When refinishing a tub or shower with Ekopel, achieving a flawless finish is the goal. However, sometimes issues like drips, streaks, or fisheyes can appear. Don’t worry! These imperfections are common and can be fixed with the right approach. Here’s how:

1. Understanding the Causes

Before fixing the problem, it’s important to understand why it happened:

Drips: Typically caused by excess material pooling or uneven application.
Streaks: Often result from overworking the product with a roller or poor surface preparation.
Fisheyes: Small craters caused by surface contamination, such as soap scum, grease, or oils.

2. Tools You’ll Need

To address these imperfections, gather the following:

220-320 grit sandpaper (preferably an orbital sander)
Vacuum or damp paper towels for cleaning dust
Ekopel touch-up kit (if needed for recoating)
Masking tape and drop cloths for re-prepping the area

3. Fixing the Imperfections

Drips and Streaks

Sand the Affected Areas:
Use 220-320 grit sandpaper to sand the drips or streaks until the surface is smooth and level. Focus only on the imperfections to preserve the surrounding finish.
Check the Surface:
Run your hand over the sanded area to ensure it’s completely smooth to the touch. Any remaining unevenness may show through when recoated.
Clean Thoroughly:
Remove all sanding dust with a vacuum or damp paper towel. Any debris left behind can cause further issues.
Reapply Ekopel:
Use a touch-up kit to recoat the sanded areas. Apply evenly and avoid overworking the material.

Fisheyes

Identify the Contamination:
Fisheyes are often caused by soap scum or residue, particularly on high-use areas like the corners or front apron.
Sand Smooth:
Sand the affected areas with 220-320 grit sandpaper, ensuring the fisheyes are no longer visible.
Clean the Surface:
Wipe down the surface with a damp paper towel or tack cloth to remove any dust or residue.
Recoat:
Apply a thin, even layer of Ekopel over the sanded areas. Keep an eye on the drying process to catch any new issues early.

4. Pro Tips for Success

Prevention is Key: Proper cleaning and preparation are critical to avoid imperfections. Use products like Soft Scrub to remove all residue before starting.
Monitor Drying: Check the application every 20 minutes during the drying process to catch any runs or drips.
Work in a Clean Environment: Minimize dust, hair, and other contaminants in the workspace.

5. When to Seek Additional Help

If imperfections persist despite your best efforts, reach out to us for advice or consider applying an additional full coat for a uniform finish.

With these steps, you can fix drips, streaks, and fisheyes to achieve a smooth, professional-looking surface. Remember, practice and preparation make all the difference!

Would you like more personalized tips or product recommendations? Let us know—we’re here to help!

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