Frequently Asked Questions


As with any product or service, it is beneficial to be an informed consumer and do your research. To assist with your decision making regarding resurfacing over other forms and options for updating your fixtures, we have outlined some of our most frequently asked questions, and then some.

 

Should you still have any questions or concerns which have not been listed below, please do not hesitate to contact us and we would be delighted to address them with you. We can also add them to this page to assist other consumers with your same queries. You can either fill out this form >>>

or call or text us at 484.554.1807. Direct emails can be sent to ContactUs@DenniesResurfacing.com.

 

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In-Home Services


Q. How long does a bathtub take to be resurfaced?
 
A. The approximate time it takes one of our expert resurfacing technicians to resurface a standard bathtub is 2-4 hours. If a bathtub has been previously refinished with inferior or failing products and requires prepping, anywhere from 45 minutes to 4 hours can be added onto the time it takes to refinish a tub, plus an additional set fee for the extra prepping process. Surrounds, tiles and sinks can add onto that time but under normal circumstances we will finish the job in less than a day, with the finish being ready for use after 24 hours the following day.
 
Q. How long will the new finish last?


A. With resurfacing, your fixtures get an extended lifetime of 10-15 years with proper care and maintenance. This is variable however not only with
care and maintenance, but the location and use of the fixture/ surface. Naturally a daily used fixture like a kitchen sink will receive more wear and tear than one in a guest bathroom for example, or likewise, horizontal tile being used on a floor or countertop as opposed to vertical wall tile which can last indefinitely. See our video with a durability test on our floor products. Only the highest quality industrial eco-friendly VOC compliant products are applied using HVLP turbine equipment, whose guarantee combined we operate under. In normal words, we spray high quality stuff! Professionally resurfacing fixtures outlasts any paint, epoxy, DIY or home project kit available in stores by years, and surpasses their finish in presentation and quality. Be sure to ask your refinisher what products he is using, if you do not choose to hire us or are outside our service area.

 

Q. How soon can I use my tub/shower?
 
A. You can enjoy a shower in your sparkly new looking tub or shower stall the very next day. If the area is caulked the day of refinishing, it will have a water tight seal setting over night, leaving it ready for use as normal within 24hrs. We do not recommend putting tape guidelines for caulk on any new finish before the 24 hour period marked on the client receipt. If the homeowner waits until after the entire cure process to apply a caulk seal, the shower stall will be ready for use as per the directions by the caulk manufacturer on the packaging.
 
Q. Can I buy the products at my local home store?
 
A. No. The products and DIY epoxies sold at home stores do not compete in quality or durability to the standard of those which professional technicians use on jobs. Licensed reglazing professionals have many choices of product to use: epoxies, car paint, marine paint, even aeronautical coatings, as the coating that they rely on to represent their company... point being that all chosen finishes are far from the DIY kits sold in stores. The products which we use are silane based with aliphatic acrylic urethane topcoats, which require ordering and shipping from one of a select number of US chemical companies, which sell them only to licensed contractors. We work with a chemist from the manufacturer, to keep up to date with the newest and most eco-friendly, VOC compliant products on the market, applied with specialized industrial equipment.
 
Image shows an actual client DIY product fail, before we stripped it all off and prepped the tub for our finishes. Inferior products mixed with inexperienced individuals, will not produce professional results my friends.
DIY reglazing refinishing repainting resurfacing kit peeling failure, DIY kit fail

Q. I’m not sure what kind of tub or sink I have?
 

A. No problem! If a tap on the side doesn't let you know if it is fiberglass/plastic or cast iron, we can assist. Send us a picture via text to 484.554.1807 or email at ContactUs@DenniesResurfacing.com and we can answer any questions you may have. We have products and processes for all kinds of surfaces - Porcelain, metal, steel, cast iron, ceramic,  fiberglass, plastic, even wood and marble.

 
5 year warranty ©Dennie's Resurfacing LLC
Q. Do you offer a warranty?
 
A. Yes. We are so confident in our workmanship and our products that we stand by an extensive written warranty for both residential and commercial properties. Warranty's range from 1 year to 5 years depending on the fixture, it's condition and location. Should you have any questions about our processes or the products we use, just give us a call. It is important to read the Care and Maintenance cleaning guidelines before using a newly resurfaced fixture so as to keep in compliance with your warranty. From our time working with chemists, we advise to be wary of small business individuals or companies offering 10 year warranties. Due to their limited experience with the products, a maximum number of call outs is usually in their fine print, whereas we at Dennie's Resurfacing LLC can come to your property an unlimited number of times until the issue is resolved for both parties. Some great clients reviewed us after they needed to avail of their warranty, if you haven't already been to our testimonials page and read through our reviews. Do contact us before attempting any repairs to ensure that we can honor our warranty to you. Warranties are honorable to the contract signor only. We do not shy away from warranty issues so if you have contacted us and have not received an answer from us, call or text 484.554.1807. We love happy clients!

 

A. Our industrial coating manufacturers boast the extension of fixture life by 15 or even 20 years (depending on location and traffic) with experienced professional application. Abrasives and abrasive cleaners such as Comet or bleaches like Soft Scrub can damage any glossy finish including ours, and greatly decrease its lifespan and therefore are not recommended as cleaning supplies for your newly refinished surfaces. Read more here >>>

 

Q. Is there anything you need to perform the work?

 

A. To perform our work, we require a power source, reasonable heat, a source of running water and a window nearby for ventilation. If other renovations or work is being done in the room or nearby, it is best to have those projects finished before we come in to ensure that no workman drops tools or anything of the sort in the tub, which would not be covered by our warranty. We often get asked about the order of work in a bathroom and we like to be in after projects such as new tile work in case of damage. As bathrooms are generally small, we ask that other project tools and equipment be removed from the area before our arrival, likewise with construction dirt, mortar and dust as they can affect the finish. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in a postponement of the appointment and a possible trip charge.

 
Q. Do I need to do anything to prepare my bathroom or kitchen before
my appointment?
 
A. Even the smallest chip repair jobs require drop cloths and taping off areas. We do our best to minimize the chances of any damage occurring to your property or belongings however we do also appreciate a customer moving their personal belongings and bottles etc. from the work space. You do not need to clean your surfaces before we arrive. Our eco-friendly VOC compliant products are far superior in strength to those available in stores, therefore we will give your surface a deep clean via a multi layering process when we arrive. However as with all surfaces, any leaks from faucets or drains can damage a finish during its cure time. It is important that any necessary repairs be made prior to bathtubs, sinks, shower stalls, whirlpools etc. being resurfaced. Likewise with other remodeling in the room, to ensure no debris, dirt or tools fall into the new finish. Failure to do so may will a null warranty. We like to come in after the contractors have used the tub for storage or standing on and be the finishing touch to your bathroom!
 

Q. Do you re-caulk like some other companies?

 

A. Unless requested, we do not caulk the tub edges when they are wet as it is a self-sabotaging practice. Caulk has a shelf or use life of a few years before it becomes moldy, but our finishes have a much longer life expectancy. If the caulk is applied to a newly refinished wet tub, the caulk will adhere and bond with our finish once it dries and become One. When it comes time to replace the caulk, the reglazed finish will get bladed out with the caulk and destroy the edges and seal. Our finishes are ready for use the next day and the caulk can be reapplied then no problem. We can perform this service for an extra fee or you can check out the tutorial on how to caulk a bathtub yourself!

 

Image shows a client's reglazed bathtub where a contractor ripped out the moldy caulk that was applied to the wet finish by another company. This is why we do not caulk onto newly refinished surfaces.

Caulk damage around bathtub ©Dennie's Resurfacing LLC

How to caulk in 4 steps ©Pinterest
©Pinterest

 

 

 

 

Caulking 101

 

1. Apply painters tape to the width of strip desired

2. Apply caulk, pushing into any dips or holes with a finger to ensure a water tight seal

3. Create a final smooth finish with a clean finger, overlapping both sides of tape

4. Pull tape when caulk is still wet and voila!

 

 

Q. What if I have no window in my bathroom?

 

A. No problem, unless you live in a dungeon. We use a ventilation system while we are working, to direct air-born particles off premises via the closest window. As standard, we carry a 25ft hose, and also a 50ft hose for those areas where we work with no exterior windows in the room, to ensure that as many fresh particles as possible are always being removed. Depending on the product used, the smell dissipates with use (ready for use after 24hrs) and of course ventilation, but under normal circumstances there should be just a faint smell in the room after a few days. We recommend fans rather than heaters to those with no windows who wish to speed up the process.

 

Q. Can I use my bathroom while my tub is being refinished?
 

A. No. Our resurfacing technician under normal circumstances should only take less than a day to resurface your bathtub or shower, but will require a full day to complete a full room or multiple surface request. Resurfacing requires specialized products, equipment and clothing and once there, your bathroom is unusable to those not properly prepared. You can use your toilet basin once our expert resurfacing technician has left but you must refrain from using any water on the bathtub, shower or sink that has been resurfaced until 24 hours afterwards. The combined preparation, repairs and finish require a certain number of hours to become cured, set and sealed water-tight. Failure to heed to this caution may require a repair job not covered by our warranty.

 
Q. What is a Slip-Resistant Surface (SRS)?
 
A. SRS is a system which Dennie's Resurfacing LLC uses whereby there is no longer a need for non-slip suction cup bath mats or decals in your tub or shower stall. We use an ingenious system where we incorporate an invisible slip-resistant section into the final finish on the base of your fixture, heightening safety and not forgetting to mention the aesthetics of your fixture. Different shaped sections available, hand created to the shape of your fixture, blended into the color of your tub or shower stall. Goodbye bath mats!
 
Q. Is my tub or tile too old and damaged to be renewed?
 
A. Probably not. It is a common misconception that rust, cracks, chips and flaking make a tub or tile irreversibly damaged. However with our expert resurfacing technicians being backed by the highest quality products and using professional precision tools, most tubs, no matter how damaged you may think it is, can be restored to its original beautiful elegance. Most common types of abuse to tile can be repaired, and with resurfacing tile is given a brand new and durable coat of synthetic porcelain, sealed water-tight.
Q. I think my tub was refinished or painted before?
 
A. No problem. If a surface has been previously refinished, it is likely an older or inferior product fail or improper equipment or craftsmanship during the application process. Many of our jobs in fact, are the repair of older failed refinished jobs, some even being more recent repair jobs from home store roll-on application products with no durability. Any failing surface requires removal or etching and preparation before Dennie's Resurfacing LLC begin our process. Prepping a tub this way usually adds on a minimum of an hour or so to the finish time as well as the increased labor, and therefore incurs additional costs.
 
Lead safe badge
Q. Are the products used harmful to my drains?
 

A. No. Unlike older products or alternative products used by other refinishers, the products that we use today are eco-green products being approx. 90% waterbased. This means that any active ingredient in the solution becomes deactivated upon contact with more water. Therefore, the solution will flow through your pipes once the faucet is turned on with no damage being caused. Some companies may in fact use this threat in their product comparisons, but it is simply an empty threat.

 

Q. Is the smell of the non-green product harmful to pregnant women, infants or the elderly?

 

A. Probably, possibly, maybe, so we just say Yes to be safe. The smell of the urethane coatings is the strongest on the day of service and then dissipates daily with ventilation and use. We use a ventilation system while we are working, to direct all air-born particles off premises via the closest window. As standard, we carry a 25ft hose, and also a 50ft hose for those areas where we work with no exterior windows in the room, to ensure that the fresh particles are always being removed. The smell dissipates with use (ready for use after 24hrs) and of course ventilation, but under normal circumstances there should be just a faint smell in the room after a few days. In cases where there are individuals sensitive to the smell, some clients plan to stay with family for a few days, and some even schedule it together with their family getaway so that the work is completed when they get home.

Helpful tip! After the 24hr dry time, if the smell is still bothersome to some, wash the finish down with a soft sponge in a simple vinegar and dish soap mixture. Finish it all off with a towel dry and see the shine!

 

Fiberglass damage before repairs ©Dennie's Resurfacing LLC
Q. Can you come out for a small repair job?
 

A. Yes. Unlike franchise companies with large overheads, our family business can afford to make house calls for minor repairs. Chips, old shower door holes, scratches, rust spots.. With our color matching technology and skills combined, we can make any minor repairs necessary to your fixture and blend the area into the existing finish so its is close to, if not invisible with the naked eye, if you do not wish to have the entire fixture refinished. It is recommended for durability, to have an entire piece refinished after repair work has been performed, but it is not necessary. We also perform grout services and repairs, which can be 15 minute fixes or 5 hour projects.. Just contact us to see about your project area.

Q. When does reglazing not work?

 

A. Reglazing is typically a successful process, lasting thousands of our clients for years past their 5 year warranty. Like many services however, sometimes there are difficulties that can affect the outcome of the finish. Many issues such as adherence, humidity, equipment issues etc. are covered by our warranty. We will return several times until the issue is resolved or an agreement has been made on how best to proceed, using our best judgement and experience. However issues such as a leaking faucet or human interference within the initial 24hour drying period are not covered by our warranty. 

 

Q. What if I used a box kit?

 

A. We understand the allure of saving money with DIY projects, hey we tried them too for testing, however the following is the course of events that we witness in these scenarios;

 

1. Property owner or handyman buys home kit and applies it to the desired areas.

2. Property owner starts noticing the finish failing or lifting, being damaged easily, or has dulled fast (sometimes sooner than 6 months)

3. Estimates from reglazing companies charge extra to remove the failing finish before applying their own products.

4. Property owner is eventually financially negative, as well as the initial time and effort put in to the DIY project, while now watching the failing finish worsening over time. They are left with 2 options being replacement or professional reglazing.

 

Q. What are your hidden fees?

 

A. If we have provided you with a quote, it is likely based on either a picture, a description of, or a trip to the area. Our quotes are almost always steadfast unless the scope of the work changes or is not as described upon arrival on appointment date. A common example of this can be the removal and prepping of prior inferior finish. Some property owners are unaware that a surface has been finished before and some simply forget to include it when inquiring about pricing, however removal or prepping of inferior finishes is a necessity to ensure that our products adhere to the original finish for maximum effect and durability. As we do not provide caulking on the day of service due to the wet finish, it is an extra fee if you would like us to return the following day to caulk in your edges for you. This can be discussed with the technician on the day of service or at scheduling. (However see below how easy it is to do it yourself for the price of a tube of caulk!). A possible other fee might be if the area is not ready for our services when we arrive. For situations such as this we may charge a trip fee and will need to reschedule the appointment. Any coupons, promotions or memberships should be mentioned at the time of estimating and scheduling to be applied and cannot be claimed after work has begun. Clients wanting cabinetry resurfacing can save some money by removing all hardware themselves, prior to our arrival. Otherwise a removal fee is charged per cabinetry unit (single or double door unit) or drawers.

 

Q. Why is there no set pricing online?

 

A. We use standard pricing to begin with, based on our service area radius from Bethlehem PA. However estimating a 'standard bathtub' request is not so easy, as we all understand 'standard' to be something varying - 0, 1 or 2 bathtub walls exposed, 2 or 3 wall surround, 3/4 height surround or tub to ceiling surround, enclosed tub surround, shower doors.. likewise with tiled bathrooms. We require square footage to be able to provide a quote for work to be done. A description of 'half wall tile' only tells us a little of what we need to know to be able to help you. Sinks require pictures for quotes as again, sinks vary so much in size and shape, making them difficult to estimate firmly. We have no pricing online as we require more information to be able to confidently quote a project for our clients. All too familiar with other company's 'bait and switch' tactics, we try to be fairly steadfast with our estimates, unless the scope of the work changes upon arrival.

 

Q. What is countertop resurfacing?
 
A. Countertop resurfacing is the single most cost effective and hassle-free solution to those old and damaged counters - no matter what they're made of. There is no demolition or removal. There is limited down time and zero dump or removal fees. Our technician will consult with you in your home, with samples of various finishes from solid colors to granite simulations and different edging options. Work commences on your countertops by the surface being prepared and primed in layers. Your chosen finish is then applied in layers of a glazed coating, which when set, produces a beautiful durable finish. The addition of a new edging trim accentuates the countertop further, and your room looks instantly updated for next to nothing! See some options here >>>

Q. What are my bathroom floor options?

 

A. Textured reglazing or laminate/vinyl tile overlay installation. Reglazing has many options for granite simulation colors, covering both the floor tile and the grout lines. This creates a beautiful uniform finish, eliminating porous and unsanitary grout lines at the same time. To save money on rip-outs, many property owners have chosen to hire us to install waterproof laminate/vinyl flooring that they have already chosen and provided. Your decision depends on keeping the look of the floor tile or not.

 

Q. Do you issue refunds?

 

A. Any partial refund offered by Dennie's Resurfacing LLC is at the discretion of the company, typically following several attempts to address any issues with repeated repair attempts, appointments, inspections etc. Clients are not entitled to a partial refund if they do not allow us to rectify a situation in good faith with good business practices, thereby voiding their warranty. No full refunds are issued due to company expenses and overheads being taken into account. 

 

Q. Why choose us?

 

A. Our clients speak for us. Our awards speak for us too. We encourage ALL research before hiring a company for anything! Please check reviews of all companies online from multiple sources, paying special attention to company names and franchises (who can pay to remove negative reviews or hire random 'reglazers' to service you). We do not attempt to remove any online negative comments with 3rd party marketing companies, feeling confident that there are only a handful of projects that didn't work out in comparison to the thousands of beautiful and successful surfaces we have sprayed since 2010. While there are many honest service providers out there, there are some individuals who will give the reglazing industry a bad reputation, trying to earn a quick buck, cutting corners with product quality, preparation processes and warranty details. Be wary of low bids on your project, as well as over priced quotes. Our reputation is strong, and our prices are fair, which is what we all need in a service provider.

 

 If we did not answer your question, we would love to hear from you in the form at the end of this page!

Restorations


Q. Can you fix old claw foot tubs?

A. We love claw foot tubs! Not only do we restore them, but we save them from the dumps and have made things out of them in the past! We repair and restore them, both in place in your home, or in shop, to any color or finish you envision. We can even add a hand painted design or mural of your choice before adding the final layers of seal coat. We use the highest quality products which, when coupled with our expertise, produce the highest quality finishes. Truly one of a kind, custom colored, real antique pieces of art, for your style.

 
Audrey Hepburn in an antique claw foot tub in Breakfast at Tiffany's 1961 ©Pinterest

Picture courtesy of Pinterest.com

 

Q. Do you buy claw foot tubs or old sinks?
 
A. If you have an old tub or other fixture, contact us before you send it to the dump for an equal offer! We would hate to see an original fixture that is completely salvageable be destroyed forever! We love to refinish not only antique bathroom fixtures, but older kitchen appliances and porcelain signs, coolers or most things ceramic or rusty. If you have a tub or other fixture that you need removed, contact us. We also have a Donate for a Cause program where we work with local non-for-profit causes and charities with the profits from your donation. Contact us before you throw out that old piece of history!

 

Q. How can I get my piece to you?

 

A. Currently we are only accepting drop off's by appointment. We can help you unload and load your piece on site in Bethlehem PA. On some occasions we can receive items via pre-arranged shipping companies. Just contact us for more details or to make a drop off appointment.

Q. How long does a typical restoration take?

 

A. Each piece is separate. Some pieces such as bath tubs require exterior sand blasting which adds to the return time, whereas some pieces such as sink interiors can take less time. Each piece has equal priority and is restored as per the contract, in the order of which it was received. Turn around time is wholly based on the current order volume, being anywhere from 1-8 weeks, depending on the time of year.

 

 

Q. Do you sell claw foot tubs?

 

A. Yes we do! We are very proud of our ever-changing collection of antique tubs by so many great early manufacturing companies - Standard Sanitary Mfg. Co., Ahrens & Ott, J.L. Mott, Kohler of Kohler... Regardless of the brand, tubs start at 225lbs, coming in lengths of 4ft, 4.5ft, 5ft, 5.5ft and 6ft, with pedestal tubs available also. Contrary to popular belief, not all feet are interchangeable between tubs, therefore all tubs come as a package of tub and feet/pedestal.

 

 
Q. Do you sell older sinks?
 
A. Yes. Just like our antique tubs, we are proud of our antique sink collection, made by so many brands in so many wonderful styles - Pedestal, wall-mounted, drop-in, footed, farmhouse... oval, square, rectangle, circular... whatever style you are looking for contact us to see what we have in stock.

 

 

Q. What other items can you restore?

 

A. If it is made of cast iron, metal, porcelain, ceramic china, steel or most other surfaces that rust or discolor, we can probably restore it. While we do not deal with original electrical or mechanical components, we can definitely repair and resurface the body or shell of the item. Non-bathtub and sink related items we have previously restored include refrigerators, ice boxes, war items, radiators, grills, vintage fans, blanket trunks, original radio cabinets, motorcycle and auto body parts, milk canisters, vintage kitchen appliances, even garden railings and statues... and the list continues with each workday! Solid colors and hand applied art, we love to restore old things! If you are unsure if we can help you with your piece, just text or email us pictures of the item for a quote. It can be brought or sometimes shipped to us in Bethlehem PA.

 

 


Tub Safety Conversions


Q. What are tub safety conversions/ inserts?

 

A. Honestly? They are a fantastic, low cost, fast solution that brings huge peace of mind to those requiring assistance getting in and out of a tub - and to those helping them. For a fraction of the cost of a limited mobility tub replacement by other companies, our conversion kits use the existing tub wall to enable loved ones to shower and bathe without having the tub wall to maneuver over. The conversion is fast, taking just a few hours and is ready for use the following day. Oftentimes a sudden affliction like a stroke or heart attack can unfortunately occur without warning or planning, and we have often received calls from loved ones so that the low cost safety option is already installed before the individual arrives home from the hospital or rehabilitation clinic. Whether the tub is made from fiberglass or metal, we can cut into the side of the tub for either a regular or wide insert and then create a water tight seal around the entire piece. The entire tub can also be refinished at this point too, all in one day, to create a new looking tub fixture. Your loved one can easily move or be assisted in and out of the tub for safer bathing. Read more on it and see pictures here >>>

 

Q. Are there other safety options?

 

A. As well as the step-through insert, we can also apply a non-slip finish to the bottom of the tub to help prevent falls while in the tub. This finish can be applied to any color tub and resembles an invisible textured surface to the bottom of the tub, dispelling the need for decals or worse yet, bath mats that your loved one could trip on. 

 

Q. Does the tub insert lose the bath function?

 

A. No. If you like, you can choose the basic option of the tub insert with no cap which creates an opening and sits in the wall of the tub. However there is also an extra piece known as a cap (active link), which can be purchased so that the bather can fill the tub with water to enjoy a bath soak. If you have already had the insert applied to you tub and decide that you are missing the bathing function of the tub, simply contact us so that we can order the cap piece for you.

 

Q. Does the tub insert come in different colors?

 

A. The tub safety inserts come in a standard white color only. We have installed these in a variety of colored tubs as the home owner is satisfied, or we have also refinished entire tubs in a bright white so that the whole piece resembles one new unit. The choice is completely up to you and your budget.


Add your question!

Did you not see your question listed above? Either inquire in the box below or call/text us at 484.554.1807 and we can put it up here to assist you and anyone with the same query.

 

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