You are prepared to refinish your bathtub. It is summer, with high temperatures and increased humidity. As you work, taping off the bathroom, you notice the discomfort caused by the heat and moisture. Not only are you affected, but the surrounding environment is also subjected to elevated temperatures and humidity levels. Understanding the impact of these conditions is essential for a successful refinishing project.
Heat, Humidity, and Ekopel: What You Need to Know
Refinishing in the summer isn’t impossible, but it does come with challenges that can make or break your project. Ekopel is a high-viscosity, self-leveling material, and like most coatings, it’s sensitive to its environment.
Here’s how to win against the weather:
1. Your Surface Needs to Be Dry (Completely Dry)
High humidity leads to condensation, even when you can’t see it. That thin film of invisible moisture on your tub will prevent the Ekopel from bonding properly.
What to do:
After your last rinse, paper towel the surface dry. A final wipe down with isopropyl alcohol is great to ensure the unit is fully dried out.
2. Room Temperature Matters More Than You Think
If your AC is off or you’re in a poorly ventilated bathroom, your space can easily hit 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit—and that can cause:
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Adhesion issues
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Roller drag
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Uneven leveling
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Sticky edges
What to do:
Keep the room between 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit if possible. Use a portable AC unit or place a fan outside the bathroom door to encourage airflow. Avoid pouring if the room feels excessively hot and humid—wait until it cools down.
3. Humidity Affects Results
Orange peel texture and streaking can occur when humidity levels are too high. If the room stays humid, the material may struggle to adhere correctly.
What to do:
Cool the room down. Keep the bathroom door slightly open and maintain good airflow. Avoid pointing a fan directly at the coating while it cures.
4. Your Working Time Is Shorter
Ekopel normally gives you a generous working window—but in the heat, that window shortens. You might notice the material thickening in the jug or becoming more difficult to spread evenly toward the end of the pour.
What to do:
Be ready. Have everything prepped and cleaned before mixing the material. Work confidently and avoid stopping mid-pour. Do not over-roll the surface, as that can cause texture issues.
Bonus Tip: Keep the Jug Cool Before You Start
Avoid storing your kit in a garage or hot car. If the material overheats before you even open it, it will affect the consistency and may not level correctly.
What to do:
Bring the kit inside to a climate-controlled room at least 24 hours before you plan to use it. Room temperature material will pour and level more smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Summer refinishing is entirely doable, but it requires some adjustments to your setup and timing. Ekopel is designed to be durable and forgiving, but the environment you pour in matters. With the right prep and awareness, you can still achieve a beautiful, professional finish—no matter how hot it is outside.
If you have questions about your setup or are noticing issues during the pour or cure, contact us. We're happy to take a look and help troubleshoot.