bath re-enamelling, bath resurfacing process faq:
How long it takes to resurface the bathtub, sink, etc.?
It takes around 6-8 hours to resurface a bath of a standard size. The larger and badly damaged baths would take longer to re-enamel.
The sink resurfacing is done in 3-4 hours. It only takes about an hour to fix a chipped enamel on a bath.
Can acrylic bath be re enameled?
Yes, similar to an enamel bath, an acrylic bath can be resurfaced. The preparation of a surface and setting up is similar to enamel repairs.
Can enamel baths be repaired?
Enamel baths can be repaired in small areas (colour-matched enamel repair) or resurfaced. The solution depends on the size and volume of damage.
How do you fix a crack in an enamel bath?
To fix a crack on a bathtub it has to be reinforced with the durable materials such as fibreglass and epoxy. The good practice is to drill a point at each surface crack end. This stop it to spread further.
Why is the enamel coming off my bath?
A bath that has already resurfaced can develop problems with a flaking-off surface. This is age-related or can appear after a short amount of time if it has not been enameled properly. If the bath surface is not looked after, it can also be a reason. Another problem could be a rust that is causing enamel to come off the bath.
Do you use (vitreous) enamel?
Vitreous enamel (powdered glass) needs to be melted at a temperature that would not be safe to use in domestic conditions. The short answer is NO, and neither are the businesses that work on-site. The vitreous enameling process (stove enameling) is of a different service. For finding my niche and advertising, the term resurfacing is used with enameling or re-enameling terms.
I write about the differences between the bath repair processes on my blog, here: https://eagerbeaver.org.uk/blog/on-site-bathtub-enamelling-what-it-is-not/
Does bath re-enamelling work?
Not only work to save you money but also help to minimise environmental impact. If the bath is re-enamelled properly and looked after, it would often outperform the lifespan of a modern material made baths.
Do you warranty your work?
All resurfacing services are covered with appropriate warranty service. If you’d like to see a warranty before the procedure, please let me know, and I’ll email it to you. The exceptions are rust repair structurally damaged acrylic baths and resin made shower trays. I will inform you when discussing the details if I can warranty the repair and for how long. Usually, the warranty is between 2-5 years.
I need my bath be resurfaced in non white colour
You can have your bath resurfaced in different colours, not only white. I can colour match to almost anything. Most bath enamelling businesses don’t offer this option anymore. They go with the most popular demand, having your fixture restored to white only. If you need your bath, basin or shower to be colour matched to the original finish or other item of your bathroom suite, I can do that by mixing pigments on-site. Colour matching service is wider described here: https://eagerbeaver.org.uk/blog/your-bath-doesnt-have-to-be-white/
the cost of bath enamelling faq:
How much does it cost to enamel a bathtub?
The cost of bathtub enamel repair in UK varies between £400-£600 for the overall bath re-enamelling service. The total cost depends on your bath condition and size. The price is also determined by geographical location. Bath resurfacing price in London area would cost significantly more compared to other UK regions. My price guide can be found HERE.
Is it cheaper to refinish a bathtub or replace it?
Cheaper is to refinish a bathtub, if considering additional cost involved onto replacement of a boxed in standard bath. The average cost of resurfacing is £480 total and it will last you many years, when properly done and looked after.
What payment methods do you accept for refinishing work?
You can pay by most popular methods, such as bank transfer, cash, credit, and debit cards. I do accept cheques. For small amounts, you can also pay by PayPal.
Is it cheaper if I pay cash?
I hear it all the time, especially from trade people ;)
The polite version – I believe that the results of my work will motivate you to pay me as agreed or even extra ;)).
The less polite answer – As soon as I can pay less for diesel and consumables when cash is involved.
Do I do discounts?
If you have multiple items that require attention I can offer discounted rates. If the job is something different than what was agreed, I will discuss it with you and adjust the cost. Occasionally I’m happy to give a small discount if you are persuasive. I don’t want to be the cheapest bath company around and I’d rather prove through my work quality.
Do I take deposit?
Unless discussed otherwise, I don’t take money upfront. I usually ask for a small deposit if I have to travel far to you.
before my visit
How far will you travel? Do you work nationwide?
I cover a radius of two hours one way from a CF32 postcode. Whenever it makes sense, I can do extra distance upon requesting. I often worked around Pembrokeshire, the London area, or as far as the Isle of Islay (now I’m a fan of peated single malts ;)). I don’t work nationwide, but I’m well-established in Wales, South West and Midlands.
what do you need to work in my bathroom?
To work in comfort I would like for a few main things to be checked/sorted prior enamelling work:
Make sure that you have no dripping water onto a surface that requires repairs. Good to check if you know how to stop the water off in case of an urgent need.
Provide me with access to at least one, ideally two power sockets (230v, unless 110v required).
Clear the room of all that is easy to move, to provide good access.
If you are renovating your bathroom, do communicate with me, so I will be the least invasive and nothing will stop me from delivering the best possible finish.
how soon can I use the resurfaced bath, sink, shower?
The renovated surface of a bath or shower is dry to the touch before the end of the day, but I recommend waiting at least 24hrs, before stepping on it. If it is a kitchen sink, I strongly advise you to wait at least 48 hours before using it again.
Is your work for residential or commercial customers?
Most of my clients are families and individuals that require bath repairs for themselves. I also work for trade people, especially tilers, plumbers, and bathroom installers. In the past, I did a lot of bath and shower repairs for the housing association. I work for hotels, landlords, bed and breakfasts, developers, etc.
I enjoy helping designers, and antique sellers. Contact me if you are in doubt if I can resolve your problem.
aftercare:
How do I look after your resurfaced bath?
- It is recommended that each time you use the resurfaced bath, cover the base with cold water before turning on the hot tap.
- For everyday use, I recommend using non-abrasive and low bleach-containing liquid cleaners.
- Abrasive cleaners will scratch the surface, you should never use them.
- Replace worn tap valves/washers to prevent water-related damage.
- Make sure that your bath is properly leveled – a pond of water at the bottom of your bath will cause stain marks or other problems.
- Standard suction bath mats or suction pillows should not be used with resurfaced baths and can void your warranty. If you require a non-slip application to the bottom of your shower or bath contact me to discuss the details. I also have a special type of bath maths to supply you with.
- Solvent-based materials such as acetone (nail varnish), lacquer thinners, and paint strippers will damage your bath.
- Sharp metal plugs and metal shower heads are a common reason for chipped surfaces. I can send you a lightweight plug replacement if you will message me.
For any other questions contact info@eagerbeaver.org.uk or call/text to 07923167731 – Tomasz.
other technical questions:
I’m not sure what my shower or bathtub is made of? Can all baths be resurfaced?
I resurface all types of bathtubs. The Plastic-made baths (acrylic-made bathtubs) require similar preparation as metal-made baths. It is possible to re-enamel fiberglass, gel coat, or different types of resin-made baths and shower trays. The bath or shower tray that is structurally damaged and is no longer safe to use, may have to be replaced rather than repaired.
Can you repair a porcelain sink that has a hole?
A hole in a porcelain basin often looks challenging to repair, but modern methods and repair products can repair almost any hard surface around the household. On many occasions, sinks that are no longer in production can not be replaced, and repair is the only way to go.
Visit a gallery page, with examples of porcelain sink repairs here: SPECIAL
Can I buy bath enamel paint or diy bath enamel repair kit from you?
I offer an enamel bath repair service that is the highest quality alternative to DIY bath enamel repair products. I send a touch-up kit for my existing clients if requested.
If you have a small chip on the enamel bath or damage to the acrylic surface, you can use a DIY kit and it hopefully looks decent. If you require a high-quality, invisible repair on your fixture leave it to the professionals. Send me a message or call.
How do I know what method is best to repair damage on my bath?
The easiest is to send an inquiry and attach some pictures of a damaged area. Contact me here.
If the bath surface is chipped or scratched in one to three places, most likely it will qualify for colour-matched small repair and/or repolishing the surface.
If the bathtub has structural damage such as holes (acrylic baths and showers), cracks, etc. you should not try to repair it with a DIY bath repair paint. It requires more than that and qualifies for a professional visit. The service as such is described in here https://eagerbeaver.org.uk/services/sink-crack-repair/
When the surface is rough, it’s already resurfaced and blistering, or/and the damage is on the majority of a surface, it will be considered for a full resurfacing job.