The Reglazing Process
Here is how an standard reglazing process should go.
When the house or apartment is occupied, written information should be provided as to what to do before the company arrives. For example:
- Everything that can be removed must be taken out of the work area or covered; especially personal belongings, valuables or other things the resident does not want dust to settle on during the refinishing process.
- Vacate pets and people from the premises during the reglazing process and for four hours afterwards, especially if they have respiratory sensitivity issues or concerns about the fumes and dust.
As for the reglazing process, here is a step by step guide or what to expect from your contractor.
Setup
First, the company must install a portable ducted ventilation system to expel the spray fumes to the outdoors and ensure a clean flow of air into the work area. Traffic areas must be thoroughly tarped, as well as other areas not worked on in the room to protect them from overspray.
First, the company must install a portable ducted ventilation system to expel the spray fumes to the outdoors and ensure a clean flow of air into the work area. Traffic areas must be thoroughly tarped, as well as other areas not worked on in the room to protect them from overspray.
Cleaning
This is very important to ensure proper bonding of the new surface to the fixture being reglazed. The fixture is thoroughly cleaned of all contaminants: wax, soap, grease, etc. Silicone caulk is removed from the fixture. Further cleaning is done with sanding and an acid wash to additionally etch the surfaces as needed. This step will de-gloss the original surface making it porous so as to create a physical bond allowing adhesion.
This is very important to ensure proper bonding of the new surface to the fixture being reglazed. The fixture is thoroughly cleaned of all contaminants: wax, soap, grease, etc. Silicone caulk is removed from the fixture. Further cleaning is done with sanding and an acid wash to additionally etch the surfaces as needed. This step will de-gloss the original surface making it porous so as to create a physical bond allowing adhesion.
Repairs
Wherever there are chips, cracks, etc., these must be fixed so that the surface recovers integrity and durability. For instance, a porcelain finish over a cast iron bathtub is repaired like the body of a car; a fiberglass bathtub, is repaired like the body of a fiberglass boat.
Wherever there are chips, cracks, etc., these must be fixed so that the surface recovers integrity and durability. For instance, a porcelain finish over a cast iron bathtub is repaired like the body of a car; a fiberglass bathtub, is repaired like the body of a fiberglass boat.
Preparation
A special bonding primer should be applied by hand to ensure strong adhesion between the clean fixture’s surface and the finishing substances that will be sprayed on. Then flooring and other nearby surfaces must be covered with tarps, masking tape and paper to protect them from overspray.
A special bonding primer should be applied by hand to ensure strong adhesion between the clean fixture’s surface and the finishing substances that will be sprayed on. Then flooring and other nearby surfaces must be covered with tarps, masking tape and paper to protect them from overspray.
Finishing
The finishing is made of several coats of a mixture of reglazing substances that are specifically formulated. This is sprayed onto the surface of the fixture in the chosen color. The material must be applied unadulterated and undiluted. A high volume/low pressure spray must be used. An experienced technician should have the skill to spray evenly, resulting in a drip-free and evenly coated surface.
The finishing is made of several coats of a mixture of reglazing substances that are specifically formulated. This is sprayed onto the surface of the fixture in the chosen color. The material must be applied unadulterated and undiluted. A high volume/low pressure spray must be used. An experienced technician should have the skill to spray evenly, resulting in a drip-free and evenly coated surface.
Done
This where you'll find (fortunately or not) out if the company you have chosen lives up to professional standards. You'll see how the finished product looks and later on how durable the newly reglazed surface is.
To avoid not-so-good-suprises always check, at least, background, references and previous jobs done. Check our Article about How to Choose a Reglazing Company to know more.
This where you'll find (fortunately or not) out if the company you have chosen lives up to professional standards. You'll see how the finished product looks and later on how durable the newly reglazed surface is.
To avoid not-so-good-suprises always check, at least, background, references and previous jobs done. Check our Article about How to Choose a Reglazing Company to know more.
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