How to Choose a Reglazing Company

First, we should look at the question “why reglazing instead of replacing?” Well, to be direct: cost. If you consider the cost of a standalone bathtub, for example, you can find those for $300 and up; but that is nothing when you add the additions costs such as, removing the old tub, new plumbing, the time that the area will be out of service, etc. In short, a simple replacement can be very much as a bathroom remodel project and the $300 bathtub easily becomes a $3,000 investment.

On the other hand, you can reglaze or refinish an old tub for much less hassle and cost. Not even your family and neighbors will believe is not a new one.

Yes, there are do-it-yourself products, but bathtub reglazing is a job best left to professionals. Stripping an old finish, repairing and patching, ventilating the area require special equipment AND experience. – see our article The Reglazing Process for a basic step-by-step guide.

Now, what to look for in a reglazing/refinishing company? Here are some pointers:

1. License and Insurance: This is key. Is the reglazing company State Licensed? The company or technician that visits you must be licensed and insured; otherwise you may end up in a world of trouble. Make sure the company doing the job has these two areas well covered and are willing to prove it. This also includes the question about what type of background checks they conduct over the employees visiting you.
2. Experience: is this company experienced? How long has the company been in business? Do they have a portfolio to show you? These are very important questions to ask and then verify. If photos are presented, make sure they are their own and not “downloaded” from internet or a competitor.
3. Warranty: for obvious reasons. There must be a written warranty provided. Make sure you verify the terms of their written warranty with them.
4. Equipment and Materials: in the long run, these two factors are going to determine how your fixture is going to look like in a year or more. Check what kind of materials and equipment they have and will be using in your property.
5. Refinish Process: the core of the service.
   1. Make sure the company uses a ducted ventilation system and protects the surrounding areas from overspray.
   2. Also make sure that they do not cut corners and that they do cleaning, repairs and preparation of the surface to ensure the proper bonding of the new finish.
   3. Make sure they use top-grade solutions that do not damage faucets, fixtures or septic system pipes.
   4. Ask if they are applying several coats of the appropriate mixture of reglazing substances specifically formulated for the reglazing industry? The result should be a smooth, shiny surface that looks and feels like the original.
6. Pricing: This is important to check, of course, but beware, this is not the most important factor since a cheap job will remain a cheap job but the consequences of having the job done incorrectly are far greater in the short and long run. It is important to shop around, and you will always find that the better companies, with the best warranty and materials, have a higher range of prices and better results.
7. Website: logically, this will be the first place any of us would start looking. A website is the introduction and presentation vehicle for any company. Their attention to detail and quality can be seen there, along with their portfolio or photo gallery. Once again, make sure the images displayed are pictures of work the company has actually done. You would be surprised how many cheap or inexperienced companies try to cheat on this.

These simple but important tips can save you a lot of money, time and headaches and ensure you find the right company for the job.