What makes Sharp Porcelain Refinishing different
from all other refinishing companies?

We are a small family-owned and operated husband-and-wife team business, and have been serving the refinishing needs of the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex for over 30 years - since 1980!  In fact, we are the oldest family-owned and operated bathtub refinishing company in the Dallas Fort Worth area.

One of the things that makes us different from other refinishing companies is that most other refinishers have bought into a franchise, so they don't really  have a vested interest in their own business, or put their name on the line day in and day out.  The rest of them are usually those who either subcontract out their work, or they just work "at it", refinishing part-time, making it more like a hobby than a business. 

You know the old saying:  practice makes perfect.  We refinish nearly every day of the week, all year long, and have for the past 30+ years.  My husband, Jim, is the one who does the refinishing.  Work is never sub-contracted out to someone else.  I, Debbie, am Jim's wife and the office manager, the one you will speak to when you call.

Other than this website, most of our business comes from personal referrals.  We aren't the cheapest or the most expensive out there, but we are the best in what we do.  From the high quality refinishing products that we have found and chosen to use, to the meticulous care we take with every single job, you will never be disappointed with our work.  Just take a look at our long list of satisfied customers.

 

We have won the Super Service Award at Angie's List for the last 4 years.  Click here to read those Highly-Rated, Unsolicited Customer Reports.

If you can buy a brand new bathtub for about the same cost as having one refinished, why not just buy a new one?

You can buy a brand new bathtub for as little as $300, but you can't replace it for that same $300.  Why?  Because houses are built around bathtubs, and the most expensive part of replacing a bathtub is definitely not the cost of the new tub.  As a matter of fact, most of the expense of replacement is initially hidden.

What are some of these hidden costs?  Removal and disposal costs:  Can you physically remove the tub yourself, then get it out of the bathroom or through the front door at all, and if you can, how will you dispose of it?  Even if you do get that far, in the process of removing the tub, part of the bathroom tile will surely be torn away, and the plumbing for the new tub may not fit the old plumbing fixtures at all.  So now you may need to hire a plumber and a tileman as well, and on and on it can go.  That's how you could easily end up spending hundreds or thousands of dollars replacing a $300 bathtub.

How long does the bathtub refinishing process take?

From start to finish, it takes about 6 hours.  The process will dry to the touch in about 12 hours.  The protective masking paper can be removed and the tub re-caulked in as little as 24 hours.  The bathtub is ready for use 48 hours after refinishing, but will take 30 days to totally 'cure'.

To put the "downtime" into perspective, you can look at it this way.  If we're refinishing your tub on a Monday, you can use the tub that morning before we come out, and then you can use it again on Wednesday morning, so you're really only down one morning without the tub.

What do I need to do before you arrive to refinish my bathtub, countertop, or shower?

Remove everything from the tub, countertop, and shower areas before we arrive to refinish, because we will be laying down drops on the floor and putting up protective paper and plastic around the areas not being refinished to protect from overspray, so we need to have everything (shower curtain and rod, soaps, shampoos, etc.) put away so we will have room to work.

What if a bathtub HAS been refinished before?

It can be refinished again ... and again!  The existing coating will have to be stripped off ($125) before a new finish can be applied, and because we will not be able to determine whether there is any damage beneath the existing refinished surface until it's stripped off, we cannot accurately estimate the cost of repairs if damage is found.  If the previous refinisher did his job right, there will be no damage.

A professional refinisher with integrity will always repair chips, dings, rust, pinholes, etc., before refinishing, but if that was not done the first time around, we will have to do it before refinishing.  Repairs start at $25 and go up depending on the severity of damage, but our experience has been that only about 20% of refinished tubs still have damage beneath the surface.

What if there is damage in a tub that has NEVER been refinished before?

If there is damage (chips, rust, nicks, cracks, pinholes, dents, stains, etc.) on a surface that is going to be refinished, the damage must be repaired prior to refinishing.  Repairs start at $25, and go up depending on the severity of the damage.  Our experience has been that most tubs do have some damage, usually rust or chips, but it's mostly minimal, and on rare occasions, there's no damage at all.  Repair costs generally run between $25-$75.

How long should a refinished bathtub last?

The durability of a refinished bathtub is very similar to that of a brand new bathtub.  If properly maintained (see care instructions below) and no abrasive chemicals or bleach are used for cleaning, it could last 10+ years, just as a brand new bathtub would.

At what point should the work be scheduled?

Contrary to popular belief, if any other remodeling work is being done in the bathroom, we prefer not to be the first ones in.  We recommend having us come in at the very end, after all the other work (painting, tile, carpeting, etc.) is finished.  Why?  Because we're used to protecting what's already there, and experience has taught us that other workers are not as careful as we are, and when they come in to paint, install tile, etc., they may drop a tool in the tub or otherwise damage our work.

Because we schedule jobs on a daily basis, we never know how far out we'll be booked.  However, on average, it is best to schedule at least a month before you want the work done.

Are there special care instructions for a refinished surface?

A professionally refinished surface looks, feels, and cleans like brand new, so be sure to use only mild, non-abrasive products without bleach when cleaning, because as with any new surface, the finish or shine can be dulled or damaged by abrasive cleaners or bleach. 

Most liquid and foam 'green' cleaners will work, but read the label to make sure they do not contain bleach or abrasives.  We recommend Lysol Basin Tub and Tile Cleaner, or even a wet soapy washcloth.

For optimal results, maintain the caulking (non-silicone) around all refinished surfaces, especially bathtubs.  We recommend Home Depot's DAP Tub & Tile Adhesive Caulk PLUS or Lowe's Poly Seam Seal ULTRA.  Do not use a suction mat of any kind in a refinished bathtub, and if you use a non-suction mat, you must remove it after each use to avoid moisture build-up between the mat and the tub.

What is your warranty or guarantee?

We warranty our refinishing work for 3 years against bubbling and peeling due to workmanship or product defects.  If there is a problem with the product itself or the workmanship (application of the product), it will show up within a week of refinishing, and it is very rare.

There are only three warranty exclusions - bubbling or peeling due to chipping, moisture entrapment, or unrepaired leaks.  Here’s why: 

Bubbling or peeling due to chipping:  A refinished surface can chip just like a non-refinished surface, so if your refinished surface does get chipped, keep the area as dry as possible and contact us to schedule a repair (charges will apply). 

Bubbling or peeling due to moisture entrapment:  Leaving items like wet or soapy bottles, jars, washcloths, suction mats, or soap on a refinished surface can cause moisture to get trapped between these items and the refinished surface, causing it to bubble and then peel when picking up the item.  We recommend a shower caddy or soap dish.  Do not use a bath mat.

Bubbling or peeling due to unrepaired leaks:   Constant dripping or leaking water on a refinished surface, especially near the drain, may cause it to eventually bubble and finally start to peel.  Don't let a leaky faucet go un-repaired.

Will a refinished bathtub look or smell like it has been painted?

No!  This is a common myth in the bathtub refinishing industry.  Your bathtub will not look like it was painted, since the material we use is more like a coating than a paint.  In fact, it is impossible for an untrained eye to tell the difference between a brand new bathtub and one that has been refinished. 

Regarding the smell, we use ventilation and filtering systems to reduce the fumes that naturally occur with the use of solvents.  Although you may notice a slight odor after we are finished, this is typically gone in a few hours.  Some people (about 1%) are hyper-sensitive to smells and may choose to leave the area while the work is being done.

What other types of surfaces can be refinished?

We can refinish porcelain, cultured marble, fiberglass, acrylic, formica, and tile surfaces, which include bathroom tubs and sinks, wall tile, countertops, and shower stalls, as well as kitchen countertops.

Can you refinish shower pans/floors?

We can refinish shower pans (floors) if they are made of cultured marble or fiberglass.  We do not refinish tile shower floors; instead, we replace them with new tile.  Why?  Because water tends to 'stand' in a shower pan, and it can create moisture that will work its way up through the grout lines and eventually cause the refinished tile floor to bubble and peel.  Installing a new tile floor eliminates that possibility.

What colors are there to choose from?

You have lots of color choices.  Although most people simply choose white or off-white, our refinishing process is available in just about any solid color that is on the Bemis color chart.  We also offer the hugely popular MultiSpec colors, which give the appearance of Corian, Marble, Granite, and Stone.  MultiSpec colors are available in 58 color schemes, and are most often applied to bathroom and kitchen wall tile and countertops.

Is there any plumbing work involved?

Because your bathtub is going to look brand new after being refinished, you will want to replace that dingy old drain and overflow cover with a brand new shiny one, if they have not already been recently replaced.

On all bathtubs, before refinishing, we prefer to remove the drain and overflow cover so that we can get a complete surface to spray.  That's why we ask the homeowner to make sure the existing drain can be removed long before the scheduled refinishing appointment, to ensure it can indeed be removed by us when we get there to refinish. 

How do you do remove the drain?  Look down the hole where the water goes down - you'll see a crossbar.  Get some pliers and unscrew the crossbar (counter-clockwise, like you would a jar lid).  The entire drain will lift out.  You may have to use some muscle to loosen it - it might even break if it's been in there for more than 30 years, but you'll want to know that beforehand so it can be fixed long before we arrive to refinish.

If you cannot remove the drain yourself and choose not to have a plumber do it, we 'may' still be able to install a glue-in drain to cover the existing drain, but please let us know if that is your decision at time of scheduling. 

Before bathroom sinks, countertops, and cultured marble/acrylic bathtubs can be refinished, the plumbing fixtures (spout, handles, and drain) must be removed.  Why?  Because these items are sitting on the surface that will be refinished and it's nearly impossible to refinish the surface properly with them still in place.  Since we do not have the plumber's tools or expertise to do this type of work, you may choose to do this work yourself or use your own plumber. 

Also, if you have shower doors on your bathtub, you will need to have them removed before refinishing.  Because there are so many different types of shower doors and we do not have the expertise to provide this service, you may choose to do this work yourself or hire a handyman to do it.

Can you repair and/or remove chips, cracks, scratches, and nicks, and rust from tubs and sinks WITHOUT having to refinish them?

Yes!  We've been doing chip repair for homebuilders and homeowners across the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex for many years.  From hammers dropping into tubs, to soap dishes and towel bars falling off the wall, chips can happen in homes under construction, in homes just built, and in homes lived in for years!  We have a $125 minimum charge for chip repair.

The good news is, just because a tub or sink has chips, nicks, or scratches, it doesn't necessarily mean it has to be completely refinished.  If the damage is located above the water line, it can be repaired.  If the damage is located below the water line, it can still be repaired, but not guaranteed, because the water can eventually loosen the repair.  In cases like this, we recommend refinishing, so the work can be guaranteed.

What about anti-slip surfaces?

A newly refinished tub is going to look, clean, and feel like a brand new tub, which means it is going to feel slicker than what you've been used to.  Because of this, you must exercise some caution when stepping into the tub.  We're not saying it is overly-slippery.  We're only pointing out that it will be more slippery for a few weeks than before it was refinished.

Having said that, you may want to opt for adding an anti-slip treatment ($75) to the tub bottom the day after refinishing.   As the word 'treatment' suggests, this is not a traditional glue-down mat.  It is an anti-slip surface that is applied to the tub bottom that you cannot see or feel ... until it gets wet ... because the treatment is activated by water.

The Optional 'Return Trip ...

Part of the preparation before refinishing is removing the drain and overflow cover, as well as the caulk between the tub and last row of tile.  We do this to get a complete surface to spray.  We also put up protective paper and statically-charged plastic around the immediately area to protect from overspray.

The day after refinishing, you have the option of removing the paper/plastic, re-caulking the tub, and re-installing the drain and overflow yourself, or we will come back to do it for a return trip charge of $75. Taking the paper down, re-caulking, and reinstalling the drain and overflow cover are certainly things most homeowners can do, but most prefer that we do it for them so it is a turnkey project.  It's totally up to you - we just need to know for scheduling purposes.

Because your refinished tub is going to look brand new again, most homeowners opt for a shiny new drain and overflow cover in the tub after it has been refinished, and we will do this for you at no extra labor charge if we are coming back anyway to take down the paper and re-caulk the tub.  You can purchase the drain and overflow yourself that you want us to install, or we can buy it for you.  If you want us to buy it, the cost of the drain and overflow is determined by the type of finish you choose (chrome, brass, nickel-plated, etc.), and prices start at $25 for chrome, which is the most common finish.

Can I get a FREE estimate?

YES!  The quickest and easiest way to get an estimate is to send us a picture with your camera or phone.  Sending us digital pictures via email at Debbie@SharpRefinishing.com saves us both time, and helps us greatly to determine a cost range for refinishing and/or repairs, eliminating an extra trip for assessment and saving time in your receiving a bid and scheduling the work.

Because we have over 30 years experience, we are usually able to quote most jobs sight-unseen just by seeing pictures and discussing it with you over the telephone.  However, if we feel an on-site visit is necessary, there will be no charge.

What kind of payment methods do you offer?

We do not accept credit cards, and no money is due until the work is completed.  Because we are a small, family business, payment is due upon receipt of work done, and may be made by personal check or cash. 

How can I reach you?

By email or by phone at the office (817.481.3670).  We personally answer all of our emails and telephone calls, but if you do happen to reach our message center, it means that we are on the other line with another customer or are temporarily away from the office.  Please leave a message, because we will call you back in a timely manner!