In most cases a refinished surfaces requires 24-48 hours (at room temperature) until it should be used normally. Although the refinished surface can be put back into full use after this time, the surface may actually continue to harden for up to 30 days; therefore the following guidelines are suggested.
Do: In the first 30 days, following the refinishing service, easily clean your surface with only mild soap and water and a damp cloth or sponge.
Do: After the first 30 days, clean your newly refinished surface easily with a damp cloth or sponge and mild detergents or general purpose cleaners. Such as Formula 409, Dow, Scrub Free, Fantastic, Windex, Mr. Clean, Bon Ami and dish washing soaps such as Dawn, Joy and Ivory.
Do Not: Clean your newly refinished surface with any liquid cleaners for the first 30 days from the date of refinishing. Use only mild soap and water to clean during that first 30 day period.
Do Not: Use any liquid or powder cleaners that contain abrasives, bleach or strong acids, such as Comet, Ajax, Bleach or Ammonia.
Do Not: Use steel wool, wire brushes or abrasive sponge pads
Do Not: Allow cleaner to remain on the surface for an extended period of time before thoroughly rinsing.
Do Not: Let faucets drip. Be sure that your faucets are dry and not dripping after each use.
The Refinishing Process
Why Refinish?
The refinishing process is superior to replacement and renovation in several ways; the downtime is hours instead of days or weeks and the cost of removing and replacing a bathtub alone can cost upwards to $3000.00.
With proper maintenance and care your newly refinished surface will provide many years of service.
Refinishing provides a durable, economical service to homeowners, hotel operators, and apartment complexes. Bathtubs, countertops, tile, sinks and vanities, all can become scratched, dull, or outdated, yet still be structurally sound and working. Refinishing takes only a few hours and imparts a brand new surface on the original item, without removal.
The result is a surface with a brand new, shiny clean, durable, high gloss finish. Refinishing can be performed on a variety of surface materials including porcelain, fiberglass and acrylic.
What is Refinishing?
The process in refinishing an outdated or worn out surface involves the application of a very hard and durable acrylic coating to the existing surface.
A refinishing professional is part Designer, part Chemist, part Specialty Painter, and part Artisan.
The refinishing process is highly detailed, and requires professional training and equipment. The basic stages of bathtub refinishing are:
1. Preparation:
Ventilation equipment will be set up and your existing surface will be professionally cleaned with specialized industrial cleaners. Some of these products will actually break down the original surface, in preparation of receiving a brand new finish. All dirt, soap scum, detergents, dyes, and other contaminants will be removed. Existing plumbing fixtures and drain will be specially prepared /covered for the process.
2. Application of New Surface:
Your new surface will be applied in 3 phases: 1. Surface prep phase 2. Bonding/priming phase, and 3. Top coat phase.
3. Completion:
Your surface will now look as shiny and beautiful as the day it was first installed.
In one day, from start to finish, your surface will be transformed from an embarrassment to the centerpiece of the room, with a new, high gloss, sparkling clean beautiful finish!