Tubs, Tile, Showers, Countertops: Refinishing vs. Replacement
“Bathtubs and showers needing attention often put homeowners at a crossroads” says Scott Sievert, of Miracle Method, a refinishing company serving Dane and surrounding counties.“Traditionally when tubs were ugly, worn or damaged with chips and scratches, replacement was the first and probably the best option if someone wanted to refresh the look of their bathroom,” Sievert continues, “The tear out of the old tub, new installation, and rebuilding what was harmed in the demolition process was an expensive and very inconvenient option. Usually taking seven to ten days and costing over $2,000.”
In recent years, however, technology has delivered options that homeowners in the past did not have available to them. Designed to provide a new look and feel to existing tubs and fixtures, these options can save a great deal of money and look like new under the right circumstances. These options are:
? Refinishing with mechanical bonding— Using the existing tub surface as the base for a new coating.The existing surface is roughed up by sanding or the use of a toxic acid to etch the surface to accept the new coating.These finishes tend to be less durable and susceptible to water damage and peeling. But, given the right conditions this method can provide a presentable looking finish for a limited time.
? Refinishing with a chemically fused surface— Creates an impregnable coating, updates colors and refreshes the look while keeping the original feel of the fixture.This can be used on top of any non-porous surface including bathtubs, tile, fiberglass and countertops. The process involves cleaning the original fixture, then applying a chemical bonding agent (which grabs tightly to the original surface). Several coats of a urethane coating are then applied over the bonding agent.The materials fuse to the contours of the original surface, thus delivering the new look and smooth, clean “feel” of the original. Since it is molecularly bonded, it won’t peel off. This process is much more durable; typically lasting 15+ years.
? Installing a liner—This process creates a replica of your tub using a pre-manufactured plastic “skin.” Liners also avoid demolition and deliver the finished look.The process does involve a measuring step and waiting for the liner to be manufactured. The install usually will take one day, but the whole process is longer.
“We chose to provide the second option listed,” says Sievert.“We felt that chemically bonding a coating provided the best combination of durability and safety, a shorter overall process and the best value for our customers. Little things, such as updating colors so your old fixture doesn’t look outdated (or like an add-on), mean so much when all is completed.”
“Because there are always new home improvement products being introduced, our practice is to explain each method in detail so customers understand what they are considering. We want to eliminate confusion because we are dealing with people’s homes. We care about providing the right product in terms of durability, meeting their aesthetic goals and causing as little disruption as possible within their household.”
“The great thing is that our process is typically one quarter the cost of a replacement and one half the cost of a plastic liner while maintaining the original fixture’s contours and feel.” Scott Sievert ,Miracle Method
