The idea of bathroom refinishing tends to feel like an overwhelming task but it’s simpler than that. That said, because many others find it daunting, they’d prefer to hire a professional.
That professional could be you!
All you need is to have the capital and the skills that will help you refinish bathrooms and bathtubs. Not to worry because we’ll give you a run-down of the different kinds of bathtubs and how to refinish them.
Additionally, we’ll talk about the other factors you need in starting the business.
1. Acquiring the Skills
Before delving into any project, it’s always best to do your research. You can watch DIY videos and read up on the latest trends so you’ll know what material you’ll work with the most.
For something skill-based like bathroom refinishing, you can opt to take advantage of proper training. That way, you’ll be able to practice the craft with your peers.
Here are the different types of bathtubs that you might encounter in your future business:
(a) Generic Bathtub
The generic bathtub is installed to give family members a bath experience. Some families would also have their pets bathe here. This tub generally has a showerhead above.
(b) Soaking Bathtub
The soaking bathtub gets its name from how its shape will allow you to fully immerse into the water. It’s deeper than the generic bathtub.
Some designs are even vintage clawfoot bathtubs that you’d find in period dramas. If you want to canvas their designs for research, you can click here now.
(c) Walk-in Bathtub
Usually, a bathtub requires you to step over about two feet to get inside. However, a walk-in bathtub doesn’t. You can imagine that it’s like walking inside a shower area.
(d) Whirlpool and Air Tubs
If you ever saw those luxurious bathtubs in the movies with all of the jet bubbles, this is it. It has a pulsating water-jet massage that will help you relax while you take a soak.
There are different materials used to make the bathtubs mentioned above. Let’s discuss these materials and how they’re refinished.
(e) Cast Iron Bathtub
Cast iron tubs have a strong foundation because it heaves when filled with water. While they’re usually standing on their base, you can find them as clawfoot tubs as well.
When you’re preparing to refinish it, you need to clean the bathtub. Then, you can trowel fiberglass putty into the scratches. Once it hardens, you start sanding it.
After applying the bonding agent, spray the acrylic urethane enamel on the tub.
(f) Enamel Bathtub
An enamel bathtub is a steel tub coated in several layers of enamel or porcelain.
To re-enamel the bathtub, you’ll need to strip the enamel entirely. After grinding the tub until you have a paint-ready surface, you apply the water-resistant enamel primer coating.
(g) Acrylic Bathtub
The acrylic tubs have a glossy finish. The material is not as resistant to scratches as enamel or porcelain but it’s easy to repair and maintain.
The refinishing of an acrylic tub isn’t too different from the usual process that experts do as we’ve explained in previous subheadings.
(h) Fiberglass Bathtub
Fiberglass bathtubs have a layer of gel coat on top of the fiberglass. When refinishing the fiberglass tub, you start by sanding its surface. And then apply a similar process mentioned in the cast iron tub.
(i) Composite Bathtub
This bathtub is composed of two or more materials to become a superior and unique product. Like the other tubs we mentioned, it needs to be maintained properly to retain its shine and smooth surface.
(j) Cultured Solid-Surface Bathtub
A culture solid-surface tub consists of real stone chunks. When cleaning the tub, avoid utilizing abrasive cleaning liquid. You also shouldn’t use hair color or products with heavy chemicals inside.
(k) Specialty Wood & Glass Bathtub
Wooden bathtubs are often made using western cedar because it’s beautiful and durable. They also hold warm water much longer than other materials.
2. Making a Business Plan
Starting a business, big or small, requires a business plan. You need to be clear with your services and goals. Business is built on trust so your clients need to know what your business is about.
You need to mention your financial analysis. How much do the raw materials and equipment cost? Take into consideration the utility bills and maintenance costs too. You may also need to secure a registered agent that can receive legal documents for your business. They can be found on this page, and are necessary for your business to remain in compliance with federal and state regulations. Creating a business plan generally will help you take the right path in decision-making
3. Find a Location for Your Business
You can opt to start your business at home but you can also choose to have an office somewhere. In that case, you need to secure a good location. A place where commerce is bustling and potential customers come and go ensures the potential for profit.
Getting a good location contributes a lot to a business. As much as possible, you want your business to be seen in crowded areas to have more audience and convert potential customers.
It would also be better to get a spot where you can showcase your work so people interested could see the quality.
4. Gather Your Business Supplies
You need to get your supplies from reliable suppliers. If you know anyone beforehand, that’s great! If not, this is your chance to develop good relations with fellow entrepreneurs.
What you’ll need are premium acrylic refinishing paint primers, top coating, and surface cleaners. Additionally, you need reglazing spray equipment. Finally, you need safety gear and a fume exhaust system.
5. Business Promotion
Promotion is the most important factor of a successful business in the long run. To get customers, people need to be aware of your services. Try thinking of a catchy name for your business!
Don’t forget to create cards and brochures. Your clients will want to keep those in case they’ll call on your services again.
Finally, we advise creating your business website. People are on the internet for hours every single day. It’s easier to get clients who see and get redirected to your website. It should have all the details they need to know about your work.
Conclusion
Starting any business is never easy. Especially when you enter a type of business that do repairs. This is because people are not in need of repairs on a daily basis. Thus, you should have an advantage in the market.
Focus on your work’s quality. Know how each material reacts to certain chemicals. Cultured solid-surface bathtubs for example don’t mix well with heavy chemicals.
Once you’ve gained the skills and knowledge, you can start making your business plan. It needs to be clear and well-defined. You need to know how much your equipment and utilities will cost.
Once you’ve laid out the groundwork, you can begin promoting your business. Make those business cards, brochures, and your website. Let the world know the services you offer and how to get them!