better gauge whether or not your tub is a good fit to have refinished. Unfortunately, some tubs are not a good fit and a replacement is a better option.

Let’s take a look below at those five questions you should ask yourself…

1. What is the shape of my bathtub?

While you may think that it does not matter what shape your tub is, it does. This is one of the most important questions you will ask yourself and your answer will determine whether or not your tub can even be refinished. Depending on the era your home was built in, you may have an odd or funky shaped tub in your home and in these cases, it is best to just replace them with a modernized tub.

For refinishing to work best, the tub should be round or square and not have any ridiculous indentations, shell patterns, or crazy curves to it.

2. Is your bathtub the original in the home?

Wow. Just think about that for a moment. If your home was built in 1970 and the tub is an original, then that means the tub is 48 years old at the time of this blog. Tubs really do last a long time, huh?

If the tub is original to the home, then it was likely made from some good materials and that is quite obvious since it has lasted so long. Many tubs from years ago are made from cast iron, which makes them heavy and strong.

Refinishing original tubs is always recommended since these tubs are of quality. Whether the tub is stained, an odd color, or it is just in need of some love, it would be a good candidate. With that said, a tub that is not an original can still be refinished.

3. Has the bathtub been resurfaced before?

This is an important question just like question one. If you are not the original owner of the home and you are unsure of whether or not the tub has been refinished, you should have a refinishing contractor take a look at it. They can tell if it was resurfaced before or not.

If the tub HAS been refinished before, you are still in luck because it can be resurfaced again. The biggest issue here is that there is more preparation work that must take place and the cost of the job will increase. The previous surface will need to be sanded and stripped, which can add up depending on your budget. In these cases, a replacement may be a better idea economically.

4. Is a non-slip bottom or traction in the tub important to you?

If you are one who wants to have a tub with traction slips built into it, you will not get that with a refinished tub. In fact, a refinished tub will sport a glossy and smooth sheen like a porcelain tub. If you want the look of the porcelain tub with the traction, we would recommend that you install a removable non-slip mat that can be placed down when you are ready to shower and removed when you are done.

5. Is your bathtub size standard or odd?

Similar to the shape of the tub, the size of the tub matters too. Bathtubs have evolved over the years and what was a standard size back in 1959 is not going to be the standard size today. If your tub is original to the space or it is an odd size, then it may be too expensive to replace, which makes reglazing a wonderful option.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you are unhappy with the look of your bathtub or you would like to learn more about whether your bathtub is a good fit for resurfacing, call the team at White Glove Bathtub and Tile Reglazing today!

If you have been on the fence about bathtub refinishing, now may be the right time for you to jump on board and have it done. You do not need to have a complete remodel or renovation done to get rid of that stained, cracked, or peeling bathtub that sits in your bathroom. Thanks to bathtub refinishing services in NYC, you can affordably and quickly change the look of your tub.

Below, we will explore the refinishing process to help you better understand what to expect when the refinishing technicians come out to your home.

Start with a Bathtub Inspection

The first step in the process is to have your bathtub inspected. Even if you have already received a price estimate, the tub will still need to be inspected to ensure the tech knows nothing is missed and also knows exactly what needs to be done.

At this time, the refinishing tech will also let you know if any additional tub damage has been done or needs to be addressed. It is important to know that tubs that are heavily damaged or stained may not be able to be refinished and may need to be replaced, but this will be discussed with you.

Preparation of the Bathtub Surface Will Begin

One of the most important steps in the entire refinishing process is surface preparation. It is important that you have a professional do this step, as it is easy to mess up and if you do not have the needed experience, you may find that the glaze does not work properly.

The preparation process will include removing all of the caulk around the bathtub, all hardware, non-slip surfaces, and fixtures. Once removed, the surface of the tub will be scrubbed, then sanded, washed, and rinsed to get rid of all soap scum, rust, old glaze, and hard water deposits.

Finish Application Will Be Applied to the Tub

Once the tub is completely cleaned, the technician will then apply a primer to the tub. This primer will allow the glaze to adhere to the tub and once dried, the top coat can then be applied to the tub.

The process will take a couple hours to finish and you will usually be able to regain use of your bathtub within 24 to 48 hours. It is vital that you do not use the bathtub during this timeframe, as the top coat does need time to curate properly.

Reasons Why You Should Refinish Your Bathtub

As you can see, the bathtub refinishing process is quite simple, and it is not as labor intensive as a complete remodel or replacement. It is an economically wise choice for those homeowners who need a new tub, but do not have the budget to replace one.

Simply having your bathtub refinished can benefit you in a number of ways, which we will explore below. Before you do have your tub reglazed, you do want to take time to find a contractor who is experienced in the process.

Refinish Your Bathtub Because It Improves Safety

Whether you have an elderly individual living with you or small children, safety is paramount. Tub refinishing services can help to improve the level of safety in your bathtub and bathroom. Tubs that are worn down, damaged, or peeling can become slippery when they are wet, and this can lead to serious accidents such as slips and falls. Renewing the finish on your tub will help minimize how slippery the bottom of the tub is.

Refinish Your Bathtub Because It Is Aesthetically Pleasing

Remodeling and replacing a bathtub can be expensive, but many homeowners think that is there only option. Reglazing your tub will allow you to beautify your bathroom for less. A run down or old and worn out tub looks bad and may give others a bad impression of your home.

A refinished tub will allow you to breathe life back into the tub itself and also the bathroom. Often times, you can choose from a variety of colors or hues too.

Refinish Your Bathtub Because It Is Convenient

If the current look of your bathtub turns you off at first sight, then refinishing is a great way to update the space. This option is not only financially responsible, but it is much more convenient too. Since the tub reglazing process does not take but a couple of hours, you are not displaced from your home.

In fact, the technicians do not have to remove your tub or tiles to refinish the tub and once the top coat is applied, you only have to wait 24 to 48 hours for the coat to cure.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today with White Glove Bathtub & Tile Reglazing

Don’t spend another day looking at a tub that you are unhappy with. The experts at White Glove Bathtub & Tile Reglazing can help you bring your dream bathroom to life for a fraction of the cost and time. Call today to schedule a free consultation.

 

Updating or renovating your bathroom may be on your list of things to do, but you may be quite hesitant due to the cost of the renovation and updates themselves. Even if you are a DIYer, you will find that the bathroom requires a specific level of expertise, especially when it comes to the removal of an old tub and installation of a new one. You have to worry about the tiles, plumbing, and how to get the tub in and out of the bathroom itself without damaging other areas.

Phew! That does seem like a lot to worry about. With that said, there is an easier and cheaper method to the madness and it is known as bathtub refinishing. Many people consider this idea and you may have heard of it referred to as bathtub re-glazing.

Before you do decide to have your bathtub re-glazed, you should consider both the advantages and disadvantages that do exist. This way, you can weigh your options and decide which method makes the most sense economically.

Advantages of Bathtub Refinishing Services

There are several advantages to having your bathtub refinished and we will explore some of those for you below.

1. Economical Choice for Homeowners

One of the main advantages that draws people into the idea of re-glazing is that it is more affordable than other options. Families often have a limited budget when it comes to remodeling their home, which means they need to save wherever possible. Since refinishing does not require replacement of the tub or tile, you essentially save the money you would have spent on buying new ones.

2. Quicker Than Replacing the Tub

The second biggest advantage to bathtub refinishing in NYC is that it is convenient, and you can use your bathtub or shower in as little as 48 hours. No more waiting weeks or months to regain access to your bathroom. If you live in a home where there is only one bathroom, re-glazing is a more practical option.

3. No Plumber or Contractor Is Needed

One of the biggest hassles with a complete remodel or renovation is that you need to hire a contractor, a plumber, and then you need to apply for permits and so on. If you do decide to re-glaze your bathtub, you do not have to worry about all of this. Since the process makes use of your current tub and tile, the pipes do not have to be touched. In fact, the technician who arrives at your home only uses a commercial grade primer, chemical cleaner, and industrial sprayer to apply the glaze.

Disadvantages of Bathtub Refinishing Services

As with any process or service, there is always a disadvantage to the choice you make, and this is why it is important to weigh your options.

While re-glazing your tub is an economical choice, it is not always ideal for all homeowners. It is possible to chip or crack the glaze if you drop something too heavy on the tub or tile. While this does not happen often, it can, and you may find that you need to re-glaze the tub after several years.

Another disadvantage is that not all tubs will be able to be refinished. A tub that is too heavily damaged, chipped, or stained may not be able to receive a layer of glaze because it simply would be better to replace the tub itself.

Call White Glove Bathtub & Tile Reglazing Today for a Quote

If you would like to learn more about bathtub refinishing services in NYC, call White Glove Bathtub & Tile Reglazing now. We offer free consultations to homeowners and can help you determine if your tub is able to be refinished.

 

If you were to take a look at your bathtub, what would come to mind? If ew, ugh, or eh are on the top of the list, then you may be in need of refinishing services in NY. Stained, peeling, or cracked tubs look old and dingy and they definitely detract from the look and feel of your modern-day bathroom.

If you are worried that you may have to drop thousands of dollars on a new tub, old tub removal, and installation, you may be surprised. Bathtub Reglazing specialists can provide your bathtub with a new and refinished look in a matter of a few hours for a fraction of the cost of a new tub alone.

Bathtub refinishing contractors in NYC are able to repair and refinish porcelain, steel, acrylic, ceramic, and steel tubs. But, how do you know which contractor to hire? It can be difficult to pinpoint the right provider to offer you tub repair for rust stains and damage and you definitely do not want to simply call the first company that pops up in the phone book.

Below, you will find some helpful tips from experts on how to identify a reliable and honest contractor near you.

Always Ask for References or to See a Portfolio of Tub Restoration Projects

You want your contractor to have the skill set needed to transform your old and worn out tub into one that looks new and beautiful. But, if you hire the wrong person for the job, your tub may end up looking worse than it did in the first place.

To help you narrow down who is fit to do the job, you should inquire about references and a portfolio of their work. Reputable and experienced contractors are not afraid to show you their previously completed jobs and they will have a long list of customers ready to testify to their skills.

If you do not like what you see in the portfolio or if you do hear a bad review, you do not have to work with the company and you can continue on in your search. Remember, trust your gut and do not just choose the first cheap quote you receive.

Check Out the BBB to Validate the Company’s Success

Before you settle on one tub refinishing company in NY, do make sure you check out the BBB (Better Business Bureau) to learn more about the company. You can quickly see a snapshot of the company’s reputation on the BBB site. While on the site, you will be able to identify how many complaints they have received and any negative reviews that may be active or recent.

For your peace of mind and to help ensure you receive the best tub and tile reglazing services, look for companies with an A or higher.

Always Receive a Written Estimate for Bathtub & Tile Reglazing Services in New York

As a last precaution, do make sure that you receive a WRITTEN estimate from the company you are considering hiring for the job. Without this written estimate, the company may not uphold any of the pricing that you and the contractor initially talked about.

Having an estimate in hand will accomplish a couple of things. First, you can compare it to other tub refinishing in New York and secondly, you will be able to hold the company to the quote they provided you with. This will help eliminate unexpected charges or hidden fees too.

Don’t Settle on Just Any Company and Choose the Best in NY

Remember, it is not always a good idea to choose the first company you see or the cheapest company. While your goal is likely inexpensive tub restoration services in New York, you do not want to have to pay twice for the job because it was done poorly the first time.

Take some time to find a company that will provide you with a written estimate, good customer service, and prove to you they have a track record of good, quality workmanship. If you are interested in learning more about tub reglazing services NYC, call White Glove Bathtub & Tile Reglazing today for a FREE quote.