Below is the actual "how bathtub refinishing is done" text from a procedure sheet commonly used by bathtub refinishing technicians:

1. Discuss charges with customer. Items to be covered: color, additional fill for acid damage, removal of adhesive strips, leaky faucets and chip repair.

2. Have customer sign authorization form.

3. Place drop cloths and cover all areas surrounding the bathtub and any area that could be affected by etch or overspray. Place a bag lined garbage can in the work area.

4. Place ventilating fan in window (exhaust out) If no window is available use flex duct attachment. Check for potential hazards in the exhaust zone. Cover plants and other surfaces as needed to protect from fumes and overspray.

5. Remove loose caulking with 4" scraper. All silicone must be completely removed and sanded at intersections to ensure that trace residues are no longer present. Double check these areas with a fresh new razor blade. If any traces are found re-sand the areas. Remember bathtub coatings cannot bond to silicone residue.

6. Use Ajax and a red pad to clean soap residue from the Bathtub surface.

7. Put protective respirator mask with fresh cartridges , gloves and eye protection on.

8. Paint etch on slowly over the entire bathtub surface, scrub the etch with a red pad for 15 minutes until you feel a drag resistance while moving the pad across the surface. DO NOT DRIP OR SPLATTER THE ETCH ONTO SURROUNDING SURFACES. If spillage occurs wipe it up immediately. If skin contact occurs rinse with cool water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if needed.

9. Rinse and scrub the etch off with lots of water to suspend the etch residue.

10. Dry the bathtub surface using paper towels and check for white powder etch residue using a fresh razor blade. Also check for shinny areas. If either is found re-etch the areas and repeat checks.

11. Fill discrepancies (chips etc.) with polyester filler. Sand filler until smooth, look for low spots or pits. If found reapply filler.

12. Apply masking paper to surrounding areas and bathtub drain. Make sure there are no gaps and the tape is securely adhered. Place and tape a baggie over the bathtub spout to prevent water from dripping onto the Bathtub surface.

13. Solvent wipe the entire bathtub surface to remove any skin oil from hand contact.

14. Mix primer 30 minutes prior to application to allow for induction.

15. Set up compressor and spray unit. Slowly poor the primer into the cup or pot.

16. Do one last check of tape, drop cloth and ventilating fan. Inform the customer that you are preparing to begin spraying and that no one is allowed in the bathroom while spraying takes place. Also inform customer that there will be fumes in the exhaust zone so they will need to keep pets and children out of the zone.

17. Put on respirator mask and gloves and tack the Bathtub surface using a surgical blue tac rag to remove any dust.

18. Spray the primer in 2 light passes until completely coated. DO NOT SPRAY THE PRIMER ON TO THICK.

19. Thoroughly clean the spray gun.

20. Allow the primer to dry for 1 hour. Check for tackiness and fine sand any dust particles.

20. Mix the finish coating in equal parts and put respirator and gloves on. Tac off the dust from the entire bathtub surface and begin spraying the finish coating. Apply 3 coats back to back to ensure a wet edge. DO NOT APPLY TO MUCH COATING OR IT WILL SAG. Check bathtub surface reflection for smoothness and apply additional coating if dry or dull.

21. Thoroughly clean spray gun. Break down equipment except for ventilating fan. Remove all items drop cloths, tools and equipment from the work area. Remove the masking paper and tape slowly pilling up and away from the finish. Apply caulking.

22. Remove ventilating system and inform the customer you are finished. Explain the warranty and care to the customer. When the customer is satisfied present the invoice and collect payment.

"How bathtub refinishing is done"©Carina Works Inc.2005

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