
Peeling
tub paint
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How
to avoid costly Refinishing problems
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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.
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