Bathtub Refinishing
Bathtub refinishing, also known as bathtub reglazing or bathtub resurfacing is a method of restoring the surface of worn, damaged or out of date bath fixtures to look like new again. Instead of replacing the fixture this is an easier and much more cost efficient alternative of getting around the hassle of replacement. All types of bathtubs and surface types can be repaired or refinished including antique clawfoots, contemporary cast iron, fiberglass and acrylic tub and shower enclosures and garden tubs or whirlpools. This can be done in an unlimited number of solid color palettes.
Our Glaze-Weld process explained:
There are two popular and widely used surface preparation methods in the bathtub refinishing industry today. One process is the method of using a strong and potentially hazardous chemical paste known as a glass etch. This process is used on glass, porcelain bathtubs and ceramic tile. This method has been around the longest and is being used by fewer bathtub refinishers today. Using a glass etch can damage plumbing and surrounding surfaces and must be properly neutralized. After etching the substrate an epoxy basecoat is applied to the etched surface and allowed to dry before applying an epoxy or acrylic polyurethane topcoat. For composites like gel coat and acrylic surfaces the substrate is sanded and scuffed before applying an epoxy basecoat. Even though these methods can yield acceptable results they are at best outdated and known to have a moderate bonding failure rate. This is process is commonly referred to as a mechanical bond.
Another process which is becoming more popular among bathtub refinishers involves a thorough cleaning of the original surface then applying a wipe on bonding agent to an un-etched surface before applying an acrylic polyurethane topcoat. This process saves a refinisher much time with the ease of application and preparation but can result in a high bonding failure rate around the drain, bottom and caulk line if the substrate is not etched, 100% dry, clean and free of all contaminates. This is commonly referred to as a molecular bond.
Glazepro doesn't strictly use one or the other, we do BOTH! Our first step is to remove the caulking & surface debris from the substrate. Then we use a three step cleaning process before applying our virgin, uncut aliphatic urethane topcoat. In our first step we give the fixture a thorough cleaning by using a professional industrial strength cleaner to remove any contaminates such as soap scum, body lotions and ect. Second we use a proprietary acid cleaning solution and wet sand to give the substrate a moderate etch. The last step we chemically clean the fixture to neutralize then apply our specially blended Glaze-Weld bonding agent. This bonding agent is applied to an etched and neutralized substrate which causes the coating to create a permanent, molecular bond making it impossible for moisture to penetrate between the new surface and original substrate.
Almost any refinisher can make a tub look good but it isn't how the refinished surface looks. What makes a quality refinish job is how well the substrate is prepared to accept a new top coat, the experience of the technician and the quality of the product being applied. There are dozens of bathtub refinishing repackage suppliers on the web and we appreciate all they do to support our industry. However we do not use any repackaged products. We make our own bonding agent from raw materials and buy all of our topcoats and other supplies direct. Our aliphatic urethane top coat is 100% virgin and uncut and is manufactured by a multi-billion dollar fortune 500 company. Why settle for a bargain price that will most likely result in a peeling bathtub which is damaging the entire industry’s reputation as a whole? Refinishing is a trade that takes years to learn and master and simply cannot be accomplished in a 2 day weekend training class. Choose wisely when hiring a refinisher. Choose experience and quality over price!
UV finishes
We apologize as we currently no longer offer UV technology at this present time. We will keep our site updated for any future decisions to change and are sorry for any inconvenience.
