Refinishing Tips and FAQ for Bathtubs, Tiles, Sinks, Countertops
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Confused about the housing market and what it means to your business? You’re not the only one! Interest rates are low, but so is inventory in the affordable housing sector. The numbers are up and down depending upon where you live and the housing category. According to the National Association of Realtors’ Index, May marks the 17th straight month of annual declines.  So, what does this mean for the remodeling industry? It’s hard to say. After home remodeling spending hit a record high of nearly $425 billion in 2017, annual gains are projected to slow in more than half of the nation’s largest housing markets in 2019, according to a report from the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

Annual Growth in Home Improvement Spending

Source: Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University

With supplies of timber, aluminum, and steel being impacted by existing tariffs, and a shortage of skilled laborers, the refinishing industry may have a unique opportunity to grab what would have been full remodeling jobs. Refinishers use existing materials and coatings to make dramatic improvements to bathrooms and kitchens. By educating homeowners about this option, the price tag of a bathroom remodel can drop from $8,000.00 - $12,000.00 to a mere $1,500.00. Homeowners don’t have to wait to make improvements until they are ready to put their house on the market (which is when most remodeling activity occurs). The homeowner can upgrade their space and enjoy it as they live there. The improvements made will still yield an increase in value over the expense.

refinishing vs replacing costs

With all this trepidation and confusion in the housing market, refinishers have an exciting opportunity to expand their skills and fill a labor market gap. Robert Dietz, the chief economist with the National Association of Home Builders, said in a recent interview that “Most individual remodelers will say they’re busy and schedules are full because they don’t have enough help.” Building additional refinishing skills of your own and with your staff could give you a leg up to expand work with both existing and new clients.

Many of NAPCO's long-time bathtub refinishing customers have signed on for the new kitchen refinishing training program. Once these refinishers learn the cabinet taping technique and the methods for applying the Kitchen Renew waterborne coatings, they have been able to deliver both bathroom and kitchen refinishing jobs successfully. The best part about expanding refinishing skills to include kitchens is the jump in job pricing. A kitchen refinishing job can be very profitable, and a great additional revenue stream for your business.

For more information on NAPCO’s kitchen refinishing training program and/or its kitchen and bathroom refinishing training program, visit our website.


Press release: https://www.prweb.com/releases/napco_north_american_polymer_company_sees_window_of_opportunity_for_kitchen_and_bath_refinishers_in_an_uncertain_housing_market/prweb16442119.htm

 

With all the confusion in the housing market, refinishers have an exciting opportunity to expand their skills and fill a labor market gap. Many of NAPCO’s long-time bathtub refinishing customers have signed on for the new kitchen refinishing training program.

On our NAPCO blog, we talk a lot about how refinishers can use our products and services to start their own refinishing business. But what do you do when your company is already established? As a small business owner, it can be tough to know where to invest your time and money in order to take things to the next level. The first step to growing your small business is to increase your overall revenue. For refinishers, the easiest way to do this is to get more customers. Below are five proven strategies you can make use of to grow your refinishing business:

referrals

  1. Grow Your Customer Base Through Referrals

Instead of using your budget on marketing strategies like direct mail or online advertising (though these can be valuable tools as well), try attracting new customers to your business through existing customers. Though your excellent refinishing work and customer service will speak for itself, you should be actively seeking referrals after every job. This means asking the customer if they know of anyone else that could use your services and requesting they put them in contact with you. You could even set up a referral program with bonuses or discounts for friends and family!

  1. Extend Your Reach

To attract new customers, you may have to go to them. Though opening a new branch can be a daunting process, it can pay off in the end by allowing you to serve a much greater range of new customers. If you don’t feel ready to operate a multi-location business, you could also start by extending your reach online. Launching a website for your business is another great way to reach new customers, as you can take advantage of new channels of communication such as social media and email newsletters.

cabinet refinishing

  1. Diversify Your Services

If you want to appeal to more customers, you’re going to have to offer them more. After all, one bathtub refinishing customer should be set for another 5 years at least! However, past customers will likely remember your good work and be interested when they learn that you offer new services like kitchen cabinet and countertop refinishing. Not only do diverse service offerings allow you to appeal to past customers, but they can bring your business to the attention of new customers who may be only looking for kitchen refinishing.

  1. Keep a Handle on Costs

This one comes as no surprise, but in order to grow your refinishing business you’re going to need to make some tough decisions when it comes to spending. If there is a certain product, service, marketing initiative, or, sadly, employee that doesn’t seem to be worth the cost, you will likely need to let them go. However, don’t be overly quick to pull the trigger on certain expenditures. Some programs may take weeks or even months to bring value but are worth it in the long run.

  1. Get Yourself Out There

get the word outBe it local advertising, paid social media campaigns, a new website launch, or attending trade shows, the most important thing to do in order to grow your refinishing business is to get it out in front of people. Participating in targeted marketing strategies ensures that you are reaching the right people in the right area who could benefit most from your services.

 

If you would like further advice on how to expand your refinishing business, get in touch with our customer service team at 800-888-1081. We’d be happy to talk to you about growth strategies and share our training manual with you!

 

The first step to growing your small business is to increase your overall revenue. For refinishers, the easiest way to do this is to get more customers. Below are five proven strategies you can make use of to grow your refinishing business.

The NAPCO product development team is thrilled to announce the launch of three new waterborne products for our Kitchen Renew product line, expected to launch sometime next month. Last year we made the decision to expand from bathtub and tile to also include kitchen countertop and cabinet refinishing. Since then, the program has been a continued success and we knew we would need to grow our range of products to meet customer demands.

Kitchen Refinishing Eco-Friendly NAPCO Waterborne ProductsWe decided to focus on these products because they are created using waterborne technology. This means that they have a higher water content therefore contain very low volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. VOCs are found in many refinishing products and emit chemical compounds, some of which can have harmful or adverse effects. And since concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors than outdoors, NAPCO stays committed to providing professional refinishers with a green alternative that’s both safer for you and the environment.

Our three new Kitchen Renew Products include:

  1. Kitchen Renew Gloss Clear for Countertop - Perfect for customers looking for an extra high-finish on their kitchen countertops.
  2. Kitchen Renew Gloss for Cabinets - Customers can also receive glossy cabinets to match the kitchen countertop finish. Just like the rest of our coatings, this product can be color-matched to fit any customer taste with a range of black to pink.
  3. Kitchen Renew Waterborne Primer - This primer was also created using color-match technology and can easily fill in wood grain on cabinets. It also works great under our popular Flint-Stone countertop coating.

The new new waterborne products are easy to use, high quality and eco-friendly options that we’re eager to bring to the market. For our refinishers who have already completed the 3-day Kitchen and Bath Refinishing Training course, we now offer a one-day Kitchen Refinishing class where you can learn all about our new Kitchen Renew products and their application.

You’ll also learn more about the differences between waterborne and traditional products, why kitchen refinishing is an opportune market, what kinds of profit margins you can expect, and more about running a kitchen refinishing business. At the end of class, attendees will also receive free samples of all Kitchen Renew products to take home so they can continue the learning process.

This class is FREE for all NAPCO customers because we want you to be able to take advantage of all the new things Kitchen Renew has to offer. We just ask that you put a $500 deposit down to hold your place in the class, which will be credited to your account once you complete the course.

How To Refinish Cabinets with NAPCO Essentials Kitchen Renew Cabinet Coating - Watch the Video

How To Refinish Countertops with NAPCO Essentials Kitchen Renew Countertop Coating - Watch the Video

If you have any questions about the Kitchen Renew line, our One-Day Kitchen Refinishing training class, or our new waterborne products, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-888-1081. Happy refinishing!

 

The NAPCO product development team is thrilled to announce the launch of three new waterborne products for our Kitchen Renew product line. Last year we made the decision to expand from bathtub and tile to also include kitchen countertop and cabinet refinishing. Since then, the program has been a continued success and we knew we would need to grow our range of products to meet customer demands.

Though NAPCO's business is rooted in bathtub refinishing services, you've probably noticed that we've expanded our range of training to include kitchen cabinets and countertops as well. This is because we want our professional refinishers to be able to stay competitive in today's home improvement market by offering a wider range of services.

However, change can be hard, and we understand that new services also come with new challenges to overcome. To better understand the concerns of our customers, NAPCO CEO, Steve Coven, went out into the field to speak directly with kitchen refinishers. Utilizing this feedback along with online comments, we've compiled your top kitchen refinishing concerns for Steve to respond to directly.

Take a look at Steve's answers to these frequently asked questions below:


Do I still need to remove the hinges and hardware when refinishing kitchen cabinets? Degreasing and masking the hinges can be messy.

Steve Says: You can remove hardware if the customer wants to replace it entirely, but if they don't, it's much easier just to mask it before refinishing. Kitchen Renew was formulated to leave doors and drawer fronts in place, so use TSP to remove tough grease on hinges and then mask them. It's a whole lot easier to do that than remove doors, match up each hinge to where it came from, cart doors offsite to spray, hang or rack them, bring them back to the site and reinstall. We want to save you time, and the best way to do that is to leave the doors and drawer fronts in place.


How do I deal with cabinets that have a heavy varnish? The wood grain is often still visible.

Steve Says: Our Kitchen Renew Satin White for Cabinets is a paint and primer in one. If that's not sufficient to fill in wood grain, be sure to pick up some of our Waterborne Primer which can be used on cabinets that have dark stain or wood grain to fill before applying the Kitchen Renew Cabinet coating.


napco cabinet refinishingWhat do I do if I can't refinish a kitchen in one day? Oftentimes the property management lets us in late, and we have to wait too long for the countertop coating to dry.

Steve Says: Explain to the property management company that you'll need a full day to ensure you can refinish both the cabinets and countertops. Do all of your prep and masking the remainder of the first day, then when you're able to come back the next day, you can begin spraying. Apply the Kitchen Renew Cabinet coating first, as that dries much quicker than the Kitchen Renew Countertop coating. Once the cabinets are dry to the touch (20 minutes after the last coat), remove the masking from the countertop and use large plastic sheeting taped underneath the bottom of the cabinets on the wall to the ceiling. This ensures no overspray will get on the cabinets as you're refinishing the countertop.


How much should I charge for a kitchen refinishing job? I want to remain competitive but still make a profit.

Steve Says: A good rule of thumb is $100 per cabinet door, $25 per cabinet drawer front – then measure the amount of linear feet you're refinishing and multiply it by $50. This is a good starting number for refinishing residential cabinets. For residential countertops, it's $50-60 per linear foot and add $20 per linear foot for a backsplash. Commercial jobs are priced differently, based on the configurations of the kitchen and the cost to replace everything. You should get estimated pricing (including disposal, labor, downtime, etc.) from the property manager and price out jobs accordingly.


Why is kitchen refinishing worth my time when I could stick to bathtub refinishing instead, and make similar profits each day?

Steve Says: Your profit margins are considerably higher when it comes to refinishing kitchens versus refinishing bathtubs since it's a larger job and you're refinishing more area with the same amount of time. Refinishing two residential bathtubs in a day gives you a gross revenue of anywhere from $800-$1,100; refinishing a small residential kitchen (cabinets and countertop) gives you a gross revenue of $2,500-$3,500.


How do I explain to homeowners that refinishing their cabinets is a better option than purchasing new cabinets instead?

Steve Says: Explain that the total cost to replace their cabinets is a lot more expensive than they think. Not only are they purchasing the cabinets, but they'll have to pay someone to install them, disposal fees, and any damage done to the floor, walls, or countertop in the process. Not to mention the mess and the downtime of not being able to use your kitchen for at least two weeks. With refinishing, homeowners can reduce their costs by up to 60% and have the use of their kitchen back in as little as 24 hours!


How do I negotiate with property managers to make them understand the value of my services?

Steve Says: The main benefit for property managers is a quick turnaround time. Meaning there is less downtime for renters and the focus is on needing units ready to rent as soon as possible. Also, by having a kitchen refinished in a day, they're reducing their costs and meeting budget numbers. Finally, refinishing kitchens using a professional refinisher allows their salaried handyman to focus on other things in the property that need attention.


Not every customer wants the flint-stone countertop look, what can I offer them instead?

Steve Says: One of the great things of our Kitchen Renew product line is that it's customizable – so if a customer wants a solid color for their countertops, we can match that color for them from black to pink.  We're also looking to expand our countertop refinishing products to include 100% epoxy coatings that can be functional, durable, and customizable based on the customer's desires.


We hope these answers from Steve have helped clarify some of the trickier aspects of kitchen cabinet and countertop refinishing. Though it will take some adjusting, investing in kitchen refinishing training and products are worth it in the long run. As always, please don't hesitate to contact us with remaining questions or concerns about any of our services. You can fill out our online form or give us a call at 800-888-1081.

 

To better understand the concerns of our customers, NAPCO CEO, Steve Coven, went out into the field to speak directly with kitchen refinishers. Utilizing this feedback along with online comments, we’ve compiled your top kitchen refinishing concerns for Steve to respond to directly.

Home improvement projects and renovations can be a great way to add value to your home and upgrade your living space. And, with the vast amount of DIY inspiration, access to how-to training videos, and an uptick in the savvy consumer mentality it can be tempting to hop on the DIY trend, but don’t think that all projects can and should be tackled by yourself. According to ImproveNet’s survey of 2,000 American’s who tried at least one DIY home improvement project in November 2018, one in three respondents had to call in a professional to fix their botched work.

How do projects go wrong?

While on paper DIY home improvement projects can promise money saved and emotional satisfaction, executing these projects is a lot more difficult than reading instructions or pressing play on a youtube video. The reality is that DIY home improvement projects oftentimes end up causing homeowners bigger pains (financially, emotionally and even physically) than gains.

In fact, according to ImproveNet’s survey 55% of respondents said their projects took longer than anticipated, 48% said their projects were technically much harder than they anticipated and 17% said their projects cost more than anticipated.  50% of respondents said their DIY projects were physically much more demanding than they originally thought and 6% reported suffering from a DIY caused injury. All in all, the survey found almost 2/3 of respondents regretted one or more DIY projects.

No matter how DIY projects go wrong, they usually end up costing you a lot more than you had anticipated.

The benefits of hiring a professional.

While some DIY jobs can be easier to tackle and complete yourself than others, that doesn’t mean the results are satisfactory or even comparable to the results of a professional’s work. According to ImproveNet’s survey, among homeowners disappointed with their results, over half said the final project didn’t look good, 24% Said the project didn’t function correctly and 21% said the project didn’t hold up over time.

Many times, it is best to call in a pro. And, with spring right around the corner, many of us are thinking up to tackle a home improvement project in the next few months. Learn from other’s mistakes and don’t risk the damage DIY projects can cause. Attempting a difficult home improvement project typically winds up costing you a lot more than you thought-especially when most of us attempting a DIY project have a goal of saving money. A professional can ensure the project looks good, functions properly, and holds up over time.

What projects should not be DIY?

Certain, smaller DIY projects can be manageable depending upon your experience level, physical capabilities, and resources. But, we know one job that should NEVER be attempted without the help of a professional: kitchen and bathroom refinishing projects.

Not only can attempting refinishing be dangerous, but the results are never as good as they are when done by a refinisher. And, according to ImproveNet’s survey, 30% of respondents said they regretted attempting cabinet, countertop, and tile projects themselves.

Hiring a professional refinisher at NAPCO will assure the job is done right – the first time. We can even remedy botched refinishing work.

Countertop refinish before and after 

The top-notch results delivered by a refinishing professional makes your kitchen and bathrooms look and feel brand new while saving you time, money and the headaches that accompany DIY projects. NAPCO will help you choose a reputable refinisher. Don’t take a chance on a DIY kit or an unqualified contractor. To find a refinisher click here or call us today 1-800-888-1081.

 

Certain, smaller DIY projects can be manageable depending upon your experience level, physical capabilities, and resources. But, we know one job that should NEVER be attempted without the help of a professional: kitchen and bathroom refinishing projects.
Not only can attempting refinishing be dangerous, but the results are never as good as they are when done by a refinisher. And, according to ImproveNet’s survey, 30% of respondents said they regretted attempting cabinet, countertop, and tile projects themselves.

You might remember from our blog last month, that minor kitchen remodels are one of the top home improvement projects in 2019.

But did you know, you can actually make more money by refinishing one kitchen vs numerous bathrooms?

Some of our professionally certified NAPCO refinishers have used NAPCO’s kitchen refinishing products and training services as an add-on to their existing bathtub refinishing business, while some have even made kitchen refinishing their primary business. By adding kitchen refinishing onto their bathroom refinishing business, these refinishers have been able to greatly increase their overall revenues with little in the way of cost.

cabinet refinishing - after

Because total revenue can vary, comparing profits between refinishers in different areas gives a more holistic look at kitchen refinishing vs. bathroom refinishing revenues and costs. We spoke to three of our professionally certified NAPCO refinishers, two of which are now refinishing both kitchen and bathrooms on a regular basis and are highly successful. We’ve put together a side-by-side comparison of their refinishing costs, revenues, and profits for kitchen vs bathrooms below.

Refinisher #1
Location: Indiana

Kitchen Bathroom
Overall Time Spent 3 days 1 Day
Avg Revenue $3,000 (cabinet work only) $1,200 (tub, tile)
Avg Cost of Materials $350 $80
Avg Profit $1,900 $800
Jobs per month (%) 25% 75%

 

25% of Refinisher #1’s business now comes from kitchen refinishing. Refinisher #1 hopes to continue expanding their kitchen refinishing cliental base as well as their number of kitchen refinishing jobs in the coming months.

 

Refinisher #2
Location: Indiana

Kitchen Bathroom
Overall Time Spent 2.5 days 1 Day
Avg Revenue $5,000 (cabinet work only)

$6,000 (cabinet and countertops)

$949 (complete tub, tile)
Avg Cost of Materials $300 $50
Avg Profit $2,000 $700
Jobs per month 3-5 100-120

 

Refinisher #2, one kitchen refinishing job makes the same amount of revenue as refinishing six to eight tubs. As many of us know, the more jobs you do, the more chances you have for errors and call backs. So, while refinisher #2 performs far less kitchen refinishing jobs per month compared to bathroom refinishing jobs, each kitchen refinishing job brings in 5x more revenue with far less risk.

 

Refinisher #3
Location: Louisiana

Kitchen Bathroom
Overall Time Spent No kitchens 1 Day
Avg Revenue $500 (complete tub, tile)
Avg Cost of Materials $50
Avg Profit $300
Jobs per month (%) 0% 100%

 

Refinisher #3 hasn’t added kitchen refinishing to their business. While their business is doing well, it could benefit significantly from adding a few kitchen jobs per month.

Like refinisher #3, you may be missing out on revenue from kitchen refinishing services.

NAPCO is here to help you grow your refinishing business and we make it simple. With NAPCO’s kitchen refinishing class, attendees receive a full day of hands-on training using our top-of-the-line products for kitchen refinishing.

Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your business offerings and revenue line. Add NAPCO’s newest kitchen refinishing products and training services onto your refinishing business. View NAPCO’s kitchen refinishing training dates and call us to reserve your spot!

 

We spoke to three of our professionally certified NAPCO refinishers, two of which are now refinishing both kitchen and bathrooms on a regular basis and are highly successful. We’ve put together a side-by-side comparison of their refinishing costs, revenues, and profits for kitchen vs bathrooms below.

A full bathtub replacement is hugely expensive, not to mention inconvenient. You may have to go days or even weeks without this essential part of your home. However, there are two main options for salvaging that old tub, at a fraction of the cost. These two options are to either have the tub resurfaced or fit with a new bathtub liner. It can be confusing to determine which of these options is the best for your situation, so below we’ve broken down the differences between the two.

Bathtub Refinishing and Bathtub Liners

What are they?

Tub inlaySimply put, bathtub refinishing is the process of cleaning and smoothing the surface of the tub, and then spraying or painting a lasting coating over the top. Though it is possible to DIY, we recommend hiring a professional refinisher to take on this type of job, as it involves working with numerous volatile chemicals and professional equipment.

Bathtub liners are custom-fit and measured to the exact proportions of a bathtub. The liners must be ordered from a company and are then installed by that company over the top of your existing tub.

What are the benefits?

acrylic tubRefinishing is by far the most affordable option when it comes to fixing up an old tub. Hiring a professional refinisher to service your tub can cost only a few hundred dollars, depending on the project. Refinished tubs also look and feel nicer than any other fix-up option. The extremely thin layer of coating placed on the tub makes it look and feel just like the original. And, refinished bathtubs can last upwards of 10 years where the coatings have been applied by a professional refinisher and the surfaces have been properly cleaned and cared for.

Some homeowners may prefer liners because the installation process is cleaner. Because the contractors are simply placing a lining over the tub, there is no messy work involving sanding and spraying. If correctly installed, a liner also has a very high longevity.

What are the drawbacks?

As previously stated, the clean-up process involved in refinishing a tub by DIY can be cumbersome and certain products used in the refinishing process can also produce a strong odor that is bothersome to some homeowners.

Liners are more expensive than refinishing, often costing close to $1000. They are also susceptible to water leakage underneath the liner, which can lead to extreme damage to the original tub. Since liners are thicker, they also reduce the amount of space available inside the tub.


The bottom line

Except for a few special circumstances, we recommend refinishing as the right option for most homes. Hiring a professional refinisher will assure the job is done right – the first time. The premium results delivered by a refinishing professional makes bathtubs look and feel just like new while saving you valued time, money and the headaches that accompany DIY projects. Professional refinishing gives your bathtub new life at a lower cost than liners! NAPCO can help you find a refinisher in your area who uses NAPCO’s top-notch refinishing products. Check out our “find a refinisher” portal to connect with a professional near you!

 

A full bathtub replacement is hugely expensive, not to mention inconvenient. There are two main options for salvaging that old tub, at a fraction of the cost – Bathtub Refinishing vs Bathtub Liners – see the pros and cons.

Now is the time to get a head start on preparing your business for 2019.  Whether you’re considering entering the home improvement sector first time or you’re an experienced contractor, adding kitchen refinishing to your skillset is a sure-fire way to grow your business in the new year. Here are 3 reasons why you should add kitchen refinishing onto your business in 2019:

More homeowners are opting for minor kitchen upgrades

When it comes to home improvement projects in the new year, the heart of the home will take center stage.  As such, 2019 has been dubbed “the year of the kitchen” by Remodeling Business. The reason for this is simple: return on investment.

Minor kitchen remodels are one of the top home improvement projects that generate the highest return on investment.  According to  Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value home improvement report, a minor kitchen remodel will get back 81% of its cost in average resale value, while a major upscale kitchen remodel will get back only about 53.5% of its cost. And the most valuable home improvement projects in a minor kitchen remodel include modernizing the cabinets and countertops.

cabinet refinishing

Many times, we are so focused on a current refinishing job that we forget this isn’t the only thing affecting business. The broader consumer market also impacts business. Adjusting your services to offer what current and potential customers want is a simple way to boost business.

Keep customers coming back by offering additional services

Acquiring a new customer is much harder, and more expensive, than retaining an existing one. This makes sense when you think about the time and resources you expend on attracting and convincing homeowners to use your contract services before you even start doing your contracting work.  How do you make those one-time customers come back? And how do you turn those customers into long-term clients? Keep them happy and satisfied.

According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, bathroom and kitchen updates will be two of the most popular home improvement projects in the upcoming year. That means for contractors in the bathroom refinishing business, at least a few of your current clients will look into making kitchen updates in the new year. Don’t risk losing your clients to another contractor with kitchen experience. Providing additional services like kitchen refinishing for your clients will not only increase your revenue, but also save your clients time and energy as well.

Great way to enhance your business in the off season

During the winter months, many businesses will experience a lull, but this doesn’t mean your contract work has to stop. There are plenty of ways to take advantage of the offseason to grow your refinishing business.

While the breezier temperatures might slow down business a bit, they do provide the perfect opportunity to enhance your refinishing skillset-and in much more bearable weather conditions than the hot summer. Take this time to learn how to add kitchen refinishing on to your bathroom refinishing business. Call us for dates to reserve your spot!

 

Now is the time to get a head start on preparing your business for 2019.  Whether you’re considering entering the home improvement sector first time or you’re an experienced contractor, adding kitchen refinishing to your skillset is a sure-fire way to grow your business in the new year. Here are 3 reasons why you should […]

NAPCO Sonic Strip paint stripperAs those in the refinishing business know, you’d be hard pressed to find any refinisher who didn’t name durability and performance as the leading characteristics sought after in paint strippers. But while all refinishers want the highest performing paint strippers, many of their customers - those looking to refinish their bathroom or kitchen - have considerations beyond the tub and tile: eco friendliness. With increased government regulations, and changing consumer preferences, the use of safer materials can make or break your refinishing business, no matter how high-quality the stripping product.

That is why NAPCO has developed Sonic Strip, a brand-new paint stripper that is more environmentally friendly, without losing any of the durability and performance that customers expect on their newly refinished surface. NAPCO’s product has been specifically formulated to contain zero amounts of methylene chloride, a chemical frequently found within products in the refinishing and coatings industry.

And while most strippers without methylene chloride are much slower acting, and often require multiple coats, NAPCO’s Sonic Strip is easy to use and safe for you and the environment.  By following these steps for correct application, you won’t have to compromise quality, performance, or the environment.

 

Tips for Using Sonic Strip

NAPCO paint strippers

When you are looking to remove polyurethane and epoxy coatings from ceramic surfaces, specifically tubs, tile, showers, and sinks, you need to ensure that you are equipped with the right tools to get the job done. Sonic Strip is specifically formulated to target polyurethane and epoxy coatings. It even has a humectant built in to prevent premature drying.  Here are a few things to keep in mind when working with our Methylene Chloride-Free product.

  • IT CLINGS! Sonic Strip clings to vertical surfaces and can be brushed or poured on to the surface.
  • IT SOFTENS! Methylene Chloride-Free products don’t always bubble when they start working. Let the product work for 20 to 30 minutes before you check for softening.
  • IT STRIPS AND PEELS! Not only is the product more tolerable for the nose, it lifts and peels efficiently.

 

As green living becomes the new norm, more consumers are implementing eco-friendly ways of living and are more willing to pay a premium for products that are better for the environment. NAPCO’s Sonic Strip proves that you don’t have to sacrifice effectiveness for sustainability and safety.

 

NAPCO Sonic Strip is easy to use and safe for you and the environment. By following these steps for correct application, you won’t have to compromise quality, performance, or the environment.

There comes a time in every homeowner’s life when you realize your kitchen cabinets and countertops need an upgrade. Perhaps it dawns on you suddenly after seeing a newly remodeled kitchen on TV, or maybe it’s been on your to do list for a while and you’re tired of putting it off.

In any case, revamping your kitchen cabinets and countertops can seem like daunting task. Rather than replacing your cabinets and countertops with new ones, consider refinishing them instead.  Refinishing has benefits that go beyond your wallet. Refinishing cabinets and countertops is not only good for your home, it’s good for the planet.

Why is refinishing good for your home?

Refinishing kitchen cabinets and countertops is a great way to save money while increasing the value of your home. New cabinets can be pricey, averaging $8K to $12K for the job. However, refinishing them instead can run about $2,500 to $4,000, a savings of several thousand dollars.

cabinet refinishing - before

If your cabinets are made of solid wood, refinishing is an even better option. Wood furniture is not made the way it used to – older, solid wood cabinets will often last longer than cheap, new cabinets made of materials like particle board or plywood.

Refinishing can also save a lot of time. A major kitchen renovation can take weeks to months to complete. Kitchen refinishing takes no more than 3 days, because there’s no demolition, no need to install new countertops and appliances, and no wait time for cabinet delivery.

Why refinishing is good for the environment?

When you choose to refinish your cabinets and countertops, you are reducing the number of trees that are cut down to make new ones. Refinishing also reduces the amount of energy and resources used to manufacture and transport these products, a process that has a significant carbon footprint.

By repurposing your cabinets, you are making a conscious effort to not contribute to waste. This helps prevent more build up in landfills. Refinishing provides homeowners with the opportunity to reuse perfectly good cabinetry and prolong its lifespan.

cabinet refinishing - after

You can also choose refinishing products that are eco-friendly, like NAPCO’s Essentials Kitchen Renew Line. NAPCO is committed to developing waterborne products that provide environmental benefits like low VOCs and better air quality without compromising finish and durability. NAPCO Essentials Kitchen Renew Line includes 3 waterborne refinishing coating products for kitchen cabinets and countertops that are simple to use and give great results.

The benefits of refinishing go beyond cost savings. Refinishing has great environmental impact by helping you reduce while you reuse. By refinishing, you are not only adding value to your own home, but helping preserve the Earth, which is everyone’s home.

 

Rather than replacing your cabinets and countertops with new ones, consider refinishing them instead.  Refinishing has benefits that go beyond your wallet. Refinishing cabinets and countertops is not only good for your home, it’s good for the planet.