What makes Sharp Refinishing different from other refinishing companies?

We are a small family-owned and operated business, and have been serving the refinishing needs of the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex for 30 years.  Most other refinishing companies are franchises that 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.  The owner is the operator.  Work is never sub-contracted out to anyone else. 

Other than this website, all 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 choose 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.

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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.

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.

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 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.

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 and no abrasive chemicals are used for cleaning, it should last 12 to 15 years or more, just as a brand new bathtub would.

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 typically is gone in a few hours.

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.

What colors are there to choose from?

Most surfaces can be refinished not only in solid colors, but also in the latest MultiSpec colors, which is an imitation stone look that gives you the appearance of Corian.  Imagine a natural stone look at a fraction of the cost!  Corian can cost upwards of $50 a square foot installed, while our process is less than half that cost, plus there's no messy tear-out!

MultiSpec is a decorative paint that consists of individual flecks of different colors, subtly blended to achieve the natural appearance of such materials as granite, cork, leather, and stone.  The finish is durable, and the stone look is truly custom!

Do you do any plumbing work?

Not really.  If you're having only your bathtub refinished, please try to remove the tub drain long before your scheduled refinishing date just to make sure it can indeed be removed.  We ask homeowners to do this because sometimes, if a tub is very old or the drain has never been removed before, it may not be possible to remove it without breaking it.  Another reason to make sure the drain is removable is because you may find out at that time that you have a leak or some other issue that will need to be fixed before the tub can be refinished.

Before bathroom sinks and countertops can be refinished, the plumbing fixtures must be removed.  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.

Can you repair and/or remove chips, cracks, scratches, and nicks, and rust from tubs and sinks?

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!

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?

It used to be that the only way to provide an anti-slip surface in the bottom of a bathtub was to install a mat.  As mats age, however, they can become hard to keep clean, which causes an otherwise clean tub to appear dirty.  Mats typically collect dirt around the edges, too, which also makes the tub unsightly.  

Is there an alternative then?  Yes there is!  Un-refinished bathtub bottoms that are in good shape, but have lost their grip, can be "treated" with an anti-slip surface that you cannot see or feel until it gets wet, because the treatment is activated by water.

Refinished bathtub bottoms can have an anti-slip surface applied after refinishing, or we can apply a traditional glue-down mat.  Either way, your confidence level will soar when you realize the sure footing you have in the tub.

How do I care for and clean a refinished surface?

Your refinished surface will look, feel, and clean like brand new.  A soapy washcloth should be all it takes to clean with after refinishing, but make sure you always use mild, non-abrasive products when cleaning, because as with any new surface, the finish or shine can be dulled or damaged by abrasive cleaners.  Cleaners we recommend are Lysol Tub & Tile and Pro409 (diluted with water 50/50).

The best way to keep your refinished surface clean “between cleanings” is to wipe it down with a towel after each use.  You don't have to wipe it dry.  For optimal results, maintain the caulking around all refinished surfaces, especially bathtubs, and apply a clearcoat or finishing wax to the surface twice a year.

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 would 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 for an extended period of time can cause moisture to get trapped between it and the refinished surface, causing it to bubble and then peel when picking up the item.  We recommend a shower caddy or soap dish.

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.

Are there any additional charges or options?

Yes, here are the fine details.  If there is damage (chips, rust, nicks, cracks, pinholes, dents, etc.) on a surface that is going to be refinished, the damage must be repaired prior to refinishing.  Repairs start at $25, and can go up depending on the severity of the damage.  Our experience has been that most tubs do have some damage, but it's usually very minimal, and on rare occasions, there's no damage at all.

Part of the preparation before refinishing is removing the caulk between the bathtub and the last row of tile, as well as protecting the immediate surrounding area with paper and statically-charged plastic.  The day after refinishing, you have the option of removing this plastic/paper and re-caulking the tub yourself, or we will come back to do it for a return trip charge of $75.  Taking the paper down and re-caulking is certainly something most homeowners can do, but most prefer that we do it for them so it is a turnkey project.

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?

Absolutely!  Because we have 30 years experience, most jobs can be quoted sight-unseen by discussing it with you over the telephone.  However, some items like fiberglass or cultured marble tubs, enclosures, and countertops may require on-site estimates.  If we feel an on-site visit is necessary to assess the job, there is no charge.

What kind of payment methods do you offer?

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!