Refinish First

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some questions you may have. Please contact us if you have further questions. 

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE REFINISHING PROCESS

Surface refinishing is a cost effective makeover alternative to replacing a bathtub, countertop or tile that is worn out, damaged, hard to clean, or simply the wrong color. Refinish First will repair chips or cracks and restore the surface to look and feel like new. You’ll save thousands of dollars and avoid days or even weeks of demolition mess and costly replacement.

Bathtubs – porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic, cultured marble, clawfoot tubs

Countertops – laminate, Formica®, tile, solid surfaces (Corian®, Silestone® etc), cultured marble

Ceramic Tile – walls, countertops, shower pans, showers, floors

Refinishing can save you up to 75% over the cost of replacement. Bathtub replacement starts with a new bathtub, which will typically costs between $200 and $500. However, the total cost to install can be $3,000 or more!
Bathtub repair can be performed on many types of tubs including porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic or marble. We can repair chips and cracks. Refinished countertops by Refinish First can be repaired if accidentally scorched or chipped by sharp knives. Tiles that have been chipped can be repaired before refinishing. Missing grout will be replaced before refinishing. Refinishing has an added benefit of sealing the grout.

A standard size bathtub, in reasonable condition, takes only 3 to 5 hours to refinish. The tub will typically be ready to use within 24 hours, or even sooner with special curing procedures.

Refinish First offers two countertop & tile finish options. The first is a solid color or speckled finish that takes 3 to 5 hours and is ready to use the next day. The second option is our stone finish. An affordable upgrade, typically takes two days to apply and an additional 24 to 48 hours to cure, depending on humidity and ambient temperatures.

Bathtub refinishing topcoats contain solvents, which are necessary to make the finish hard and durable. We use special ventilation fans to exhaust air from the work area outside, minimizing the fresh paint like odor. 80% to 90% of the smell will be exhausted within the first 4 to 5 hours and substantially gone within a day.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FINISH

With proper care and maintenance, Refinish First refinishing can extend the useful life of your fixtures for up to 15-20 years or more. Our bonding agent creates a chemical bond between old and new surfaces, assuring you long life for your refinished tub, tile and countertops.

Refinish First uses the most technologically advanced coatings available. These finishes are designed to stand up to daily use and do not require special care. However, like any bathtub, laminate, tile or manmade surface, a refinished surface can be chipped, cut or burned if it is abused. However, unlike these other surfaces, Refinish First can repair and return a refinished surface to like new.

You’ll find our care instructions are similar to those for most brand new bathtubs or countertops…do not use cleaners that contain abrasives, harsh acids, or bleach. Most bathtubs, sinks and tile become worn and dull due to abrasive cleansers, not from time.

Refinish First can match any existing color or create almost any custom color of your choosing. We also offer a stone look in a variety of colors and textures for countertops, vanities and tile surrounds.

The deep gloss of a Refinish First refinished bathtub resembles new porcelain. In fact, most people will have a difficult time telling any difference between a new bathtub and a Refinish First refinished tub… the Refinish First process is that good!

A Refinish First refinished countertop resembles new laminate. If refinished, the new surface will resemble the more expensive natural stone or Silestone. Most people will have a difficult time telling any difference between a Refinish First refinished countertop and a newly installed laminate or solid surface countertop.

QUESTIONS ABOUT REFINISH FIRST

The combination of diligent preparation, our bonding agent, advanced coatings and final detailing sets Refinish First apart from all other refinishers. The original surface is always completely cleaned and surface scratches and chips are filled and repaired. Next the surface is treated with unique proprietary bonding agent, which creates a molecular bond between the cleaned surface and the new coating.
Yes! We offer a five-year warranty for bathtubs, wall tile and fiberglass units. This warranty covers workmanship, peeling or other failure of adhesion of the new coating. On our countertop refinishing we offer a five-year limited warranty against adhesion failure. Ask for a copy of the warranty when you are given an estimate.

Refinishing performed with the right materials and using the right procedures produces incredibly beautiful results! But not all refinishing is the same. No other refinisher delivers the quality work or level of service consistently offered by Refinish First.

We offer superior adhesion, superior finish & feel, superior craftsmanship, superior service, superior reputation and track record, superior materials and superior procedures and techniques.

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