How long does refinishing last?
With proper care and maintenance a bathtub or ceramic tile wall refinished by All Surface Professionals Inc. should last 10 to 15 years or more. How well and how often the surface gets cleaned, the condition of your water and how often the surface gets used will affect its longevity.
How durable is the new finish?
Our finish is very durable, and will stand up to its intended use day after day for years to come. However, just like any new surface, a refinished surface can be chipped, scratched or damaged if it is abused.
How long does the process take?
Most projects take between a half a day, to a full day to complete. Most refinished surfaces can be put back into use within one to three days after completion.
Do refinished tubs look painted?
Definitely not! In fact, many times professional refinishers have a hard time distinguishing if a tub has been refinished or not! While the coating is sprayed on and bonds to the surface, it is a definitely a durable and synthetic coating that is made from a tough, heat-resistant resin and very different from paint. With proper care your surface can last 10 to 15 years or more.
What if the surfaces of my fixtures are damaged? Can the surface be repaired and how is it done?
Small chips and cracks can be repaired during the preparation stage of the refinishing process. Often times if there are only a few small repairs needed, they are fixed free of charge. Small chips are filled with specially designed filler and sanded smooth. Cracks are opened up and filled with the same filler and sanded smooth. Once the surface is sprayed, customers can't even tell where the damage was to begin with.
Do you change any of the plumbing fixtures?
We can install new drains and overflow caps if the fixtures allow it. As far as the faucets, spouts and shower heads go, they are best left up to a plumber to change. Hire your own plumber, or we can refer one for you.
Is refinishing just for bathtubs?
No, in fact, refinishing works very well on a variety of surfaces including: Bathtubs - porcelain, cast iron, acrylic & fiberglass; ceramic wall and shower tile; countertops - including Formica and cultured marble vanities.
Does the new surface come with a warranty?
Yes, most refinished surfaces in residential homes come with a six-year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, such as peeling & flaking. The warranty does not cover damage caused by the user.
What is involved in the refinishing process?
First, all surfaces to be refinished must be thoroughly cleaned with industrial strength cleaners. The surface is then etched or sanded to promote adhesion. Necessary repairs are made to the surface. The surrounding areas, such as the walls, floors etc., are covered with tape, paper, or plastic masking to protect them from over-spray. Two to three coats of primer are applied to the surface. Once dry, usually in about 20 to 30 min, two to three coats of an acrylic urethane resin are applied over the primer. Unless the job requires new caulking the job is finished.
What are the coatings? Is it real porcelain?
No, the new surface is not porcelain. It's actually a synthetic resin that maintains its strength and durability over time. It's made from a tough and heat-resistant resin. Once cured, it's 100% safe and non-toxic, durable, and will be easy for you to clean.
What is involved with refinishing ceramic shower and wall tiles?
The process is the same as refinishing a ceramic or porcelain bathtub. The best part about refinishing tile is that the grout lines are permanently sealed with the spray, making each grout line a wipe-clean surface similar to the surface on the face of the tile that will not stain, mold or mildew any longer. Sometimes the tile may need to be re-grouted and then sprayed to keep it looking new for many years to come.
Why is Cultured Marble better than tile for showers?
Cultured marble panels and shower pans are solid pieces with no grout lines to clean or keep sealed. The seams in the corners are sealed with a mildew resistant 100% silicone caulk that requires little in the way of maintenance. Also, building structures will shift with the change of temperatures, this may cause grout lines to crack and crumble. This problem is avoided with the use of cultured marble.
Are you insured?
Yes, we are fully certified and insured.
What can I clean my new surface with?
We typically recommend any non-abrasive liquid cleaner. Most customers are amazed to find that those old worn out surfaces that used to be impossible to clean now easily wipe clean with a mild cleaner and sponge.