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You could probably say this about lots of things, but bathtubs–they only don’t make ‘em like they used to. Toilets were constructed around them. These tubs were significantly fuller and thus more encouraging in relation to the tubs you had see now. The dominant color for baths is white which is virtually the only solution to really go.
With the 60s and 70s came the exploration of bathroom fixtures in browns, beige, pastels, and so on. Despite these poor alternatives, bathtubs in this era were still very nicely made. Tubs in steel appeared, while construction shifted to comprise lightweights like acrylic, and in design, these steel baths were even sometimes sculptural and elegant like the casting irons.
Cast iron is usually heralded for its indestructibility when rust might set in. It has a close relative in steel, in fact one would turn into the other. While steel is heavy, cast iron is more heavy, and baths made of these alloys ultimately last well beyond their finish.
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For just these reasons, you might decide to refinish a tub. While those with a timeless clawfoot refinish hope to accomplish a vintage feel, any kind of tub can be refinished. This article focus on the redo of an alcove bath, undoubtedly the most commonly installed bathtub.
Tools Stuff Skill Level Estimated Time
• Acid-Based commercial cleanser Complex
• Putty knife • Acid etching paste
Baking soda
• Shop Vac • Plastic sheeting
• Stiff bristle brush • Builders paper
• Wire brush • Masking tape
• Auto polisher/buffer •
• Buffing and polish pads • Sandpaper
• Respirator • Canvas drop cloth
• Rubber gloves •
• Rags and towels • Two-Component fiberglass repair putty
• Paper or store towels • Tack material
• Little mixing trough • Porcelain bonding agent
Specialty acrylic urethane OR acrylic aliphatic polyurethane OR white paint and high gloss polyurethane
• Electric paint sprayer • Denatured alcohol
• Caulk gun • Silicone caulk
Plumbing tools that are •
Tub Refinishing Concerns
Off Site or In Place?
Cast iron and steel baths are incredibly heavy, as mentioned above, and you’ll need a hand, at least three, deliver and to safely remove them to a refinishing works. In the event of an alcove bathtub, one that’s “built in,” it is typically best to approach it while it is still in position.
A refinishing works may often start with a process called “dunking” or stripping the original finish. Once stripped, your tub may have a porcelain enamel implemented before it is ultimately re-fired in a kiln. Comparable coatings could be employed onsite; stripping, however, is replaced with other means of homework.
Are You Going To Replace Hardware?
Working under the premise that once (re)concluded, you’ll have a new appearance bath. It might be worth it to plan for an update of the bath’s existing drain hardware.
It ought to be pointed out, too, that the borders are usually the “weakest” part of any finish. In an area continuously subjected to water, prior to applying your new bathtub finish, it makes sense at minimum to remove the drain.
Note: Access to the lower wall cavity behind the bath drain is required at the absolute minimum when updating a bathtub’s drain assembly.
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Consider How You’ll VentilateBecause, generally, you’ll be working with paints that are airborne and caustic materials, make certain that you have sufficient ventilation as you work. Along with running a built-in bathroom fan, it could also make sense to open a window and use cross-ventilation by putting a fan in an opposing doorway. Ventilation equipment may also be leased at rental centres or home improvement stores if additional concerns continue around your skill to work or implement paint efficiently.
Ready the Job
There are numerous methods available for essentially preparing a tub refinish. Irrespective of the strategy you choose, take great care in this period. The steps below are common to any occupation preparation strategy you might choose:
1) Remove Existing Caulk: Remove caulk which should be contacting the tub surface. Start by cutting on the top and bottom edges of the caulk bead using a utility knife. Entirely remove. Sweep out or vacuum up any debris that will make its way to the bottom of the bath.
2) Remove OR Conceal the Overflow Plate: Strategy to replace existing tub hardware. The bathtub’s drain remains in good working order, and if this really isn’t achievable, remove. Tubs fitted with linked stoppers can be disconnected or disassembled, but because of uniquenesses in moving parts (especially with classic tubs), it may be best to just hide overflow plates off. Be conscious not to enable linkages to fall back in the overflow if you choose to remove a lever that is connected or drain.
3) Remove Drain Pop Up, Strainer Assembly, OR Mask: Remove as many of the exposed finished drain components as possible. Mask any finished surface that you just choose not to remove. Poke holes in masking tape to allow for drainage of water as it’ll be {used later.
4) Give the Tub an Industrial Cleaning: Using an acid-based cleanser, spray down the whole bath surface. Allow the merchandise sit for five full minutes and make use of a stiff-bristled brush to scrub away stains. Because these cleansers are caustic, wear rubber gloves (or better) and a correctly rated respirator. Then allow the bath dry.
5) Mask Off the Bath Space: Using a relatively strong plastic, start at the edge of the bath 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. As it meets the floor, do the same with the tub. Cut holes in locations where bath spouts or faucet handles may appear. Prior to spraying, apply masking tape.
6) Mask Bath Spout and Faucet Handles: While you might need to time this with the other measures under, wrap bath spouts and faucets with contractor’s paper or additional plastic (cling wrap will work just as well). Alternatively, it might make sense simply to remove them.
Ready the Surface and Make Modest Repairs
Apply an Acid Etching Paste
Use a stiff-bristled four inch stain brush or a scrub brush to employ an acid etch designed specifically for porcelain. Cover of the tub completely and let about 15 minutes for this product 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.
Options for Acid Etching
Some will forgo acid etching in favor of employing a bonding agent only. Others might use mechanical means to rough up the bathtub surface. While this process is somewhat aggressive, most concluding products are self-leveling to the degree that they’re going to level out reasonably over a “ ” surface that is scarified.
Mending Bath Surface Imperfections
Grittiness and spots can appear on bath surfaces after decades of improper cleaning. Bleach and abrasive cleansers can be damaging to bath surfaces, themselves working to etch porcelain. Green spots or rust could be addressed using oxalic acid mixed in hot water with talc to form a paste that was whiting.
Prior to applying a finish dings or processors should also be addressed. Mix of two -component fiberglass repair putty and apply to the affected region using a plastic spreader.
If needed, follow with porcelain or polyester glazing to fill in modest pockets which could show up in the repaired region.
Wipe Down
Wipe down the tub with paper towels and follow with a tack cloth.
Optional: For a more comprehensive cleaning, give the bath one final wipe with accelerated-evaporating denatured alcohol.
Caution: If acids were not used, simply use or have been effectively neutralized.
Applying Finishes: DIY Strategy
Refinishing Kits
That is a seemingly countless collection of refinishing kits available from reputable manufacturers. These items vary broadly from epoxies to acrylics, spray-on to brush-on and even to roll-on choices. Generally, you’ll locate varying degrees of both quality and dry times with these products. Do your research before purchasing and comprehend that effectiveness may be informed by price with time. Pick a name that is reputable and follow all directions closely. These kits should give a finish continuing one to five years with appropriate attention.
Assemble Your Very Own Clothing
Brush on a suitable bonding agent,or spray on an appropriate primer using an airless (sub HVLP) paint sprayer (available for rent at local home improvement stores or rental centres). The topcoat is applied using the same sprayer (make sure to wash it thoroughly between steps). When spraying, hold the gun about six inches from the surface. As you move back and forth, work using long strokes and a continuous movement, overlapping somewhat. Play about with a combination of white paint and high-gloss polyurethane. Instead, spray or roll on a two-component marine epoxy. This approach should yield a finish which will last between 3 and 10 years, in case you haven’t skimped on prep.
Applying Finishes: Pro Approach
Professional refinishers are numerous, but be warned: the products and techniques used plus their opinions vary. It may not be surprising that lots of professional refinishers started out in trades like auto body repair, where work is usually personalized.
Pro Techniques
Acrylic urethane enamel, acrylic aliphatic polyurethane, or an epoxy-based finish is put in multiple layers using a paint sprayer. (There is much debate online about the favored sprayer type for this particular job.n general, choose airless and HVLP through others.) Depending on the product used, each layer should dry 15 to 20 minutes before the following is implemented. The last coat should dry for no significantly less than an hour.
A wet sanding with 600/800/1000-grit paper smooths any imperfections. Some use a car compound buffed into the surface using circular buffing pads and an auto polisher. Hand often does additional buffing. Glazing can also be implemented with a soft cloth to bring up a brilliant luster.
Once the finish has dried to the contact, per product recommendations or after two hours, whichever comes first remove from the job site. In case any one of the recently applied finish begins to pull away with masking, it is best to work with a utility knife in hand. Work with care over the newly finished surface. Package waste into construction totes and dispose of appropriately.
Locate a Bathub Professional near you
It’s frequently better left to a master, while tub refinishing can definitely be a DIY project. SB Refinishers in San Diego tub refinishing is simply one of the very practically priced jobs. Costs typically range from $400 to $500 and are often packaged with an important warranty.
The most crucial variable in hiring a professional for this particular job is the individual tech scheduled to do the work. That’s appropriate, don’t always hire a master based on the reputation of the company, on their system, or on their process, but instead on the actual person you would want doing your job. These machinists should be able to create a portfolio of work and references. Request it before making a choice, and review it.
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