New Wall Tile Without The Hassle

Yes. But we're able to add in a scent like lemon or bubble gum that hides the smell entirely. The coating that we now use is low VOC and environmentally friendly. The new lower VOC coating results in a significantly lower smell that dissipates much quicker than older technology – without sacrificing any of the strength and durability our work is known for. We run a ventilation system out of the door or window to reduce the smell.

The finish that we apply is called an aliphatic acrylic polyurethane. It's a 2-part urethane invented by NASA several years ago. It is now used anywhere that a hard, long-lasting, durable finish is needed. Other examples would be airliners and oceanliners.The advantages of this finish over other products are:

• Resistance to abrasion and scratching (holds up to normal wear and tear)
• Impact resistance (won't crack or chip if you drop a shampoo bottle)
• Resistance to extreme temperatures
• Color retention (won't yellow like epoxy coatings)
• This finish has been modified for use in the resurfacing industry.

Do not use abrasive cleaners like Comet or Ajax; even SoftScrub has some mild abrasives. However, you won't need to use abrasive cleaners since the new finish will be non-porous, and the dirt and grime should wipe away much easier than before. Use a "Safe for Acrylics" cleaner for regular cleaning. Many are available, such as Tilex and "Scrub Free" from Arm and Hammer.

We can complete most bathroom tile projects in less than a day. However, you should not use the bathroom for 4 hours after we are through.

After thoroughly cleaning the tile, we apply an acid to remove the gloss from the original finish and etch the surface. Millions of microscopic holes are opened on the original surface, allowing the new finish to penetrate the old surface and create a bond. After the acid etch, we fill in any significant chips or holes, then thoroughly clean and dry the tile again. After that, we mask off the tile and all the fixtures, hang plastic sheets, and put tarps on the floor. In effect, we create a spray booth in your bathroom. We then mix a colored resin with a catalyst. A chemical reaction takes place and the new finish begins to harden. We work fast because we only have a couple of hours to work with it while it is still a liquid. We apply the finish coat over the tile using a spray system. It then penetrates and bonds to the old surface. Because we apply the new finish as a liquid, it molds to the old surface and fills in all of the pores, making the entire, hardened finish non-porous. The result is a finish that looks better, lasts longer, and cleans easier.

We can resurface floor tile, but we are not enthusiastic about it. In fact, we will try and talk you out of it. We want to give you a finish that will last for many years. But with floor tile, people will be walking on it with shoes. In addition, there is a strong likelihood of dropping items such as curling irons and hair dryers on the finish. There are many low-cost options available for floor replacement that we would recommend you look into before you consider resurfacing your floor.

The new finish is applied as a liquid and covers the grout lines and the tile. The result is that the grout will be the same color as the tile. Because the grout is so porous, you will have the definition of grout — so it will still have the look of a tiled bathroom. Anyone walking into your bathroom will think that you have new tile in your bathroom. A secondary benefit of resurfacing is that the finish will seal the grout off. This means that mold and mildew won't be as much of a problem. The result is that the tile is much easier to keep clean.

Surface Renew's process for resurfacing/re-coloring tile is a cost-effective alternative to replacement. Replacing the tile in your bathroom can cost thousands of dollars more than refinishing. In addition, the new tile will not be the same quality as the original in most cases. The main reason most customers resurface their tile is to change the color. Many bathrooms have tile in good shape, but the color is out-of-date. They are tired of decorating around old colors like pink, peach, green, and yellow. At Surface Renew, we apply a new finish over the existing tile. We change the color, so you don't have to go through the time and expense of replacement. You'll get a new finish that will look like new tile. The new finish is strong and durable enough to last for many years.