If you’ve never had professional surface repair carried out before, it’s natural to want to know what to expect. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what typically happens from first contact to completed repair.
Step 1: Photo Quote
For most standard surface repairs, the process begins with you sending a clear photo of the damage. A good photo should show the damage clearly, ideally with something for scale, and in good lighting. From this, an experienced surface repair specialist can assess the damage type, material, complexity and provide an accurate quote — usually the same day.
Some unusual damage or complex colour-matching situations may require an in-person assessment before a firm quote can be given, but the majority of repairs can be quoted from photos.
Step 2: Booking
Once you accept the quote, you’ll agree a date and time for the repair visit. Most surface repair specialists will give you a time window (e.g. morning or afternoon). Access requirements are agreed — whether you’ll be home, or if a key is being left with a letting agent.
Step 3: The Repair Visit
A single technician typically carries out most repairs. The process for a bath chip repair, for example, looks like this:
- Surface preparation — the damaged area and immediate surroundings are thoroughly cleaned and degreased. Any loose material at the chip edge is carefully removed. The surrounding area is masked to protect it.
- Colour matching — the technician mixes a colour-matched filler to match the specific colour and undertone of your bath or tile. This is done by eye, mixing base pigments to achieve the right result.
- Filling — the chip is filled in stages, building up the repair to slightly proud of the surface.
- Sanding and levelling — the cured filler is carefully sanded back through progressive grits to achieve a perfectly smooth, level surface.
- Finishing — a colour-matched topcoat is applied and buffed to match the sheen of the surrounding surface.
- Final inspection — the technician inspects the repair under different lighting conditions and cleans up the work area.
Step 4: Cure Time
Most surface repairs require a cure time before the surface is used. For bath repairs, this is typically 24–48 hours before getting the area wet. For tile repairs and worktops, the cure time may be shorter. Your technician will give you clear aftercare instructions.
How Long Does It Take?
A single chip repair on a bath or tile typically takes 1–2 hours including preparation and finishing. Multiple repairs in the same visit take less time proportionally. More complex repairs — larger areas, difficult colour matches, deep damage — take longer.
Ready to get started? Send us a photo for a same-day quote →
