Long Island Tile Refinishing: DIY or Go with a Pro?

Are you a Long Island homeowner looking to give your bathroom a facelift? If so, you’ve probably looked at refinishing that worn-out tile you’re sick of looking at. The question is, should you take the DIY route or go for a professional Long Island tile refinishing option? This guide gives you everything you need to know about the pros and cons of each option and will help you make an informed decision for your tile refinishing project.

Understanding Tile Refinishing

Before we dive into comparisons, let’s first understand what tile refinishing means. Tile refinishing, also known as tile reglazing, is a process that gives your old tiles a fresh, like-new appearance. It’s not just a paint job. Done right, it’s the kind of transformation that can give you such good results, that you’ll probably opt out of that pricy bathroom renovation you’ve been thinking about. Or at least buy yourself another five years.

How To Refinish Tile

The tile refinishing process involves multiple steps and a very strong attention to detail. If you want beautiful results that last, you need to make sure you do every step right.

Surface Preparation

Clean tiles thoroughly to remove anything stuck to the tile because paint won’t stick to scum or organic matter. Reglazing compounds don’t stick to silicone caulk, so make sure to remove that with a scraper and a utility knife. Clean everything well and let dry completely. Use painter’s tape and masking paper to protect areas you don’t want to sand or reglaze. This includes spouts and faucet handles, the floor around your tub, window and door trim, and tub edges. 

Sanding

Always use a respirator when sanding. Start with #400 grit sandpaper and work until everything has a uniform, matte appearance. The goal is to take the surface down to the uncoated tile so your filler and primer can stick. Vacuum up the dust with a wet-dry vac and sand everything again with #600 grit sandpaper for a smooth finish. Once you’ve done that, do a final vacuum and then clean and dry with a tile-cleaning solution and a lint-free cloth. Microfiber works well for this.

Ventilation 

Even if you’re wearing a respirator, you need good ventilation to work with the materials that come in tile reglazing kits. These products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can make you sick. The vapors can cause problems breathing and also give you headaches. If you have children or people with asthma, keep them away from the area while you’re refinishing. You can use a box fan pointing out of an open bathroom window to help remove fumes from your work area.

Fillers

This is when you deal with surface damage like cracks or chips. You’ll need to use a high-strength filler to smooth out imperfections. Not every kit comes with filling compounds, so know what you’re getting before you buy. Once you’ve finished tackling surface damage, it’s time to sand and clean everything again to give the primer something to stick to. It may seem like you’re doing a lot of cleaning and sanding but don’t skimp on these steps. They’re critical to achieving a strong bond.

Primer Application

Apply a primer to ensure the best paint adhesion you can get. Primers provide an interface between your topcoat paint and the original surface and help you get a durable result. They can also help with making color changes, especially if your original color is dark and you’re going light. A primer will keep old colors from showing through your new color. Make sure you paint it on evenly and avoid drips for the best-looking finish. 

Topcoat Application

Now it’s time to mix and apply the epoxy paint. Make sure your paint is engineered for use with tiles and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Just like with the primer application, it’s important to use steady, even strokes when painting so your finish is flawless. Use a paintbrush to cut in along the edges and a roller for wider areas. Don’t try and put on too much at once, or your paint will run. Also, make sure your roller is properly loaded to avoid thin spots and lap marks. You’ll need to apply at least two coats, letting the first coat dry for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Drying

You’ll have to check what the manufacturer recommends, but most DIY products take up to 3 or 4 days to completely cure. Try not to use the bathroom during this time, since high humidity can keep the epoxy from hardening.

Cleanup

Once the reglazing compound is fully dry, you can remove the protective masking and clean everything with a tile-cleaning solution that’s safe for reglazed tiles and a microfiber cloth.

Materials and Tools Required for Tile Refinishing

Here’s a list of the basic tools and materials you need to reglaze tile:

• Tile reglazing kit
• Gentle tile cleaning solution that’s recommended by the manufacturer
• Putty knife or scraper
• Utility knife
• Orbital sander
• Wet/Dry vac
• Paintbrush suitable for cutting in
• Paint roller
• Roller pan
• Painter’s tape and masking paper
• Respirator
• Box fan

Safety Precautions

Tile refinishing involves the use of chemicals that can be hazardous if not handled properly. Good ventilation is crucial. Use appropriate safety gear and avoid exposing yourself or your loved ones to toxic fumes.

DIY vs. Professional Tile Refinishing: The Great Debate

Now that we understand tile refinishing, let’s talk about the pros and cons of DIY vs. professional tile refinishing.

Advantages of DIY Tile Refinishing

The DIY approach to tile refinishing has several benefits:

• Lower Upfront Cost: By doing the work yourself, you can save on labor costs. This can be a significant factor if you’re working on a tight budget.

• Basic Design Needs: DIY projects use kits that only have basic colors available, so if that’s what you already have in mind, it might be a good fit.

• You Love a Project: If you’ve already got the tools and are experienced at prepping surfaces for paint and applying paint, great! This could be a good DIY Tile Reglazing project you can sink your teeth into.

Disadvantages of DIY Tile Refinishing

Despite the benefits, DIY tile refinishing also has its challenges:

• Skill and Experience Requirements: Successful bathroom tile refinishing requires a variety of skills. You need to be very good at prepping surfaces for paint, fixing surface imperfections with fillers, and applying paint evenly. If you lack experience, the project can become overwhelming and your results less than stellar.

• Time Commitment: DIY projects can be time-consuming. A task that takes a professional a few hours will take you a minimum of three days longer. Professional tile refinishers use commercial-grade materials you don’t have access to and tools that make the job go faster. 

• Potential for Mistakes: Without professional expertise, your risk of making mistakes goes way up. Mistakes can be costly to fix and might lead to bigger issues. Do you want to spend the time and money on a DIY project, only to have it start peeling in a matter of months?

Advantages of Professional Tile Refinishing

Hiring a professional for your Long Island tile refinishing project offers several advantages over DIY options:

• Expertise and Experience: Professionals have the experience and training needed to give you outstanding results.

• Time Efficiency: A professional team can complete the job much faster than a DIY attempt. This is a lot less inconvenient for you.

• Pro-Grade Materials and Tools: Professionals have access to high-quality materials that aren’t sold to the general public. These compounds last longer than consumer-grade paints. They’re also available in a wide range of colors. Professional tile refinishers use spray guns for applying paint and primer, which gives a better finish.

• Warranty and Guarantee: Reputable professional home service providers offer warranties or guarantees on their work.

Disadvantages of Professional Tile Refinishing

The primary reason people choose a DIY project over using a professional tile reglazer is because the initial cost is higher when you use a professional. However, if the DIY solution only lasts a fraction of what the pros can do, it’s a bit of a false economy.

Why Choose Long Island Tub Refinishing?

Long Island Tub Refinishing is your go-to expert for professional tile refinishing. With extensive experience and a dedication to quality, we can transform your bathroom in just one day, without the hassle of a drawn-out project. Our team uses pro-grade materials for a durable, spray-on finish that looks beautiful. Whether it’s refreshing your bathroom or sprucing up old tiles, contact  Long Island Tub Refinishing today for a free consultation and discover why Long Island trusts us with their tile refinishing needs.”