Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas Bathtub Refinishing Frequently Asked Questions

Let's Instantly upgrade your bathtub or tile!
You can also send a picture of the item needing refinished for an exact quote 972-391-7994
or email me at DallasBathtubServices@gmail.com (I never keep your info or bother you in the future).
Home Investors please scroll to the bottom of this page before contacting me.

Dallas Bathtub Services Answers Questions

Please read before scheduling a job. This one page will answer most all of your questions!

Please Know I Do NOT use Methylene Chloride - That is a product that is very toxic and actually found in paint strippers that was used to strip the old epoxy paint off bathtubs and tile. I do not use it and have not bought it since 1995. I also DO NOT use Hydroflouric Acid - this is a very dangerous and corrosive acid used to etch porcelain tubs. Instead, I use a spun fiber disk operating at 2600RPM to etch tubs with a softer disk used to strip and sand back old Epoxy paint then use silane coupling agent which is a chemical bonding agent that bonds on a molecular level.
Dallas Bathtub Services will not bring these toxic chemicals into your home, around your family because it speeds the process and puts a few extra dollars in my pocket. Never. I promise you that.

Can A Surface Be Refinished More Than Once?

Absolutely! I have Refinished bathtubs, tile surrounds, shower pans and more that have been refinished or painted in most cases years ago. That is not a problem at all! Just send me a picture and I will get an exact quote to you!
Free Quote: 972-391-7994

Q.) Why are there so many prices when it comes to refinishing?

A.) Instead of looking for quality products. Some professionals want to look for cheap products to make a quick dollar. Most have learned how to apply Epoxy and paints and will not learn a different system that involves different mixture rations according to the weather and according to the old surface. An experienced refinishing technician will tell you, we do not all use the same products. The truth is most are using inferior products that were never made for the refinishing Industry. Standard Epoxy and Urethane and even Alkyd paints are water resistant, not water proof. For a bathtub to be refinished correctly the finish coat needs to be water proof. However, that is only one part of the equation. The surface needs to be etched and the finish coat needs to be bonded with silane (this is also used in the Dental and Aerospace Industry). It does not get diluted and it goes on every square inch of the tub and tile that is being refinished. Silane is not a cheap adhesion promoter! Silane is over $175/gallon for a product that will chemically weld the new surface to the old surface and the customer will never see this molecular bonding agent because it is applied before the finish coat and again between finish coats until the correct film thickness is achieved. You can see how the lower priced refinishing jobs will neglect to use this all too important step! When you understand moisture is a catalyst for silane then you understand why Dentist use it when bonding porcelain and you understand why Dallas Bathtub Services uses it for the bonding agent! This prevents moisture from wicking under the new surface causing mildew growth. I have never had any situation that caused mildew growth. My process with etching, the high quality silane, the copolymer coatings .. my refinished bathtubs, tile and shower coatings are rated for underwater submersion Water PROOF (not resistant). This is a Very durable surface expected to last 20+ years if taken care of properly and comes with a 2 year Limited warranty warranty! Bathtub Refinishing Dallas
Let's do it right so your not looking to have it done again in a matter of weeks!
I use copolymer coatings made for bathtub and tile refinishing!

Q.) How are your products different from other refinishers?

A.) That is impossible to answer. I don't know what products other refinishers are using. I would never talk bad about another refinisher or company. I can only tell you what I use, the steps that I use and the adhesion test video from my first page. Also let's keep in mind there is a huge possibility other refinishers are using quality products with the exception of the silane coupling agent (they are not all made equal). Let's also keep in mind the reason I do the work myself... Quality. I know 100% that I am going to do every single step in line so that I can provide you with a quality surface. I know that is not a definitive answer. However, it is an honest and fair answer.

Q.) Do You Warranty Your Work and ...what does that include?

A.) Absolutely!

Limited (2) year transferable warranty! Many people become confused about warranties in the refinishing Industry. The difference is I am not going to lead you to believe it is something it is not.
Originally a warranty was to prove the new surface would not mildew or grow algae, then other refinishers used it as a way to retain customers by getting back in under the guise of a warranty but charging alot of money for any issue. I don't operate like that and I don't word things so vague that they can be turned around "may incur a charge". See a warranty is not a free fix for a specified length of time. A Warranty does not cover chips, which will cause peeling if not fixed quick enough because water works under the bond. It does not cover anything other than workmanship issues which goes back to the real reason warranties were given to prove the coating would not grow mildew or algae. It does not cover damage caused outside of my control. This is why I ask to please let me be the last one in if doing work around the refinished surface such as tile, flooring and hardware. It is important to understand a factory tub or tile is coated with porcelain and baked at 3000(F) so no refinisher is going to be able to achieve that durability. However, technology has brought liquid porcelain enamel with the correct bonding agents and resins so you can save thousands of dollars versus replacement and with care your new surface can easily last over 15 to 20 years! Liquid porcelain enamel coatings are extremely tough and beat out Standard Epoxy and Acrylic paint across the board from gloss to durability to chemical resistance and water proof, not water resistant. Please stay away from bath mats, Store soap bottles and bars off the new surface. Clean with Dawn antibacterial dish soap and wipe down with a soft towel or microfiber towel. Never use sponges to clean a refinished surface, they can become dry and hard causing scratches in the new surface scratching it up water and allowing moisture to wick under the edges causing it to chip away. Your new surface will not mildew or grow algae. The customers job is to not chip and not clean with a harsh cleaners such as citrus cleaners, ajax, comet, bar keepers friend and other cleaners that will damage the surface and effect the bond of the surface to the original surface. The best cleaner is antibacterial dawn (or Dawn power spray) to clean the surface without harsh chemicals. I say this to be honest and upfront with customers. So many times other refinishers will say 5 - 10 year warranty with no warnings, only as a way to charge more money (which could match or exceed the cost of the original job). I refuse to do business that way. If a customer chips the tub within 2 year of refinishing A reduced service fee of $80.00 for minor damage will be charge. Please understand if the surface is heavily damaged the price will go up. I Just don't hide behind vague words like "may incur a charge". Transparency and Honesty prevents misunderstandings. If it is a children's tub and toys are used during bath time things like (suction cupped toys, boats that bump into the sides constantly etc.) then I would either not refinish the tub or I would not allow toys in the tub that could damage the surface. Another Example: when I bathed my large Labrador I put a towel on the tub floor so the nails would not damage the tub. I did that for over 6 years and never had an issue, I never had to touch up anything.
Please see my full warranty at the bottom of the Bathtub Refinishing Price Page.

Q.) Should I be Gone during the refinishing process?

A.) My coatings are very low V.O.C. Also are Isocyanate free! The fumes dissipate about an hour after completion. However, The hard part of this question is realizing that some people are bothered by specific odors. If you are pregnant or have respiratory issues I would err on the side of caution. The odor will dissipate very quick after the work is completed (usually within 1 hour). I use low V.O.C coatings and also use a machine with carbon air filters to filter the air for good measure. I personally have asthma and have worked around these coatings daily since 2003 with no issue at all. I also can tell you from my past experiences that I have very few people tell me they are leaving during the refinishing process. I have had elderly customers on oxygen machines tell me it's not bad at all. However, if you would feel better about being out while the work is being completed please do so and I can notify you when I have about 30 minutes remaining! Is that fair enough?

Q.) What will the homeowner need to do to prepare?

A.) In most cases very little.

Please give me a clean work space. Remove all bottles and products from around the tub/tile area being finished. If you notice water leaking from behind the tile or from under glass door railings allow to dry 100% before scheduling. Unfortunately I cannot return free of charge over drips and I really want you to love your new surface!
Please keep in mind we do not want any pet hair floating around by the refinished tub. If it gets stirred up then it can get embedded into the new surface. (although I can only remember this being an issue twice in all these years)
Please Make Sure The surface is as clean as you can get it, not meaning spotless but if any grout work was done or loose dust or hair is around just vacuuming that up will help tremendously.
Please make sure there are no steady water drips (it can't get wet for 24 hours). I can stop minor drips with a rubber glove. However, please remember water dripping will erode the new surface over time.
If you want to replace any hardware,tile or other work around the refinished area please do so before refinishing. The water controls and drains are taped off and the coating is bonded into the old surface. This means you don't have to worry about anything peeling up around drains! BEFORE YOU REMOVE AN OLD DRAIN please know they are sometimes rusted or corroded in place. I can reverse the rust seal any holes around the drain and install a drain facing if you google 'watco glue down drain' you will see the exact drain so you do not chance damaging a surface by removing an old drain. I recommend ordering it from home depot (it sells through there warehouse) fast shipping and best prices. If you have it there I will be happy to put it on after refinishing. It is very easy ... it takes about 30 seconds literally.

That is the great part about refinishing it is a great way to restore the old surface without having to go through a lot of hassle!
Please have your refinishing completed AFTER all other work around the refinishing project is completed.

Q.) Will there be a lot of dust?

A.) There may be some dry dust. HVLP spraying eliminates 95% of dust during spraying but if the job is multiple surfaces, large showers there will be some dry dust. I have never had a complaint that I can remember but once again, just being honest and upfront. The coating is applied using an H.V.L.P. sprayer (which is a lot like an airbrush) I only use about 2 pounds of air to gently lay the new surface on. This surface chemically reacts with the resins and polymers in the coating to literally form a chemical weld into the old surface. It's important to also note that the h.v.l.p. turbine heats the air so the moisture is removed from the heated air being used. Any surface including porcelain, cultured marble, formica, acrylic, fiberglass and more can be refinished!

Q.) Can other work be done while you are working?

A.) I don't recommend it! Let's keep in mind we want to keep the dust low and clean around the refinishing!

Q.) Why can't I paint my tub with a D.I.Y. paint kit and just paint the tub? Even if it lasts a few months I can redo it can't I?

A.) Please remember my adhesion test. Keep in mind that was professional coatings I was using. Remember the silane bonding agent I spoke about... that is a must have and not a low grade cheap silane but high quality (I promise there is a difference). Also keep in mind the paint kits I know of are not water proof. They are water resistant. When they peel that gets stuck in your drain. The hardest tub to refinish is a tub that has been painted because the old paint will wrinkle under the new surface. This is why they have to be sanded and stripped. Most every kit I have seen is Alkyd paint (that is a cross between latex and oil base paint). You are paying $40 to $60 for old technology tractor paint. You are actually paying for the marketing! I promise you I can appreciate a dollar as well as anyone! If it's not in your budget to have your tub professionally refinished then try getting some 400 grit sandpaper and sanding down the bottom with water and a calcium, lime and rust cleaner (use gloves). This will usually temporarily clean the surface and make it look better. You understand it is not a fix but... at least it is inexpensive and will usually give you a better looking fixture.

Q.) How many workers will be in my home?

A.) Just Me! I work by myself. I will be the one doing the work for you and I never use day laborers or sub contract labor. This is reflected in my prices also. Did you know Most service industries like painting, refinishing, flooring and more use sub contractors. Then pay the sub contractor a percentage of the job. This means you hire a company charging twice as much as I charge so the company gets half and the worker gets half. I have nothing against that... it's business and as long as everyone is happy then that is all that matters! However, I have owned my business since my Senior year of high school in 1991. I went full time after graduation in 1992. That experience comes to your job. A subcontractor may be learning, may have 5 years experience, may have 2 days experience. I am 49 years old (as of 2022) married 29 years with a 27 year old daughter. Born and raised right here in the Dallas area!
Bathtub Refinishing Dallas

Q.) Do You Accept Credit Cards?

A.) Absolutely. I prefer credit cards I do not accept checks sorry. No Processing Fees for cards! I don't carry cash.

Q.) What Colors are available?

A.) I carry White (most popular by far). Since white reflects the colors of the walls white is the most popular and used on literally 99% of all work. I do not use standard epoxy paint or 2 part urethane paint. This is a multi resin coating mixed into a copolymer base specifically made for bathtub and shower refinishing. It is extremely durable. You will find that with normal use and care your surface will last for over 10 - 15 years! Please remember these coatings are factory color copolymer coatings, I want to give you a usable surface you can enjoy for years to come!

Bathtub Refinishing Dallas Contact Information

Q) Can I just text you a picture of the project and get an approximate cost?

A.) Absolutely! In Fact I will Give you an exact quote! So please feel free to do that! I will send you an exact quote and I will never bother you with follow up text or emails or put you on any type of "mailing list"! Keeps a great written record!
972-391-7994 or Email at Dallasbathtubservices@gmail.com

Q.) Is there any other Information I should know?

A.) Only that I sincerely appreciate nice people! If you have a question please ask. I hope you are excited to see your new surface and I want my visit with you to be a friendly, positive experience. I know how hard it is to make a dollar and I want you to feel 100% appreciated! I never rush, never over book jobs and I always arrive on time (actually I try to arrive 20 minutes early). While working I wear a respirator I greatly appreciate text and email! It allows me to reply without having to remove my respirator. I don't have a salesman that comes out to give bids If you have a question please ask! I think most of us are tired of the up selling that so many businesses are using. My past customers have said they loved knowing the exact price before I even walk in the door to do the work! I have NEVER charged more than the quoted price!

Dallas Bathtub Services Contact Information

Residential work only.
Dallas Bathtub Services
Text and Email keeps a great written record
972-391-7994
Dallasbathtubservices@gmail.com
Google Business Listing with reviews Dallas Bathtub Services
You Tube Videos

I do Residential work only. Home Investors and Contractors :Before you contact me please know. I had an issue of identity theft years ago from several home investors and contractors having my s.s.# and personal information (please think of how many individuals would get this info over a month! Very scary looking back on it). It almost broke me fighting this nightmare. I welcome home investors and contractors that understand how scary and dangerous it is to hand this information out and instead are okay with a receipt and warranty.
Updated 2022