Frequently asked questions

Surface Doctor has been resurfacing bathroom and kitchen fixtures for nearly 30 years. Our high quality surfaces are attractive, durable and can be applied in any colour. We have also recently introduced the sensational Stone Fleck stone finish range. It is no wonder that more people than ever are turning to resurfacing as a cost effective, high quality alternative to the mess and disruption of replacement.

What is the life of a resurfaced bath or tiling?

A Surface Doctor resurfaced bath or tiling should easily last 10 to 15 years using the same care and maintenance instructions recommended by new bath manufacturers (Click here for Care and Cleaning information). Our specialist bonding agent molecularly bonds the old and new surfaces together, ensuring that your bath’s new surface has a long life.

How durable are resurfaced baths?

Surface Doctor uses the most technologically advanced coatings available. These surfaces are designed to stand up to daily use and do not require special care. However, like a newly manufactured bath, a refinished surface can be chipped or scratched if it is abused.

Do resurfaced bathroomor kitchen fixtures look new?

The deep gloss of a Surface Doctor resurfaced bath resembles a newly enamelled bath. In fact, most people will have a difficult time telling any difference between a new bath and a Surface Doctor bath...our process is that good!

How long does it take to resurface a bath?

A standard size bath, in reasonable condition, takes 4­5 hours on the first day, and a further one hour on the second day. The bath will typically be ready to use within 24 hours.

How does resurfacing compare to replacement costs?

Resurfacing costs vary, but will almost always be a fraction of the total cost of replacement. The total cost of replacement is significant once the cost of removal and disposal of the original fixture, plumbing, tiling, constructing a new frame for the bath etc are included. Resurfacing can often save you up to 70% of the cost of replacement!

Does resurfacing have an odour?

Bath resurfacing 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 into the atmosphere, minimising the smell of fresh paint. 80% to 90% of the smell will be exhausted within the first 4 to 5 hours and substantially gone within a day.

Is white the only colour available?

Surface Doctor can match any existing colour or create almost any custom colour of your choosing. We also offer Stone Fleck, a stone look in a variety of colours and textures for kitchen worktops, bathroom counters, and tile surrounds.

Can Surface Doctor fix chips, scratches and cracks?

Small chips and cracks can usually be repaired during the preparation stage of the resurfacing process. Our technicians are trained to make chip repairs without the need to refinish the entire surface. We specialise in on-the-spot colour-matching to make repairs, which are virtually undetectable.

Does Surface Doctor only resurface baths?

Surface Doctor can refinish a wide variety of surfaces including enamel, fibre glass acrylic, china, porcelain, cultured marble, ceramic, and laminate. Surface Doctor is more than just a "Bath Doctor" therefore, and repairs and resurfaces sinks, basins, showers, tiles, and worktops as well as baths.

How do you resurface Kitchen worktops?

Surface Doctor’s unique bonding process is ideal for laminated or tiled worktops. Our revolutionary Stone Fleck finish is ideally suited for kitchen worktops. Our worktop finishes come in a wide range of colours and textures, are easy to clean, and all will be more cost effective than replacement.

Why doesn’t Surface Doctor use acid etching?

Unlike some other companies, Surface Doctor does not use corrosive or harmful acids in its resurfacing process. Acid etching of enamel, porcelain and ceramic is outdated technology, and is environmentally hostile. Our unique MM-4 bonding agent’s performance has been proven to be superior to acid etching in both laboratory and field tests.

What makes Surface Doctor’s resurfacing process superior?

The combination of diligent preparation, ourspecialist bonding agent, high specification coatings and attention to detail sets us apart from our competitors. There are no short cuts to the creation of a durable, attractive new surface. Click here for more details of our process.

Is there a warranty?

Surface Doctor offers a five-year warranty against peeling or other failure of adhesion for baths and ceramic wall tiles. Click here for Warranty Information.

Does a refinished surface need special care?

You’ll find our care instructions are similar to those for most brand new baths or worktops. Do not use cleaners that contain abrasives, harsh acids, or bleach. Most baths, sinks and tiling become worn and dull not because of the passage of time, but due to the use of abrasive or chemical cleaning agents.

How will a bath with a roughened and chipped surface look and feel after resurfacing?

As near as possible to a new bath. All chips, visible rust and worn areas will be repaired ⁄ treated prior to resurfacing. For old baths, certain characteristics in the original bath surface such as a degree of surface contour, miniscule black specks (Pinholes) may still be evident. These are in the original cast and in no way detrimental to the use or the service life of the resurfaced bath.