Refinishing Tips and FAQ for Bathtubs, Tiles, Sinks, Countertops

Since its introduction in 1883, the enameled bathtub has been a fixture in American homes. While not as popular as it once was, the enameled bathtub is still commonly found in homes today. However, enameled bathtubs experience wear and surface damage over time that affect their appearance. The difficulty and cost of removing the tub for repair or replacement can be daunting. It is necessary to remember that bathtub aesthetics are just as important as utility and function within the space. This is where bathtub refinishing can make a difference.

Bathtub refinishing services not only improve the aesthetics of your bathtub, but also increase the value of your home. Kitchens and bathrooms are major selling points of a home, and the condition of each space contributes greatly to the home’s value. Refinishing your bathtub improves the appearance and feel of your bathroom which increases the resale value of your home and makes it more attractive to potential buyers.

How to Increase Home Value with a Bathtub

It is no secret that the bathrooms within a home play a major role in the home’s value. If you want to get the most value from your bathroom, these tips will help you maximize the value you get just from your bathtub.

Make the Bathtub the Focal Point

The bathtub shouldn’t just be a feature in your bathroom, it should be the feature. Designing your bathroom to make the bathtub the main feature makes it more inviting and adds a sense of luxury to the space. The fixtures you choose for your tub should also contribute to the aesthetic of the tub.

bathtub

If you are planning a bathroom remodel, work with the interior designers to create a layout in which the bathtub anchors the space.

Choose Neutral Bathtub Colors

There have been several bathtub color trends that have come and gone, including avocado green and pail pink as well as red, aqua blue, harvest gold, and black. Bathtubs in these colors appear outdated, which can have an impact on the value of your home.

The one bathtub color that has not gone out of style is white. White is a timeless color for bathroom fixtures which is why it is chosen over every other color. It is best to choose white as the color for your bathtub as this color will always be in style while other bathtub color trends come and go.

Refinish the Bathtub

A worn-out bathtub diminishes the appearance of your bathroom, as well as the value of your home. To get the most value from your bathroom, your bathtub should be free of noticeable wear, stains, and surface damage.

If your bathtub has become damaged or worn out, you do not have to replace it. Full bathtub replacement is an invasive and expensive process. Bathtub refinishing can make your worn-out bathtub look like new and bring a much better return on investment in terms of the increase in your home’s value compared to the cost. This can also be done in a fraction of the time it takes to replace a bathtub. After your bathtub is refinished, no one will be able to tell the difference between it and a new tub, they will only see a well maintained and inviting bathroom.

NAPCO Bathroom refinishing Before And After

Why Refinish an Older Bathtub?

While a newer fiberglass or plastic tub might prove less expensive in initial costs compared to replacing it with an enameled tub, repairing or refinishing the tub is a comparable alternative. Considering that thermal performance of both plastic and fiberglass tubs are less than that of enameled tubs, the choice can also be a comfort issue.

Instead of replacing your worn-out enameled tub with a cheaper alternative, you can revitalize its appearance and bring more value to your home by having it refinished. The following are the main reasons to have your bathtub reglazed to increase the value of your home:

Restores Bathtub to Like-New Condition

If your bathtub is stained, rusted, worn out, or chipped and cracked, it can make your entire bathroom look worn out and old. Bathtub reglazing and refinishing revitalizes your bathtub to make it look like new again. Professionals who provide this service will repair surface damage to the tub and apply a new coat of paint to restore its original color and appearance. This process not only improves the look of the bathtub, but also the entire bathroom.

This is a minimally invasive process that can typically be done in one day for a fraction of the cost of bathtub replacement.

Inexpensive Project

bath shower refinishing - after

Bathtub reglazing and refinishing is a relatively inexpensive home improvement project, especially compared to the cost of bathtub replacement. However, it is important to consider that the cost of these services may reflect the quality. Do not fall for lower price points and instead find a professional that can deliver high-quality bathtub reglazing for the price.

Attract Potential Buyers

If you are planning on selling your home, refinishing your bathtub should be on your to-do list. These services will leave your bathtub looking brand new, which will make the tub and your bathroom look more comfortable and appeal to potential buyers. This also helps drive up the value of your home.

How to Refinish a Bathtub

Refinishing a bathtub is a project that can be done as a DIY project with the right equipment. If you feel comfortable trying this project yourself, follow these basic steps:

Buy a DIY bathtub refinishing kit: Make sure you buy a bathtub refinishing kit that includes refinishing products. You will need to buy tools and equipment such as rollers, sandpaper, gloves, and goggles separately.
Remove hardware and old caulk: First, shut off the water supply to the tub and then remove all fixtures and hardware. Once the hardware is removed, use an abrasive scrubbing pad to help you remove all existing caulk.
Deep clean the tub: Use an abrasive cleaner or bleach to thoroughly deep clean the bathtub before starting the refinishing process. After cleaning, rinse the bathtub and dry with a towel.
Prep the area: Prepare the area for the refinishing process by taping off the surrounding areas and putting down drop cloths to prevent drips on the floor. You should also put on protective gear such as pants, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, a mask, rubber gloves, and safety goggles. Open windows and use the bathroom exhaust fans and additional fans to help get the fumes out of the bathroom.
Rough up the tub: The next step is to rough up the surface of the tub either using etching powder or 400-grit sandpaper. Then rinse the tub and dry with towels.
Prime the tub: Use the primer in the DIY kit to prime the tub. If your kit came with a self-priming refinisher, you can skip this step.
Apply reglazer: Your DIY kit should include an epoxy resin and a hardener that need to be mixed. Mix these products according to the instructions and take note of the “working time” which is how much time you have to apply the mixture before it hardens. Apply the first coating over the entire tub and follow instructions for the second coat. Leave the tub to dry and cure as directed.
Caulk and reinstall fixtures: Once the tub is cured, apply new caulk to seal the tub joints where it meets the wall, floor, or tile, and reinstall the fixtures.

How Much Does It Cost to Reglaze a Tub?

Having a professional reglaze your bathtub can cost between $500 and $900 on average. If you do it yourself, it will cost you the price of materials and your time. DIY bathtub refinishing kits are available for between $50 and $200 and you may have to purchase additional materials such as rollers, protective gear, and sandpaper.

How Long Does Bathtub Reglazing Last?

Quality bathtub reglazing done by a professional can last between 10 and 15 years. DIY bathtub reglazing does not last as long, typically between 3 and 4 years.

Is Bathtub Refinishing Worth It?

Bathtub refinishing is worth the price for bathtubs that are in good structural condition but are affected by stains, surface damage like scratches, or discoloration. The average cost to refinish a bathtub is between $500 and $900 while the average cost of bathtub replacement falls between $1900 and $9000 depending on the type of bathtub and materials used. Bathtub refinishing also increases home value for a better return on investment than bathtub replacement.

DIY or Professional Bathtub Refinishing?

Like many home remodel projects, you have two basic options for refinishing a bathtub, either do it yourself or hire a professional. The most cost-effective method is to purchase a DIY bathtub refinishing kit and do it yourself, but these kits may fail to perform to a high standard. You also have to consider the extent of the repair and other aspects such as working conditions, time constraints, and the cost.

Kitchen and Bath Refinishing class

Hiring a professional for bathtub refinishing may have a higher initial cost than a DIY kit, but you can expect higher quality results that will last up to 10 years longer than DIY refinishing. It is also much less expensive than replacing the entire bathtub. Often it is more efficient to consult with a professional as they have the experience and knowledge necessary to get the job done right.

Click here to find a professional refinisher near you.

Refinish Your Bathtub to Increase Home Value

Bathtubs function as a visual centerpiece to any bathroom and their aesthetics are important for the look and feel of the space. Having an inviting and excellent looking enameled bathtub promotes a positive atmosphere in an otherwise mundane, functional room. By refinishing your enameled bathtub, you not only improve the visual appeal of the bath space, but also the overall value of your home.

See what it takes to professionally refinish a bathtub.

Bathtub refinishing services not only improve the aesthetics of your bathtub, but also increase the value of your home. Refinishing your bathtub improves the appearance and feel of your bathroom which increases the resale value of your home and makes it more attractive to potential buyers.

Tile flooring is the most common type of flooring used in bathrooms and kitchens because it is durable and moisture resistant. However, tile flooring can still become dirty, stained, or faded, requiring regular cleaning to keep them looking their best. The grout lines can also become susceptible to mold or mildew growth when wearing of the finish causes water and moisture to accumulate in the grout.

Even with regular cleaning, tile flooring may become faded or discolored over time, leading many homeowners to wonder if they should replace the tiles. Tile floor refinishing, also referred to as reglazing, is a more cost-effective method to restore the original appearance of the tile flooring with a new coating that will protect the floor and make it much easier to clean and maintain.

Tile floor refinishing costs homeowners a fraction of the cost to fully replace the floor. Bathtub refinishing contractors can add tile floor refinishing to the services they offer to attract a wider range of customers and increase their revenue from current clients that call for bathtub refinishing. In this guide, we discuss important tile floor refinishing tips as well as the most frequently asked questions about the process.

tile floor refinishing -Before-After

If you want to add tile floor refinishing to your bath refinishing services, talk to a NAPCO representative about our tile floor coating products.

How Do You Refresh Old Tile Floors?

The buildup of dirt, moisture, and mildew can make tile flooring in the bathroom look dull or dirty over time. When this happens, homeowners can take steps to refresh the original appearance of the tile flooring and save the cost and trouble of replacing the floor.

Here are three approaches homeowners can take to refresh old tile flooring:

Deep Cleaning

Homeowners should clean tile flooring regularly to remove surface dirt and grime, but a deeper cleaning may be required if the flooring becomes too worn out. Before cleaning the tile, first run hot water in the bathroom for a few minutes. The steam and heat from the water will open the pores of ceramic tiles which makes them easier to clean. Then apply the cleaning solution and scrub the surface of the tile gently with a brush to avoid damaging the tile. The grout lines must be scrubbed as well to remove mold and mildew.

Homeowners can use the following solutions to clean tile flooring:

Baking soda and vinegar: The combination of baking soda and vinegar is a highly effective natural cleaning solution for tile flooring. Either apply vinegar or sprinkle baking soda on the floor and scrub the solution using a non-abrasive sponge or brush. For deeper cleaning, combine the vinegar and baking soda to create a paste and use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to scrub the tile with the paste. Rinse the tile with fresh water after letting the solution sit.
Store-bought cleaners: Store bought solutions like lime scale removers can be used to remove tough dirt and stains. Make sure to follow the directions of the product and use non-abrasive materials to scrub the floor. Keep in mind that these harsh cleaners are more likely to cause damage to the tiles than natural solutions.

Painting the Tiles

Painting the tiles to refresh their color is another way to refresh tile flooring without replacing it. To do this, you will need to remove the grout and clean the tiles before applying primer and paint. Make sure to choose paints that are moisture and mold resistant.

Shine the Tiles

Sometimes simply shining the tiles can be enough to refresh their appearance. To do this, make a mixture of hot water with a few drops of mild soap. Use a mop to clean the tiles with this solution until all dirt and grime is removed. You can then shine the tiles by buffing them with a microfiber cloth or dust mop.

FAQ

Can a Tile Floor be Reglazed?

It is possible to reglaze tile flooring that consists of natural stone, porcelain, or ceramic tiles. When cleaning the tile flooring to maintain its appearance has become too much work or ineffective, homeowners may prefer to have their tile flooring reglazed to refresh its appearance and make it easier to clean. Effective tile floor reglazing can brighten and restore the current finish, reseal the grout, or update the color and texture.

How Can I Tell if a Tile Floor Needs Refinishing?

Your tile floor may need to be refinished if the tile has dulled or become dirty and cleaning the tile makes little difference. You may also want to change the color or texture of the tile for a new look or to upgrade the space. Damage to the tiles such as chips, cracks, scratches, and stains are also signs that the tile could benefit from refinishing.

Professional bath and tile refinishers can help homeowners determine if their tile needs to be refinished and discuss options for either refreshing the original appearance of the tile or creating a new color or texture.

How to Refinish the Tile Floor?

Refinishing the tile floor can be a DIY project for homeowners, but it is generally better to hire a professional bathtub and tile refinisher to handle the job. They have the tools, reglazing products, and experience to provide quality results and drastically improve the appearance of the tile.

Professional tile refinishers generally follow these steps for tile floor refinishing:

Clean and repair the tile: The first step in the process is to thoroughly clean the tile flooring to remove dirt, stains, grime, and soap scum. Professionals will use the best products for the specific type of tile. They will also repair chipped, broken, or loose tiles so that the surface is smooth.
Light sanding: After allowing the tile surfaces to dry, they should be lightly sanded using fine-grit sandpaper. This process ensures that the existing finish is completely removed and creates a rough texture on the tile surfaces that allows for better adhesion of the new coating.
Apply surface coating: Bath and tile refinishing contractors use professional grade coatings to refinish the tiles for long-lasting results. Coatings can be used to refresh the original appearance of the tiles or give them a new color. NAPCO spray-on tile floor coatings only take two hours to cure, and the flooring can be used again in 24 hours.
Apply sealant: The final step is to apply a sealant after the coating has completely dried to protect the tile. The sealant helps extend the life of the tile flooring by protecting against moisture, stains, and general wear and tear.

How Can I Change Floor Tile Color Without Replacing?

Homeowners that want to change the color of their tile flooring can do so by choosing a tile floor coating of their desired color. The glaze can be applied over the existing tile and grout lines to create a seamless new color and prevent mildew buildup on the grout.

You should put some thought into a new color so that you choose one that goes with the décor of your bathroom.

How Much Does It Cost to Reglaze Tile Floors?

The average cost of reglazing tile flooring with a contractor is between $4 and $10 per square foot. This makes the average overall cost of these projects just over $1000. It is possible to complete these projects with a DIY kit for between $100 and $150 but the quality of your work may not reach the quality of professional reglazing. You may also have to invest several hundred dollars before reglazing yourself to repair any damage to the tile and grout.

Is Tile Refinishing Worth It?

Tile refinishing is worth it because it results in a durable finish that refreshes and protects the flooring for less than the cost of replacing the tiles. Replacing tile flooring can cost between $1500 and $4500 on average depending on the type of tile while tile floor refinishing costs an average of around $1000. Having a professional reglaze your tile flooring is also an easier alternative to painting the tiles which requires regrouting.

The impressive, long-lasting results at a fraction of the cost of replacing the tiles makes tile refinishing worth it.

Adding Tile Floor Refinishing Services Helps Bath Refinishing Contractors Expand Their Business

Contractors that provide bath refinishing services can easily expand their business and increase revenue by adding tile floor reglazing to their offered services. NAPCO offers tile floor semi-gloss spray-on coatings that allow bathtub refinishers to provide quality tile floor reglazing.

With these products, you can immediately start offering tile floor reglazing as an add on service for new customers that call you for bathtub refinishing. You can also reach out to previous customers who were satisfied with your services and offer professional tile floor refinishing. Bundling your bathtub and tile floor refinishing services for an attractive price can help you close your warm leads. With the ability to refinish the bathtub, vanity, tile flooring, and the tile surrounding bathtubs, sinks, and showers, you can offer your customers a mini bathroom remodel at a fraction of the cost of a full remodel.

Call NAPCO for Tile Floor Refinishing Products

NAPCO is a premier supplier of bathtub and tile refinishing products, including our effective semi-gloss spray-on tile floor coatings. If you are interested in expanding your service offerings and increasing revenue by adding tile floor refinishing services, call NAPCO at (800) 888-1081 for more information about our products.

When kitchen cabinets are scratched, beat up, or need a refresh, it’s time for an upgrade.

There are many ways to change the appearance of cabinets in a kitchen or bathroom, including refacing or refinishing the cabinets or even replacing them entirely. Each of these three methods has pros and cons that any contractor or homeowner needs to consider before deciding which alternative is best for your specific project.

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When kitchen cabinets are scratched, beat up, or need a refresh, it’s time for an upgrade. There are many ways to change the appearance of cabinets in a kitchen or bathroom, including refacing or refinishing the cabinets or even replacing them entirely. Each of these three methods has pros and cons that any contractor or […]

Growing a small refinishing business can feel overwhelming, but there are several ways you can increase your customer base and secure new clients. Start with the right training and supplies, market your business to reach a wider audience, and develop relationships with both customers and suppliers to get your business on the right track.

1. Invest in Industry-Leading Kitchen & Bath Refinishing Training

Having the right experience is the foundation of a successful refinishing business. It’s crucial to learn from the best in the kitchen and bath refinishing industry so that you have the tools and knowledge you need to help your business grow.

If you’re new to the refinishing landscape, find a class for beginners with plenty of hands-on experience and a comprehensive training program. For experienced refinishers, prioritize expanding your technical skills so you can provide additional services to customers.

By investing in a strong training program, you will set your business apart from competitors, generate more sales, and provide higher-quality work—leading to an increased return on investment (ROI).

2. Stock Up on Refinishing Supplies

Kitchen and bath refinishing materials and equipment can range from bathtub primers and coatings to countertop and cabinet refinishing products. As you grow your refinishing business, having a variety of product options already at your fingertips will allow you to get the job started sooner and completed quicker.

Many professional refinishing supply companies offer volume discounts. Purchasing industry-leading kitchen and bath refinishing supplies in bulk can help you save a significant amount of money (which you can then put toward growing your small business).

3. Market Your Business

Marketing your refinishing services is a key part in promoting the growth of your small business. There are a variety of marketing strategies you can pursue. Traditional marketing options include door-to-door marketing, handing out business cards or brochures, and setting up booths at trade shows. Additionally, digital marketing—via an interactive website, social media pages, and email campaigns—will help you reach the masses online.

4. Cultivate Great Relationships with Customers

The importance of customer relationships cannot be emphasized enough, and neither can positive word-of-mouth. When your customers have a good experience with your refinishing business and are happy with their kitchen or bath remodel, they will recommend your services to friends, leave detailed reviews, and hire you for additional projects.

To cultivate great relationships with your customer base, emphasize communication. Not only do you need to understand what exactly your customers are looking to create, but you must also help them understand the scope of the project and manage their expectations. When your customers know what to expect and when you deliver on your promises, customer satisfaction follows.

5. Partner with a Quality Supplier

Your refinishing business is only as good as the materials and equipment you offer to customers. Partnering with an industry-leading kitchen and bath refinishing supplier provides several benefits to small businesses. You can source a variety of materials and equipment, take advantage of loyalty programs to secure discounts, and speak with experienced professionals when you need additional support. Some suppliers also offer marketing options like direct mail materials or magnets to help your business grow.

One way to determine if a potential supplier is a good choice for your business is to see what training programs they offer. A supplier that focuses on education is likely to be up to date in the industry as well as prepared to answer any questions you have.

Grow Your Kitchen & Bath Refinishing Business with NAPCO

Are you ready to explore a career in kitchen and bath refinishing or continue your remodeling education? The NAPCO training program offers sessions for both new and experienced refinishers. Our industry-leading training opportunities are led by highly experienced trainers and include extensive hands-on experience as well as technical and marketing support beyond the program. We are also proud to offer a customer loyalty program that helps refinishers stay on budget and save even more on top-tier refinishing materials.

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There is a rising demand for kitchen and bath refinishing services from homeowners looking to sell their houses or renovate their existing kitchens or baths, so now is the time to expand your refinishing business. Growing a small refinishing business can feel overwhelming, but there are several ways you can increase your customer base and […]

In one of our most recent blogs entitled, “Kitchen and Bath Refinishing Demand at All-Time High,” we uncovered the dramatic increase in the working-from-home lifestyle. According to Pew Research, 71% of people are currently still working from home. Because of this, many homeowners are looking to invest in their homes and in larger projects, such as remodeling kitchens and baths. The issue? There is a shortage of raw materials to make this happen. According to a recent NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) survey, a majority of builders reported a shortage in cabinets, ceramic tiles, plumbing fixtures and fittings, and more than 90% reported a shortage in plywood, oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood.

The solution? Refinishing! Refinishing provides an alternative remodeling method to help satisfy homeowners’ needs without the time, hassle and mess that comes along with a full remodel. While we could stop there because this leads to a lot of opportunity for refinishers, there is still one other issue for homeowners and refinishers alike–pricing. The price of raw materials has also spiked dramatically. So, how do you market the refinishing business nowadays and how do you consider the price increase?

How to Combat Increase in Materials or Supplies

While increase in demand is a great problem to have, what has not been addressed is the rise in pricing of raw materials, such as steel, aluminum, plastic, paper, and chemicals. Due to global supply shortages, transportation delays, and freight costs that have tripled in the last year on most building materials. Homeowners will need to be educated on these rising costs and refinishers may need to add in additional costs for product. Refinishers also need to account for longer turnaround time to receive their product, ensure extra product is on hand, and make homeowners aware of potential delays, especially with the holidays upon us. While NAPCO has done its best to keep prices the same and innovate in order to find other solutions to products that are hard to come by these days, prices look like they will continue to increase. To combat the price of raw materials, take a look at your pricing structure and profitability to determine if you should raise your prices. We also have a blog on tips to know when it’s time to raise your prices.

Alternative to Remodeling is Refinishing

If you’re a builder, painter or other general contractor, you don’t have to pass on remodeling jobs—you just need to speak to homeowners about using refinishing as an alternative. If you want to increase your knowledge about refinishing—hone your skills, learn about new products - check out the 3-day trainings from NAPCO on professional refinishing. Refinishing provides an alternative remodeling method to help satisfy homeowners’ needs. Expanding your skills and services to include bathroom and kitchen refinishing is an excellent way to continuously provide options to homeowners so they can improve their surroundings, without worrying about material shortages.

Refinishing provides an alternative remodeling method to help satisfy homeowners’ needs without the time, hassle and mess that comes along with a full remodel. So, how do you market the refinishing business nowadays and how do you consider the price increase?

Kitchen remodels have always been at the top of the list of home remodels, and now more and more homeowners are making this their 2021 remodeling priority. Whether remodeling to enjoy personally as people are spending more time at home, or increasing equity before putting their house on the market, a kitchen remodel remains top of mind for many homeowners. With that, great refinishers know best how to mesh those unique desires with available products and one available product that should be on every refinisher's list for kitchen remodels is Flint-Stone® countertop coating.

The Benefits of Flint-Stone Countertop Coating

As homeowners are spending more time and money upgrading their kitchen and changing kitchen cabinets and/or tile colors, refinishers are able to take it one step further and sell matching and complimentary countertop upgrades using Flint-Stone.

Flint-Stone is a faux-granite countertop coating that can be applied directly onto existing countertops that allow homeowners to enjoy the look of natural stone without the drawbacks of investing in a porous material. This is a great option for homeowners looking to emulate the natural stone trend, as this coating also comes in 23 different colors. It costs a fraction of the price of a full remodel and installing brand new stone countertops.

So what are some of the other benefits of Flint-Stone?

1. Well, first, money. Flint-stone countertops cut the costs of refinishing by 70%, sometimes even more, over the cost of a full replacement. These are excellent solutions that can give homeowners the look of a fresh new countertop but without the huge end bill.

2. It's also a more time-efficient solution. Rather than completely demoing their kitchen, NAPCO’s Kitchen Renew Countertop Coating is a clear coating that when applied over Flint-Stone, can have countertops complete in just 1-day. At most, when using Polyglass 320 Low VOC Clear Coating, the completion of a Flint-Stone coating countertop will be two days. In addition, Kitchen Renew clear coating was formulated to specifically work with Flint-Stone wet-on-wet and aids in laying down and smoothing out the Flint-Stone flakes. This assures a smooth application and professional finish. Gone are the days of having to get takeout for weeks during a full kitchen remodel!

3. Flint-Stone countertop coatings are also especially versatile. Because Flint-Stone has so many color options and color combinations, they are beneficial for homeoweners who may like to change décor often. With more than one solid option to work with as a base, paired with a refinishers professional spray skills, Flint-Stone can really look like a one-of-a-kind coating with each application.

Visit NAPCO's Online Store Today to Learn More

If you are looking to expand the capabilities of your refinishing business and capitalize on this growing trend, adding our Flint-Stone Countertop Coating to your repertoire is a great way to appeal to a wide range of homeowners. Visit our online store today to see our full line of 23 different colors and to learn more about how to use this product.

Are you a homeowner interested in finding a refinisher who uses Flint-Stone? Contact us and we can refer you to a refinisher in your area.

The mark of any great refinisher is the condition in which they keep their tools and equipment. How well you care for the equipment of your trade is important both for yourself and your customers. Arguably one of your most important pieces of equipment as a refinisher is your spray gun. Taking just a few extra minutes at the end of each day to clean your spray gun will help keep it flowing evenly and also extend the overall life, meaning you get more out of your equipment investments.

And personal investment reasons are only one big part of why you want to keep tools like spray guns, exhaust system and breathing systems clean and properly maintained. Forgetting or neglecting to clean your guns and changing filters in your equipment can cost you a job or needing to buy new equipment earlier than you thought if you aren't careful. We know taking the time to clean your equipment isn't the most exciting part of your job and takes some time at the end of your busy day but taking this extra time will certainly pay off in the end.

So now that you get why it's important to always keep your equipment clean and well-maintained, let's take a look at three key ways of doing so:

Use a spray gun cleaner

A spray gun cleaner, like NAPCO's On The Spot Gun Cleaner, is ideal for keeping your spray gun clean and well maintained. We recommend using spray gun cleaner every time you finish using your spray gun on a kitchen or bath refinishing job. Start by emptying your gun of any excess material. Then, follow the instructions and pour the indicated amount of On The Spot Gun Cleaner into the spray gun's cup. Shake the gun well in order to properly distribute the cleaner and then spray the cleaner through the gun. You might need to do this several times in order to get it properly cleaned. Just remember that this $20 cleaner can significantly extend the life of your $320+ piece of equipment, and that means extra long-term savings for your business. The entire gallon should provide a month or two of cleaning solution depending on how frequently you clean, which is a small price to pay for that added insurance.

Conduct weekly inspections

Cleaning Like a professional is a great way to catch the grime, but it's important to go beyond just cleaning in terms of caring for your kitchen and bath refinishing equipment. We recommend taking an hour each week to inspect the valves, valve seals, air tubes, and cup gaskets of all of your spray guns. For your larger equipment, make sure to keep new filters on hand and change them regularly to keep them running smoothly and to prevent clogging or overheating. As with other items, timely repair of small issues can help prevent an expensive and often inopportune breakdown in the future.

Keep backups and spare parts on-hand

This final tip flows from the previous one but it bears highlighting. Make the small investments now in order to have backup parts on hand; backup parts like an extra needle set, check valves, needle packings, gaskets, and filters all of which can be ordered through NAPCOltd.com. By having these items on-hand, you can quickly switch out bad parts with good ones when necessary. Having these parts on-hand prevents a disruption from impacting your business like having to cancel a job because your gun isn't in good working order.

Utilize NAPCO for repairs

NAPCO customers have the option to either drop off or ship your spray guns directly to NAPCO for us to repair. We charge $15 an hour for equipment repairs (not including any parts needed for both cleaning and repairing at the customer’s request). Additionally, customers also have access to our live virtual tech support for troubleshooting over-the-phone if you just need to walkthrough the issue with a professional.

Are you ready to stock up on backup parts, filters and spray gun cleaner? Visit our store at NAPCO today to get started.

How well you care for the equipment of your trade is important both for yourself and your customers. Extend the overall life and get more out of your equipment investments by keeping your refinishing equipment clean. Let’s take a look at three key ways of doing so.

2020 reminded us that life -- including business life -- is all about adapting. And while the COVID-19 pandemic was undoubtedly the most impactful thing to have happened in many Americans' lifetimes, it is another life event that must be adapted to. Today, the most successful businesses are those that best understood this importance. Businesses and entrepreneurs, including kitchen and bath refinishers, who saw the pandemic as something of a teaching experience and were able to learn and adapt, ultimately came out in better shape. The following is a look at a few of what we see as the most important lessons from the pandemic refinishers and entrepreneurs should consider for a thriving business.

Key Lessons From the Pandemic for Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

1. Knowing how and when to delegate tasks to other employees. Operating a small business means that you have to wear a lot of hats, and it is understandable to feel responsible for every single aspect of your business. But it isn't possible to wear every hat effectively. The pandemic's craziness with its shifting regulations, safety advisements, tax breaks, and many more has meant that there are even more things that businesses have to be aware of and tasks that have to be completed to stay ahead. The lesson here is that being more open to delegating tasks to knowledgeable employees leaves more room for you to focus on running a successful company.

2. Take inventory of your products. Although this should be done on an ongoing basis, we learned from the pandemic that it's a good idea to have more than enough product on hand so when deliveries are pushed and shipping delays arise, you are more than ready for it. Don't put yourself in a position not to be able to take on a client's job just because you don't have the necessary product onhand.

3. Review marketing strategies. We have written extensively about this in previous blogs, but it bears emphasizing again. You have to keep your messaging up-to-date with global events. In addition, staying up-to-date with your target audience and knowing who your customers are and how you get them will allow you to continue to effectively communicate with prospective clients even during global crises. Understanding what's important to them, for example, knowing your safety precautions ahead of time could make or break their commitment.

4. Review safety protocols to look for ways to increase safety. With the pandemic, we’ve learned that people are being safer now and see the importance of preventing disease spread, such as keeping high-touch surfaces clean and paying more attention to overall cleanliness, something refinishers were already implementing before as standard protocol. Even once COVID-19 is gone, refinishers should keep up many of the same disease-limiting safety protocols as the new standard to keep employees and customers safer from viruses like the flu. Including your daily safety etiquettes in all of your marketing eases any concerns that customers may have and may make them feel more comfortable committing right off the bat.

5. Review processes to improve efficiency. A significant change office workers saw throughout the pandemic was the increase of remote work, which reduced many companies' operating expenses. For refinishers, you might also consider using a remote worker to field calls or complete data working, or you might look at other processes such as ordering that could be streamlined to save costs.

6. Review customer-centric practices. In our previous blogs, we stressed the importance of why the idea of "HOME" should be the emphasis in your marketing due to how the pandemic has changed the very meaning of our homes. Likewise, you should look at all of your other customer-centric practices and consider changing what gets emphasized and what can be cut for being no longer relevant post-pandemic. In addition, consider what's most important to your customers and make sure you are providing that information ahead of time. For example, is having before and after photos of related work going to land you the job sooner? Always take the time to evaluate how you can stay in the field of vision of all your current and future clients.

7. Demonstrate consistency. With so many things changing, customers and employees want consistency now more than ever. Be that consistent boss and consistent refinisher for all your clients. Implement new technologies and processes where needed and make sure your business projects a someone you can trust attitude in everything you do.

8. Monitor gross profit margin and profitability more than once a year. Don't wait for tax season to check your profitability. Start doing this at least every season so you can ensure maximum profitability. Use this in tandem with the aforementioned delegation tip to prevent feeling overwhelmed by the excess work.

Bottom Line

Successful businesses need to learn how to adapt and survive in all situations. The essentials of a successful business don't entirely change during global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, the ability to remain flexible and adhere to all situations will allow the same businesses to thrive during these challenging times.

Businesses and entrepreneurs, including kitchen and bath refinishers, who saw the pandemic as something of a teaching experience and were able to learn and adapt, ultimately came out in better shape. The following is a look at a few of what we see as the most important lessons from the pandemic refinishers and entrepreneurs should consider for a thriving business.

Most of us have been at home nonstop for months, forced to consider every inch of our spaces. Now that we’re carefully resuming a more normal life, homeowners are finally able to make those design changes they’ve been daydreaming about. With the increase of potential bathroom refinishing projects, it’s important for refinishers to stay on top of the 2020 bathroom design trends and styles in the industry.

Black is back!

So what’s in currently for 2020? Black is back! For several years, gray has been a popular base color, but now darker shades are providing more impact. This trend is most popular in vanities and other fixtures. With NAPCO’s faux-granite Flint-Stone™ coatings, refinishers are able to model the look of natural stone surfaces in the bathroom at half the cost coming in a range of colors like the darker tones of Nightspots and Onyx.

Black also helps accent colors pop, like pink, which is also on trend now. Blue remains a popular bathroom color, as it reminds people of the ocean and relaxation, and green infuses energy because users feel an outdoor tree and grass connection. With NAPCO’s ability to color match hundreds of desired colors for all coatings and primers, you have any on-trend hue at your fingertips.

Simpler Storage Solutions

2020 bathrooms will also display simpler storage solutions with cabinets and shelves. For those homeowners who build more storage, refinishers can step in to paint any and all newly exposed surfaces, tubs and showers to match new shelving.

Now is the perfect time to help homeowners turn their spa bathroom fantasies into realities using these 2020 bathroom trends. Call 800-888-1081 for more information on how NAPCO can help you stay on the cutting edge of design trends for 2020 with our bathroom refinishing products.

Most of us have been at home nonstop for months, forced to consider every inch of our spaces. Now that we’re carefully resuming a more normal life, homeowners are finally able make those design changes they’ve been daydreaming about. With the increase of potential bathroom refinishing projects, it’s important for refinishers to stay on top of the 2020 bathroom design trends and styles in the industry.

Two years ago, NAPCO challenged its product development team to think beyond the bathroom. We saw a way for NAPCO’s refinishing products to have an even greater positive impact in peoples’ homes by formulating a product designed for kitchens. And to help our customers and new refinishers venture into the kitchen with us, we expanded our training program to include kitchen refinishing, prepping trainees for both bathrooms and kitchen upon completing their certification.

So what’s holding you back if you haven’t started refinishing kitchens? Stuck just refinishing bathtubs and wondering how you can boost your business volume? Kitchen cabinet and countertop refinishing can look difficult, but we have found that refinishers who take our training course and practice taping hinges, can easily transition from bathroom refinishing into the kitchen with the potential to triple their incomee. Here’s why:

KITCHEN REFINISHING PAYS 3 X MORE THAN BATHROOMS

Kitchen refinishing jobs allow refinishers to make 3x the amount currently made on one bathroom job. Since kitchen refinishing uses the same equipment, tools, and application techniques as bathtub refinishing, there is no need to invest in anything new to get started. On average, refinishers can make $2,000 on one kitchen job versus working on four to six individual bathroom jobs.

BUST THE CABINET MYTH

Many bathroom refinishers avoid the kitchen because of how long they think cabinet refinishing takes. Using traditional methods, taking off doors and masking can take anywhere from three to five days. NAPCO’s class teaches refinishers how to tape and mask a single hinge in under two minutes. This technique allows refinishers to get to work fast and finish an entire project in one or two days depending upon the size of the kitchen and number of cabinets.

YOU ALREADY HAVE LEADS

The beautiful thing about adding kitchen refinishing to your business is that you already have a long list of warm leads. Everyone who has a bathroom that you refinished also has a kitchen. A phone call, postcard mailing and an email campaign may be all you need to start booking kitchen refinishing jobs.

During the pandemic, many refinishers are trying to find ways to bring their businesses back to 100% revenue and what better way to do that than to add kitchen cabinets and countertops to your skillset! Already a certified refinisher? We encourage you to get into the kitchen to continue growing your business NOW! If you need a refresher course, NAPCO’s Kitchen Class will be perfect for you. If you are ready to get started, give us a call. Class sizes are extremely limited as a health precaution. Talk to us about your training needs and interest in kitchen refinishing to get started now! Let NAPCO help you over the “refinish line” toward your career goals! Call 800-888-1081 or click here.

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