Home Garden

Reglazing Shower Floors

Reglazing your shower floors provides you with the opportunity to instantly update your bathroom without a laborious and time-consuming remodel. The process is cheaper than replacing your floors and can be applied to a variety of tiled floor surfaces. The term "reglazing" is a bit of a misnomer. It is actually a refinishing process and does not put new glass or ceramic on the tile. Although DIY kits are available so you can reglaze your own shower floors, this job may be best left to a professional because of the complicated application process.
  1. Reglazing Process

    • Reglazing is the application of epoxy, enamel or acrylic solution to refinish tiles. This process is usually completed by a professional company and the solution is either rolled on or sprayed on to cover the existing tile surface. The solution gives the tiles a new coating to make them appear new or to cover stains. This process can be completed on most tile types, including ceramic and porcelain.

    Savings

    • Reglazing your shower floors saves you a significant amount of money because it provides you an alternative to replacing your floors. When you replace your floors, you incur substantial costs to remove the existing flooring, dispose of the flooring and buy new flooring material, plus installation. Reglazing allows you to hire one company that can typically complete the job in a day and the results are long-lasting.

    Reglazing Services

    • A tile reglazing company typically completes a number of services in conjunction with the reglazing application. The tile and grout are cleaned and loose or chipped tiles are repaired before the reglazing application. Tiles are prepared so that the reglazing will strongly adhere to them. Surrounding surfaces are protected so they do not come in contact with the reglazing solution and a heat cure is applied to the floors after the reglazing is applied.

    Benefits

    • Reglazing your shower floors provides many benefits. A variety of color options are available so you can choose the color that best coordinates with the other fixtures and decor in your bathroom. The process also helps to eliminate mold and mildew growth by sealing off grout from air and moisture.

    Finding a Reglazing Company

    • Contact several reglazing companies for a quote before committing to a reglazing company. Inquire about the type of product they plan to use. An epoxy primer and acrylic topcoat provide a durable application. Some companies may charge less, but may also use inferior coatings, like enamel or car paint. These applications will not provide as long as a life as the epoxy and acrylic combination. Also, inquire about the warranty for the reglazing process. A quality company will guarantee the finish for 10 to 15 years. The company should apply protective sheeting on all areas of your bathroom that are not being refinished.

    Considerations

    • You will need to clean the bathroom before the reglazing company arrives. Remove all personal items from the shower. The reglazing company will also remove faucets and other plumbing fixtures with the job. You will have to stay out of the bathroom during the process, so redirect traffic to another area. You shouldn't have to vacate the home, since the company will ventilate the area to make it safe for children and pets. Generally, you can use the bathroom 24 hours after reglazing is completed.