Month: December 2021

Resurfacing a cast iron tub is probably not something you’ve given much thought to so far. However, did you know that resurfacing (also known as reglazing, refinishing and recoating) is a cheaper alternative to replacing the tub? There are also several other benefits that we will be discussing in this blog post.

We will explain to you the resurfacing process and all its benefits. Also, you will learn about the dangers posed by DIY kits. After reading this blog post to the end, you should be able to make an informed decision whether to resurface your cast iron tub or replace it. The article is purely informative, but we do advise you to get in touch with us if you have any questions or if you want to get a free quote.

 

The Reglazing Process

Let’s start by talking about the cast iron tub reglazing process. What is it? Well, a reglazing is the process during which the coating of your tub (the enamel) is completely removed and replaced with one or two layers of coating. This gives your bathtub a brand new look, of course. But there are many other benefits as well. Here are the basic steps of a correct tub resurfacing service:

1. The first thing our expert will do when he starts the reglazing process is cover everything around the cast iron tub. This includes the wall and floor tiles and all the other fixtures. We don’t want the chemicals to tough anything else, do we?
2. The surface of the cast iron tub (the enamel) is removed with chemicals or sanded down. Don’t worry, the cast iron won’t be damaged during the process.
3. Our expert will repair any cracks, chips or dents. After all, we want to make sure your bathtub looks like brand new.
4. If there are signs of rust, our technicians will eliminate them. This will prevent rust from damaging your cast iron tub in the future.
5. A layer of primer is applied evenly over the surface of the tub. This will ensure a strong bond between the coating and the tub.
6. One or two layers of coating are evenly applied over the primer. The coating is then left to cure.

That’s it. You must make sure nobody uses the cast iron tub for at least 48 hours after the refinishing process. The coating needs to cure properly. Also, we advise you to refrain from using any cleaning solutions on the tub for up to 7 days.

 

Benefits of Resurfacing Your Tub

Many homeowners don’t know all the benefits of a resurfacing process. The first thing that comes to mind when you see an old, rusty cast iron tub is replacement. However, we can assure you that reglazing is a better option. Here is why:

• Refinishing a tub is often a lot cheaper than replacing it. It also involves a lot less effort because you don’t have to remove the heavy fixture.
• Reglazing does not involve construction work, so you don’t have to pay for waste removal – or worry about the dust or debris.
• Sending the old tub to the landfill is definitely not an eco-friendly action. Reglazing it and using it for another 7 or 8 years is, on the other hand.
• Resurfacing a cast iron tub takes just a couple of hours. Replacing it can take days.

 

The Dangers of DIY

Now that you know why reglazing is quickly becoming the preferred method for homeowner looking to breathe new life into their fixtures, tiles and even cabinets, you are probably wondering if you can do it yourself. While it is true that you could, we strongly advise against it.

The chemicals used during the resurfacing process are dangerous. Remember that your bathroom is probably a small, poorly ventilated space. This makes the process even more dangerous. Our experts are all certified and insured. They use breather masks and protective clothing to work safely. In addition, they will stop anyone from entering the bathroom while the reglazing procedure takes place, keeping your loved ones safe. Bottom line, you should hire an experienced reglazing professional if you want the job to be done correctly – 100% safe.

 

 

 

Not everyone knows the problems that rust, limescale and grime can cause – especially when we are talking about a bathtub. In this blog post, we will shed some light into the many problems that nobody wants in their bathroom. We know what you’re going to say: I’m not worried, I can always replace the tub with a brand new one. While this may be true, you should be aware that there is a more elegant solution; one that does not require any kind of construction work. It’s a also a lot cheaper than replacing the bathtub. Read on and find out how you can remove all the rust, grime and limescale from your tub in just a couple of hours with 0 effort.

 

Problems Caused by Rust, Grime and Limescale

We all know what rust is, or at the very least how it looks like. When it comes to a cast iron tub, rust can be devastating. Why? Because as soon as it starts to eat away at the iron, it’s very difficult to stop. Your bathtub will have a hole in it in no time if you don’t take immediate action to remove the rust. But why does rust appear on tubs in the first place? The main reason why rust can appear on a tub is a damaged glaze. Chips and cracks in the glaze allow water to make contact with the cast iron. Rust will appear almost immediately.

Grime is basically dirt that has managed to become ingrained on the surface of your bathtub. It is almost impossible to fully remove. It also makes your tub look horrible. Dues to this grime, your tub may look brownish or yellowish. It’s definitely not something you want.

When it comes to limescale, we all know that it is a hard chalky deposit. It has the tendency to adhere to the surface of bathtubs and is extremely difficult to remove. While it is not harmful (it consists of calcium carbonate), it is definitely unpleasant to the touch.

 

Best Way to Solve the Problem

If you are in one of the situations above, you probably want to get rid of the rust, grime or limescale as soon as possible. You surely want your bathroom to look its best, especially if you are expecting guests. Even though you may think about replacing the rub, we have a better option: reglazing. Reglazing, also known as refinishing or resurfacing, is the process of removing the old coating and replacing it with a new layer of glaze that looks and feels just like the original one. Don’t worry, our professional solutions ensure a glaze that is just as strong and shiny as the original.

 

How Does Reglazing Work?

So, what do we do to your bathtub during the reglazing process? Here are the basic steps our experts take to refinish a bathtub:

1. Our expert covers all the fixtures and the area surrounding the tub to make sure the solutions don’t touch anything else.
2. The surface of the tub is sanded down or etched using very specific chemicals
3. All the rust is removed. The grime and limescale are removed along with the old coating.
4. Our expert repairs all the chips, dents and cracks. We want the end result to be exceptional.
5. A layer of primer is applied on the entire surface of the tub. This will help the coating layer to adhere perfectly to the surface.
6. One or even two layers of coating are applied evenly – with great care – over the entire surface of the tub.
7. The tub is left to cure for 7 to 10 days. You must not use it during this time to avoid damaging the new coating.

That’s it! After the coating cures, it forms a shiny glaze just as strong as the original one. In fact, only a resurfacing expert should be able to figure out that your tub has been reglazed. The process prolongs the life of your bathtub by around 10 years. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our NYC tub reglazing service.