BATHTUB REFINISHING PROCESS
Bathtub Refinishing has been around as an
industry for approximately 30 years. During that time, the materials used to refinish a bathtub have changed dramatically,
but the steps utilized in the preparation of the bathtub have not.
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Old Technology Acid Etching
Hydrofluoric Acid was used to “etch”
or rough up the surface of the bathtub which would then help the coatings to stick to the porcelain bathtub or tile. If this
material is mishandled it can cause damage to fixtures, floor tile or burns to the skin of the technician.
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New Technology Adhesion Promoters/ Bonding Agents
Bonding agents are basically a type of “super glue”. When this “super glue” is applied
to the surface of the bathtub, the new coating will be chemically fused to the surface of the bathtub. This process
has proven to be the best method to allow coatings to adhere to the surface and is less likely to peel.
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Steps
taken to Refinish a bathtub
- The bathtub is scrubbed clean with a powerful detergent that will remove any soap film build-up or residual film
left behind by household cleaners.
- The tub is rinsed and dried
completely using a high temperature heat gun to remove all moisture with special attention placed on the drain area and the
area where tub meets surrounding tiled walls.
- Paper masking
is installed around the tub to prevent overspray from getting on the tiles. Other areas of the bathroom will be masked
off with plastic if necessary.
- Bonding agent is applied to
the surface of the tub.
- Slip resistant surface is applied
to the floor of the tub.
- High Gloss Acrylic Urethane topcoat
is applied.
A ventilator is used which helps remove
overspray and fumes from the bathroom area. It pulls the air from the room and with it the overspray and dust particles.
This piece of equipment is placed in the window of the bathroom, or if there is no window in the bathroom, a hose is attached
and directed to the nearest window or door.
All materials are applied using an HVLP spray system.
Materials used to Refinish a bathtub
- Specifically formulated
bonding agent for use on porcelain bathtubs and ceramic tile only.
- We use another bonding agent that is designed specifically for fiberglass shower/tub units.
- The finish coating is a high performance; two-component chemically cured Aliphatic
Acrylic Urethane Gloss Enamel. 4H pencil hardness makes
this product one of the most durable on the market. UVA (ultraviolet light absorber) added to prevent product, once applied,
from turning yellow.
Why
should I choose to Refinish?
- Tub surface is worn from years of cleaning with abrasive cleaners such as Ajax or Comet
- The surface is difficult to keep clean
- The color
of your bathtub is outdated
- The surface has become damaged
or was chipped
- Save thousands of dollars vs. replacing
- Back in service in 24 hours vs. 7 -10 days
Click here to view before and after pictures from the gallery