Surface Specialists Systems
Surface Specialists Systems is a Matthews, NC-based franchise founded in 1981 that licenses independent operators to repair and refinish bathroom and kitchen surfaces — bathtubs, showers, sinks, countertops, and tile — using proprietary coatings across 30+ U.S. cities and Canada.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1981
- HeadquartersMatthews, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Surface Specialists Systems does
Surface Specialists Systems, Inc. is a privately held, franchise-based home services company founded in 1981 and headquartered in Matthews, North Carolina. The company franchises independently owned and operated locations across more than 30 U.S. cities and Canada that repair and refinish bathroom and kitchen surfaces — primarily bathtubs, showers, sinks, countertops, ceramic tile, spas, and whirlpool systems — as a lower-cost alternative to full replacement. Its underlying technology rests on proprietary refinishing coatings that have been independently tested for wear, clean-ability, and damage resistance, and that are also purchased by at least one premier plumbing manufacturer for use in its own products. The franchise network is factory-authorized warranty service for more than 30 national bath fixture manufacturers and additionally installs custom-molded acrylic tub and shower liners, walk-in bathtubs (via Liquid Accents), anti-slip coatings, and accessibility modifications such as tub-to-shower conversions.
Surface Specialists earns revenue through a $36,000 initial franchise fee (with in-house financing), ongoing royalties from franchisees, and (per the corporate franchisor) the sale or licensing of its proprietary coatings. Franchisees generate end-customer revenue from quote-based, on-site services; average gross sales per franchisee were $307,783 in 2024. End customers are predominantly residential homeowners, with secondary commercial demand from national homebuilders, hotels and motels, hospitals and long-term care facilities, retail chains, and multi-unit property operators. Pricing is quote-based and determined via in-home consultations due to the custom nature of the work; the company does not publicly disclose franchisor-level revenue, has no disclosed institutional funding or parent company, and is led by President Dan Kaplan, who has run the franchise system since 2002 after joining as a franchisee in 1989.
Surface Specialists Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Surface Specialists Systems
- Legal name
- Surface Specialists Systems, Inc.
- Website
- https://surfacespecialists.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1981
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Surface Specialists Systems is a Matthews, NC-based franchise founded in 1981 that licenses independent operators to repair and refinish bathroom and kitchen surfaces — bathtubs, showers, sinks, countertops, and tile — using proprietary coatings across 30+ U.S. cities and Canada.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Surface Specialists Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Bathroom and Kitchen Surface Refinishing
- NAICS
- Repair and Maintenance (811)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Bathtub Replacement & Tub-to-Shower Conversions (HSAPABAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Shower Remodel & Installation (Walk-in, Tile, Glass Enclosures) (HSAPABAB), Kitchen & Bath Installation & Project Services (Retail + Install) (CRAIAFAH)
Keywords
Where Surface Specialists Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Matthews
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices8 records
Markets served
Surface Specialists Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Franchise Fees: Initial franchise fee of $36,000 paid by new franchisees for the right to operate a Surface Specialists franchise location. In-house financing options are available for qualified franchisees.
- Service Fees (per job): Franchisees generate revenue by charging customers for repair and refinishing services performed on-site. Services include bathtub repair/refinishing, acrylic liner installation, shower repair/refinishing, countertop refinishing, tile refinishing, and related offerings. Average gross sales of $307,783 for franchisees in 2024.
- Royalties: Ongoing royalties from franchisees likely based on a percentage of franchisee revenue or a flat fee per transaction.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Startup costs ranging from $43,200 to $56,000 |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Initial franchise fee of $36,000 |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Service pricing determined by in-home consultation |
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Surface Specialists Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Surface Specialists Systems delivers in-place bathroom and kitchen surface repair, refinishing (reglazing), and remodeling services through a franchise network serving residential and commercial customers. Core offerings include bathtub, shower, sink, countertop, ceramic tile, and spa refinishing; chip and crack repair for tubs, showers, sinks, countertops, glass, granite/marble, vinyl windows, and stainless steel; and remodeling solutions such as custom acrylic tub and shower liners, tub-to-shower conversions, walk-in bathtubs, and whirlpool jet installations.
Product overview
Surface Specialists Systems operates a franchise network providing bathroom and kitchen surface repair, refinishing, and remodeling services across the United States since 1981. The core offering consists of Repair services (bathtub, shower, sink, countertop, whirlpool jets, spas, tile, vinyl windows, glass, granite/marble, stainless steel, and pool steps) and Refinishing services (bathtub, shower, sink, countertop, ceramic tile, spa, and bathtub refinishing). Remodeling solutions include Acrylic Bathtub and Shower Liners installed over existing surfaces, Walk-in Bathtubs by Liquid Accents, Whirlpool Jet Installation for conversions, Tub to Shower Conversions for accessibility, and Anti-Slip Coating applications. Additional products include Grout Colorant for grout restoration. The company positions itself as an alternative to full bathroom remodeling at a fraction of replacement costs, with services available through independently owned and operated franchise locations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Bathtub Repair Repair services for fiberglass, acrylic, porcelain, and cast iron bathtubs including chips, dings, stains, cracks, holes, scratches, burns, stress cracks, and tub floor overlay repairs for weak tub bottoms. Targeted at residential homeowners and commercial property operators.
- Bathtub Refinishing Tub reglazing service that refinishes worn, damaged, or discolored bathtubs in place. Available in virtually any color with a glossy finish, taking 4-5 hours to complete with results lasting 10-15 years.
- Acrylic Bathtub Liners Custom-molded acrylic tubliners installed directly over existing bathtubs for a permanent solution. Made from 1/4 inch thick acrylic sheets thermo-formed to exact molds, available in multiple colors and styles with matching wall systems.
- Shower Repair Repair services for shower pans and enclosures including fixing standing water issues, cracks, holes, damage from reverse impact, shower overlay repairs, and floor leveling solutions.
- Shower Refinishing Shower reglazing service for worn, discolored, or damaged shower surfaces including fiberglass, acrylic, or terrazzo shower bases. Completes in less than a day with results lasting 10-15 years.
- Acrylic Shower Liners Custom-molded acrylic shower liners installed over existing shower bases with wall liners custom-cut on-site to match exact dimensions. Available in solid, marble, and granite color options. Most installations completed in 1 day.
- Sink Repair Repair services for cultured marble, porcelain, and cast iron sinks including fixing thermal shock cracks, chips, burns, stains, and other damage.
- Sink Refinishing
Quantifiable outcome
- Refinished surfaces maintain appearance for 10-15 years with proper cleaning procedures
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Surface Specialists Systems
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Surface Specialists Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
Feature6 records
Surface Specialists Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Premier Plumbing Manufacturer (Coating Purchaser)coreOne premier plumbing manufacturer purchases Surface Specialists bathtub refinishing coatings for use in manufacturing their own products, validating the quality and superiority of the proprietary coatings.
- 30+ National Manufacturers (Warranty Service)coreSurface Specialists is the factory authorized warranty service provider for more than 30 manufacturers nationwide, allowing franchisees to perform warranty repairs on behalf of major bath fixture manufacturers.
- Liquid Accents (Walk-in Bathtubs)minorSurface Specialists offers walk-in bathtubs manufactured by Liquid Accents, providing accessibility solutions to customers.
- SCORE Counselors to America's Small BusinessminorListed as a franchise opportunity resource providing free and confidential small business advice for entrepreneurs.
- Central Minnesota Builder's AssociationminorFranchisee Mark Anderson is a member of the Central Minnesota Builder's Association, St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce, Remodelor's Council, NFIB, Central Minnesota Housing Association, Better Business Bureau, Kimball Chamber of Commerce, and West Central Builder's Association.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Surface Specialists Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bath Fitter: Bath Fitter is the largest direct competitor to Surface Specialists, offering custom-molded acrylic tub liners, shower liners, and wall systems installed over existing fixtures through a national franchise network. Highly comparable business model, product category, and target customer (residential homeowners seeking low-cost bathroom remodel alternatives).
- Re-Bath: Re-Bath is a national bathroom remodeling franchise offering full bathroom remodels plus tub and shower liners, walk-in tubs, and accessibility conversions. Directly comparable to Surface Specialists' remodel product line and franchise channel, with broader scope into full replacement.
- Miracle Method: Miracle Method is a national franchise specializing in bathtub, tile, and countertop refinishing using proprietary coatings, with a multi-decade operating history similar to Surface Specialists. Closest direct competitor on the refinishing-not-replacement value proposition and franchise GTM motion.
- Bath Planet: Bath Planet is a national bathroom remodeling franchise offering acrylic bath and shower conversions, walk-in tubs, and accessibility solutions in a one-day installation model. Directly comparable target customer and franchise footprint to Surface Specialists' bath conversion business.
- Luxury Bath: Luxury Bath is a regional bathroom remodeling franchise offering tub-to-shower conversions, acrylic liners, and walk-in tubs with comparable product set and middle-market residential customer focus. Operating with a similar franchise-driven, in-home estimate service model to Surface Specialists.
Emerging players
- Bath Tune: Bath Tune is a smaller franchise offering bathtub refinishing, reglazing, and minor bathroom repairs. Overlaps with Surface Specialists' refinishing core but with narrower service breadth and smaller geographic footprint.
- Reborn Cabinets: Reborn Cabinets is a home refinishing/remodeling franchise focused primarily on cabinet refacing, with some adjacency into bathroom surfaces. Comparable franchise model and refinishing-as-alternative-to-replacement value proposition, but with cabinetry-centric specialization.
Broad incumbents
- Kohler: Kohler is a major global plumbing fixture and bath manufacturer whose products Surface Specialists services via factory-authorized warranty work. Acts both as a channel partner (warranty flow to franchisees) and as a broader incumbent in the bath remodeling market SS addresses.
- American Standard: American Standard is a leading plumbing fixture brand whose bathtubs and surfaces SS refinishes and warranties. As a broad incumbent, it competes in full-replacement bathroom remodels and is also a key channel partner for Surface Specialists' franchise warranty service work.
Regional players
- Reglaze It: Reglaze It is a regionally focused bathtub and tile refinishing company operating in select U.S. markets with similar in-home refinishing service offerings. Compares on refinishing product and pricing model but lacks Surface Specialists' national franchise scale and warranty authorizations.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Surface Specialists Systems social profiles
Digital presenceSurface Specialists Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Surface Specialists Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Surface Specialists Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Surface Specialists Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Surface Specialists Systems
What does Surface Specialists Systems do?
Surface Specialists Systems delivers in-place bathroom and kitchen surface repair, refinishing (reglazing), and remodeling services through a franchise network serving residential and commercial customers. Core offerings include bathtub, shower, sink, countertop, ceramic tile, and spa refinishing; chip and crack repair for tubs, showers, sinks, countertops, glass, granite/marble, vinyl windows, and stainless steel; and remodeling solutions such as custom acrylic tub and shower liners, tub-to-shower conversions, walk-in bathtubs, and whirlpool jet installations.
Is Surface Specialists Systems a public or private company?
Surface Specialists Systems is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Surface Specialists Systems founded?
Surface Specialists Systems was founded in 1981. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Surface Specialists Systems based?
Surface Specialists Systems is headquartered in Matthews, United States, in the North America region.
How does Surface Specialists Systems make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Franchise Fees are the primary driver. The others are service Fees (per job) and royalties.
Who are Surface Specialists Systems's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bath Fitter, Re-Bath, Miracle Method, Bath Planet and Luxury Bath. Emerging players are Bath Tune and Reborn Cabinets. Broad incumbents are Kohler and American Standard. Reglaze It is listed as a regional player.
Does Surface Specialists Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for Surface Specialists Systems.
What industry is Surface Specialists Systems in?
Surface Specialists Systems's product category is Bathroom and Kitchen Surface Refinishing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSAPABAC, Bathtub Replacement & Tub-to-Shower Conversions, with a secondary code of HSAPABAB, Shower Remodel & Installation (Walk-in, Tile, Glass Enclosures). Its NAICS code is 811.