FAQ

A quote from one of our customers

” With this type of saving in place why go cheap on myself now! Thank You Global Refinishing!” Please read this important article we have posted in order for you to make an informed decision.

Save big $$$!! Refinishing with Global Refinishing is the most economical and efficient way to revitalize your bathroom, at a mere fraction of the cost of replacement. Fixture replacement involves not only the cost of new fixtures, but also replacing the wall, tile, wallboard, tile floor and sub floor, plus pipes and hardware which may be damaged during the removal of the tub.This is very time consuming and expensive!. Using the exclusive Global Refinishing process with your overall remodeling plan you will realize spectacular savings, often asmuch as 80% over the cost of replacement! This huge savings will allow you to upgrade the quality of other fixtures andaccessories.

Now let's take a look at Replacement...

These are five steps that are required to replace a typical bathtub. It requires two men to remove a bathtub. It is hazardous, since a tub can weigh as much as 1/4 ton. The removal of the tub will cause damage to tile on floors and walls. This removal requires plumbing disconnections and removal of faucets and drains. A new tub will have to be installed, creating more costs. Replacement of tile and fixtures. This is a major expense. This replacement procedure could inconvenience a family for days while workmen track dirt and dust through your home, and you and your family are without a bathroom. The cost can vary, depending on the quality of the replacement fixture and the amount of work and damage done to existing plumbing, tile and plaster; usually $1,500 to $3,000.

But two better options are available to price-conscious homeowners with tubs in need of a face-lift: tub liners and tub refinishing. Both add years of life to an existing tub at a fraction of the cost of full-scale replacement — and in a fraction of the time.

And now let's take a look at Bathtubs Liners....

Bathtub liners are molded plastic, PVC, or acrylic inserts which are placed over an existing bathtub. Liners are marketed as an alternative to replacement or refinishing. Liners are expensive. While liners themselves usually cost $100 – $175, the total price to the consumer tends to be from $850 – $1200. Liners can create plumbing problems because the added thickness of the liner may require an extension of the drain and overflow. Liners suffer a bad reputation for allowing water to accumulate between the old tub and the new liner. This water is almost impossible to remove. The result can be a “squishy” feeling each time someone steps in and out of the tub. Not only can the misplaced water create “squishy” noises, but even worse, the standing water can become stagnant, creating obnoxious odor problems. Any small crack or hole which develops in the caulking along the seam between the liner and the vertical wall surround can allow water to penetrate. They eventually will wear out. If liners do not match the contours of the existing tub, then the liner may flex back and forth and can crack over time. Liners come in a limited choice of colors.

Bathtub Refinishing, is it right for you?

A Look at the process.

Bathtub refinishing or reglazing a worn-out bathtub is a more site-intensive process. The first step is a proper cleaning. Bathtub refinishing involves masking the surfaces around the tub to protect from overs pray and properly venting the bathroom to extract any odors. After he has removed the caulk, the refinisher swathes the bathtub with a cleaning solution. Next, the refinisher washes away the cleaning solution and prepares the area and surface for spraying. A reputable refinisher will use some type of silane based bonding agent to ensure maximum adhesion. We use the best in the business. Our exclusive GLOBALFUSION T-1000.

Next, the refinisher washes away the cleaning solution and prepares the area and surface for spraying, He then sprays on coats of a fast-drying primer mixed with a proprietary bonding agent to promote adhesion. To finish, he gives the bathtub a cleaning with a tack cloth to remove any dust particles, and then sprays applications of a finish coat.

The whole process takes a single technician about three to six hours, depending on how extensive the repair is, but the tub needs to cure for a minimum of 10 hours before the water is turned on. A refinished bathtub will mimic the original surface in every way except durability. A properly refinished and maintained bathtub will last up to 20 years. At an average of $500 to $700 and unlimited colors it is the most cost effective way to restore your bathtub.

So as you can see, Refinishing is the most convenient, safe, fast and economical way to go, with in most cases savings up to 80% over the cost of replacement..

Can my existing fixtures be cleaned or polished to restore the shine they've lost?

If your fixture is made of fiberglass, acrylic, or cultured marble, it can – in some cases – be polished. If normal household cleaners fail to bring back the shine on your other fixtures, your finish has most likely been damaged or worn and has probably become pitted and porous. The more you scrub, the worse it will be.

Do you need to etch it ?

No. We don’t use Acid. Period. We are environmentally friendly. Plus Acid Etching is Corrosive, Dangerous and doesn’t always work. Many refinishing companies use a corrosive acid, usually hydrofluoric acid, (some others use Muriatic Acid ) to chemically “etch” a porcelain or ceramic tile surface in order to try to make the new coating to “stick.” Hydrofluoric acid is so strong that it actually eats away the porcelain, creating “pits” and a rougher area for the new coating to hold onto. Corrosive materials, like hydrofluoric acid, are dangerous and can cause burns to the technician using them. I know I got it on my fingernail and lost it about 15 yrs ago, luckily it grew back though not as strong as the rest of them. Acid can cause damage to fixtures, surrounding carpet or floors, if misused or spilled. It is also corrosive to pipes if not properly neutralized before pouring down a drain which the typical method of disposal. If acid etching is used in your home or business, be sure the company is covered by their own liability insurance and not your homeowner’s policy!
Acid etching can fail because even the smallest amount of moisture under the new finish, at the tub’s edge or around the drain, can blister and force the new finish to let go and peel and continue to peel as moisture works its way underneath the finish. Our exclusive bonding agent, GLOBALFUSION T-1000, enables us to “fuse” (Hence the name) a new surface onto your tub fixture or tile. Our process is like Chemical welding instead of a patch that’s stuck on. This bonding agent is an adhesion promoter that will cause a chemical bond at the molecular level, a covalent bond where the surfaces will actually share an electron! Global Refinishing’s smooth, hard finish will not peel and will look like new for many years to come

Do you remove the existing fixtures?

On bathtubs we ask that the drains and overflows (age and condition permitting) are removed if you are considering replacing them. On shower tile or sinks with individual valves we can remove the handles and escutcheons. Again, condition permitting.

How do you protect the room?

Every step is taken to ensure that all adjacent surfaces are protected. Floors, counters and walls are covered or masked, and an efficient ventilating system removes odors and dust from the area while the work is in process.

Do you remove the old caulking?

Yes. We cut away all the old existing caulking. We know this is the only way to properly reglaze a tub or sink.

When I have a fixture refinished does it require special care or cleaning materials?

No! The new finish should be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner just as you would with a new fixture or tile. Abrasives will damage even the most durable surfaces over time. To clean your fixtures we recommend using Fantastik, Formula 409, Lysol Tub & Tile Cleaner, Scrubbing Bubbles or any similar product.

What if my bathtub or counter top is damaged?

Small chips and cracks can be repaired during the cleaning and preparation stage of refinishing. Your technician will inform you if the chip or cracks cannot be repaired prior to refinishing your fixture, and we are yet to see one that can’t be repaired.

Can a single chip in my fixture be repaired?

Yes! It can be completely blended into the surface.

Is new coating real porcelain?

No, it is a state-of-the-art synthetic glaze, which has the luster and texture of porcelain with unbelievable durability and toughness.

How long does it take to restore a fixture, tile or appliance?

Usually a few hours and almost always less than one day. Most of the time is spent in preparing the original surface for refinishing. When the top-coat has been applied, there is only a 24 hour “curing” time required before the fixture can be used. This speed minimizes the chance of dust contamination in the top-coat and ensures a smooth finish.

What should I do to prepare the fixture for the restoration process?

Repair or replace any plumbing problems (leaking faucets, broken handles, pipes) and remove any hardware such as shower doors and tracks which are directly connected to the tub or sink. In almost all cases we recommend that the shower doors be removed and replaced. This allows the bathtub to be thoroughly prepared and reglazed. Also please have the fixture to be refinished clean.

My bathtub has been refinished before and it is peeling – why? Can it be refinished again?

The primary cause for a refinished surface failing to adhere to the old surface is improper surface preparation. Global Refinishing ensures that the proper preparations are completed to insure that proper adhesion is achieved and that you get a durable, “like – new” finish on your refinished surface. Previously refinished, peeling surfaces will need to be stripped off to properly fix the problem. Additional charges are standard in the refinishing industry to remove previously applied coatings, but fixtures can be refinished again correctly.

I’ve seen "refinishing kits" in several "Do It-Yourself" retail stores, Isn’t your process the same thing?

No! The “D-I-Y” kits utilize epoxy coatings. Epoxy coatings do not retain color – in fact, epoxies will fade and turn yellow after a relatively short period of time. Epoxies are not nearly as resilient, colorfast, and durable as our superior, state of the art coatings. Global Refinishing’s process consists of modern, technologically advanced coatings, combined with specifically designed bonding agents and proper surface preparation to ensure proper adhesion between the new and old surfaces. Our coatings are of far greater quality than any “Do-It-Yourself” kit that would be found at a retail store. Our coatings are not “paint” – rather they are chemical components that form a tough, chemical resistant, mar and abrasion resistant coating that is fully guaranteed against peeling, bubbling, cracking, loss of color, yellowing, and general adhesion failure in normal use conditions. Our finishes are designed to stand up to their intended use – they do not require special care. However, just like any brand new surface, a refinished surface can be damaged if it is abused. Combined with our proper surface preparation, and our specialized molecular bonding agents, our coatings will retain their color and gloss and provide years and years of reliable service.

Do it yourself will it stand the test of time or look and feel new?

As for appearance, well, just think about this: “How much experience do you have refinishing sinks and bathtubs?”. Refinishing is an art into itself, and requires years of experience to perfect. You cannot expect to just brush on one of these products and have your sink, or bathtub looking new again.

Do yourself a favor, and don’t waste your time, not to mention your money on these products. I ask all my customers to consider the following. IF you are already saving thousands by having a professional refinishing job why cheat yourself by brushing on some cheap yellowing epoxy? Especially a single component epoxy.

Can I change the color of my fixtures?

With our refinishing process you can choose from a complete range of standard and custom colors. If tile walls are to be refinished the grout must be in good condition as well as the tiles. The new surface will retain the appearance of the tile and design but its appearance will become the solid or multicolor pattern you choose. The grout lines will be colored and sealed as well, and consequently stay mildew free. Since a refinished surface is non-porous it is much easier to clean with a spray cleaner such as Lysol Tub & Tile Cleaner, Fantastic, or Formula 409 and a cloth than getting in there with a brush, scouring pad and an abrasive cleaner.

Will refinishing cause any damage or harm to my home or pets?

Definitely NOT. Any odors from chemicals we use are exhausted by window or fan and gone within a few hours. But even so, pets should be kept away while we are there, especially birds because they are more sensitive.

Will my bathtub or counter top look painted?

Definitely NOT. You probably will not be able to tell the difference between a New bathtub and refinished one. Refinishing will make that old chipped, stained, or color-dated item look “New” again.

Why should I choose Global Refinishing for my refinishing needs?

There are many reasons! We at Global Refinishing have been restoring bathtubs and tile for many years and we are a very respected name in the restoration industry with great feedback. Our product is also incredibly beautiful, with exceptional shine and depth of gloss. Your newly refinished bathtub or tile will keep it’s new look for years to come! Decades of developing, testing and technological advances go into every new finish! Corrosion, chipping, fading and scratching are simply not a problem with a Global Refinishing finish. Because of the exceptional durability of our materials we guarantee our residential bathtub refinishing with a 5 year warranty!

Is there a charge for an estimate or inspection?

Of course not! We realize there is always a question or two not covered in a web page. Please call and let us answer it for you, personally at:

STATE OF VERMONT & NORTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE

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