Refinishing your bathtub with Ekopel is already a game-changer; it saves money, avoids demolition, and brings your bathroom back to life. But what if we told you there are some hacks that make the process even smoother?
Whether you’re tackling your first tub or you’ve refinished a few already, these tricks can help you get cleaner results, reduce frustration, and save time.
1. Banish Pet Hair Before You Pour
Nothing ruins a glossy new finish faster than a stray pet hair. Even if you think the room looks clean, hair and dust can float around and land in the coating.
Hack: Use a leaf blower or a vacuum hose to blast every corner, floorboard, and surface before you start. It might feel over the top, but this step ensures your finish stays smooth and free of surprise fuzz.
2. The Right Brush for the Right Spot
Corners, drains, and hard-to-reach edges can be frustrating with just a roller. That’s where small tools come in.
Hack: Take a paintbrush and trim the bristles down with scissors for more control, or grab a mini foam brush to sneak into tight spaces like under the spout. These little adjustments make a big difference in keeping edges clean and streak-free.
3. Check for Runs Every 20 Minutes
Pour on Ekopel is self-leveling, but gravity doesn’t always play nice. Thick areas or vertical surfaces can sometimes develop runs as the material settles.
Hack: Set a timer and check your tub every 20 minutes during the first 2–3 hours of drying. A light pass with the roller can smooth out drips before they harden.
4. Final Wipe Down with Isopropyl Alcohol
Surface prep is everything. Even if a tub looks clean, tiny residues from cleaners or oils can keep Ekopel from sticking properly.
Hack: After sanding and scrubbing, do a final wipe with isopropyl alcohol on a clean cloth or paper towel. This step ensures the surface is completely free of contaminants and ready for the new finish to bond.
5. Keep Extra Rollers on Hand
As Ekopel thickens over time, your roller can start to gum up or leave texture instead of spreading smoothly.
Hack: Have a couple of spare foam rollers ready to swap in during application. Switching out rollers keeps the finish consistent and prevents drag marks, especially toward the end of your pour.
6. Protect Your Drain With Paper Towels
Even with careful taping, drips can sneak into the drain area.
Hack: Before you tape off the drain, stuff a couple of paper towels down into the opening. They act as a barrier to catch any accidental drips or excess material. When you’re done, just pull them out; no scraping or cleanup needed.
7. Repair Chips Before You Refinish
If your tub has chips, scratches, or divots, they won’t magically disappear under a new coating. In fact, they may stand out even more once the finish levels.
Hack: Fill chips with all purpose Bondo or a similar filler and sand them smooth before applying Ekopel. A few minutes of prep here ensures your final surface looks flawless and feels brand new.
Final Thoughts
The best refinishing results come from good prep and smart little tricks along the way. By keeping your workspace hair-free, using the right tools for corners, checking for runs, and wiping down with isopropyl alcohol, you’ll get a finish that looks professionally done; without the professional price tag.
With Ekopel, the product does the heavy lifting. These hacks just help you get the most out of it!