Dallas Bathtub Refinishing frequently asked questions

Dallas Bathtub Refinishing Frequently Asked Questions

  • This one page will answer most all of your questions.
  • Let's Instantly upgrade your bathtub or tile!
  • Before you try to remove a rusted or corroded drain please read this page.  
  • Home Investors please scroll to the bottom of this page before contacting me.
  • PAYMENT DUE AT THE TIME OF SERVICE
Dallas Bathtub Refinishing
Please 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).
Dallas Bathtub Refinishing in Dallas TX
 Q.) Do you remove the drain or replace hardware?
A.) Unfortunately, I do not remove the drain. Or change out and hardware. The drain, overflow and hardware will be masked off and the new surface is chemically bonded up against it. Please keep in mind if installing a new drain that a plumber may have to heat it up with a torch to loosen any corrosion or rust.
  • I recommend installing any new hardware before the tub is refinished. Removing the drain can break the drainage pipe it screws into. If this happens on a slab foundation the tub has to be jacked up to repair it (which cost me $1,500.00 when it happened to my tub in 2003) also, 3 rows of tile fell when they jacked the tub up causing further damage.
  • A drain is needed and must be installed when refinishing so it can be prepped before refinishing. I highly recommend looking at a "watco glue down drain" (just google that phrase). They glue down on top of the existing drain and they have a pop up stopper. It takes less than 1 minute to put on and it comes with the silicone glue. They run about $30. I have not found one in any stores. However, Home Depot and Amazon sells them through their website and they arrive in about 3 - 5 days. These are a great option if you want a new drain without having to chance breaking the drainage pipe or hiring a plumber. These can be put on after refinishing. If you have it there I am happy to put it on for you!
  • I have never had a surface come up around the drain in my 30 + years. I have however, had many customers pay trip charges for chipping the new surface when installing a drain after refinishing. One tub had to be heated with a torch to remove the drain and the new surface was so chipped and burnt I had to recharge for the entire job plus had to remove the old surface that was destroyed. I never want that to happen to you and it makes me feel terrible when that happens to a customer! It has happened several times. I have been on the job and had the customer break the drain trying to replace it before refinishing, causing the job to be cancelled and a trip charge to be paid.
  • One more short example. Day before Thanksgiving 2022 I was scheduled to refinish a tub, I told the young couple I would do the small sink at No charge while I was there. The mother was visiting and in a not so friendly manner told me I needed to remove the faucet before refinishing the sink. I explained it's a liability due to leakage, I could not do that. She had her son-in-law do it. The shut off valve broke and water flooded the bathroom. Soaking my equipment, ruining the tub I was prepping. I felt so bad for them I did not charge a trip charge and the couple apologized profusely, I returned the following week for the tub. I found out the emergency plumber cost $1000.00. 

Q.) How long after refinishing until a door assembly can be installed?
A.) The tub/shower will be ready for use 24 hours after refinishing. However, I recommend waiting at least 48 hours before installing new glass doors or frames. This gives more time for the bonding process to occur.
972-391-7994 - Send a picture of Your Refinishing Project
For an Exact Quote.
Bathtub Refinishing Near Me

Q.) How much deposit is needed before I schedule?

A.) None! Dallas bathtub refinishing services will never ask for any money up front on a regular job. I am owner/operated I can only schedule 1 sometimes 2 jobs per day. When I agree to your job I am turning down work for that time period. Even if it is a larger paying job! You booked first then it is your time slot. If you need to cancel I completely understand. However, If I arrive and the job is cancelled, leaking water from damage or can not be completed, other contractors working in the space, and I have already driven to the job site then there is a $280 trip charge fee. Most will understand why, It very rarely happens. Only twice that I can remember after 30 + years in business. However, please understand. I can not drive somewhere, Only to find out the job is not able to be completed and lose the money that I could have made from that work, plus lose the several hour time slot I had allotted for the job. (When during the same time I could have been on another paying job that I passed over on, thinking I had work scheduled). I am adding this information here because it happened 3 times in a 2 week period April 28,2023 thru May 2nd 2023. I had other customers needing jobs completed and they had moved on... Only to find 3 days were completely wasted. I felt putting it up front with the explanation may stop any more.
Dallas Bathtub Refinishing
972-391-7994 - Please send me a picture of your refinishing project for an exact quote.

What is a Limited Warranty in Bathtub Refinishing?

  • Keep in mind New manufacturers Like Kohler only offer a (1) year warranty on New Bathtubs. (that must be returned to them).
  • Dallas Bathtub Refinishing Services: (My Warranty Since 2003): (2) year transferable Limited Warranty (Residential) (1 year commercial) to cover workmanship issues that I have control over  - this means the correct surface is applied the correct way so algae and mildew do not ever grow on or under the surface this is what a warranty was originally limited to. Please do not think me, or any refinisher I know of can provide years of care free of charge. The warranty does not cover foundation movements, acts of God, chips or improper cleaning by harsh cleaners causing the new surface to become discolored  and brittle (Such as citrus cleaners), bath mat usage and strong bleach cleaners, dried sponges, dropped items, storage of items on tub surface, Moisture under or behind a surface I can not see. etc.  (Yes I see the ridiculous 5 and 10 year warranties out there with all info in fine print or not listed at all!) this is because warranties are limited and do not cover the cost of labor. In all my years I have never seen or heard of a technician returning  later under "warranty" for a free fix. I have heard of them charging $75/ hour plus $75 trip charge, or usually having to strip and refinish a badly damaged tub at a more than the original price. These ridiculous warranties cast a black cloud over our industry. Also keep in mind most refinishing businesses fail within the first 5 years. These people are giving out warranties with the intention of making money on that warranty for the "X" number of years. The average person thinks if it's under warranty its fixed free for "X" amount of years. Once you look at the truth you understand these large companies are paying sub contractors, not employees. The turn over rate of sub contractors is amazing. This is why I am owner / operated. 
  • 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.
  • However, if you do chip the new surface of your tub During the next (2) year Residential. (1) year commercial (Rental, air BnB, anything other than your home that you personally live at full time)  you get a heavily discounted price! (reg. trip charge $280) your discounted trip charge usually $80.00 (depending on driving time and damage). Please let me know before a chip or damage cause more damage.
  • Please let me know at the very first sign of an issue! Do not wait until months go by and water works under the surface and causes a completely new surface to be applied, that is not a warranty issue. Do not use any type of bathmat on any refinished (including factory finished bathtub, tile or shower. I include a free slip resistant resin on the tub floor.
  • Exclusive use of 100% Polyester coating chemically bonded with silane means you have to really hit he tub hard to chip it... or possibly just at the right angle to unfortunately chip it. Please remember, it is chip resistant, not chip proof.
  • Please understand I can not do maintenance of the surface- does not cover chips, scratches, foundation movement or anything outside my control ---(Does not include caulking) The surface is applied using the correct application and the correct bonding agents. The surface is applied in a continuous motion. I also use silane coupling agent molecular bonding agents 100% preventing mildew and algae growth and bonding the new surface to the old.
I do everything in my power to do the very best job I can do. I Use the most expensive polyester and flouropolymer coatings made for bathtub and shower refinishing each batch is tested and records kept on file to prove consistent coating durability, I use a 2 part silane coupling agent for bonding. I use the specialty thinners made for the coating not cheaper lacquer thinners bought from home improvement stores. With this being said no refinishing will match the durability of factory baked on surface of the original tub. Original porcelain is baked at thousands of degrees (F). However, you will find with proper care your new surface to easily last many years and WILL Save you thousands of dollars versus replacement. Just follow the care instructions for cleaning and stay away from bathmats! If a child is being bathed and toys are played with I highly recommend soft toys. This prevents hard plastic toys from accidentally being rammed into the sides of tubs are scratched along the top.
After the surface is applied There is no way for me to know how often it is cleaned, used or what type of cleaner is used.
 (suction cupped bathmats, improper cleaning agents severely damage the tub resulting in complete refinishing.)
  • The limited warranty is to guarantee no mold or mildew growth on a maintained surface.
 Please note: if the surface is heavily damaged after the original refinishing the cost may exceed the original price.
  • I recommend doing all plumbing and tile and Flooring work before you have the bathtub refinished.
  • Let me be the last one in, this way if an accident happens it can be fixed at n/c when I refinish the Tub or Tile. 
  • Do not use Suction Cupped bath mats. They trap soap residue and create a constant vacuum that can and usually will cause issues with the coating these will damage the new surface. I have repaired  new bathtubs that were a year old with rust spots caused by these bath mats.
  • Do Not set bar soap or shampoo bottles on a refinished surface. These can cause trapped soap and water that can damage the surface.
  • Recommended cleaner is Dawn Power Wash or make a mixture of dawn anti bacterial dish soap 2-3 ounces per quart of water. (Stronger mixing is o.k. but not necessary) mixed with 3 ounces rubbing alcohol and the rest water. Dawn Power Wash (sold in the dish soap aisle works even better)!
  • There are so many cleaners on the market that It's impossible to know them all. citrus cleaners and grit cleaners like comet and soft scrub will void the warranty. Please stick with one of the cleaners above and a soft cloth.
  • The warranty does not cover cracks, damage from outside influences or damage caused by foundation or movement from improper installation, poor drainage issues, constant water leaks that damage the surface such as improper cleaners or anything else that is out of my control.
  • In no event with respect to claims will damages exceed the price of the service Warranty. A regular service fee or cancellation fee is $280.00 Issues must be brought to my attention as soon as they happen to prevent additional charges. neglect of a surface will void your warranty. Agreement to this warranty is made upon completion of the refinishing job with all sales final.  Dallas Bathtub Refinishing Services 
  • Dallas Bathtub Services and all individuals associated with this business are not responsible for any accidents including those occurring due to slip and falls. Slip resistant floors are just that... resistant and can not be 100% guaranteed to prevent falls.  All warranty work will be provided by me and I have the final approval on warranty claims. Completion of work constitutes agreement of warranty claims and charges. This has been my warranty since 2003.
  • Sinks and vanity refinishing are not warrantied. This is due to the nature of use with hard objects placed on them. In saying that also know I have Never had an issue.
  • Any surface that is refinished at no charge or reduced fees will not have a warranty.
  • This warranty and discounted trip charge is transferable.
  • Rental Properties. Home investment Properties and Air B&B's Have a (1) Year Limited Warranty. All Sales Final on all work.
  • Please know I usually have 3 to 4 issues per year. Always has been either improper cleaning (some type of soft scrub, some type of citrus cleaner) or bath mat usage. I am being as honest, transparent and upfront as I can possibly be. I use Polyester coatings (superior in every way to standard epoxy, acrylic paint and polyurethane). Bonded with silane coupling agents. I want you to get the longest benefit possible from your new surface! Please clean with Dawn power wash or Dawn dish soap A few table spoons in a quart spray bottle of water with 3 ounces or more of rubbing alcohol. This dawn cleaning solution is a great cleaner for refinished items as well as brand new factory coated appliances. Remember, harsh cleaners are usually what caused the new surface to become worn, scratched or discolored. The worst offenders for destroying new surfaces I have found are "barkeepers friend, scrub pads, comet, softscrub, and all citrus cleaners" Followed by cleaners with vinegar and heavy bleach. These eat away at the glaze over time. Even on brand new factory finishes!

Bathtub Refinishing Near Me

Please Know I Do NOT use Methylene Chloride -(opens a new window)- 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 (made illegal in 2019). 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 Refinishing 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.

Q.) Can A Surface Be Refinished More Than Once?

A) Absolutely! I have Refinished bathtubs, tile surrounds, shower pans and more that have been refinished or painted in most cases  years ago 3 - 4 times. That is not a problem at all! Just send me a picture and I will get an exact quote to you!
Dallas Bathtub Refinishing
972-391-7994 - Please send me a picture of your refinishing project for an exact quote.
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 polyurethane paints and will not learn a different system that involves different mixture ratios 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, Urethane and  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! Moisture is a catalyst (activator) for silane this is why Dentist use it when bonding porcelain and you understand why Dallas Bathtub Refinishing Services uses it for the bonding agent! This prevents moisture (condensation) from forming under the new surface causing mildew growth and causing the new surface to literally peel off in 2 foot sheets. I have never had any situation that caused mildew growth.  My process with etching, the high quality silane, the 100% polyester 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.
Let's do it right so your not looking to have it done again in a matter of weeks!
I use 100% Polyester coating made for bathtub and tile refinishing!
Dallas Bathtub Refinishing
972-391-7994 - Please send me a picture of your refinishing project for an exact quote.
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 about me page. Also let's keep in mind there is a huge possibility other refinishers are using quality products with the exception of HIGH QUALITY silane coupling agent (they are not all made equal). I have seen many professionally refinished tubs that were simply painted with epoxy and were failing after literally 3 uses. I have seen bathtubs refinished in kilz, krylon spray paint, automotive lacquer and even wall paint that had mildewed so bad after 2 weeks I had to scrape everything off and wash the tub down with microbial disinfectant before even beginning the refinishing process!  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, truthful and fair answer. 
Dallas Bathtub Refinishing
972-391-7994 - Please send me a picture of your refinishing project for an exact quote.
Q.) Should I be Gone during the refinishing process?
A.) My coatings are low V.O.C. The fumes dissipate about an hour after completion. This is because with polyester once catalyzed and cured will not emit harmful v.o.c.'s into your home! So there is no impact to indoor air quality!  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. 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?
Dallas Bathtub Refinishing
972-391-7994 - Please send me a picture of your refinishing project for an exact quote.
Q.) What will the homeowner need to do to prepare?
A.) In most cases very little.
  • Please give me a clean work space. Please clean the surface being refinished as good as you can. 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 contain 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 I need the drain Installed Before I do the bathtub to do the best job I can. The hardware and drains are masked off with tape and paper 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. Removing the drain can break the drainage pipe under the tub. This is why I NEVER remove them. It happened on my personal tub in 2003 and I had to pay $1500 to have the tub jacked up (slab foundation) several rows of tile fell and broke just to replace a piece of pipe that was broke. If you search "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 or Amazon (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. They go over the existing drain and have a pop up stopper. I am not affiliated in any way with the product or store. It is just a great product I recommend.
This is the great part about Dallas bathtub 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.
Bathtub Refinishing Near Me
972-391-7994 - Please send me a picture of your refinishing project for an exact quote.
Q.) Will there be a lot of dust?
 A.) There may be very little dry dust. HVLP spraying eliminates 99% 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 2-3 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 is tied to the old surface using a very high quality silane coupling agent. 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. Dallas Bathtub Refinishing can refinish surface including porcelain, cultured marble, formica, acrylic, fiberglass and more can be refinished! 
Q.) Can other work be done while you are refinishing a Bathtub or Tile?
A.) I do not recommend it! Let's keep in mind we want to keep the dust low and clean around the refinishing! Also for 12 hours after 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 see my adhesion test. (opens a new page) Keep in mind that was my 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! (About me page) 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 2024) 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. Credit Cards, Checks, Venmo, Zelle, and Cash! If paying cash please know I do not carry change on me. No Processing Fees for cards! Payment is due upon the completion of the service.
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 100% polyester specialty coating 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 15 - 20 years! I want to give you a usable surface you can enjoy for years to come!

Dallas Bathtub Refinishing Services 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!
I am the owner/operator Johnny Yarbrough and will be the one responding to you. 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 and latex gloves. I is very hard for me to answer the phone so 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!  

Bathtub Refinishing Near Me

Johnny Yarbrough
  (Owner)
Residential work only.
Dallas Bathtub Refinishing Services
Text and Email keeps a great written record
972-391-7994
[email protected]
Google Business Listing with reviews Dallas Bathtub Refinishing Services
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. Payment is due at the time of the service! Please do not leave then expect to be billed!