Miracle Method Surface Refinishing Blog

Can I afford to update my kitchen?

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Kitchen remodeling is a great way to refresh the look of your home and add value to it. However, kitchen remodeling projects tend to be very time consuming projects and can be rather costly. Given the uncertainty of the economy and tighter budgets, many homeowners aren’t able to afford a full-scale remodel and are looking for more affordable, cost-effective ways to update their kitchens.

Refinishing with Miracle Method is a very affordable option for those who wish to update and improve the look of their kitchen. Refinishing old countertops generally saves homeowners between 30% and 50% over the total cost of replacement costs. In addition to saving money, the useful life of your countertops will be extended by as much as 15 years when you refinish, which will save you money in the long run, too. Best of all, our Natural Accents stone-like finishes are available in many attractive designer colors.

Miracle Method has the ability refinish a wide variety of countertop surfaces, including ceramic tiles, laminates such as Formica, and even solid surfaces such as Corian. Visit our website today to learn more about how you can update your kitchen at an affordable price with Miracle Method, or use our online locator to find the Miracle Method franchise closest to you for a free estimate for countertop refinishing.

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.

Refinishing is a service that almost every home, hotel and apartment could use

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If you are considering owning your own business, it’s important to make sure that there is a market for the products and services your business will offer. Because refinishing is a service that nearly every home, hotel, and apartment could use and benefit from, it makes great sense to consider owning a Miracle Method franchise.

As a matter of fact, any property with a bath or kitchen is a potential prospect for refinishing services. Miracle Method’s surface refinishing process can restore all kinds of bathtubs; ceramic tile walls, showers, vanities, and even kitchen countertops to a like-new look and feel. Plus chips, scratches, and cracks can all be repaired, giving most fixtures around an additional 15 years or more of usable life! When you think of all of the homes, hotels, and apartments with kitchens or baths in need of a restored surface or an updated look, you can really begin to see the potential a Miracle Method franchise has.

Along with the broad demand for refinishing services, there are a number of other advantages to owning a Miracle Method franchise, such as the following:

  • Minimized risk – Working with a reputable franchise with a proven business model.
  • Name recognition – A well-recognized brand name will draw in customers who feel confident in working with a national franchise vs. an independent with no national support or accountability.
  • Training – Miracle Method provides a regimented training program that teaches franchisees about its services and business operations.
  • Advertising – Professionally designed ad campaigns to promote your business both locally and nationally.

If owning a Miracle Method franchise sounds like the business for you, visit our website for more information, or give us a call at 800-444-8827. We’d love to help you get started in owning a successful Miracle Method franchise.

My elderly mother has trouble getting in and out of the tub, how can I make it easier for her?

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The Council on Aging estimates that over 25,000 accidents occur in and around the tub area each year. As we grow older, our mobility isn’t the same as it was when we were young, and some find it difficult to get in and out of the tub. This can lead to slips, trips, and falls, which can cause serious injuries. The need for easier access to the tub becomes essential.

Miracle Method offers the Easy Step – an alternative to replacing your current tub with a walk-in tub, as the Easy Step converts the tub into a shower in just one day. The Easy Step conversion process lowers one side of the tub to make entering and exiting easier and safer, as it creates a 24 inch wide by 9 inch tall notch in the side of a tub. Instead of stepping over the side of the tub, users can step through, which reduces the risk of losing your balance and falling.

Additionally, the Easy Step from Miracle Method is a very cost effective alternative to replacing a current tub with a walk-in tub. Walk-in tubs require significant amounts of time and money to install.  Walk in tubs can cost between $5000 -$10,000, but an Easy Step can often be installed for $800 – $1200. With the Easy Step, you’ll have your new, safe bathing area in just a day.  Miracle Method can also provide a complete safety package by adding Grab Bars, non-slip treatments, and hand held shower attachments.

Another wonderful benefit of the Easy Step process is that it can easily be reversed if necessary. All we need to do is reinstall the cutout and refinish it to look like new.

If you or your loved one needs easier access to bathing, visit the Miracle Method website to learn more about the Easy Step walk-in tub. You can use our online locator or call 855-212-7337 to find a Miracle Method franchise near you.

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