HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Photo Credit: Vintage Tubs

Today, we remember those who served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice.

As a service provider, we too strive to demonstrate the utmost commitment to our valued customers with the highest caliber results and customer service. See what we can do for you!

Buyer Beware! Know what you’re paying for.

When considering the alternatives, homeowners often question the durability of refinishing compared to replacement.  The reality is, quality refinishing or resurfacing work can last several years; it just depends on the process your refinisher uses.  The best jobs can remain in tact for 10 years or more with proper care and use; but poor workmanship can peel in a little as 6 months.  Before deciding which refinisher to use, be sure you understand what each promises with their service, including their coating process and quality of materials used.

MSDS Sheets

All refinishing materials come with what are called Material Safety Data Sheets (known as MSDS sheets).  These serve a similar purpose as the ingredients directions label on other household goods you may use, like bleach–(side note: NEVER use bleach on your refinished surfaces!)— they let you know what each coating contains and how it can be used safely.  MSDS sheets will show you the real deal of what you’re getting for your money.  Check out which- and how many- coatings you’re getting, and demand top quality from your refinisher.

Not All Refinishing is Created Equal

In addition to ensuring the quality of the materials, it’s important to verify the quality of the process. The number of steps and coatings your refinisher uses will determine how long the job will last.  This is especially important if your tub has been done before.  In order to ensure a strong bond between the new top coat and the tub’s surface, it is critical to first remove the tub’s original coating.  (Tip:one sign your tub may have been done before is if you notice peeling around the edges of the tub, near the caulk line or around the drain.) If the old coating is not removed first, the new coating will adhere to the old coating, not the tub itself.  The result you’ll get is similar to what happens when you try to paint glass– it sticks, but can be scratched right off. This is because the window’s glossy surface (similar to a glazed tub surface) isn’t porous enough to lock in the paint.  Removing the tub’s old gloss will expose its naturally porous surface, allowing the new coating to lock in completely.

Why wouldn’t refinishers always remove the old coating you ask? Some companies skip this step to save time and the cost of the extra materials, passing along those cost savings to the customer. However,  the short-term cost savings yield a lower-quality finish that often wears thin, peels and needs to be redone within a year.  You could end up spending twice as much or more to get the tub redone again, especially if you don’t receive a good service warranty (be sure to check that and get it in writing, too!).

At Custom Tub and Tile, we’re proud to offer our customers top-grade materials engineered for customer safety. Further, we employ a 3-step coating process that guarantees maximum adhesion of the new coating to the fixture’s surface, delivering a beautiful, durable finish.  What’s more, our workmanship is backed by a written service warranty for up to five years.  We also provide our customers with cleaning recommendations to help keep their new surface sparkling for years to come.

Give us a call today to schedule your free estimate and learn more about what we can do to transform your bathroom and kitchen surfaces!