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You could probably say this about a lot of matters, but bathtubs–they simply don’t make ‘em like they used to. For the larger portion of the last century, bathtubs were formed from cast iron and coated with porcelain enamel. Toilets were built around them. These tubs were considerably deeper and consequently more inviting than the baths you had find now. The dominant colour for tubs is white which is nearly the only solution to really go.
With the 60s and 70s arrived the investigation of bathroom fixtures in browns, beige, pastels, and the like. Despite these bad choices, bathtubs in this era were still really nicely made. While building shifted to contain lightweights like acrylic, baths in steel appeared, and in design, these steel baths were refined and even sometimes sculptural like the casting irons.
Cast iron is generally heralded for its indestructibility when rust might set in. It’s a close relative in steel, in fact just minor tweaks in composition would turn one into the other. Cast iron is more heavy, while steel is heavy, and bathtubs made of these metals ultimately last well beyond their finish.
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For just these reasons, you might choose to refinish a tub. Any kind of tub may be refinished, while those with a classic clawfoot refinish hope to attain a vintage feel. This article focus on the redo of an alcove tub, by far the most commonly installed bathtub.
Tools Substances Ability Level Estimated Time
• Utility knife • Acid-Based commercial cleaner Innovative 4 to 8 Hours
• Putty knife •
• Straight razor • Baking soda
• Shop Vac • Plastic sheeting
Builders paper
• Wire brush • Masking tape
• Buffing and polish pads • Sandpaper
Canvas drop cloth
• Rubber gloves •
Towels and • Rags • Two-Part fiberglass repair putty
Store towels or • Paper • Tack cloth
• Little blending trough •
Specialty acrylic urethane OR acrylic aliphatic polyurethane OR white paint and high gloss polyurethane
• Electric paint sprayer • Denatured alcohol
Silicone caulk
• Plumbing tools
Bathtub Refinishing Considerations
Off Site or In Place?
Cast iron and steel baths are incredibly heavy as mentioned previously, and you’ll need at least three, a hand, to safely remove and deliver them to a refinishing works. In the case of an alcove tub, one that is “built in,” it is generally best to approach it while it’s still in position.
A refinishing works may often start with a process called “dipping” or stripping the initial finish. Once stripped, your tub may again have a porcelain enamel implemented before it’s finally re-fired in a kiln. Comparable coatings can be implemented onsite; stripping, however, is replaced with other means of homework.
Will You Replace Hardware?
Working under the assumption that once (re)concluded, you’ll have a new look tub. It could be worth it to plan for an upgrade of the bath’s present drain hardware.
It ought to be pointed out, also, the borders are typically the “poorest” part of any finish. At minimum, it makes sense in a place always subjected to water to remove the drain ahead of applying your new tub finish.
Note: Accessibility to the lower wall cavity supporting the bathtub drain is demanded at the absolute minimum when updating a tub’s drain assembly.
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Consider How You’ll VentilateBecause, in most cases, you’ll be working with paints that are airborne and caustic materials, make certain that you’ve got adequate venting as you work. Along with running a built-in bathroom fan, it could additionally make sense to open a window and utilize cross-ventilation by setting a fan in an opposing doorway. If additional concerns remain around your skill to work or employ paint efficiently, ventilation gear can also be rented at rental centers or home improvement stores.
Ready the Job
There are numerous strategies available for essentially preparing a tub refinish. Regardless of the strategy you decide on, take great care during this phase. The measures below are common to any occupation prep approach you might pick:
1) Remove Existing Caulk: Remove caulk which should be contacting the tub surface. Start by cutting on both the top and bottom edges of the caulk bead with a utility knife. Follow with a stiff putty knife and finish with a straight razor blade. Completely remove. Sweep out or vacuum any debris which will make its way to the underparts of the the tub up.
2) Remove OR Mask the Overflow Plate: Strategy to replace existing tub hardware. If this is not attainable, as well as the bath’s drain continues to be in great working order, remove the tub’s overflow plate. Should you choose to remove a connected lever, be aware not to let linkages to fall back in the overflow or drain.
3) Remove Drain Pop Up, Strainer Assembly, OR Mask: Remove as many of the exposed finished drain parts as possible. Mask any finished surface that you choose not to remove. Poke holes or make an X in masking tape to allow for drainage of water as it’ll be used in the homework phase.
4) Give the Bathtub an Industrial Cleaning: Using an acid-based cleaner, spray down the whole tub surface. Let the product sit for five minutes and make use of a stiff-bristled brush to scrub blots away. Because these cleansers are caustic, wear rubber gloves (or better) and a properly rated respirator. Then let the tub dry.
5) Mask Off the Tub Space: Using a comparatively strong plastic, start at the edge of the bathtub and mask off the alcove walls at least four feet. Mask both the interior of the bath in addition to the face (or apron) of the bath as it intersects with toilet walls. Do the same with the tub as it meets the floor. Cut holes in locations where bathtub spouts or faucet handles may seem. Use masking tape prior to spraying.
6) Mask Tub Spout and Faucet Handles: While you may require to time this with the other measures under, wrap bath spouts and faucets with builder’s paper or additional plastic (cling wrap will work just as well). Instead, it may make sense just to remove them.
Prepare the Surface and Make Modest Repairs
Make use of a stiff-bristled four inch stain brush or a scrub brush to implement an acid etch designed specially for porcelain. Cover of the bath completely and allow about 15 minutes for this particular merchandise to do its thing. Wear rubber gloves (or better) and a properly rated respirator. Remove with a (clean) scrub brush and wash down the drain with tub water. Wipe dry with shop towels.
Choices for Acid Etching
Some will forgo acid etching in favor of applying a bonding agent only. Others might use mechanical means to rough up the bath surface. This really is accomplished by way of using sanding (aka flap) disks fitted to an angle grinder. While this process is somewhat aggressive, most concluding products are self-leveling to the amount that they are going to level out pretty over a “ ” surface that is scarified.
Repairing Tub Surface Imperfections
Stains and grittiness can appear on bath surfaces after decades of improper cleaning. Abrasive and bleach cleaners could be detrimental to bath surfaces, themselves. Green stains or rust can be addressed using oxalic acid mixed in hot water with talc to form a whiting paste.
Prior to applying a finish dings or processors should also be addressed. Mix of two -part fiberglass repair putty and apply to the affected area by means of a plastic spreader. Allow to dry based on the product’s instructions and sand first with 36-grit sandpaper (the kind used for sanding floors) and then follow with an 80-grit paper to feather out the repair.
If necessary, follow with polyester or porcelain glazing to fill in small pockets which could show up in the fixed region.
Wipe down the bathtub with paper towels first and follow with a tack cloth.
Elective: For a much more thorough cleaning, give the bath one final wipe with quick-evaporating denatured alcohol.
Caution: If acids either weren’t used, just use or have been effectively neutralized.
Applying Finishes: DIY Approach
Refinishing Kits
There is a seemingly countless collection of refinishing kits available from reputable manufacturers. In general, you’ll find varying degrees of both dry times and quality with these products. Do your research before buying and comprehend that effectiveness may be informed by cost over time. Choose a reputable name and follow all directions closely. These kits should give a finish lasting one to five years with proper care.
Assemble Your Very Own Clothing
Brush on an appropriate bonding agent,or spray on an appropriate primer using an airless (sub HVLP) paint sprayer (available for rental at local home improvement stores or rental centres). The topcoat is implemented using the same sprayer (make certain to wash it thoroughly between steps). Work using long strokes and also a constant movement, overlapping slightly as you move back and forth. Play around with a mixture of white paint and high-gloss polyurethane. Instead, spray or roll on a two-part marine epoxy. This process should give a finish that will endure between 3 and 10 years if you’ven’t skimped on prep.
Using Finishes: Professional Approach
Professional refinishers are abundant, but be warned: the products and techniques used plus their opinions vary.
Pro Techniques
(There is much debate online about the preferred sprayer sort for this particular occupation.n general, choose airless and HVLP through others.) Depending on the merchandise used, each layer should dry 15 to 20 minutes before the following is applied. The last layer should dry for no less than an hour.
An automobile compound buffed into the surface using annular buffing pads and an auto polisher is used by some. Hand frequently does additional buffing. Glazing may also be employed with a soft cloth to bring up a brilliant luster.
Tear Down and Reinstall Fixtures
Once the finish has dried to the touch, per product recommendations or after two hours, whichever comes first, slowly remove all masking, paper, and plastic from the job site. In case any of the just applied finish begins to pull away with masking, it’s a good idea to work with a utility knife in hand. Work with care over the recently finished surface. Package waste into construction totes and dispose of appropriately.
It’s often better left to a master, while bathtub refinishing can surely be a DIY job. SB Refinishers in San Diego bath refinishing is simply one of the most practically priced jobs. Costs generally range from $400 to $500 and are usually packaged with a warranty that is significant.
The most significant variable in hiring a professional for this particular job is the individual tech scheduled to do the work. That’s correct, don’t necessarily hire a master based on the standing of the business, on their system, or on their procedure, but instead on the actual person you’d need doing your job. These machinists should have the capacity to generate a portfolio of references and work. Request it and review it before making the decision.
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