Why is bathtub resurfacing better than replacing
Replacement – Is there a good alternative?
Replacement may be necessary when the bath is heavily corroded. However, when the bath, basin or tiles are simply worn, damaged, hard to clean, or the colour is no longer to your taste, replacement should only be considered as a last resort. Bathtub resurfacing (sometimes called bathtub enamelling or re enamelling) is a cost effective alternative to replacement, which can restore your existing fixtures within twenty-four hours to look like new. The restored surfaces can have a useful life of 15-20 years, if they are treated with care. Our surfaces are exceptionally hard wearing and can be applied in any colour to meet your taste.
Replacement – What are the costs?
The price of a new bath or fixture is only a small part of the true cost of replacement. New baths typically cost between £100 and £500 depending upon quality and style. However, once installation is factored into the calculation, the total cost rises dramatically. Factors needing to be considered are:
- Removal & disposal of the current bath.
- Plumbing costs associated with the removal of the old taps and drainage and installation of new.
- Fitting and levelling a new frame to act as a cradle for the new bath.
- Re-setting the tiles adjacent to the bath.
- Repair flooring and re-sealing the bath.
The purchase of the new bath will only be a relatively small cost compared to that of the installation work. (This is without highlighting the inconvenience of losing your bath for up to a week while the work is completed.)
Environmental Impact
We know of no detailed survey comparing the carbon footprint of re-surfacing to replacement. However, there is little doubt that the impact of resurfacing on the environment is less than replacement.
It is estimated that between 500,000 and 700,000 baths are sent into landfill every year.
Replacement baths unnecessarily consume irreplaceable natural resources such as oil in their production, and often need to be shipped thousands of miles from factory to your home.
Do It Yourself? Think again
Repairs using bathtub repair kits is not well suited to DIY.
Ask yourself...Would you re-spray your own car? Bathtub resurfacing and repair involves many of the same skills and materials used in car body shops. Bath repair kits generally result in poor Quality finishes with very poor durability. A significant part of our business is correcting poorly completed work.
A good resurfacing job requires extensive preparation, use of special cleaners, fillers for cracks and chips, specialist bonding agents and the skill and experience to spray on fast drying acrylic coatings. You will not get good results from a repair kit, nor will you get the guaranteed durability Surface Doctor offers (Click here for Warranty details) .
Etching (acid or other systems)
Traditional methods for bathtub resurfacing involve the use of etching or keying the surface. The surface is roughened or “pitted” to allow the new surface to adhere to the old. Corrosive hydrofluoric acid traditionally was used to create this key. Surface Doctor does not and will not introduce highly corrosive acids into your home. Follow the link for more details about our bathtub resurfacing process
- Hydrofluoric acid is environmentally hostile.
- Etching acid is dangerous.
- Etching acid is corrosive.
- Etching acid/keying does not always work.
Etching can fail because even the smallest amount of moisture under the new finish at the tub’s edge or around the drain can blister and force the new finish to let go and peel. If the surface becomes chipped, the finish will continue to peel as moisture works its way underneath and compromises the mechanical bond.
Surface Doctor uses specialist bonding technology. It creates a chemical bond between the old surface and the new finish on your fixture or tile. Our process is more like a skin graft instead of a band-aid that's stuck on. Surface Doctor’s smooth, hard finish will not peel and will look like new…we guarantee it!
Find out more about bathtub resurfacing
If you have any more questions about our bath repair and bathtub resurfacing options check out our page of frequently asked questions or contact us by phone or email and we will do our best to answer all your questions.