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FAQ

Is the work guaranteed?

Yes.  All of our work (except for sinks) is guaranteed just like the guarantee you would find on a new Kohler bathtub.  Our work is warrantied for one year, but if you are going to have any problems, it is usually within the first month of using the bathtub.  After 12 months of using the bathtub and you do not have any problems, you should be good to go for many years.  You can read our limited warrantee by clicking here:  Garfield Coatings, LLC Limited Warrantee 

 

How long does a reglazed bathtub last?

We figure that the average life span for a reglazed bathtub is about 8 years.  However, it all depends on ow you take care of them.  We have seen fixtures last 20 years + and as little as 4-5 years when they are abused and not cleaned regularly.  A constant dripping faucet is one of the biggest culprits for failure.

Is all bathtub reglazing the same?

No!!  Absolutely not!  Different reglazing companies use different products and procedures, and the results, of course, are not the same.  Some reglazers will paint a bathtub with a marine paint, or epoxies.  Some reglazers use acrylics, or other industrial coatings that are not engineered specifically for resurfacing  bathtubs.  We only use alyphatic acrylic urethane, a high solids, two part material that creates a thermal molecular bond.

In addition to the material used, many refinishers have discontinued the etching of the porcelain and instead just wipe on an adhesion promoter and then spray the glaze.  We have tested this process extensively and it does not work.  We continue to use the time-tested process of etching the procelain with hydrofluoric acid, making it porous so that the glaze has something to grab on to.  With the amount of bathtubs that we do each week, we would rather take the extra time and spend the extra money to ensure that we do not get recalls.

How long does the process take?

Generally, the process of refinishing a single bathtub takes about 3-4 hours to  complete.  Refinishing tile with the tub, however, will require additional time.  Bathtubs with tile and fiberglass tub shower take between 5-6 hours to complete.  Most bathroom tub and tile refinishing projects can be completed in a day.

When can I use my reglazed tub and tile?

The reglazing will dry and be ready for use the next morning.  In some cases, such as repairs of cracks or chips, the tub can be used within 4 hours.

Why do some companies say it takes 3 days before I can use my bathtub?

If you are told it takes more than 24 hours to dry, hang up the phone.  If the dry time is longer than 24 hours, they are using outdated epoxies, which we haven't used in over 20 years.  Epoxy was good a quarter century ago because we didn't have the ability to etch porcelain.  Once we figured out how to do that, we were able to upgrade our materials to a high titanium, high solids urethane.  Epoxy was used because it had a glue added to it, which gave us the adhesion.  Unfortunately, the glue starts to yellow in 6-8 months. Refinishers still use epoxy because it is very inexpensive; $60.00 per gallon as opposed to $260.00 per gallon of aliphatic acrylic urethan.

Do I have to use the same old color?

No.  With our reglazing process we can match any fixture’s color or you can choose from a rainbow of designer colors.

What should I do before you arrive?

There are three things that you will need to do before we arrive.  First, remove everything from the bathroom including countertop items, pictures on the wall, anything on the floor that is moveable, etc.  Second, give the bathtub and/or tile a good cleaning with a degreasing cleaner.  This is very important.  All soap scum must be removed before we get there.  Third, have some form of payment ready.  Payment is due on the day we perform our services.

Should I remove the fixtures and drain in the bathtub or tub shower?

Porcelain bathtubs and claw foot bathtubs must have a drain in place when we come to reglaze it.  The reason is because we etch the porcelain with hydrofluoric acid.  Water neutralizes the acid so we use a lot of water to remove the acid and the chalk that it creates from the etching process.  If you are going to replace the drain, that must be done before reglazing so the glaze will seal around the drain.  We will mask off the drain in order to protect it the best that we can.  On a fiberglass tub shower or if you are reglazing the tiled walls around the bathtub, we try to remove the fixtures if we can.  We recommend that you remove them before we come, just to make sure that they come off, especially spouts.  If we cannot get them off, we will mask around them.  Note that we are not responsible for any damage that happens if we try to remove your fixtures.  It is common for screws to snap due to rust or corrosion.  If your fixtures are brushed, the gas from our acid may discolor the spout and handles so it is best that you try to remove them prior to us coming.  If you are unable, we will try.  But, we are not plumbers so if we can't remove them, will mask them.  Any damage from the acid gas is not our responsibility.  Note that this rarely happens, but it is best that we are upfront with you.

What is the difference between Reglazing and Tub Liners?

Tub liners are generally 4-5 times the cost of reglazing and in many cases tend to collect water underneath or crack causing more extensive problems.  Our finish is bonded directly to your tub, so there are no air pockets such as in the case with a bathtub liner.  Thus, no moisture can develop which in turn will lead to mold and mildew growing between the bathtub liner and your tub.

 

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