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I’m tired of the dated look of my Corian countertops. Can they be refinished?

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Corian countertops are composed of man-made materials that make for great countertops, initially. As Corian is a solid surface, it’s easy-to-clean, stain and heat resistant, and seams are almost invisible. However, Corian countertops come in a limited selection of colors and patterns, and after a few years of use, your Corian countertops may cause your kitchen to look quite dated, which can make you ponder whether or not you need to replace the countertops all together, or remodel your entire kitchen.

Fortunately, there’s an option that is quicker and more cost effective – surface refinishing from Miracle Method. In just a few days, your kitchen will look like new, and your old countertops will still be just as easy to clean, stain and heat resistant, and seams will still be almost invisible. As Miracle Method offers an almost unlimited amount of colors and patterns to choose from, dated countertops will be a thing of the past. Plus, if your old Corian countertops have ever been scratched or cut, the damage will be repaired, so you’ll never know it was there to begin with.

If you’re ready to bring your Corian countertops into the present, visit our website to find the Miracle Method franchise closest to you, or give us a call at 855-212-7337. Don’t forget we also refinish other types of countertops, like Laminate, tile, and Formica.

Grab bars are key to bathroom safety

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A key to bathroom safety for the elderly or those with mobility issues is the proper installation of grab bars.  When installing grab bars, Miracle Method Surface Refinishing professionals use ADA guidelines and the finest anchors to assure the maximum safety the bars can provide.  We recommend the installation of at least two bars of 24” to 36” length on two sides of the tub.

We also recommend the installation of a curved shower rod and a handheld shower nozzle.  While not bathtub safety related, these two items make use of the bathtub more convenient for the mobility impaired.

If you would like to learn more about Miracle Method’s grab bar installation options, use our online locator or call 855-212-7337 to reach your nearest Miracle Method professional. You can also visit our website for more information.

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.

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