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Every so often, we run across historic bathroom and kitchen fixtures .  Not just something that is forty, fifty, or even sixty years old.  I’m talking about bathtub or a sink that is one hundred years old or more.  This is an antique farm sink we recently refinished in the far western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois that was one hundred forty years old!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sink had large black areas around the drain where the actual cast iron shell was exposed. The porcelain actually wore away from usage over decades of use. We repaired, sealed and  and refinished this sink in a fresh new application of Kohler white. More examples of sink refinishing can be found on our sink refinishing page: https://thesurfacedoctors.com/sink-refinishing/

It feels really good to know that you played a part to keep a piece of history from being discarded into a landfill.  This historical sink has tremendous charm and now has new life!

 

A bathtub can be stained by several different sources and can require different methods to correct. Conventional cleaners purchased at common supply stores can usually remove topical, light staining.  But, when staining goes deeper into the surface of the tub, professional cleaning or refinishing may be necessary.

At the Surface Doctors, we encounter bathtubs that have been stained by chemicals and dyes, but most commonly from iron deposits from years of exposure to well water.  When the protective layer of gloss is diminished and compromised, the tub can become porous and hold these materials deep in the fissures of the tub surface.  When conventional cleaning does not remove the staining, the tub will typically have to be refinished.Bathtub refinishing is applying a new high-gloss surface to a dull, worn or stained surface. This method is typically done in one day, leaving the bathtub with a shiny new high gloss finish.  The protective layer is restored and the tub is ready for years of use.

To help prevent future staining from well water deposits, the Surface Doctors recommend applying a clear car wax to the bathtub occasionally.  This can create a barrier, after the tub has been refinished, to protect and minimize the tendency of the finish being stained again in the future. We do caution that the wax should be used in areas that are not subject to foot traffic, as the wax can make the area very slippery.

For more information on the benefits and method of bathtub refinishing, visit us at www.thesurfacedoctors.com.

Do you have a bathtub in need of refinishing?  If you live in Naperville, IL. and are considering reglazing for your bathtub, the Surface Doctors are the pros you are looking for.  They specialize in repairing and refinishing the bathroom surfaces of porcelain, acrylic/fiberglass, plastic, ceramic tile and cultured marble. If your kitchen countertops are looking drab and outdated, the Surface Doctors refinish kitchen tops in a faux stone granite finish.These affordable refinishing updates can make your Naperville property much more comfortable and appealing for a fraction of the cost over conventional remodeling. Refinishing can cost 80% less than conventional remodeling and replacement.  Most refinishing is completed in one day, leaving the tub, shower, kitchen or bathroom tops and sinks ready for use the following day.

The Surface Doctors also refinish bathtubs green!  No, not the color green, they use “green” refinishing products. Their coatings are ECO-Friendly, low VOC products.  Not only are they better for the environment, they are extremely durable as well.  They are actually tested at being 50% more impact resistant over conventional bathtub coatings.

The Surface Doctors have refinished thousands of bathtubs all over the Chicagoland region, including the Fox Valley area of Aurora, Batavia, Plainfield, Lisle and the city of Naperville, IL. Don’t hesitate to contact them today!

Anything that we, as consumers, are going to have performed in our home should be fully analyzed prior to scheduling the work.

Surface Doctors refinishing technician carefully prepping surface of bathtub. Plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, etc…, these are all specified trades that carry a great degree of risk. Many may not consider the risk or “unsafe” conditions that can be created. If a toilet or faucet is not installed correctly, there could be a problem with leaking, causing mold. If a light fixtures connection does not have proper integrity or the circuit is overloaded, a fire could occur. If a bearing wall is altered or compromised, major structural problems can be created. Much of this risk is greatly reduced when professional and certified tradesman are hired for the job.

Bathtub refinishing is quite the same. Refinishing or reglazing involves the use of many chemicals. If the individual performing the work is not a certified refinishing technician, the results can be very “unsafe”. We refinish surfaces on bathtubs, tile and countertops. From porcelain to fiberglass, and cultured marble to laminate, the varying properties of these surfaces require extensive knowledge of what specific chemicals to use and what not to use. Some of our chemical treatments can do absolutely nothing to one surface, while essentially destroying another. Unsafe conditions can occur if an improperly trained individual is assigned to a job.
Surface Doctors refinishing technician carefully protecting the bathroom during our refinishing process.
The Surface Doctors technicians have direct interaction with chemists who create the coatings and chemicals we use. This an advantage that allows reciprocal feedback on up-to-date techniques and product improvements. All of our technicians undergo extensive factory training on spraying techniques, chemical reactions and safety,

We use up-to-date ECO-Friendly products and thoroughly protect the work area. This helps to insure the individuals in the home we are working in are safe because of the structure of our refinishing process.

First impressions mean everything, and you only get one chance to make a first impression.

As we enter the spring real estate market season, sellers have to make every effort to make a great lasting first impression to potential buyers. According to Zillow.com; number 6 on the “Top 10 Things Before You List Your Home” is to make walls as “neutral” as possible. They also state that homes that are “clean and have an up-to-date color make a huge impression”.

This goes for bathtubs, tile and countertops as well. An outdated bathroom or kitchen can make a potential buyer cross “your house” off of the list, even if the rest of the home has been updated. According to www.realestatetidbits.com: “Kitchens and Bathrooms Sell Homes”.

Refinishing is the most economical and fastest way to update any bathroom or kitchen. Typically in one day a bathroom can go from old 70’s yellow, blue or pink to a beautiful high-gloss neutral color, such as white, bone or biscuit. Old cultured marble vanity tops or laminate kitchen countertops can be rejuvenated and brought into the 21st century with a resilient stone finish. The impact is immediate and cost effective.

All of this, of course, should be completed before putting a house on the market. Giving a potential buyer a credit at closing is taking a huge risk. Most buyers want a home that is “turn key” and “ready to move in” condition. They don’t want a list of items they now have to shop for and correct. Setting up utilities, a change of address, registering kids in new schools and coordinating movers is typically a major focus for buyers. Remember you only get one chance to make a first impression.

If your bathtub is at that point when it is looking dull, worn and in need to be refinished, your drain is probably in need as well. Having your bathtub refinished is faster, more economical and convenient than replacing the tub. But what about the drain?

Replacing a tub drain is typically a simple procedure, right? In many case yes; although removal of the old drain can sometimes open a can of worms. More often than not, the old drain has been in the current position and undisturbed for years, sometimes decades. The threadings of the new drain and old piping may not be an entirely sound fit. At this point, the old piping may have to be accessed and replaced. This sometimes requires opening up drywall in the ceiling below. If your at this point, you really have no choice but to throw time, money and inconvenience at the situation until it is fixed.

The Surface Doctors have a solution to this common problem. We can supply and install a drain sleeve.

New drain sleeve installed over existing drain. AFTER. Looks and operates the same as a conventional drain.
A drain sleeve is a device that is installed over the existing drain; therefore the piping below is never disturbed. They look and operate just like a conventional lift and turn drain and come in many popular designer finishes such as chrome, satin nickel, oil rubbed bronze and antique and polished brass.

If your drain is working fine, why go through the unknown expense of replacement. This procedure can be installed in conjunction of us refinishing your bathtub. A drain sleeve is quick, easy and extremely cost effective.

We get calls all the time from people asking “What is your warranty on bathtub refinishing?”

5 Year Warranty on Refinished Surfaces
We put a five year warranty on our refinished surfaces.

To many, this is acceptable and even more reason to have the bathtub refinished instead of choosing replacement. On the other hand, there are some that feel the warranty should be longer and would rather spend hundreds or thousands more on replacing the bathtub than having it refinished.

What many people fail to fully investigate; is the warranty provided by the manufacturer of the new bathtub is typically covered for only one year against surface defects. Yes, you sometimes see “Limited Lifetime Warranty” advertised. But, that typically covers just the outer shell against defects that prohibit the tub from holding water. Even then, if the bathtub was installed incorrectly the manufacturer will not cover it, and the contractors warranty for installation is typically only one to two years for labor.

Five years of coverage for approximately 80% of the cost over replacement seems like a more reasonable decision.

Bathtub replacement is great if your upgrading to a larger bathroom, or a more elaborate whirlpool or soaker tub. But, in many cases, refinishing is a wise choice.

Do they last? “Last” would be the operative word here. We field calls all the time from people who have tried to cut corners and refinish the bathtub with a DIY kit themselves, and realize after the end result that they made a huge mistake.

DIY bathtub refinishing kit experiencing a coating failureThen there are the victims of previous owners who use DIY refinishing kits to save money in order to make the tub look more presentable for a quick sale. In the long run, it cost extra because we have to remove the inferior coating to get to the original surface of the tub.

For a coating to truly last, the bathtub surface has to have proper adhesion. DIY kits lack necessary the preparation process of breaking down the original glass-like nature of the bathtub porcelain and allow the coatings to absorb into the surface. This is a critical step that is necessary to achieve a coating with longevity.

The application of a DIY bathtub refinishing kit is typically done with a brush, roller or an aerosol can. None of these applications can yield the results of professional spray equipment, and an experienced refinishing technician. Rough areas, runs, halos, dullness, inconsistent coverage are all common when a DIY kit is used on a bathtub.

At The Surface Doctors, we see first hand what a do-it-yourself job typically looks like. Unfortunately, the driving force behind the sale of these kits is to save money, which in the long run really isn’t the case.

We get calls from people everyday on bathtubs that are peeling, chipping or flaking. Generally what has happened is someone has a used a do-it-yourself kit, or this is the handiwork of an inexperienced refinisher.

Peeling and chipping bathtub The DIY kits lack the proper strength that is needed to withstand the abuse that a bathtub is exposed to. The abrupt shock of the water going from hot to cold, the strength of the flow of the water in the bathtub and people standing and sitting on that area quickly contribute to a coating failure and result in a peeling or chipping bathtub.

An inexperienced refinisher will rush through, or may be unaware, of the crucial steps involved in preparing the surface of a bathtub for proper adhesion.

The Surface Doctors refinishing process involves carefully treating the surface, so the entire surface is porous and ready to accept our coatings. Porcelain, cultured marble, laminate, ceramic, acrylic, plastic and granite are all very different in their composition and require knowledge and experience to understand how to properly treat the surface so coatings have maximum adhesion. This is the key to a coatings longevity, which can be 10 years or longer with proper care.

We get calls about this problem all the time. While many bathtub or shower repairs are cosmetic in nature, what can you do if there is an actual hole in the floor of the bottom of a bathtub or shower base? Does this have to be replaced? The answer is no. We have a proven solution for this type of situation.

To begin, we have to address why the hole is there in the first place. Was something dropped on the surface, or was the surface under repeated “unnatural” stress from the occupants using the fixture? What I mean about “unnatural” is, when the tub was originally set in place, was the void between the bottom of the bathtub and the subfloor filled in with an expanding foam reinforcement. If it wasn’t (and many are not), over time the fiberglass or plastic based bathtub will flex and eventually give, resulting in a crack or tear in the overstressed floor area.

This end result, of course, is problematic because water can easily pool under the bathtub. This will quickly cause havoc to the subfloor and the living space to the level below the bathtub.

Typically, you would have to replace the bathtub. Bathtub spot repair cannot correct the problem that has resulted with an improperly installed bathtub.

The Surface Doctors have a solution for this situation.
First, we drill holes in the bottom of the bathtub and inject a highly-dense expanding foam that fills in the void between the bottom of the bathtub and subfloor. This method solves the cause of the crack.
Installation of Inlay Bathtub Repair System.We then install a custom-fabricated inlay that is adhered to the floor of the bathtub. This inlay is affixed with an industrial strength waterproof adhesive. It fully covers the original crack and the holes we drilled in order to inject the expanding foam.