Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Securing Your Tub Threshold

Often we come across a tub that has been converted for folks that have limited mobility. The threshold


may be too high for them to step over. There are several companies that do these conversions, but it may be difficult to determine which company will do the best job. Well, we suggest that whomever you choose, make sure they are licensed and insured, just like Tuff Tub Refinishing.

Securing Thresholds – weighing out the options

Some thresholds are limited in the weight they can bear. So, when that weight is excessive, they may crack.  At Tuff Tubs, our skilled technicians can completely reinforce the threshold. Even better, we repair any cracks in the process. In addition, we match the color and blend so that a full refinish isn’t necessary. Since we are not out to make a quick buck or up sell, we customize for your specific needs.


Securing Thresholds – weighing out the process

As you can see from the pictures, our process is detailed yet simple for securing your tub threshold.

  1. Assess the issue. Obviously, we see here that the threshold is cracked.
  2. Repair the damage. We not only remove the structural compromising cracking, we go that extra step. Bu making the surface flush, we match the contours of the bathtub, shower, sink, our countertop.
  3. Coat the contours. Thankfully, our sturdy waterproof coatings can almost perfectly match any surface texture.


Here is some good news for you. If you have need help securing your tub threshold or have any cracking in your tub, shower, or sink – Tuff Tub can help! Don't wait, call us today for an over the phone estimate. Then we can make your worries disappear, along with a cracked tub.

Again, here is what a recent satisfied customer says about Tuff Tub Refinishing:

"Marco refinished my bathroom sink and I couldn't be happier!  Showed up on time, worked efficiently, cleaned up perfectly, and did excellent, quality work.  Arlan was easy to communicate with, detailedwith the quote; and I think the cost was reasonable for the quality of work and time spent doing it. I highly recommend this company." –Yelp review

Tuff Tub Refinishing
26902 Calle Real
Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
949-391-3272
949-542-6191
info@tufftubrefinishing.com
www.tufftubrefinishing.com

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Stop Soft Spots On your Surfaces


Sometimes we come across a tub or shower floor that has a soft spot. Often, it feels mushy and may even have a crack or make a cracking sound. Ideally, we want to address these problems with a sense of urgency before the crack becomes larger and potentially leaks. At Tuff Tubs, we have found a tremendously successful solution: reinforcement with expanding foam. We can stop soft spots on your surfaces!

Steps to Stop Soft Spots

  1. First, sand the entire tub.
  2. Second, locate the soft spot. By inspecting the area, we can see if a crack is developing. Generally, a crack will develop between a ridged spot and a soft spot. This means there is a cavity under the surface floor that has lost its support due to delaminating.
  3. Third, drill holes into the tub bottom and inject an expanding foam filler in the cavity. We know the cavity is filled when the expanding foam expands through the other holes. Next, cut off the excess foam and fiberglass over the holes.
  4. Finally, refinish the tub with 2 coats of an epoxy primer and 2 coats of our polyurethane coating. Two days later, enjoy your new Tuff Tub!


Here is a testimonial from one of our latest customers:

After kicking around the thought of doing a full bath/shower remodel, we decided to give refinishing a go with 2 of our bathrooms and try not to reinvent the wheel. Arlen was very responsive and his quote was competitive to others. We gave Tuff Tub a go. We are pleased with the results and highly recommend Tuff Tub for anyone that is looking to refresh their bath/shower at a fraction of the cost of a full remodel. –Yelp review

Tuff Tub Refinishing
26902 Calle Real
Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
949-391-3272
949-542-6191
info@tufftubrefinishing.com
www.tufftubrefinishing.com

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Fresh Sink Refinish

One of the least expensive ways to freshen up your kitchen is to refinish your sink. Under-mount sinks are


difficult to remove without damaging the surrounding tile. This is why a fresh sink refinish may be the most cost effective solution.

The Fresh Sink Refinish Method

When Tuff Tub refinishes a sink, we first etch the surface with a strong acid. Thankfully, this acid is safe for all plumbing. Then we sand and grind out any rust. Once the rust is removed, small recessed areas may be left so we fill those areas with a marine grade filler and smooth down. Next, we mask off any hardware and the surrounding tile or countertop. Lastly, we spray two coats of epoxy primer, followed by two coats of our polyurethane coating. We aim for a slick and shiny finish. When we are done, virtually nothing wants to stick to this surface!


Four Things To Remember

  1. We only spray coatings so the surface will not be as robust as the porcelain surface you had before.
  2. Due to the microscopic scratches it might leave behind, you should not use any abrasive cleansers on a fresh sink refinish. Think of what you would use on your automobile’s paint job. No harsh chemicals are necessary. A non-abrasive dishwashing liquid and a soft sponge are all that’s needed. What a relief!
  3. Wipe out your sink after each use. That way, water spots won’t collect on the surface and your sink will maintain its shine and luster.
  4. Protect the surface with hard plastic trays in the basins to prevent pots and pans damaging the bottom of your fresh sink refinish coating.

Following these pointers should extend the lifespan of your sink. Tuff Tub Refinishing offers a one-year warranty on our fresh sink refinish projects. The warranty covers any bubbling, lifting or peeling under normal wear and normal conditions. Although chips can occur, we can repair them for a small fee.

 


Here is a testimonial from one of our latest customers:

"Arlan was on time, professional, informative and guaranteed his work. His installer, Henry, did a great job and I highly recommend them both!!"

–Yelp Review

 

Tuff Tub Refinishing
26902 Calle Real
Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
949-391-3272
949-542-6191
info@tufftubrefinishing.com
www.tufftubrefinishing.com

Friday, June 2, 2023

Fashionable Faux Granite Coatings


Is your once glorious countertop ready for an overhaul? Could it use a refresh? You do not need to start saving for a new kitchen remodel! Thankfully, there is another option! At Tuff Tub Refinishing, we specialize in faux granite coatings. We can bring a glimmer of light to your once grand countertop!

Fashion Tips About Faux Granite Coatings

First, a faux granite countertop is a great way to customize and refresh a dated looking kitchen. And the best part, it is for a fraction of the cost of replacing your counter! Most faux granite coatings apply thicker and need more coats. Thus, they have greater durability.

The Big Picture

The correct process for application is crucial. Three coats of a water-base texture, three coats of clear high-gloss or semi-gloss ensures the proper seal. Of course, a faux granite coating will cost a bit more than standard white. However, nothing beats the fashionable appeal. At Tuff Tubs, we can refinish: ceramic tile, cultured marble, and composite.

Three Steps To Glimmer 


First, to create a lasting bond for the surface of the granite, we sand down or etch and fill any cracks or holes. We then wipe it down with acetone. This allows the bonding process to successfully prep for the primer coat.

You guessed it, next we tape off the area to prep for spraying the primer coat. This protects the cabinets and other appliances from overspray. It also gives us a tight line for fashionable appeal. In order to achieve a uniform surface and watertight seal, we spray on an eco-friendly primer. Creating a level bonding surface with three primer colors of you choice, it is now prepped for the final reglazing coat. Three is the charm for fashionable faux granite coatings!

Finally, finishing touches begin. Your surfaces are then buffed out to glimmer like new! After applying three coats of clear resin, a tuff seal is ensured and its luster glows. Another fashionable faux granite coating project to boot!

Rest assured, your damaged countertops can be renewed. Faux granite coatings are in fashion. Give the folks at Tuff Tub a call for a quote and start creating your new look today!

Tuff Tub Refinishing
26902 Calle Real
Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
949-391-3272
949-542-6191
info@tufftubrefinishing.com
www.tufftubrefinishing.com

Monday, May 1, 2023

Choosing Your Refinishing Color Scheme

Often times at Tuff Tub, we are asked to refinish everything in white. We usually use a bright white, which is pretty standard in the industry. Strange as it might seem, white can come in a lot of different shades. Thus, bright white may become more than you bargained for. You might want to consider a different refinishing color scheme.


Sunglasses In Your Bathroom?

This is especially true if you are refinishing the surround, bathroom sink, and vanity. You may need to replace your light bulbs with a lower wattage or even wear sunglasses! It seems simple to us, getting blinded in your own bathroom is unnecessary and silly.😉

A Better Idea

This is why, a simpler and overlooked solution is to be more specific with your refinishing color scheme. Bathtubs usually look good and clean when they are refinished in white. Indeed, they will often compliment other bathroom fixtures such as your toilet and sink basin. Although this might be uniform and blend well, it could be an aesthetic nightmare. However, what if you created some intentional contrast at some natural lines or angles in order to add some depth? Perhaps a speckled brown sand surround to compliment the sparkling white tub? You might be surprised at how much more pleasant your bathroom experience could be.


At Tuff Tub, we have a large assortment of contrasting colors, textures and patterns to compliment your white. So you can achieve the bathroom you envision, our team is here to walk you through those steps to customize your refinishing color scheme. In addition, bathtub refinishing can cost hundreds or even thousands less than a new bathroom remodel. We follow all CA regulations for safe products and exceed our customers expectations with our care filled service. Maybe now is the time to get away from the sanitized hospital look and get creative!

Tuff Tub Refinishing
26902 Calle Real
Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
949-391-3272
949-542-6191
info@tufftubrefinishing.com
www.tufftubrefinishing.com

Monday, April 3, 2023

Preparing For Your Refinishing Project

Are you thinking about doing a bathroom remodel? Oftentimes a bathtub, shower, or vanity refinishing project is part of a bathroom remodel.


Where refinishing comes in the pecking order can make all the difference. If your refinishing project comes too soon, they might have to return to fix chips or dings, or generally clean up the mess of the other contractors.

Three things to consider when preparing for your refinishing project.

1) Have the refinishing team come last. Ideally the refinishing team should be the last ones in your bathroom. Painting, flooring, tile work etc. should all be done prior to tub, shower, or sink refinishing.

You don't want masking tape on your new paint! Therefore it is important to let your painting contractor know so he can prep the surface sufficiently. Even though the painting was done correctly, paint can still peel when masked off. Nevertheless, it is easier for a spot on a wall to be touched up than a tub or shower.

2) Hardware should be replaced. Nothing detracts from the look of a shiny new tub than retaining an old crusty and rusty drain flange or other hardware. Have it replaced or removed entirely before the refinishing team arrives so everything looks new, all at once.

3) Take care of leaks. Nothing can ruin a new finish like dripping water on a fresh coat of polyurethane. A good refinishing team does their best to protect the new coating from water drips by blocking the faucet or spout. However, sometimes our best is inadequate. Having a plumber repair leaks ahead of time ensures that the finish will not be damaged or contaminated by a leaky faucet.

 


Here is what one of happy customer said about Tuff Tub Refinishing:

"After kicking around the thought of doing a full bath/shower remodel, we decided to give refinishing a go with 2 of our bathrooms and try not to reinvent the wheel. Arlen was very responsive and his quote was competitive to others. We gave Tuff Tub a go. We are pleased with the results and highly recommend Tuff Tub for anyone that is looking to refresh their bath/shower at a fraction of the cost of a full remodel."

Tuff Tub Refinishing
26902 Calle Real
Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
949-391-3272
949-542-6191
info@tufftubrefinishing.com
www.tufftubrefinishing.com

Thursday, March 2, 2023

San Clemente Cast Iron Bathtub Repair

 Is your bathtub cracking? At Tuff Tub Refinishing, every day we run into cast iron tubs that have become brittle over time. If your bathtub deteriorates for too long, the cost to repair or strip the entire tub may be involved. Thankfully, if you see any of these signs of wear or just want a fresh look, Tuff Tubs can provide an expert cast iron bathtub repair that lasts.

Bathtub Repair In San Clemente

This cast iron bathtub repair process was as easy as 1-2!

Repair. First, we chipped off the loose porcelain on a cast iron bathtub. Next, we filled it in with several applications of marine grade filler. Finally, we grinded and sanded the tub edge to match the contour. 

Coating. After our final spray of sealer, this San Clemente cast iron bathtub repair project was complete!

FYI. If a crack develops in the porcelain and it’s deep enough to go down to the cast iron, water can get into the crack and start rusting which will cause the porcelain to start separating.

Like these happy customers, you may not want us to refinish the entire tub, but just get close with our standard white. 

If your tub needs a full re-haul, here is our basic five step bathtub repair.

Prep. First, we remove all caulking and loose debris. This allows for tighter adhesion. Using sanding and utility knives, we precisely keep the surface as smooth as possible.

Repair. Next up, the cast iron tub repair. We apply our industrial strength filler and sand it smooth with a high speed grinder. Not only does this encourage a super flush surface, it also is an eye catcher as well!

Etching. For the sake of bonding, we etch the shower surface with an eco-friendly stain. Consequently, this achieves a porous surface to bond final sealer, producing a watertight seal. This important step in cast iron tub repair is performed precisely.

Primer and Coating. Fourth, we apply multiple coats of waterproofing paint sealer. As a result, you get a "new" bathtub!

cast iron bathtub repair _ afterSealer. After our final spray of sealer, the tub refinishing project is your own personal showpiece!

Tuff Tub Refinishing
26902 Calle Real
Capistrano Beach, CA 92624
949-391-3272
949-542-6191
info@tufftubrefinishing.com
www.tufftubrefinishing.com