Fixture Resurfacing
Reusing existing fixtures
A great way to affordably freshen the look of your bathroom is to resurface the existing fixtures. But not every fixture can be or is worth being restored. To determine if your fixtures need to be totally trashed or if they can be restored, consider the following points:
·Fixtures made of fiberglass, cast iron or porcelain might be able to be restored; other materials are not able to be resurfaced.
·If the original glaze is peeling, chipping or wearing you may be able to resurface it, but if it’s pitted or extremely rough, the product likely has to be replaced.
·Resurfacing takes some time; you’ll be without your tub or sink for a few days at best and weeks at worst.
·If you want a professional to do the work for you, it will take time and you’ll pay from $300 - $1200 dollars, depending on the state and size of the fixture.
You (or the professional you hire) will have to clean, sand, prime, paint and seal the fixture and give it time to cure before it can be used again. These are all integral steps and must be done carefully and thoroughly to give you a surface that you can depend on for years to come.
The supplies you need are either a proven professional or the following products: a resurfacing kit, a respirator mask, eye protection and nonporous gloves, an adjustable-pressure spray gun, a quality sander, paintbrushes, tarps, masking tape and a fan that can move fumes and toxins out of your living and working space. The resurfacing kit can be found at most home repair stores and will cost between $120 and $200. A professional may cost only an extra $100 and will probably be worth every penny, unless you love to do it yourself!
If you still choose to do the resurfacing yourself, follow the directions on your particular kit so that you have the best possible finished product. Most kits will start by asking you to mask all surfaces that you don’t want refinished. Then you’ll need to thoroughly clean the surfaces to be resurfaced and repair any divots or scratches. Then you’ll bond the surface so the new glaze will adhere properly. Finally, you’ll get to apply the new coat, in three or four layers. This coat needs to cure for 24 hours before you can buff and polish the tub or sink. The buffing and polishing step is extremely important because it smoothes ridges and pits and makes the tub or sink easier to clean after the project.
If it’s done right, this process should renew your tub or sink for years of additional use.
