Bathtub Reglazing in New York City
Up to $100 off – valid only until !
How Long Does Bathtub Refinishing Last?
Ah, the look and feel of a brand-new bathroom with a pristine, white bathtub! You want that exhilarating feeling to last forever, but unfortunately time takes its toll on your tub. The once-shiny finish starts to dull and fade. Cracks and chips appear, and stains from water, rust and soap scum build up. Sadly, your bathtub ends up looking worn-out and even damaged.
But it can be restored easily and affordably, returning it to its elegant original luster.
Rather than removing your tub and replacing it with a new one, refinishing it is an excellent alternative. No messy demolition, no large construction crews, and no waiting for days or weeks for the project to be finished. The entire process takes about 3-4 hours, and our professional technicians leave the area as clean and tidy as when they arrived. Your like-new tub is dry ready to use in about 24 hours.
The best part? With proper maintenance, the renewed finish can last up to 15-20 years, all the while maintaining its beautiful, smooth finish.
What determines the lifespan of the refinished surface? Several factors come into play, including the restoration method, care and maintenance, and quality of the application process.
RESTORATION MATERIALS
The most important factor in the longevity of the refinished surface is the restoration method.
-
Epoxy enamel (spray) is the cheapest option. It’s been around for a long time, like for decades. However, it’s not often used anymore because of a number of disadvantages:
➖ The material is hard to work with
➖ It has a strong smell
➖ It takes a long time to dry
➖ It deteriorates quickly when exposed to water
➖ When applied with a brush, it often drips and runs, leaving an uneven surface
➖ It has a short lifespan – only up to about 7 years
-
Pour-on acrylic is a modern, environmentally-friendly alternative with numerous advantages and none of the drawbacks:
➕ It provides superior durability, even surpassing that of a new bathtub
➕ It can completely cover existing damage
➕ It’s odorless and free of allergens and dangerous chemicals with a near-zero VOC status
➕ It’s easy to work with and leaves a smooth, uniform finish
➕ It’s resistant to cracks, chips and peeling, as well as to stains and fading
➕ It lasts up to 15 years with proper maintenance
➕ It dries within 24 hours
There really is no comparison: liquid acrylic is the clear winner when compared side-by-side to epoxy enamel.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Liquid acrylic is a popular choice for bathtub reglazing because of its beauty, strength, and durability. Caring for your refinished bathtub is not complicated, but there are a few things to keep in mind to keep it looking its best and extend its lifespan as long as possible.
Immediately after the restoration process, make sure to allow sufficient time for the surface to dry and harden completely. This usually takes between 16 and 24 hours, depending on the refinishing material as well as the humidity and temperature of the room. During the drying time, be sure that no moisture or dust comes into contact with the surface. Taking extra care during this crucial time helps maximize the strength and durability of the new coating.
Regular care helps keep the finish looking like new. For best results, follow this list of things to do – and things to avoid:
-
Don’t use stiff brushes, abrasive sponges, or harsh cleaners (such as those that contain alkali or chlorine). They will strip the glossy surface of the tub.
-
Don’t place buckets, basins or other metal or sharp objects in the tub. They can scratch and damage the surface.
-
Do use a silicon mat when bathing pets in the tub. This will keep both the acrylic finish and your pet safe, and it helps keep microbes at bay.
-
Do use a cleaner especially formulated for acrylic surfaces or a mild general-purpose cleaner. Our specialists can recommend cleaners that are safe for your refinished tub.
-
Do rinse the tub with clean water and wipe dry after each use.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Another factor that affects the durability of the finish is the quality of the application process. Using the pour-on method with liquid acrylic produces outstanding results. The finish is dense and uniform, which makes it not only look luxurious but also last for years.
There are kits available for DIYers, but most applications require technical skills and expertise that are beyond the abilities of first-time users. For that reason, professionally-finished projects generally last several times longer than DIY projects.
To obtain the best results and long-lasting durability, professional application by a trained craftsman with years of experience is recommended.
The bottom line: Bathtub refinishing is a durable solution for worn-out or damaged tubs that lasts up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance. It’s simple and affordable, saving you time, money, and hassle.
Contact us today for a free quote or to answer any questions, and you can have a like-new tub in a short time and enjoy it for many years to come.
