Specialty Refinishing, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What can I do to restore the shiny finish to my tub?

If you have tried to clean it with normal household cleaners or gloss polishes and it still looks dull or dirty, there is probably nothing you can do to bring back the original shine. Over the years, mineral deposits and the harsh chemical cleaners used to remove the have worked together to eat away at the glassy new finish, leaving rough open pores to grab more dirt. The bad news is, the more you clean, the worse it gets. A new finish is the most hassle-free answer.

2.How long does it take?

Normally one day for a bathtub by itself, two days to prepare and refinish ceramic tile and grout in a whole bathroom. Proper preparation is key to long lasting, durable finishes, and takes the most time. Thorough cleaning, surface etching, chip and crack repair, and final solvent washing are all done before applying the final finishes. On the average, the process takes four to six hours to complete.

3.Do you refinish with real porcelain?

No, we use a synthetic catalyzed resin system which produces the luster and texture of porcelain. It’s smooth, glossy finish is easier to clean and resists the etching effect of mineral deposits and today’s harsh cleaners.

4.Does my refinished bathtub require special care and cleaning?

No, any non-abrasive household cleaners work well: CLR, Lysol Tub and Tile Cleaner, 409, Fantastic, or any of the foam type cleaners . Please avoid abrasive cleansers such as Ajax, Comet, Soft Scrub, etc.

5.How long do I have to wait before using my bathtub?

After completion of the refinishing process there is a 48 hour “curing” time before using water on it. For “must use it sooner” situations, a 24 hour quick dry system is available.

6.Are there odors involved with your refinishing process?

We use chemical cleaners and repair resins during the surface preparation phase that emit some odors , usually contained to the bathroom area. Our spray finish catalyzes quickly, allowing us to exhaust most odors before we leave. New odor masking agents emit a misty fresh smell during the remainder of the curing process.

7.What should I do before you arrive?

Any remodeling work should be completed (sheetrock, tile/grout replacement, plumbing fixture updates.) Make sure any drips are repaired, to allow for proper curing. Please remove any personal items from the bathroom to allow us to mask over cabinets and fixtures.

8.Can you change the color of my tub and tile?

Yes we can! While most of our color change customers want to cover up out-dated, trendy colors of days gone by with a clean white or earth-tone almond, designer colors are available to match the entire Kohler color line.

9.How much will this cost me?

A typical porcelain or steel bath tub starts at $295, which includes removal of old caulking, repairing of minor etching and chip damage. Additional costs can be due to major rusting or rebuilding of sunken areas or hole repairs. Fiberglass tub surrounds start at $450, with tub and ceramic surrounds starting at $550. Entire bathroom ceramic refinishing quoted on an individual basis. Volume discounts are available to our commercial apartment, hotel, motel and resort customers.

10.Do you offer a warranty?

We offer a five year warranty against chipping, peeling, or yellowing for bathtubs, surrounds and ceramic refinishing for our residential customers. We offer a two year warranty for all countertop, vanity, and sink repairs, as well as commercial tubs, ceramic and surrounds.