UV Light Cure or Cured Bathtub Refinishing Coatings
Bathtub Refinishing at the Speed of Light!
The PBRA is just a shade better
The Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association has developed our own line of UV Curable bathtub refinishing Coatings and are currently working with other green technologies for the bathtub refinishing industry. Actually for just about any hard kitchen and bath surface. Just in case you stumbled on this aticle you may want to get an idea of the most common conventional bathtub refinishing methods by reading these articles. There are aslo some good articles here at a popular bathtub refinishing information service site, We provide these links because the more you know the better the industry is able to provide good service. Better Yet read what the New York Times has to say about bathtub refinishing. I am pleased to convey that one of our PBRA members is mentioned in this article. New Life for a bathtub by the New York Times and the PAINTED OTTER a PBRA MEMBER. Give me shelter also has a nice video and of course the PBRA has several great videos on you tube. You may even want to brush up on your bathtub history. Being informed is important when choosing a good refinisher as this is a reall good viable option versus replacement provided it’s done right and with good products. The national kitchen and bath remodeling association recommends it because of the overwhelming cost savings. Before we proceed conveying the facts of uv coatings let us begin with dispelling some of the most common myths about UV Coating technology.
It’s best to know about the most common process so that you may know how to compare it to the PBRA process of UV light curing or other suppliers of this product . For those that know about refinishing please continue on.
The UV cured, curing, process of high performance coatings has actually been around for many years now and curiously enough your first encounter with UV Light technology may have been during a local visit to your dentist or a fender bender where you may have required a quick touch up on your vehicle. We began as Arm Chair UV specialist ourselves but quickly learned that in order to become any kind of expert in the field or to even render any kind of reliable opinion we first had to educate ourselves in UV-OLOGY. I call it Uv-ology because you must first become a student willing to keep an open mind and be receptive to change and be willing to learning new techniques. So we have been studying the details of practical application and the science behind it we began applying what we learned in real world to applications.
If you are if your simply curious about UV science and want to know how it will effect our world click here. Only recently has anyone adapted this process to the bathtub refinishing industry. There are some in this industry who are debating whether or not the process actually works. I don’t see any issue to debate. We have been spraying and testing UV coatings for a few months now and have just finalized our process. Will it work in all situations? NO it will not. I can tell you with complete certainty that the dynamics of the process would not make it practical.
What it has done is make our industry stop and re-evaluate how we can improve the business with regards to making it a green alternative to our current methods without the loss of performance. Having us develop a UV cured bathtub refinishing system or coating also lead us into finding greener methods of bathtub refinishing for areas where a UV light would not be practical. Well keeping true to our form we have put together a bathtub refinishing system that meets the approval of the USGBC.ORG.
Who and what is LEED?
LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED provides building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.
LEED is flexible enough to apply to all building types – commercial as well as residential. It works throughout the building lifecycle – design and construction, operations and maintenance, tenant fitout, and significant retrofit. And LEED for Neighborhood Development extends the benefits of LEED beyond the building footprint into the neighborhood it serves.
Since the PBRA is always looking for the Holy Grail of coating with regards to performance and green durability our research has allowed us to put together a green coating system where a UV LIGHT will not work. It is LEED CERTIFIED. I’m sure others will follow our lead or at least try and copy it. We hope they do. Here is a video of our conventional green bathtub refinishing system at work.
All the informed companies and individuals with first hand experience are not asking whether or not it UV coatings work but how can we make it a more practical solution for our industry? Only the misinformed still doubt uv cured paint or coating technology. The Europeans have been using uv technology for many year.
If our own experience is not enough to convince you then how about multi billion dollar companies who span the globe that are currently using UV technology? Remember when reading this that the bathtub refinishing industry is only a tiny micron spec of an industry compared to the automotive refinish industry. The bathtub refinishing industry is so tiny that chemical companies will hardly give you the time of day unless you show some serious potential in your particular vertical field. So if the UV cured Automotive refinish shops are currently using this technology I can tell you without a doubt uv cured coating is here and coming to more industries and from my own first hand experience in both the automotive and the bathtub refinishing industry most people are a little more picky about the paint falling off their $100,000 Mercedez Benz or BMW than a $350 bathtub refinishing job. Watch this actual UV Automotive refinishing Video this should convince you. or read this brief taken from Radtech.org one of our resourses to helping the uv bathtub refinishing industry.
 The UV Cure Process Explained |
After UV paint is applied to the vehicle, the film will remain wet until it is exposed to UV energy. The polymer chains that make up the coating remain short and unconnected until UV light is directed onto the paint film. When UV light is focused onto the paint surface, chemicals known as photoinitiators are activated, which start the cross-linking process in the paint film. In just a few minutes the polymer chains are linked together to form a very large network. This causes the paint to solidify and cure.
This process is somewhat similar to the process associated with exposing photographic film, or more graphically, the exposure and development of Polaroid® film, which was popular several years ago. Nothing happens to film until the film is exposed to light. When that happens, chemical reactions occur that change the film. In the case of Polaroid® film, the whole set of reactions, including exposure and developing, happened in a minute or two before your eyes, just like the UV curing action of UV paints. The end result is you will have a bathtub refinishing coating in this case that will be zero vocs totally green non toxic but without sacrificing performance. (Photos Courtesy of Radtech.org)
Most of the UV refinishing lights I have seen are large and cumbersum for a mobile service business and not exactly what I first invisioned a year ago. My first thought was great, we can spray a coating and waive a light over it and we are done. ” NOT” ! I wish it were that way but anyone who has actually refinished a bathtub using this sytem in its present state will tell you it’s not that simple. However as we adapt to the technology I am certain the lights will become smaller and more portable and our techniques will improve.In fact we currently have a light that reminds us more of a blow dryer that functions and performs without a large transformer. Here is a video of the PBRA light in action. It’s small, portable, and while not as fast as the larger lights the small size maybe a trade off in time but it does get the job done. I have talked to some of the other light reps and they certainly do have some nice equipment. Some of the transformers can weigh as much as 75 Lbs. I am sure all the features are worth it but carrying it up stairs and in tight areas may pose a problem for refinishers. Like everything else these companies are working as quickly as possible to scale them down without the loss of features. It is really up to the individual refinisher if they want to carry and transport another piece of equipment.
Being a pro-active organization we at the PBRA chose to do our own testing by hiring our own chemical company and purchasing all the equipment to began our research from the ground up so that we may formulate a vertical system to help supply our own members. We believe its a viable solution to many applications. It may not be the first on the market but I am sure it will end up the best.
The PBRA made this investment because we would rather form our own opinions based on science, practical testing and first hand knowledge. Its what the PBRA is all about. Most of us enjoy the process and learning together.
So After making these investments in working with whom we believe to be the leader in uv chemical technology we spent hundreds if not thousands of hours on research before even turning on our uv light. It is only now we feel qualified to render a good opinion regarding the process and feel comfortable adapting this process to the PBRA refinishing standards.
There is absolutey no doubt or really nothing to debate as any informed person working within this industry knows the process works. It was a compliment to the PBRA that we could even get our foot in the door with our currently chemical company. They had enough faith in us and our abilities and business concepts that they took us on a client. We are busy perfecting the performance and ease of use for our vertical market. We chose to perfect this technology as it stands to reason that if the automotive refinish industry is already using the technology you can bet it was only a matter of time before it spilled over into the bathtub refinishing industry.
Midwest Chemicals a company based in Orlando Florida should be credited for introducing one technique to the bathtub refinishing industry. They are a large supplier and were certainly the first to adapt a process to the bathtub refinishing industry. I dont know of of any actual factories distilling UV coatings for our industry . Most of us go to the source and began formulating a product or system while doing the beta testing. The information is then fed back and adjusted to our industry needs. I think this is where the PBRA excels. We have so many successful independent companies banded together so that a coating can be tested for almost any situation and adjusted to meet over all needs of the refinisher. Our formulas built so a system or recipe is proprietary to PBRA refinishers. This makes us unique. Our development has been steady and on a smaller scale. The analogy I like to use is a public school versus a private school. We are a smaller class room with limited students matched with more then enough teachers which allows us to deliver what we believe to be a better refinishing education. We dont have 4200 refinishers to try and and service nor are we trying to mass produce refinishers to use our products.
The PBRA is currently about to to release our uv cured coatings system. We did not concentrate on being the first but focused our emphasis on being the best. Here is a short clip of a few tiles refinished with our system. Keep in mind NO OTHER COATING SYSTEM has withstood even this simple test. Click here to view the Ultimate UV Bathtub Refinishing system .
We can all agree Going green is always politically correct in public but the process still needs to be practical in practice. For the consumer we know that if you can buy a solvent based system in your area from a reputable supplier it’s perfectly fine to use without any problems as long as proper precautions are taken by your professional refinisher to isolate the area. In fact you still need to isolate the area with 100 percent zero voc uv coatings. I see some firms marketing the UV products with such a green spin they make it sound like you can pick it up and drink it. Not so. There is an odor, Your eyes get a slight burning and you surely still need a mask and safety equipment. There is less of an odor for sure but I could not comfortably tell anyone not to isolate an area or not to wear protective gear.
The PBRA goes to great lengths to make sure all our systems meet the standards set by the the U.S. Green Building Council . UV or Solvent our coatings and procedures meet the requirements.
You have to consider the fact your average refinisher has much more to be concerned about health wise as their exposure is on every job every day. Putting gas in your vehicle is more dangerous than refinishing a bathtub with a conventional system.
If your bathtub refinisher is comfortable applying a solvent based system and can do so with little inconvenience to a confined area then it’s our opinion the public has little to fear and not to fall prey to the current scrare tactics being used a great product.
Frankly,I despise scare tactics to sell any service. The original Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association formed in 2000 with 70 experienced members across America and Canada all agree it’s a shameful act to try and use these tactics to sell any product or service ( Note we have uv coatings too) but we will market them only on their merit, need and performance. Just like a mechanic who has many tools in his box we are simply adding this process as another refinishing tool so that we can use the best process to meet our customers needs not matter the situation. This is turn keeps you safe and the price affordable. The PBRA offers you the best of both worlds. We don’t give up quality nor do we scare you into a particular process or situation geard to scaring you into paying more then a fair price for the profesional services rendered. We use the right tool for the right job.
It’s our way of demonstrating to the world that we are serious about being the best in our craft. We feel many companies are trying to ride the green gravy train by trying to scare people into thinking the average process causes cancer or birth defects in children. Who will argue a case against birth defects, cancer and children? While conventional refinishing requires caution so does uv cured bathtub refinishing. If you don’t think a UV light cant be dangerous then read this. I find it ironic that a bathtub refinishing suppiler will ride the cancer causing baby defects light wave while buying their lights from one of the most popular light suppliers to the bathtub refinishing industry that has an article published on their web site linking to the American Cancer Society warning about the dangers of their UV LIGHTS. But just in case be sure to read this uv cured safety guide.
No reputable bathtub refinisher would expose himself or anyone in a way that would be harmful to his customers or himself. I have witnessed scare tactics many times over in this industry especially in 1995 where the industry fed off of one news cast regarding be LEAD in Worn bathtubs.
After that came the ISO FREE debate along with questin should bathtub be acid etched or not? The consumer and the industry suffered. It was all about putting a spin on the process to scare the general public and refinishers into doing business with the spin doctors of refinishing.
In reality, all you need is a clean dry dull surface profile in order to give the surface ” tooth” for the coating and primers to bite into. This also allows for a proper surface profile for the vast choices of silane adhesion promoters to perform at their optimum . There are literally thousands of silane ahesion promoters to choose from and it requires years of testing to match a silane bathtub bonding agent to your particular product.
The PBRA simply views UV cured bathtub refinishing along with our other green hybrid technologies and conventional refinishing methods as tools or options in our vast arsenal of refinishing products. Having access to multiple systems allows us to cater to your exact needs. If I were working in a hospital I would probably option for our uv cure sytem as the odors are a bit lower and the cure process is faster. But of course the cost is going to be more expensive. If I am working in vacant unoccupied unit such as apartments then a standard conventional refinishing sytem is all that is needed and the cost can be lower. If I am working in a hotel we can option for a UV cured or a fast solvent cure to prevent lost revenue. Residential refinishing is easily performed safely using conventional standards so that we can hold cost down. Safety is actually built into most refinishing systems simply for the refinishers sake.
After all a bathtub refinisher and his employees have as much to live for as the customer. Going green is always good plus using a a low VOC coating without loosing quality in the bathtub refinishing industry is on every reputable refinishing companies agenda.
Again the question asked by most is : Does uv bathtub refinishing work? The answer based on our hands on research and testing experience is yes. But so do all the other methods. There are still a few misinformed people writing or creating doubt.
Another issue I read about was determining whether an area is cured that may not get full light exposure. Well the PBRA has the answer to that question. Actually it was pretty easy to over come that problem. It’s true that if the light does not penetrate then the coating will not cure. The scenario of not drying can happen even in a conventional refiishing systems if your mix ratio is incorrect then it may not cure properly. This issue has already been addressed by the PBRA. I can’t go into detail but again it was actually an easy issue to resolve.
When reading other blogs I see statements about spot repairs? That stripping off the coatings is the only way to do it. Only the uniformed would say such a thing. That’s the difference between actual experience and free advise. The truth is I have repaired many places on our uv samples just so that our members at the PBRA will have proper skills before we begin distribution.
The PBRA would not turn loose any uv coating system without first working out these procedures. Again I reference the fact that the bathtub refinishing pulls a lot of technology from the auto refinish industry. Billion dollar companies have already patented this techology. As I mentioned above people are lot more picky about coatings falling off their cars than a bathtub. Autobody shops do not respray entire cars just to make one spot repair using UV or a Conventional system. Visit this page and see one of the most unique uv spray guns I have ever encountered. A spray gun that shoots and cures at the same time. We here are simply adapting this process and developing specs to meet our specific needs within the bathtub and tile refinishing industry. Here are the two automotive giants whose coating virtually cover most automobiles world wide. Azko Nobel and PPG industries working along side of radtech.org
I hope this Article has shed some factual light on this issue and we look forward to your postings and comments on this blog.
In conclusion: All refinishing systems used by professionals are safe when applied properly. The Greener the better but rest assured we at the PBRA have a refinishing system for every need. The UV cured Coating system is just one system. If you want to learn about them all then join us. ( Experience is Required) The bathtub Refinishing Site. They are better then nothing and can hep you get clicks. It’s importan to know the PBRA is not a CLICK through site. We are the Largest Data Base of Indedpendent Refinishers who support each other and develop products together. We are the original true brotherhood the elite of the elite. Here are some videos on a few products and testing :
1. PBRA introduction 2. UV Bathtub Testing 2. UV Bonding gent Application and Finally our Final Test on our OUR OWN UV BATHTUB REFINISHING PRODUCTS.
The bathtub refinishing industry is an industry that is thriving when left to informed professionals like the Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association where we believe that we owe it to the geberal public to not just talk and blog about refinishing but to actually invest time and money in new technologies so that we can offer solid information and facts.
For more factual answers on UV Bathtub refinishing coatings by those that develo them plus other green technologies of any kind visit the original bathtub refinishers association with members in America and Canada at The Original Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association or if your serious about developing a system join the leaders in America like we did at Ratech.org and Bayer Material Science. The Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association covers area from San Antonio Texas all the way to Canada, California to New York with plans to set up shop in Europe within the next few years. To Locate a PBRA Refinishing company for your next refinishing project click here
I am the owner operator of Bathtub Rx, LLC I live and operate in Fairfield County, CT.
I am a proud member of the PBRA. Without the PBRA I would not have the knowledge base about refinishing that I do.
I am always looking for the wholy grail of refinishing products and I am looking forward to the release of the new products being developed exclusively for our members.
Thank you PBRA.
Gary Mott
Bathtub Rx, LLC
http://www.bathtubrx.com
Gary Mott, I don’t where to begin but let me keep this short. The best way to convey how I feel about Gary is that even though I have almost 20 years experience in the refinishing business If I ever had to choose 1 person to refinish a bathtub for me it would be Gary Mott. He has to be the most honest meticulous refinisher I ever met. When in the military attention to detail was taught to us. Gary’s attention to detail is by nature and instinct. If your tub needs refinishing he will tell you. If he can clean it he will tell you. If he thinks it’s not worth saving he will tell you. Strait talk and honest work is what you can expect from Gary Mott. He holds a fond spot and a special place in all the hearts of the PBRA membership.
You know we truly are a band of brothers. There is no Miracle in the method. Just hard work and dedication to the craft. Gary demonstrates that to us all. Extremely proud to have him as a member and a friend.
The PBRA has been an absolute blessing to the business my wife and I started. The knowledge and experience base inherent in its members is larger and more refined than any I’ve run across in practically any field. When you choose to use a PBRA member to complete your requested work, you will be guaranteed only the highest quality with the best pricing in the business. If you want a job done the best possible way the absolute first time around, you should always look to a member of this association.
-Nathan & Jessica Oettinger
The Painted Otter Refinishers
http://www.paintedotter.com
845-373-6264
Nathan and Jessica, These two have to be the best refinishing team the BIG APPLE has to offer. The moment we visited with them we knew we had to have them in the PBRA family of refinishers. Have you ever met someone and you know right off the bat their the one. Money does not even become the issue. You just know it’s going to get done right and whatever they charge is probably not enough in my book. The way I see it your already saving thousands by not ripping and tearing out a bathtub so why would you go cheap on yourself now. If your anywhere in NEW YORK regardless of how big the City is take the time to find Nathan and Jessica. Try looking in the NEW YORK TIMES! Read for yourself!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/05/garden/05fixx.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=The%20Painted%20Otter%20Refinishers&st=cse
J&S Refinishing – PBRA Member – San Francisco Bay Area
PBRA members are the top Independent Refinishers in the country. Our organization and its members are always on the cutting edge and beyond with the best highest quality coatings, and products that the refinishing industry has to offer. With our advanced refinishing knowledge, experience and techniques, we assure our customers are
g
etting the best possible refinishing service available today.
J.C. There has got to be a few hundred refinishers in California but maybe 1 or 2 I would ever trust to touch my refinishing project. If your in the BAY area and you don’t call J & S and ask for J.C. go bed knowing you optioned for less then the best. I know for a fact he offers the best price, uses the best products and is not happy unless your happy. Sleep well by giving him a call first. It’s the only call you need to make.
The PBRA provides its members with the best products and techniques. Having this information available is of great value not just to me as a refinisher but also to our customers. So look for a PBRA member and be assured of the best service and products your dollar can buy.
Scott Gallagher
Fresh Finishes
http://www.freshfinish.com
Dear Scott,
Thank you for being a valued member. We want to let the world to know that Scott is the best choice for many specialty finishes when upgrading your kitchen and baths. He is talented and a true artist.
His designs and creativity has inspired many of us at the PBRA.
Look for Scott to be using the PBRA UV-Insta-cure process in the next few weeks. Your kitchen and bath surfaces will be put back in service the same day.
We all at the PBRA want to extend our congratulations on his recent upgrade in Licensing for the State of California.
Your hard work in representing the PBRA in your State does not go un-noticed. Keep up the great work!
We are an international organization of independent refinishers that are committed to the customer. Through an innovative product line, and superior refinishing techniques we are able to provide our customers with unprecedented quality and service second to none in the industry. The PBRA is and will continue to play a huge part in the ongoing training of it’s membership and will be the flagship of the refinishing industry in the very near future. Our company has in three years gained a wealth of knowledge that would have otherwise taken a lifetime to accumulate by being a PBRA member.
Harry Engfer
Blackstone Tub Refinishers
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
Harry, Harry, Harry, Just saying the name onces does not do him Justice. Spend one minute on the phone with Harry and it’s all it takes to know you found your man. I know Canada is huge but Harry is the kind of refinisher you fly in all expenses paid because he’s that good. I am humbled and greatful that he is part of our orginization.
I need to go on Record here and say that each time I have talked to Harry I often hang up wondering if I am worthy to even be in his presence. He is simply a good man in every way I can describe. Honest as the day is long. Even if he was not a refinisher I would want him as a friend. He brings quite dignity to the PBRA and we are all better people simply because of his presence. We are also much better refinishers. I hope he does not mind me sharing this with the public but it’s a true reflection of the man who wrote. Read for yourself and know the Caliber of the man we call Harry Enfer.
A while back I asked Harry if I could re post his Refinishers Prayer and he gave me permission. I did not want it to get lost. It deserves to have a prominent place and easy access.
To take each paragraph as he has using our trade as an outline for the real process that perfects not only the craft but the craftsman.
Thank You Harry,
The Refinishers Prayer
My Father, I thank you for another wonderful day and for giving me the opportunity to bring life to another worn out tub. May the process and the quality of my work bring honor and praise to you. Father , I give you the glory for the skills you have bestowed on me. May I use them to the best of my ability and may they be a comfort and witness to the customers you send my way. I wish for them to see you in me! Lord, as I go through the refinishing process I am mindful that your refinishing process on my life is similar to the one I use on old worn out tubs.
To start the process as with a tub, my life needs to be stripped bare so that the etching process can begin. This is probably the most important and painful step because it takes away the gloss and appeal this world has to offer. As you systematically grind all the imperfections, and bring to the surface all the grime, and dirt my life has collected over the years I am aware that everything within me is being prepared for the next step in your restoration process.
Deep cleaning is necessary to remove any residue and impurities left over from the etching process such as habits, walls built and grudges that I’ve held over the years. Attitudes, Anger and Resentment, Greed, and Jealousy, just to name a few. All traces need to be removed for me to fully receive your bonding agent, whom I consider to be your Holy Spirit.
To me the Holy Spirit is like the bonding agent I use, in that he prepares my dull and worn out surface by his prompting and by that small voice I have so often ignored in the past. He is like a barrier coat that needs to be applied so that the new coating will adhere to the old surface. Father, I pray his voice never goes silent in me and may I be acutely aware of his presence at all times. Good or Bad.
Lord, You and I finally come to the last step in the restoration process. This is where my old surface gets the new look. I am also mindful that as with any new surface, if not cared for, will lose its shine and in time will dull, chips, and peel. I am grateful that your process continuously strips me down, etches me, deep cleans me, bonds and recoats me. As painful as your restoration process is at times and were this not the case I would again become like the old, lifeless worn out rusted tub in very short order.
Lord, as you know, my refinishing process is only temporary, whereas yours will ultimately give me a permanent finish that will last forever when I see you face to face. I do so look forward to that day! Thank you Lord!
Amen
__________________
Harry
The Blend Master
blackstonetubrefinishers.ca
Please Respect these words and do not copy them. Honor them by reading them and reflect upon them on those hard days in the business we call refinishing.
By far the best investment I have made in my career of refinishing and repairing bath fixtures has been the investment in the PBRA.
For the advancement of knowledge you cannot beat hundreds of years of combined experience in the perfection of what is really a skilled craft. The information needed to tackle any situation in the field is at my fingertips or a phone call away.
I have found not only experts in this field who have walked in my shoes , so to speak, but close friends.
Peter Robbins
Robbins Tub Repair
Western North Carolina
Peter Robbins, If I believed in reincarnation I would think Peter was THE Classical Greek philosopher SOCRATES. His philososphy and dailogues has most of asking ” what”?
Talk about a deep thinker. Anyone who can apply and convey his thoughts in the same manner as his craft has my vote. I have never had a conversation with him where I didn’t walk away a better person. Refinishing being an art you just know his work like the great books of antiquity. Which I’m sure he has read.
http://www.bathtubsrepaired.com
Innovative Countertop Resurfacing provides bathtub, tile, and countertop refinishing for the Albuquerque metro area. We are dedicated to providing the customer with best coatings, applied with the highest skill level.
The Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association is a group of dedicated professionals with literally hundreds of years of experience. The knowledge we have gained from the association has been invaluable. This allows us to provide the customer with the best products and the best refinishing techniques. The Association provides us with the knowledge and skill to continually improve as a company, and provide the best service to the customer.
Bathtub Refinishing or Counter Top Refinishing Lyle and Glen never stop until your happy. I can tell you first hand that they got game in the New Mexico Refinishing Territory. Anyone who can fly airplanes like Lyle can surely handle your counter tops or bathtubs. We have so many good people I am running out of words to describe them all. Two Brothers Lyle and Glen whose own personal excellent standards are the standard.
Be sure to check the dates on these post as always we lead and others follow. There are always so called bathtub refinishing click through sites that speacialize in just getting hits. If thats what your looking for then find a free site. We are a private group of refinishers that pool our wealth of knowledge and pay dues or an annual fee to finance our own products and research. Like you tell your customers good work insn’t cheap and cheap work is good. The same applies at the PBRA. The best products and knowledge are not cheap but we get get what we pay for. We pay annual fees to portect the priveledge information plus all our trade secrets shared by the elite of the lite. If your a refinisher that is looking for information as well as a tight brotherhood with mutaul self support then visit http://www.refinishersonline.com.But only If you think you got what it takes. There are still choice areas avaiable and you have will access to products that are only available to PBRA memembers. If your good enough You maybe the 1 in 10 that we say yes to. Even if you habe been in business 15 years you will be amazed how much you will learn. If your months booked out and want to take it to the next level we will show you how. We are not after web hits or trying to flood any one area we just want the best independent refinishers working under a common banner of excellence. Each member is a success on their own and we pool our knowledege under one roof. We teach you how to buy products direct not from repackagers. Most of the biggies you see on the web are not real factories. A real factory would be someonle akzo nobel or PPG. They cover 70 % percent of the world and have the billions for R & D.
What can I say but I would NOT be in business if it was not for the PBRA.I have taken 3 weekend courses,bought 1 video teaching set and a manuel.
I am a Licensed Master Plumber so it’s not that I am not good with my hands but you CAN NOT learn bathtub refinishing in 1 weekend.There are just too many variables.Variables cost money,time and the worse of all customers.Mess up 1 job and 35 people or more will hear about it. Sure anyone can provide bad service but thats not what I wanted.
Before I joined the PBRA I could spray a decent bathtub refinish job but hey I dont want the car mechanic doing a decent brake job on my wife’s car, so I did not want to put out a decent service either.
I have learned from the best in the business and have not run into a problem that could not be solved by my PBRA brothers since I have been a member for the last 2 years.
I just got by for over 4 years in the business until I joined the PBRA and now my business is growing steadily and I know when I walk into someones home they are getting a Professional. Just Like I would want In My Home !!!
I have also developed friendships in the PBRA which was just an added bonus that was not expected in the membership cost.There is no organization with the refinishing knowledge the PBRA has anywhere in the world.
My membership in the PBRA has been a blessing in my life.
Ray Lopez
Gotham City Reglazing
http://www.renewmytub.com
Denver Colorado
PBRA not just a Refinishing Organization but a Brotherhood of Refinishers !!
Before I can begin describing what a great professional Ray Lopez of Gotham City Reglazing Denver is I have first and foremost must describe the wonderful sincere, honest, and deep Christian character this man has.
His faith has influenced many refinishers and I’m sure everyone he meets in his own community. His determination to be the best is unmatched. My attempt to describe the deep respect I have for this mans character is stymied by my lack of my writing skills which hinder my ablility to convey the great humanity of Ray Lopez.
I hope this lame attempt and me taking the time to write of this first prior to praising his refinishing skills is enough to do him justice in that regard.
Now for his Professional accolades:
With Regards to BATHTUB REFINISHING Ray is the ONLY Licensed Refinishing Company in and surrounding areas)
The Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association ( PBRA )has chosen Gotham City Reglazing Denver Colorado as it’s official Certified Refinisher for that State. (The PBRA of Colorado)
Gotham City Reglazing is our choice not only for their refinishing skills but for their ethics and endeavor to be the best plus their ability to give back to their community on a personal level.
THEY ONLY REFINISHING COMPANY IN THE STATE OWNED AND OPERATED BY A COLORADO STATE MASTER PLUMBER.
Ray is not only a Master Plumber in Colorado but also NEW YORK CITY!
MEMBER OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEMBER OF THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
MEMBER OF THE PBRA PROFESSIONAL BATHTUB REFINISHERS ASSOCIATION
MEMBER OF THE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
Ray has also attendend just about every refinishing courses offered by many suppliers.
License info: COLORADO STATE CONTRACTORS LICENSE #1375 *** COLORADO STATE LICENSED MASTER PLUMBER **Insured for 3 million liability and 1 million auto.
In closing I am proud and honored to have Ray within the PBRA. He is a core and cherished Member. I know I’ve probably left a few credentials out as I could not remember them all but it should be enough of an indicator of the great character of the man and company.
If I had only two words to convey my his character they would be.
1.GOD (Man of God)
2.Conscientiousness:
The trait of being painstaking and careful, or the quality of acting according to the dictates of one’s conscience. It includes such elements as self-discipline, carefulness, thoroughness, organization, deliberation (the tendency to think carefully before acting), and need for achievement. It is an aspect of what was traditionally called character. Conscientious individuals are hard working and reliable.
Joining the PBRA was the best thing that I have ever done for my business. The knowledge and experience in this group has taken my business to a whole different level. I wish I had joined years ago. Thanks PBRA for the continued support, developement, and fellowship. I am forever grateful.
Mark Smith
Amazing Reglazing LLC
Largo, FLorida
Amazing Reglazing, Mark Smith, the name says it all. If you need any type of refinishing conventional or UV, Commercial or residentail Mark can handle it. There is not enough space here for me do his skills justice. Kind and full of enthusiasm. You can’t help but want to do business with him. We are proud to have him.
Floridas Finest Refinisher bar none. His honesty skills and attention to detail put him way ahead of companies with more experience. If called upon for a corporate Project Rehab the PBRA will without a doubt call Mark first. One phone call and we know the project is handled. We trust our members because we do our best to select the finest. We dont simply put check marks in a column. That would be way to impersonal. We develop a relation over time and truly call each other brother. Mark is the Future of PBRA growth. Basically this means our future is insured by his presence.
The PBRA has taken my company from being “good” refinishers to the area’s premier refinisher, out performing the competition. Thanks to the brotherhood of the PBRA, the information shared on technique, products, processes and troubleshooting, we have gained a lifetime of education without spending a lifetime of trial and error.
I go into a project knowing that I have the most up to date knowledge about the products and processes to insure the end result is more than the customer could ever expect. It’s all about getting the “wow factor” and the PBRA has provided me with the knowledge to enhance my skills to get it, each time, every time.
Rick has to be one of the most successful refinishers I know. Not only that he has a full line of bathroom safety products. Hydraulic Handicap Lifts, He is also the National Distributor of the Saftey Bath system. The Tub Cut with the door. If you would like to learn how to install these products contact Rick at http://www.nationaltubandtile.com
Bath Doctor provides superior refinishing and remodeling services for your outdated and worn bathtubs and tile fixtures. Connecticut Bathtub Refinishing. We are proud members of the PBRA.
Fresh Finishes Is dedicated to providing its customers with the best products and techniques available. By joining th PBRA we insure that we stay up with the latest and best Products. Our customers should be confident to know that when they hire us tey are getting the knowledge of the best refinishers all across the USA.
Scott Gallagher
Fresh Finishes
Sacramento, CA
I have yet to make up my mind about Scott. After reviewing his work over a year now I can’t decide whether he is an Artist or a Refinisher. I know his standard is perfection but how do you judge art? When you need a talent for high end jobs you would be hard pressed to find anyone who can match his quality. He has been a pleasure to have in our association and I know he will always do his best to please all his customers.
Thank you Scott for being part of the PBRA!
When I first expressed interest in the refinishing business, I was overwhelmed by the contradictory information available. It seemed that every school wanted you to buy from only their supplier.. .”Because of course they were the best”. It was almost impossible to get honest answers on how start and run a refinishing business. The PBRA is the only organization that wants to promote the individual business man as well as the industry. With constant testing and feedback from its dedicated members I am assured that I am providing my customers with the best products, techniques and services.
Russell Knox
Surface Pros
Tulsa, Oklahoma
http://www.surface-pros.com
Joining the PBRA has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. After nearly 15 years in the refinishing industry I was still able to learn some new things and take my company to the highest level of products and services. The collective knowledge of all the members has proven to be very valuable. The powerbond system developed by the PBRA provides the strongest adhesion I have seen in the refinishing industry. Surface Solutions is proud to be a member of the PBRA.
I simply am running out of words to describe how great the refinishers are that make up our membership. Scott is Great. Simply Great. He is a hands on guy with many techs but I know he is on every job every day. If you live in his service area, Near Detroit Michigan then you owe it to yourself to hire one of the most successful refinishers in the State. In the US for that matter. I will always appreciate this young man as he is living the refinishers dream. That’s what the PBRA is about. People living the dream, and helping others find it. He is an example for all refinishers to follow.
I have been a proud member of the P.B.R.A. since the begining of my refinishing business.
The extensive knowlege that I have gained regarding the Refinishing Industry has been priceless. ALL of our members are Dedicated Independent Refinishes committed to excellence in our products, services, and on-going education. The P.B.R.A. is committed to upholding high standards of professionalism, customer service, superior products/processes, honesty and values.
Not being a member of a Franchised Company has it’s advantages. We are not locked in to specific refinishing products or paying high royalties that increase our pricing. These cost savings make our products and services more competitive and affordable to our customers while being able to use the best materials, supplies, equipment and processes to service our customers.
Surface Surgeon’s Dr. Ken has hands of gold. He transformed my run down 1920’s bathroom into a work of art. The repairs, refinishing and remodeling were of top notch craftsmanship. Surface Surgeon repaired my antique tub, sink and wall tiles “Like New” and did if for thousands less than previous estimates. We originally believed that there was no hope for our old bathroom until Surface Surgeon brought our bathroom back from the dead and bred new life into the entire room. Every chip, crack, stain and imperfection were mended at the hands of this skilled refinishing surgeon. Professional quality work at a reasonable price and an honest attitude makes Surface Surgeon is the physician for your bathroom transition.
I am a proud member of the PBRA and have been since founding New Finish Resurfacing. The expertise, product testing and information allows me to provide the utmost quality to my customers. The ongoing education available to me and all PBRA members has added to the sucess New Finish Resurfacing. By being a member of the PBRA we as a group have access to the best products and materials known in this industry.
Dear Kevin Spencer, Thank you for your Comments. It’s been our pleasure to have you and Scott Represent the Great State of Michigan. We at the PBRA encourage you to visit his site to learn his concrete counter class. It’s simply amazing. This young man can do it all. Tub Cuts, Safety bath tub cuts with a door, Safeway Steps, Handicap Conversions, Concrete Counters, Stone Finish counters, bathtub refinishing, and is even certified to install bathtub liners and surrounds. He has been like a Son to me and like a father it both pleases me and makes me proud to see him grow and enjoy the success he has worked so hard to attain. If Kevin Spencer can’t do it then tear it out or burn it down because it simply can’t be done. His easy going nature and God given talents truly make him the Only choice in Saginaw Michigan for any type of kitchen and bath service. And please don’t talk to him while he’s working unless you feel like laughing and having a good time. Kevin’s sense of humor and zest for life is infectious and will quickly have you at peace knowing you gave your business to the right person.
http://www.newfinishonline.com We are lucky to have this person in the PBRA.
I have been refinishing bathtubs 15 Years. All I can say is that while I have vast amounts of experience in Refinishing, handicap conversions and most kitchen and bath counter top processes I never stop learning from the PBRA of the Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association. It’s quite an honor to be part of the group as they only Take an average of 1 out of 10 eperienced refinishers. The group as a whole develops their own products and techniques because each individual is a successful independent refinisher. Imagine having that kind of knowledge under one cyber roof. Besides the Power Bond adhesion promoter they have been developing their own line of Instant Cure Zero VOC non Toxic UV cured coatings. Like you read about it’s just another tool in the box for PBRA refinishers to meet each customers need. If you are looking to better yourself and provide your customers the best possible products and service I strongly urge to complete the application process. If your a San Antonio Texas Resident or from the surrounding area and want to experience the wonderful PBRA service then give me a call at 888-414-TUBS or 210-849-0400. You can also visit my web site at http://www.tubmd.com and watch some local Videos filmed right here in San Antonio Texas.
Professionalism without exception, Innovation with balance, attention to the details are just a few of the attributes that describe the PBRA and it’s members..
The depth of knowledge and application techniques
Collectively and individually the members are the best of the best in their fields and we all bring that “best” to each and every job we do..
I am proud to be a PBRA member…
to serve them as a Lead Moderator.
Art Bailey
Adx Refinishing
Sacramento, California
Thank You Art for that great compliment. You have always been a big part of the PBRA. Never a dull moment that’s for sure. Art is one of the best commercial refinishers out there. From single family dwellings to Large commerical rehabs his reputation for getting the job done to meet crucial deadlines during commercial rehabs is unmatched.
We are glad to have helped you meet those deadlines with all our combined knowledge in the PBRA. We know it was having this critical and valuable information supplied by the PBRA coupled with your skill sets and work ethic that made us a winning team.
We also appreciate all you have shared with us. I also want to thank you for the honest kind words and appreciate your acknowledgement and recognition of the fact that the PBRA is the original bathtub refinishing association of America and Canada. We couldn’t ask for a better endorsement.
I know you played a large part in getting our data base up to almost 20,000 (twenty thousand post regarding the art of refinishing)! How can anyone possibly match that?
It surely was a unique and interesting time having you as a Moderator. An experience we will never forget. We are saddened by the fact you had to move on. We hope your new position as Moderator fullfills your desire to help new refinishers. You have a lot to offer I hope they appreciate your presence.
As a PBRA Senior Partner I would also like to thank Art for being a member. It was my pleasure to guide him through those major rehabs. But guidance was as only as good as a students abbility to learn and take instrucion. To be honest In most cases it was the student teaching teacher!
If your contimplating Any kind of Commercial Project in California we highly recommend you call ADX Refinishing first. Some things are worth the extra money. Let us save you the time of sorting through the rest simply make your first call to the best.
Good Luck Art we will miss you!
Mark Kittredge of MrRefinish
PBRA Senior Partner
Please do not download until 09-01-2009 Wait for the completed version for corrections.
http://www.refinishersonline.com/uv-instrucion-video.exe
Gary Called to let the PBRA members know that Arts wife was having Surgery. He’s out on vacation but felt that no matter what happens wish him peace and a speedy and healthy recovery to his spouse. Tell your wife we said get well soon.
Re-treads and Rookies, Wanna Be refinishers who less than a year ago thought Hawk was the only product in the world. Hackers, intellectual property thieves and Plagiarist. Take a web site lay out, and a concept, and copy it. Divide the independents out of spite versus a sincere desire to make independent refinishers strong. A site founded on spite is a site without spirit and a true foundation. A picture file versus a registered trademark and seal of excellence. An Under Capitalized venture because they want things free. You get what you pay for in life. Free versus a Well funded organization with a sound plan for growth. UV fans we have arrived.
It’s the Flintstones trying to catch the Jetsons. Why did he go and sink so low? He betrayed his brothers Was the resposibility to much? I guess we will never know.
I have been a member of the PBRA since I started refinishing. I would not know nearly as much as I do now about the business if it had not been for the information and support the PBRA has provided. This is a great group of individuals that are always willing to help. By being a member I have access to the best information, products, and support in the industry.
Though the help of the PBRA I now offer quality refinishing that I stand behind.
As a founding member, I am proud to see how the PBRA is evolving.
From it’s inception as a place to talk shop and exchange technical ideas, to developing of industry changing coatings, it’s taking on a life of it’s own.
We are driven not just by the marketplace, but by our members who strive to be the best that they can be.
We developed a state of the art bonding agent because our members demanded it.
We now market it ONLY to PBRA members.
UV coating technology is in it’s infancy, but it is the future.
We are currently testing products to find the best UV coating system that we feel will best suit our members needs.
We will not push a system just to have a UV product line.
We may not be the first in the UV market, but rest assured the UV system that we come out with will be the best.
If you are a consumer and you are looking for a company to refinish your bathtub, look for a PBRA member.
We are the best of the best.
Mark Kittredge
Founding member PBRA
Porcelain Patch and Glaze since 1938!
“Here at Porcelain Patch & Glaze all of our technicians have benefited greatly from our PBRA membership. The collective knowledge of the PBRA members has brought us new ideas for services and innovative products. Most importantly, since becoming a PBRA member our customers have seen improved quality and performance from our reglazing services. We feel that our membership in the organization brings us a huge competitive advantage over all of the other franchised and/or independent reglazers in our region.”
Our goal at Porcelain Patch & Glaze Corporation of America is to provide customers with the most reliable electrostatic refinishing and porcelain reglazing services at competitive prices in Boston. We handle single tubs to projects as large as 1800 tubs. We do work at Marthas Vineyard and have a 50 Year Family Reputation.
We shall apply only the highest quality, technically advanced, and environmentally friendly coatings available. We shall employ workmanship and application methods that exceed the industry standard. Our customers shall be satisfied without exception. We shall devote our best effort toward conducting an expanding operation within which will prevail an atmosphere of harmony and an opportunity for all employees to advance their careers.
Check out our companies ratings at:
Better Business Bureau
CALL (617) 924-9100
FAX (617) 924-9101
Angie’s List
Visit our site or email Jonthan Gleason
jonathan@porcelainpatch.com
http://www.porcelainpatch.com/about-us/history.html
Porcelain Patch and Glaze Since 1938
“Here at Porcelain Patch & Glaze all of our technicians have benefited greatly from our PBRA membership. The collective knowledge of the PBRA members has brought us new ideas for services and innovative products. Most importantly, since becoming a PBRA member our customers have seen improved quality and performance from our reglazing services. We feel that our membership in the organization brings us a huge competitive advantage over all of the other franchised and/or independent reglazers in our region.”
SINCE 1938! Porcelain Patch and Glaze!
Can you imagine how intimidated the PBRA felt when Jonathan Gleason First Applied to the PBRA. How in the world I thought to myself could we possibly help a 75 Year Old Refinishing Company. Ok now people can claim to be the oldest refinishing company but one visit to the site and the bio of their history will have you convinced in no time. Then I realized that it’s people like Mr. Gleason who gives strength and weight to how well we are organized so that no matter your experience level we can help each other. Jonathan has 15 spray techs employed at all times but has no problem picking up a spray gun or sharing his knowledge with anyone in the PBRA. What a wonderful person and sure a great company to do business with. You have to ask yourself as an independent refinishing if Porcelain Patch and Glaze feels like we help in anyway, we can probably do wonders for your business. It’s not about one company. We are all refinishing brothers and sisters. This is what a true association is about. NOT a CLICK THROUGH web site but pure knowledge and experience coupled with product development. For Refinishers, by Refinishers, share by refinishers. If there is a company out there that can prove they began refinishing before 1938 I sure would like to hear about it. There is not a day that goes by that I dont look forward to hearing from Mr. Gleason. His company and experience transends generations. Think of every refinishing supplier out there and tell us which one begain before 1938. I thought I was doing great with 20 years experience. If our average refinisher has 15 to 20 years experience and there are almost 70 of us do you really think you can’t learn from the PBRA. We are coming to every city in America, we would prefer to do business with you as brothers and sisters who love the same trade. Join us you will be glad you did.
In my 11 years or being a refinisher I have always wanted to be the best and use the best materials avliable. By being a PBRA member I have achieved just that. With literaly hundreds of years of knowledge combined we are truly a group of elite refinishers that I am proud to be part of. We also, by sharing knowledge, know just what products to use and more importantly what not to use. The products developed by the PBRA and in the hands of a PBRA member truly provide the best refinished surfaces in the entire industry. The best business decision I have ever made was applying and being accepted by the PBRA.
For San Antonio Texas or Texas Residents visit this site
We have this huge industry centered on a single plumbing fixture that dates back to antiquity where people bathed by candle light or oil lamp out of necessity to now when using a candle is for simply relaxation or for a romantic moment. I think about that I write about UV technology and bathtubs. Then or now bathtubs are still a place for those two precious moments. Cut and paste this link for history of the bathtub.
Having been a rebel all my life I can appreciate, more than can be imagined the willingness to experiment and stray from the norm this forum is not only capable of but also open to.
Too often do groups rigidify into one way of doing and seeing which only impedes progress. We all know there is no ONE COAT perfection, that there are different circumstances that require thinking on our feet and adapting to the needs of the moment. This is what we thrive on as innovators.
My thoughts are that PBRA, as long as it will grow in its thinking will continue on it’s course of being the Top of the Game. Why not have a variety in our arsenal?
GlazePro, Llc,
Serving Charlotte, NC with top quality refinishing since 2007
http://www.glazepro.net/
My name is Chris Gunn and I own and operate GlazePro. I have been a PBRA member for a few weeks now. Since I have been associated with the PBRA I have developed a likely friendship with alot of the senior members. I have seen in these few weeks my quality of work increased greatly due to the combined experience and knowledge of this unique network. While my membership application was reviewed and approved I didn’t know what to expect from the PBRA, but I will say the welcome and tech support I received far exceeded my expectations.
What has helped my business the most since becoming a member is not that I think, but now know we are using the best products and techniques on the market and have over 70 members with over 150 years of combined experience backing us with support. This is without question the best business decision I have made since I started GlazePro in 2007.
I am excited about the future of GlazePro and I owe it all to these guys. I can say without a doubt no matter where you live in the USA or Canada, hiring a PBRA member for your refinishing project is the best investment you can make with no second guessing.
Thanks to all of you,
Christopher M. Gunn
office: (803)222-9621
mobile: (704)400-1828
For someone who is a comparativly new member to the PBRA, Chris Gunn has posted some of the most valuable and rewarding information born of his experience in using materials and in repairing items that we were not exposed to before. He truly is adding his knowledge to the collective we call PBRA. He claims to be enriched by his association with us and I will attest to the reciprocity he brings with him. A true asset and a new friend.
I couldn’t agree more Pete. Chris is surely PBRA material. We all know that this business is not an easy one. We all work hard and learn something new everyday. Its that aspect I’m sure that keeps us all close. I phone visit with him almost everyday and enjoy his great personality plus his enthusiasm is so pronounced he gets me all charged up for the day. I can tell everyone out there this guy is never satisfied until each job is perfect. Anyone in his area should be glad that they have someone with his skills and determination to be the best. Keep up the good work Chris you make us all proud.
Thanks to both of you! We all should be proud to be associated with one another. The unbiased and friendly tech support and friendship we all share is worth much more than any price you can pay. Look out refinishing world, here comes “refinishers online”.
The New UV Training Bathtub Refinishing is up! Join the PBRA and enjoy the new technology. PBRA Members Only! These are PBRA FORMULATIONS. WE ARE NOT A DISTRIBUTOR for MIDWEST CHEMICALS.
http://refinishersonline.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=3615888
It won’t be long before we hit the 20,000 number of post again regarding the subjects of refinishing kitchens and baths plus all the tub cut procedures learned in house. The person who lands on the 20,000 post will get something very special. We all know this is not for a prize or money. Its more of a bench mark. Kind of like being the 1 million customer in a store. Its hard enough to keep up with all your postings but maybe we make this real interesting. Like a new HVLP Rig complete or our propriatary UV lights. Something special for the occasion. Just keep up the normal pace. Trying to keep you guys from posting would be impossible. With the amount of data and products and procedures we share we will always be the largest and orginal data base in the world helping refinishers. But we are not done there. Hopefully with no unforseen events we will present to the refinishing world something that will revolutionalize the refinishing industry. At Least for PBRA members. We have Mark Kittredge and Al Perez to thank for that. We are doing it for you and the world. As Mark and Al Put it and I qoute” THE PBRA is FOR THE CHOSEN FEW” This way the world has access to the elite of the elite where money and product performance is no constraint. It’s our opinion if people want the best they will pay for the best. This holds true in any business. If you can check out the home page. If you have the five years experience and proper licensing we welcome you. A small fee is required. No montly re-ocurring charges. The fee is $300 dollars but its not uncommon to make that back within hours of paying it. We have referred out over $100,000 dollars in work to our members in any given year. NO WE DONT GET A PIECE of the action. You keep 100%! We are not a franchise but independent refinishers banning together all our experiences and delivering a standard world wide. We are not a click through site. We are an online education center for refinishers where we support each other and develop products together. For Refinishers By Refinishers.
Thanks for reading this visit us at http://www.refinishersonline.com
I was the very first Member of the PBRA almost 10 years ago. I have worked in Spain and other places in Europe and the United States. I will leading the European PBRA division. I have seen many refinishing techniques and trying to not be biased I can tell you that our UV and other refinishing systems developed by all our members have to be one of the best if not the best. We have so much to share with each other that our data base swells to a point where we must cull some of the data to keep to be able to manage it. I know my partner wants to offer a prize to honor the 20,000 Post but the truth is we have already done that once. It will be fun and the best part is we all just have to act normal. No need to put up a prize to hit that mark. There is so much to share and learn we have no choice to meet and exceed that mark. Since we are dealers for many products I second the motion to for the give away. Cant wait for next month. Refinishers out there keep track of this site, we intend to surprise you and make your life much easier. Thanks Again,
AL Perez
Global Refinishing PBRA Founding Member.
I agree with you and Mark. But let’s make it 30,000 like Al said we hit 20,000 a few times over. Plus with all the new members pending 25k would be to easy. Its important to note the prize is for fun not to make people post. Who could possibly find is neccessary to to pay people to post? We have so much to offer we all have to post to keep up. Thanks guys, asking pbra members under one cyber roof and paying them to post is like having a family reunion and asking them to talk to each other. Sent from: G-1 3g T-Mobile – garygoel@gmail.com 800.506.TUBS – cell 210.381.6111 WEB: http://www.refinishersonline.com
I was the very first Member of the PBRA almost 10 years ago. I have worked in Spain and other places in Europe and the United States. I will be leading the European PBRA division. I have seen many refinishing techniques and trying to not be biased I can tell you that our UV and other refinishing systems developed by all our members have to be one of the best if not the best. We have so much to share with each other that our data base swells to a point where we must cull some of the data to be able to manage it. I know my partner wants to offer a prize to honor the 20,000 Post but the truth is we have already done that once. It will be fun and the best part is we all just have to act normal. No need to put up a prize to hit that mark. There is so much to share and learn we have no choice to meet and exceed that mark. Since we are dealers for many products I second the motion to for the give away. Cant wait for next month. Refinishers out there keep track of this site, we intend to surprise you and make your life much easier. Thanks Again,
AL Perez
Global Refinishing PBRA Founding Member.
I like the idea guys. It’s kind of a twist on Pay Per Click for Members. LOL, thats funny. We will pay you $200 Dollars to click and Post on the boards to build our data base. (Where have I heard that before?)
I say yes to celebrate the success our members bring to the PBRA. We would not be where we are today if we had to bribe people to post.
That’s funny, Paying people to contribute. LOL, Pay Per Per Contribution Click. Thats a desperate new marketing technique.
Yeah, got to say… the pay per click thing is pretty bad!
Gotham City Reglazing permalink
The PBRA has been nothing but a blessing in our lives. My husband has gotten more than just professional advice from this site. He has found a place where he has found a group of brothers. A place where the individuals involved are more than just professionals but genuine people who care about one another and are concerned about helping each other with their businesses.
The PBRA has been a great source of support and a place where your fellow brothers are always willing to share their experiences so that someone else will not have to go through the same headaches they may have gone through. There is a wide variety of experience with the PBRA and the fact that everyone is willing to share them is a true sign of more that just another organization. They are more like a family. Out of all the money we have invested to start our business the PBRA is by far the most profitable. The knowledge you gain from them is just the beginning. The biggest thing that I’ve noticed with the PBRA is again the care and concern for one another.
The PBRA has not only been a blessing to my husband but to our whole family.The Stress of business taken away from my husband effected our whole family.
Thanks and God Bless you guys .
Maria Lopez
Wife of a PBRA member
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Glad to say our hotel job is finally finished here in Boston. About 800 tubs later and endless hours of prepping, reglazing and sitting in job meetings…We are DONE! The final floor of tubs were QC-ed & caulked last week and the rooms are now rented. Heads on beads, as they say in the hotel biz.
We used the new powerbond on each and every tub. So far, no failures due to natural causes. A few chips & dings due to a clumsy plumber and a few redos due to a jerk wall-coverer (kept leaving his waste glue in redone tubs). In a few of the mac-daddy upper suites the original marble tile surround had been left and the tub reglazed. Later, the owner & architect walking the floor did not like the ‘look & feel’ of the old marble and had it demo’d. I was already filling out the paper-work for a change order, but to my surprise there were only minor repairs to the reglaze jobs after the new tiles were done. F-ing Amazing!!
The GC on the job called to say how pleased everyone was with our work and the final payments are fourthcoming, He then asked if we would be interested in another hotel job. So, the next one starts in January 2010 (perfect!) and it is rumored to be in NYC.
I know most of you are owner/operators and generally work alone and probably prefer it that way. However, for those of you that have an interest in big work…it is out there and with the new powerbond the PBRA is well positioned to become a nationally recognized organization by the major hotels. I have never been more excited about tub reglazing!! Porcelain Patch and Glaze since 1938. NOTE POWER BOND IS FOR PBRA members Only, made by refinishers for refinishers. 800-506-8827 or visit http://www.refinishersonline.com and ask for Mark Kittredge or Al Perez. The PBRA never stops working for you.
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Referrals like this are a common occurence in the PBRA. Is your so called association working for you? We will be accepting new refinishers with less then 5 years experience and matching them with successful sponsors like the one above. No Charge for Apprentice Memberships we will be contacting all refinishers directly.
I guess all these people at this link mean more to me then anything who hides behind distance and a key board.
Its my last post on the matter Mark and Al. We are not a hater organizion. Rejects need a place to go too.
http://bathtubrefinishing4all.wordpress.com/wp-admin/edit-comments.php?p=3#comments
PBRA senior Mark Kittredge announced yesterday PBRA leaders will be visiting Los Angeles California to finalize UV light distribution and we will have the pleasure of flying in our UV coatings manufactures. To further make this an all around grand slam San Antonio PBRA members will be seeking out local refinishing companies to pay their respects and to perform demos as required. We look forward to all the events especially the latter. See you in LA Early this September. Refinishers make yourself available. We are anxious to meet you face to face.
Yes it desperate to try and make people post.
How does one who being self-employed for the most of their life, independent and a bit of a rebel say thank you with all his heart to a radical paradigm shift in his thinking, brought on by his association with the PBRA? Now as part of the PBRA, feeling a kinship with like minded people I have found a home.
The above posts have more than sufficiently described a league of dedicated craftsmen seeking the highest level of art in their craft, but life is not labor alone.
We at PBRA are so interested in the whole well being of each other that we also share the other avenues that we all must travel, our relationship with our work, each other , to the world and to our selves. The idea being that the “Whole Person” is made better in all their endeavors by elevating each area of themselves. We seek for the most part to find that integrity that is beyond reproach and apply it to our craft and to our customers.
Recently the PBRA has received some finger pointing, unnecessary as that may be we have noted it and feel sorry for it,s source.
Probably the most sad thing I can think of is when someone attempts to exalt themselves by deminishing of another. We see this in politics so often when candidates are of no value on their own merits bu they castigate their opponent in an attempt elevate himself. Actually this is the mentality of a 7 year old in the school yard pointing a finger at the person they fear might get more candy. Yes for the most part the immature are acting out their childhood fears that someone out their might get more “candy” applause, or maybe recognition.
I do not seek to defend the PBRA’s position in the Refinishing Industry for there is no need. Accusations are a sign of weakness in order to validate a vulnerable position.
The PBRA will and with earned merit stand on it’s proven accomplishments. To dignify any claims to the contrary is unnecessary for we know who we are and that cannot be diminished by those that don’t.
With a desire to be fair to those that come after and try to mimic, many thanks for exalting the PBRA to the point that you may feel it threatens your survival but my thoughts are that sticking to your goals and learning all that you can about your Craft you will accomplish more than pointing fingers. We wish success to all in our industry and having the hundreds of years of experience behind us invite those that wish the “Oxford” level of knowledge and education of the craft to check into our program. We are interested in the whole you, the elevation of your craft, and your success.
Wow Thanks Pete. I am at a loss for words. Which is a hard thing to happen to me. Your words are eloquent and true. They are a depiction of the kind of members the PBRA has to offer. Brilliant minds who happen to love their trade and a helping their fellow brother. If I was the finger pointer after reading that I would find a corner curl up in a fetal position with my thumb in my mouth knowing I was a complete idiot thinking of what an idiot I publically made of myself. I have always maintained we not only have some the best artist but also the most gifted minds of any business. Your words confirm this. Next time they should just keep quite where one can only speculate a person being a fool. But to openly write or speak nonsense only confirms the speculation. This is a classic example.
My name is Mike Maddocks owner of the Tub Doctor in Salt Lake City, Utah.
After working for another refinishing company for many years, I was let go due to economic downturn. Distraught on what to do I stumbled upon the PBRA. With the combined experience of other refinishers throughout the country, I’ve learned things that have helped my business be profitable in a recession. Awesome thanks again. Look for the TUB DOCTOR promotional billboard.
Mike has been a great asset to the PBRA. When he arrived he was an experienced refinisher that could handle any project. He took his experience and coupled it with all the guidance the members could offer. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone make such a quick ascent to the top since the last shuttle launch. I mean this literally because in such a short amount of time he went from PBRA member passing out cards on the streets to having the largest refinishing Bill Boards on a main highway in Salt Lake Utah. He went from beating the streets to towering over them. I’m very proud of him and our membership for taking this young man to the top. We gave him good products, a template to follow, and he did all the hard work. There is no luck in being successful. There was no miracle in his method just hard work and a great support system. He is a classic case of ” the harder he worked the luckier he got”‘
If I can find a way to post his Bill Board I will either on our home page or on this blog. If your a refinishers struggling from week to week we have a plan for you. If you simply want share your experience with us will do the same with you. Join Refinishers Online. In closing I am greatful to all the members for helping Mike and let me reassure you Mike helped many of us. He was no rookie to the business he simply needed a plan and a support system he could count on. Great Job Mike and thanks for all your knowledge. I’m 47 years old and have this 29 year old teaching me. The PBRA and Salt Lake City Utah are lucky to have you.
I am in the middle of my second month as a proud PBRA member. I am experiencing some new success myself as a refinisher in Charlotte, NC. I know the source that is responsible for my upswing and that is my newly found brotherhood here at Refinishers Online. I haven’t changed my marketing drastically as of yet but I can honestly say I have always been a meticulous refinishing technician. The difference of then vs. now is I know I am now using vigorously tested ‘top of the line’ finishes, bonding agents and far superior techniques that have been developed “by refinishers for refinishers”. Many of our members experience different levels of success but we don’t judge in that manner and each and every member is just as much a brother as the other, no matter what his level of success is and that is truly what makes us “the elite of the elite” and I am thankful to be an associate.
Chris your a great asset to the PBRA. Your expertise in Gel Coats was like getting private lessons for that business alone. All of us as you know have stated privately and now publically that you are the kind of Refinisher that makes the PBRA great and me personally proud.
You bring in as much knowledge as you take with you. It’s this give and take that makes the PBRA great.
With all our combined experience levels and our brotherly ways of support we are a hard team to beat. The personal support we lend each other can’t be bought. We all have this common trait which is the need to share and help each other. I actually feel bad for those who are alone out there or are a part of copy cat organizations.
I’m not sure if you know this but we modeled the PBRA association structure the same way our great nation was built.
Just like the good old USA.
I use a basic simple anolgy to covey our stucture to people who wonder or ask and I tell them we are all successful independent refinishers and carry our own company Flag. Just like each State in our nation or Union has it’s own Flag We as individual companies just like Each State carry our own flag or banner. However each state is united under one common banner of Freedom and greatness which is represented by one Flag of Freedon with 50 Stars.
PBRA members are simply individual companies united under one common banner, or seal of excellence. In our case we felt this was the perfect structure. Chris You have taken it upon yourself to Represent the best the PBRA can offer for the State of North Carolina. We thank you for your presence and desire to be the best at this trade. We also pledge to do our best to help in anyway possible.
Some refinishing businesses such as franchises are ruled. We governed by Refinishers for Refinishers.
This structure is what made this country great, and this very same structure will continue to keep the PBRA great.
Refinishing is an Art. It can’t be learned in a weekend, and sure cant be learned in a book. It requires many years of hard work to perfect. You are one of the chosen few who made it on your own and have earned the seal of excellence.
We have the 5 year cut off as we know by then you have paid your dues in sweat equity.
Like you mentioned in your post some of us have 5 years some have been in business since 1938.
There are many great things coming and it’s my honor to be able to share it with great refinishers like you and the rest of the PBRA members.
Are you guys ready for this?
We are glad that Al Perez of http://www.globalrefinishing.com has started releasing his beta testing videos for the PBRA UV system. We release no products until it’s time……
We are glad that Al Perez of http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shmi5C2v3Ug
has started releasing his beta testing videos for the PBRA UV system. We release no products until it’s time……
Hello Al in Mass, I just wanted to tell you that I can tell that was an older video because you were so high up with the light. When I first started using the light I too had a tendency to start out high for fear of causing wrinkling on tiles. Yes there is a learning curve that’s for sure. But on your latest video after almost 10 months in the field I noticed you were only inches above the surface and a lot more confident of course leading to faster cure times. Personally I don’t think thats a big deal as we are talking about seconds for cure time. I do also like the small light and see you plugging it directly into a 110 without a transformer. For a specific job that’s nice.
We have been repairing and resurfacing bath and kitchen fixtures for about 3 years now. 90% of my knowlege came direct from my professional association with the P.B.R.A. ALL of our members are most supportive and are true professionals dedicated to using the best processes, best materials ane providing optimum customer service. The propietary bonding primers and cleaners are THE BEST available and surpass any other commercial products used within the refinishing industry.
The progressive developement of the U.V. refinishing system is destined to redefine the entire refinishing industry and put the P.B.R.A. in the forefront as the industry leaders. I am proud to be a member of Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association. The shared professionalism, product knowlege and customer service is reflective in the dedication of its founders and members.
Just want to Post more information about UV lights for anyone looking for an industrial high powered mass production light. I spent over 1.50 Hours today speaking with Gordon of
http://www.uv3.com
We exchanged Data and information regarding our current lights and his high quality lights which are extremely powerful. A super nice guy extremely informative about the UV industry and from all accounts a talented sprayer of just about any product.
We discussed many of our concepts and I was extremely pleased we shared so much in common. After giving him our light specs and comparing them to his he agreed that both have their places in the Market.
For Single Bathtubs and counters our light is plenty. But for more industrial use for extremely large areas like a hallway of tile in commercial areas his light should be used.
We agreed a long term relationship was in both our interest and we at the PBRA look forward to working with him soon. In the mean time if you need a high powered light that will be running all day long then visit http://www.uv3.com
Thanks Gordon for all the advise in ALL MATTERS regarding lights and detailed insight regarding the people who made that video we discussed. We will taking care of them soon.
Just tried another Vendors UV product and I must say in with a lot of practice and as much luck as possible it maybe a viable option. Sort of feel bad for all the people who bought into the hype. In two weeks the PBRA system will be available and will be chimp proof. No wrinkling, no yellowing, no seperation between clear and base coat. Thanks for waiting guys. We could not risk releasing something that would embarrass you and the industry.
Hopefully by now the black eye that UV coatings has faded and now a reliable, portable system will be available to all PBRA members. Non PBRA members too for the most part.
We have a nice surprise for the UV refinishing industry too. We know you will appreciate it.
You guys and gals ready to roll?
I’m not easily impressed after 15 years in the business but our PBRA UV products are sure making the job more fun, easier, and getting top dollar because of the one pass uv clear and highly portable light.
Wow what a great video you cannot get that look with any other, coating. I cant wait for the release of the PBRA UV cured system. Im glad you took the right steps in testing and devolping this product, this product will corner the refinishing market. Ive been a proud PBRA member since 2005, everything this organization comes out with is top notch, service is excellent and the products are even better. If you want the most durable refinishing system on the market join the PBRA.
Thanks Kevin, The adjustments to the coatings were finalized and ready. Check Your mail. Everyone was mailed a news letter regular mail with the new catalog. The Graphics people did a great job. Everyone has really come together. As I said before Hopefully UV coatings Technology in this field can recover from initial beating it took. Like my Dad use to say many years ago ” Portability is everything for a Refinisher”. I want to come up and take your class just to watch an artist at work. I was shocked to learn you already have 50 distributors!
Engineering your own stains and process after two plus years is going to pay off. I will ask Mark and My Dad if they will Market it throught the PBRA. When I look at your stuff and the Tommy Rocks, and Buddy Rhodes, I can already see Kevin Spencer on Artist Row in Feb. in Vegas at the World of Concrete Show. Someone will try and buy you out like they did us. Don’t do it. When people start making offers its because they see value. The sucky part is when the loosers and rejects start trying to copy your work or use it for a template. But we will talk about that later. Soon!
New Web site is finally almost complete. We spared no expense with our web or our investment in UV technology. We hired a Fortune 500 Company to help us develop our system. No retired chemist or shade tree players here. We wanted the best so we paid for the best. UV coatings has taken a black eye as of late and we are here to remedy that. If you need training or want to be a member of the original Bathtub Refinishers Association Check out our site. Expect the best because it’s what you will get.
Just a few links to show potential income and re-enforce we have a real team working for the pbra. Some things you simply can’t get for free. Experience and Cutting edge technology.
http://www.refinishersonline.com/training.php
http://www.refinishersonline.com/uvcoatings.php
http://www.refinishersonline.com/laminates.php
http://www.refinishersonline.com/testimonials.php
To all thos who have been reading this blog. Within a few days the PBRA UV coatings will be hitting the market. They have been formulated by a Fortune 500 Recipient company and they have been recognized as the leaders in this industry. The PBRA UV cured lights are Purpose built equipment. What you seen on videos was beta lights. The finalized lights specifically designed for Bathtub Refinishers and our industry will be released at the same time. I want to thank everyone for their pre-orders and you should have your lights by ThanksGiving. They are Portable, Powerful, and build to last. We ran a test today with 32 Mils of Clear coat and the light cured the coating in one pass. We appreciate all the Multi Functional equipment suppliers out there but refinishing requires it’s own equipment.
I also want to Thank Cardinal Coatings for having one their reps come down and offer their services. If there is anyway we can help with further development please come down and visit again. Please visit our new web site and find out more. We apologize that it’s only half way completed, but are Marketing Firm, and Web develoment firm as well as custom programmers are working hard to meet our needs. We will be providing professional Web sites to new members in the next few weeks. We would also like to invite people all those who have suffered the recent UV Black eye to join us or come down for training. We spared no expense and used only the best. If you have suffered Yellowing UV coatings, Adesion problems of clear to base, or non curing we can help. We believe in UV and the new standard it will set. We finally have a PRACTICAL SYSTEM that will set you apart.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1vK9Hjey7w
PBRA Brings to the world the most advanced kitchen and bath refinishing system. Extensively Field Tested prior to its release to ensure proper application methods and superior quality. No clear coat seperation from base coat. No Yellowing. Extremely hard durable tile like finish. Portable lights. Two to 10 second cure times.
All lights seen in this and previous videos were proto type test lights. Our lights have been specifically modified and designed for a refinishers needs. Portable, Powerful, Performance.
Our lights will be in service after thanksgiving in a controlled release to our members. The 20 lights will be fielded immediately after Thanksgiving 2009.
Our UV coatings are manuafactured by a Fortune 500 company that has been recognized by the most respected publications for the refinishing industry. Follow this link :
http://www.refinishersonline.com/uvcoatings.php
Please visit our NEW interactive web site at http://www.refinishersonline.com and complete the application if your considering entering the uv refiinishing industry. We Now offer on site training at our new facility in San Antonio Texas. The PBRA is in the business of uniting independent refinishers under one common banner of excellence.
The PBRA is often imitated but will never be duplicated. The PBRA since 2002 has the largest refinishing database in the world. Join the ranks of like minded successful companies.
Call 888-414-8827
The PBRA is happy to announce our new Canadian Distributorship for our exclusive UV Refinishing Products. Our Rapid growth and expansion is making it hard to keep up. We are also pleased to announce that our new site while only 50 percent complete is attracting the the best refinishers in the industry so please be patient while we are processing your applications.
To those who have been patiently waiting for our new lights they will be shipping this week along with our proprietary topcoats. A year in development this system is unmatched or without equal to this industry. We used the leading UV coatings specialist to assist us in product development. Our developers have been recognized by some of the worlds leading refinishing publications. See for yourself, Can your Association or UV supplier say that?
http://www.refinishersonline.com/uvcoatings.php
Please Contact me for UV PACKAGE.
It’s been a great year and the PBRA owes our success to the quality of our members. We also want to thank Cardinal Coatings for visiting us and demonstrating their line of uv coating. We also want to thank Cardinal for the products and adhesion promoters. We look foward to assisting in helping with those improvements to meet PBRA standards. We were glad to help and hope our groundwork and direction will help with your product Development.
Always look to the PBRA for leading edge technology within the refinishing industry. We are the Original Refinishing Assoication and The PBRA reputation is growing to a point where many of the Chemical Companies and factories are now approaching us to beta test products for them.
This is a win win situation as we help the factories with new product development and at the same time are constantly getting introduced to new products to better the industry. The PBRA is not loose with it’s registered trademarked seal. Not every product gets the PBRA seal of approval. (some people will endorse anything) beware!
To those companies needing a well capitalized reputable assocation of refinsihers who can afford to dedicate the proper time and money for testing new refinishing products thoroughly then bring them to market successfully please contact us at marketing@refinishersonline.com
The PBRA has some of the best refinishers in the world some whom have been in business since 1938. Our database and knowledge base will never be equaled. Don’t let just anyone put a seal on your product.
For any other information please contact Mark Kittredge at info@refinishersonline.com for UV training and products.
Last but not least the New PBRA training Center is now open. Once approved for membership and UV package purchase we will fast track you into the lucrative UV refinishing business.
Mark Kittredge.
Dan Janson Surface Tech of San Antonio Delivers the most unique and exclusive bathtub tile and counter top refinishing system. Unmatched durability using UV Cured PBRA Refinishers Online Technology.
You can locate Dan Janson at http://www.refinishersonline.com by simply keying his zip code 78253.
Complete the work order or appointment request form and Dan will automatically be notified. All PBRA members receive their work order request in real time. Please be patient Dan is in High Demand but worth the wait.
All work request are free for consumers and refinishers. View our list of services and Virtual Room for Colors.
Thanks for watching another video brought to you buy the PBRA LLC.
Be sure your refinisher has the Registered Trademark seal of Trust. A PBRA Refinisher is the best investment you can make. Our 5 year minimum experience level ensures quality refinishers.
http://sharing.theflip.com/session/f31b15d82286ccecc44d46243667e686/video/8868238
Chris Gunn UV Refinishing http://www.glazepro.net