Bathtub Refinishing Miracle - A Myth

Bathtub Refinishing Companies Step 1. Protect yourself It's important to become familiar with the sales pitches of various companies to fully benefit from my article.

Refinish Questions? Ask DC Foster Consumer Comments page. Have a complaint? Also see What's New below

I have been asked many times in my 37 years as a coatings developer about bathtub refinishing, bathtub reglazing, bathtub resurfacing, ceramic tile refinishing and countertop refinishing. Let me start off by saying that there is no difference between bathtub refinishing, bathtub resurfacing, bathtub painting or bathtub reglazing they are the same. The main question that people ask is "does it work?"

The answer is yes and no. Refinishing is not based on a miracle, bathtub refinishing is based on sound chemistry and a meticulous method of preparation . Failure and success is about people skill and product quality. The people part is whether the technician has any real tried and proven experience. When you are dealing with a refinishing franchise operation you will often find that the technician has probably gone through a crash course in the process. It is very difficult to learn all there is to know and also become proficient in the physical application in a one or two week period.

Some of the aspects of bathtub refinishing can have some pretty serious consequences if not done properly. This is why it is important to be informed before you decide.

See a copy of a field procedure sheet used by bathtub refinishing technicians.

Refinishers use an acid etching agent to make the bathtub porous so that the paint will bond to the bathtub surface. (A note about etching: Some companies claim to have a process that does not require physical acid etching because the etching agent is contained in the coating or paint. These types of paints or coatings are inferior in their ability to bond ). This part of the process should employ a portable ventilating system which will exhaust the fumes outside the home. The etching solution usually contains hydrofluoric, phosphoric or hydrochloric acid. Acids may damage other surfaces if accidentally spilled or dripped onto them. Another key concern is the potential harm to pets and family if any of the spillage contacts the skin.

The bathtub refinisher then has to gear up for the refinishing coating or paint application which is usually sprayed on (I wouldn't trust someone who claims to use a roller or brush to apply the bathtub finish). The coatings are hazardous to breathe and people with asthma or respiratory conditions are quite vulnerable to exposure of these types of materials. Unfortunately, most of the water borne coatings are not adequate for the moist environment in a bathroom and this leaves the refinisher with few choices when it comes to coatings that will work.

Types of coatings: Automotive coatings, paints and primers are usually not the best choice for tub refinishing but are commonly used and are typically re-labeled as " bathtub porcelain coating" and primer. The most effective are high solids aircraft coatings and primers but these are usually the most hazardous to use during application. Epoxies paints and coatings have good adhesion and moisture resistance but can yellow over time. Companies that are not a franchise often purchase their supplies from a bathtub refinishing supply company that specifically caters to tub, tile and countertop refinishers. Some offer good support to their customers but for the most part are re-labelers and do not manufacture their own products, this is true of most franchise companies as well.

Bathtub Liners should also be considered as a viable alternative to refinishing because they can be replaced if the bathtub liner fails. The draw back to Bathtub liners is they have a plastic appearance.

Ceramic Tile and tub Refinishing DIY Kits

I personally don't recommend DIY bathtub or tile refinishing kits due to the high failure rate and hazards associated with application. Once they begin to peel you have a big problem. The failed bathtub finish has to be stripped before refinishing again and if you have a professional refinisher do it the overall job cost will increase.

The average life span of a refinished bathtub is (automotive paint) 1 to 3 years depending on use. High solids aliphatic polyurethane coatings are typically used on commercial aircraft and when applied properly onto bathtubs and ceramic tile will last up to 10 years. These types of coatings require a greater level of skill to apply and are not for the novice refinisher which is why many refinishers prefer the automotive acrylic paint because of it's user friendliness. The acrylic paint looks like a million dollars right after the refinisher collects your payment. Unfortunately, you are lucky if it maintains its beauty for more than 1 year.

Another potential problem with these types of coatings is the Volatile Organic Compound content which in most cases exceeds the limits set forth by the EPA which is 400 grams per liter for architectural coatings. If you live in the south coastal region of California, the VOC limits are 100 grams per liter for architectural coatings. There is however, an exemption: the refinisher can legally spray up to 3 lbs of coating per day (not location) which is roughly 24 ounces, this is enough to do one whole bathtub and half of another. So technically the refinisher would only be able to do one and a half tubs in a 24 hour period under these restrictions and when you figure that the average cost to do a tub is $300.00 it's a tough scenario.

An interesting exercise: if you were to visit the major refinishing franchises and independent companies you will be a better reader than I am if you can locate any published MSDS or VOC content information.

The failure rate of tile and tub refinishing companies is almost as high as restaurants and for this reason I usually do not recommend using a company that has been in business for less than 5 years.

Choosing a Refinishing Company.

Find qualified refinishing companies

There are several things to consider when deciding which company to use:

Always check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the company has any complaints filed and how they resolved the complaint.

How long has the company been in business.

How does the company deal with toxic fumes.

How many bathtubs has your scheduled refinishing crew completed.

Get references from customers that had their bathtub refinished early in the company's beginning.

Read reviews in local media sources who might review or rate services in your community

What's New - March 2009

I recently completed a study of Zirlon Glaze, a new nano technology coating from Kinloch USA. I feel this coating has the potential to change the tub and tile refinishing industry for several reasons. It has a Volatile Organic Compound content of less than 100 grams per liter. The coating is clear and can be applied onto bathtubs and tile surfaces that have or have not been refinished. The coating is basically a quartz matrix and contains an inorganic anti-microbial agent that remains active for the life of the finish. The agent destroys bacteria and fungus and is slated to be used in hospitals to help reduce Hospital Acquired Infections (staff infections). The other benefit is it's exceptional wear resistance and once applied, extends the life of refinished tubs and tile surfaces. The coating also comes in an anti-slip version for bathtub bottoms and slippery tile surfaces.

Zirlon Glaze will not be released into the market until later this quarter but I feel it is worth waiting for.

May 2009

I recently completed an extensive evaluation of NAPCO, a supplier of Bathtub Refinishing products and they also provide expert training to the trade.

Napco has been in business for over 30 years and is a great resource for finding professional refinishers who are well established and reliable. Napco has received my vote as the "Nations Best Supplier 2009".

The criteria for my selection was based on the following points:

Quality and product performance, Customer Satisfaction, Length of time in business, Management Staff, and Financial Stability.

Candidates were selected from leading supply companies and franchise companies operating within the USA.