If your bathtub has been refinished or reglazed in the past and is starting to look worn again, you may be wondering: Do I have to remove the old coating before refinishing it again?
The good news is, not necessarily.
A previously refinished bathtub can often be refinished again without completely stripping it back to the original surface. The key is making sure the existing coating is still securely adhered and properly preparing it before applying the new finish.
Start by Checking the Existing Finish
Before refinishing, take a close look at the condition of the current coating.
If the existing finish is still firmly attached to the tub, it can typically serve as a base for your new Ekopel Tub Cast application. You don't need to remove a coating simply because it's old, discolored, dull, or outdated.
However, if you see peeling, bubbling, flaking, cracking, or areas that are lifting away from the tub, those spots need to be addressed first.
A new coating is only as secure as the surface underneath it. Applying Tub Cast directly over loose or failing material won't fix the underlying problem.
Do You Need to Strip the Entire Tub?
In many cases, no.
If most of the existing finish is still securely bonded, you can remove any loose or peeling material, smooth out the affected areas, and prepare the remaining finish for recoating.
Completely stripping a tub is generally only necessary when the previous coating is failing extensively or is no longer providing a stable surface to work over.
Preparing a Previously Reglazed Tub
Proper preparation is one of the most important parts of refinishing over an existing coating.
Start by removing any caulk and repairing areas of loose or damaged finish. The entire surface should then be thoroughly sanded. Sanding removes the existing gloss and creates a surface that the new coating can mechanically bond to.
Pay extra attention to the edges of any repaired areas. You want to sand them smooth so there isn't a noticeable ridge between the existing finish and the exposed surface underneath.
Once sanding is complete, remove all dust and residue and make sure the tub is completely clean and dry before moving on to your new coating.
What If the Previous Coating Is Peeling?
Don't simply coat over it.
Any loose or peeling material should be removed until you reach a firmly adhered edge. From there, sand the area smooth so the transition can't easily be felt.
It's also important to determine why the previous coating failed, especially if peeling or bubbling is concentrated around the drain, overflow, caulk lines, or other areas exposed to water.
Moisture getting underneath a finish, deteriorating caulk, untreated cracks, or improper surface preparation can all contribute to coating failure. Addressing the cause before refinishing can help prevent the same problem from happening again.
Give an Old Refinish a Fresh Start
Having a previously reglazed tub doesn't automatically mean you need to strip everything off or replace the bathtub.
If the existing finish is still securely adhered, proper sanding and preparation can create a solid foundation for a fresh Tub Cast finish. Address any failing areas first, prepare the surface thoroughly, and you can give an already-refinished bathtub another fresh new look.
Already refinished doesn't mean you're out of options. With the right preparation, you can refinish it again with Tub Cast.