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Tile
Surface Renew's process for resurfacing/re-coloring tile is a very cost effective alternative to replacement. Replacing the tile in your bathroom can cost $10,000 or more. In addition, in most cases the new tile will not be the same quality as the original.WHY SHOULD I RESURFACE MY WALL TILE?
The main reason that most customers resurface their tile is to change the color. Many bathrooms have tile that is in good shape, but the color is out-of-date. They are tired of having to decorate around old colors like pink, peach, green, and yellow.At Surface Renew, we apply a new finish over the existing tile. The color is changed without having to go through the time and expense of replacement. You will get a new finish that will look like new tile. The new finish is strong and durable enough to last for many years.
WHAT ABOUT THE GROUT?
The new finish is applied as a liquid and covers the grout lines as well. The result is that the grout will be the same color as the tile. Because the grout is so porous, you will have the definition of grout - so it will still have the look of a tile bathroom. Anyone walking into your bathroom will think that you have new tile in your bathroom.A secondary benefit of resurfacing is that the grout will be sealed off. This means that mold and mildew will have a tougher time getting a foothold. The result is is that the tile is much easier to keep clean.
WHAT ABOUT FLOOR TILE?
We can resurface floor tile, but we are not enthusiastic about it. In fact, we will try and talk you out of it. We want to give you a finish that will last for many years. But with floor tile, people will be walking on it with shoes on. In addition, there is a strong likelihood of dropping items such as curling irons and hair dryers on the finish.There are many low cost options available for floor replacement that we would recommend you look into before you consider resurfacing your floor.
WHAT IS THE NEW FINISH?
The finish that we apply is called an aliphatic acrylic polyurethane. This is a 2-part urethane that was invented by NASA a number of years ago. It is now used anywhere that a hard, long lasting, durable finish is needed - other examples would be airliners and ocean liners.The advantages of this finish over other products is:
- Resistance to abraision and scratching (holds up to normal wear and tear)
- Impact resisitance (won't crack or chip if you drop a shampoo bottle)
- Resistance to extreme temperatures
- Color retention (won't yellow like epoxy coatings)
This finish has been modified for use in the resurfacing industry. Other resurfacing companies may call their product or process something unique or special, but the reality is that all of the top resurfacing companies will be using this finish.
You do need to be aware that there are companies who will use an inferior product to cut costs (our coating is very expensive). This causes problems because these products will not hold up over the long term. You should make sure that whoever you choose to perform your resurfacing is using a high quality 2-part urethane.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
As is the key to any job, the prep work is essential. After making sure that the tile is completely clean, we apply an bonding agent to the tile. This chemical etch takes off the gloss from the original finish and etches the surface. Millions of microscopic holes are opened on the original surface of the tile. This will allow the new finish to penetrate into the old surface and create and outstanding bond. This is a very important step - you should be sure that anyone who resurfaces your tile etches it first.We then fill in any significant chips or holes. We then once again thoroughly clean and dry the tile. We mask off all around the tile and all of the fixtures, hang plastic sheets, and put tarps on the floor. We are in effect creating a spray booth in the bathroom.
We then mix a colored resin with a catalyst. A chemical reaction takes place and the new finish begins to harden. We have a couple of hours to work with it while it is still a liquid. The finish coat is then applied to the tile using a spray system. Because the new finish is applied as a liquid, it molds and hardens onto the original tile.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?
Most bathroom tile can be completed in less than day. However, the bathroom should not be used for 4 hours after we are through.HOW DO I CARE FOR MY NEW FINISH?
You should not use abrasive cleaners like Comet or Ajax, even Soft Scrub has some mild abrasives in it. However, you won't need to use abrasive cleaners since the new finish will be non-porous and the dirt and grime should wipe away much easier than before.You should use a cleaner that says "Safe for acrylics". we recommend a product called Scrub Free Soap Film Remover. It has a yellow label and can be found at Wal-Mart.
DOES THE PROCESS SMELL?
Yes.The smell is most intense for several hours after we are through. The new finish no longer emits any odor after approximately 1 hour after we are finished. Then it is just a matter of circulating any odor out of the home. In a bathroom, you can shut the door and turn the vent on. Please note that we add a Bubble Gum scent to our finish that significantly helps in reducing the unpleasantness of the odor.
The smell is not dangerous - only annoying. as with any smell, it will bother some individuals more that others.