Frequently Asked Questions
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How long have you been in business?
We have been in business for over 10 years. Closer to 15. There are a lot of competitors out there these days and we have seen them come and go. But here at NorCal Refinishing we spend the extra money for the best products on the market and are constantly testing new innovations. We take our time on every job to make sure that it is done right the first time. That’s probably why we have been around so long and have so many repeat customers.
How does the NorCal Refinishing process differ from our competitors?
NorCal Refinishing is fully licensed, bonded and insured. Many other companies don’t have the proper licensing and put you at risk. This is one of those businesses where you get what you pay for. There is a huge range of products. At NorCal Refinishing we only use the best products on the market so that we can have the best results. With bathtub refinishing it is all about the adhesion. So to make sure our coating lasts we use the both of best worlds. We first etch the surface, then use a bonding agent and primer, where most companies only choose one or the other. This process insures a solid bond.
For additional information check out our refinishing process page.
How long does the refinishing process take?
Our refinishing process only takes a day to complete. You can use the fixture before we arrive. We are there between 4 and 7 hours depending on the fixture, then you can use the following morning so hopefully there is no down time.
Why should I refinish instead of replace?
Refinishing your bathtub will save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over bathtub replacement. While a brand new bathtub may only cost $600, there are several hidden costs to replacement such as removal and disposal cost, plumbing alterations, and tile work. These costs add up, and you can easily end up spending $3,500 to $10,000 to replace your bathtub and the tile around it.
Does NorCal Refinishing offer a warranty or guarantee?
NorCal Refinishing offers an industry leading 5 year written guarantee for all of our work. Most refinishing companies offer industry-standard warranties which are pro-rated, meaning that the warranty’s coverage decreases incrementally over time. Unlike these warranties, our guarantee covers 100% of any defects in workmanship or materials throughout the entire life of the guarantee.
How long will my refinished bathtub last?
The durability of a bathtub refinished by NorCal Refinishing is very similar to that of a brand new bathtub. If properly maintained and no abrasive chemicals are used for cleaning, it will last you many years just as a brand new bathtub would.
How do I care for and clean my refinished bathtub?
Refinished bathtubs are often easier to clean than the original product. Make sure you use mild, non-abrasive cleaning products. Just as with a new bathtub, the finish or shine can be dulled by abrasive cleaners.
Can you refinish a tub that has been already refinished?
Yes, a tub that has been refinished before can be refinished again. The first step would be to strip the old coating off the tub. Then we start with a clean substructure to insure a beautiful new finish.
Do you use acid etch or a bonding agent?
We use both. By using both methods at the same time we get the best of both worlds. We first etch the fixture to get the etching so called “tooth” for the coating to adhere and grab on to and then we use the bonding agent to get the molecular bonding of the extremely effective bonding agents on the market. This way we insure the proper bond to the substructure.
What preparation is needed before we arrive?
We recommend removing all loose items from the room where the fixture to be refinished lives. We make every attempt to keep the dust to a minimum by using exhaust fans, but we can’t always get all of it. If the room where the fixture is located in under construction, we recommend you have all other work to be performed in the area to be completed, including new bathtub surrounds, floors and painting. We ask that you have a working drain available as the extensive preparation procedures we use will require several rinses along the way. In addition, if there is a leak from your faucet you need to have that repair completed prior to the refinishing process. It is very important that no water fall on the newly refinished surface for at least 4 hours. Also, if you are planning to replace hardware like drains, spouts or valves, they should also be replaced before refinishing.
What colors do you carry?
We can order any custom color desired, but 95% of the time we spray an off white coating to match the toilet or a sink already installed in the room.
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