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How much does it cost to refinish my tub and tile compared to a complete bathtub liner process?

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One question we are often asked is how refinishing a tub and the surrounding tile compares to installing a bathtub liner system and what the difference in cost is. As you’ll recall from one of our previous posts, bathtub liners are sheets of PVC plastic or acrylic that are molded to the shape of an existing tub, and then glued into place.

Bathtub liners are relatively expensive, costing as much as $1,300 – $1,500 just to cover up a tub. Add in a wall liner system to cover up the surrounding walls and the cost can climb well above $3,000… which approaches the cost of total replacement!

Along with the initial cost, bathtub liners can cost you in the long run, too. Over time, they can develop leaks between the liner and the old tub, and any water that seeps through can lead to mold and mildew. Plus, tub liners can be damaged and do wear out. Both of these factors can cause a need for the tub liner to be replaced, which isn’t easy since liners are glued down at the point of installation.

Refinishing your bathtub is a much more cost effective solution than using a bathtub liner. The Miracle Method refinishing process is often 30% – 50% cheaper than covering up with a liner system. With refinishing, your tub and tile will look like new again and you will enjoy your restored tub and tile for many years to come.

Why waste money on a tub liner when you can restore, refinish, and save money?

Visit the Miracle Method website to learn more about the differences between bathtub liners and the refinishing process. If you would like to refinish with Miracle Method, use our online locator to find a franchise near you, or call 855-212-7337.

What’s the difference between acid etching and bonding?

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Acid etching is a process used by most refinishers that involves the application of hydrofluoric acid to chemically “etch” a porcelain or ceramic tile surface in an attempt to make their coating “stick” to the surface they are refinishing.  This caustic acid eats away the shiny finish and roughens up the surface.

There are a several problems in using hydrofluoric acid to acid etch a surface.  First, this acid must be very caustic to dissolve porcelain or ceramic.  Being strong and caustic also makes it dangerous for anyone using it as well as dangerous for the environment.  Any kind of direct contact on the skin of a worker will cause an immediate chemical burn.  If a worker were to be injured on your property, it’s possible he could file an injury claim against your home owners insurance, especially if he is not covered under worker’s comp.

Hydrofluoric acid is supposed to be neutralized before it is allowed to be washed down the drain.  If this is not done, this caustic acid can damage your pipes as well as the environment.  Also because hydrofluoric acid has a very offensive smell, it’s unlikely that you will want to supervise while this material is being used in your bathroom.

Most troubling, is that when hydrofluoric acid is used to create pits and bumps to roughen up the surface, it creates a mechanical bond by effectively  making more surface area for the new finish to hang on to.  This mechanical bond is not nearly as effective or as good as a chemical bond.  Think about this way…which is better….bolting two pieces of metal together or welding two pieces of metal together?  Chemically bonding a new finish onto an old surface is like welding!

Another negative is that acid etching can fail if moisture gets under the new finish at the tub’s edge, around the drain, or thorough a chip, which can blister and cause the new finish to let go and peel away. The finish will continue to peel as the moisture works its way underneath and will compromise a mechanical bond.

Instead of acid etching, Miracle Method refinishers use our own proprietary, acid-free bonding agent called MM-4. It creates a chemical bond between the old surface and the new finish. MM4 is a unique and proprietary material that is only available to Miracle Method owners. Don’t be fooled by imitators! It is because of this unique MM-4 bonding agent that has been used for over 30 years across the country that we can confidently offer a five year warranty on tubs and ceramic tile. Beware of any refinisher using any kind of acid etching! Use our online locator or call 855-212-7337 to reach a Miracle Method franchise near you.

The bottom of my fiberglass tub/shower has cracked, can it be repaired?

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There are many factors that can cause a fiberglass tub or shower to crack or become damaged in some way. Sometimes fixtures are damaged during the shipping process, or even during installation. Damage can also be a result of heavy or sharp objects falling onto the surface accidentally. Most often, cracks are a result of improper installation or support of the fixture. If you’ve got a crack in your fiberglass tub or shower and think you’ll need to replace it, think again.

The types of damage we’ve described above can be easily repaired, and it makes perfect sense to do so when the fixture is in good condition otherwise. Along with refinishing services, Miracle Method offers repair services that can quickly repair the damage and return your fiberglass tub or shower to a usable state – quickly and inexpensively. In fact, most single repairs often cost under $350. The cost of bathtub replacement can exceed $3000.

Our bathtub repair service uses waterproof, polyester resins and fiberglass fabrics to completely rebuild a weak or damaged area.  After the repaired area has been properly filled and sanded, we carefully apply an acrylic enamel resin, usually with an artist’s airbrush. Then, we blend the repaired area into the surrounding surface so that it’s practically invisible. Often we add a non-slip treatment to the bottom to improve bathing safety. We find that with our repair system that the damaged area is usually stronger and better than the original.

Along with fiberglass, Miracle Method’s bathtub repair services include porcelain bathtub repair, porcelain chip repair, tile grout repair, acrylic bathtub repair, hot tub repair, and even Jacuzzi hot tub repair.

To learn more about our bathtub repair services, visit the Miracle Method website. If you’re in need of our repair services, use our online locator to find the Miracle Method franchise closest to you.

Beautiful Homes Sell Faster than UGLY ones!

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Realtors and home stagers know all too well that a home’s appearance can be a determining factor as to how fast a home will sell… and at what price! This is especially true for kitchens and bathrooms. UGLY tub and tile colors or outdated, damaged countertops can become objections for home buyers. Even worse, UGLY baths and kitchens can kill a sale. In the current “buyer’s market, it’s even more important for a home to make a good impression and show well. More and more realtors and home stagers are turning to refinishing because Miracle Method’s unique process can update kitchens and baths in just 2-3 days.  And refinishing saves a significant amount of time and money while avoiding the mess and hassle of replacement.

Miracle Method offers professional surface refinishing services that restores tubs, tiles, vanities, and countertops to a like-new look and feel, which will make a home appear as if it were “Designed to Sell.” Miracle Method’s work is guaranteed and the warranty is transferable to a new owner.

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If you are curious to hear from an industry professional on how the Miracle Method process has helped their clients, check out the quote below from Jason Maxwell of Equity Enhancer, from Richardson, Texas:

“I use Miracle Method about ten to twelve times a year. Their process earns the seller top dollar for their home.”

Whether your client has a dated and damaged tub or has a vanity top in need of the “Wow” factor buyers are looking for, Miracle Method has the refinishing solutions your clients are looking for. We invite all realtors and home stagers to visit our website for more information. You can rely on Miracle Method to make your client’s tired kitchen or bath surfaces sparkle.

My bathtub is slippery. What are my options to make it safer?

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Slippery bathtubs are often the cause of injuries in the home, especially for elderly family members, so it is important to find ways to make bathtubs safer. While most bathtubs usually come from the factory with some sort of rough bottom that acts as a slip resistant surface, the slip resistance will eventually wear off and replacing that non-slip feature is important in order to make the bathtub safe again.

Bathmats and stick-on appliqués are two options many homeowners turn to, as they are easy to find and quick to install. However, these items can cause damage to your tub. Bathmats with strong suction cups can damage the tub’s surface if it is left in one place for too long, and appliqués cause uneven wear and their outlines can become permanently etched into the tub’s finish. Plus, both options are prone to collecting dirt, mildew, and mold, which is very unsanitary and unsightly.

Miracle Method offers a slip resistant surface option for bathtubs and shower pans that is chemically bonded to the bathing surface. Our slip resistant surfaces can be installed in just one hour and become integrated to the bottom of the tub or shower. It won’t crack, peel, or discolor over time. Plus, you can choose the color and coarseness to fit your needs.

To learn more about Miracle Method’s slip resistant surfaces, visit our website. If you are interested in having a slip resistant surface from Miracle Method applied to your tub or shower, use our online locator to find a franchise near you.

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