It is nearly impossible to be able to tell the difference between a bathtub that has been resurfaced and one that is fresh new. In addition, resurfacing can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars, on remodeling your bathroom. However, it is essential to be aware that only some tasks are completed to perfection because only some specialists who refinish bathtubs have the necessary experience.

Bubbles

Bubbles may form in the coating if the air becomes trapped in the spaces between the various layers. This is occasionally the result of the coating failing to cure properly, but it is also possible that it will occur if the refinisher keeps the previous finish from the bathtubs before resurfacing them. It would need to be stripped only after a bathtub has resurfaced in the past, even with a do-it-yourself kit. 

Peeling, chipping, or flaking, particularly in the region around the drain or soap dish, indicates that the surface of your bathtub has resurfaced at some point in the past. It is essential to remove, also known as strip off, the old finish from the tub before applying the new surface since this will allow the new surface to connect to the original substrate. 

The failure to strip a tub that has resurfaced in the past can lead to bubbles in the finish and, finally, the premature collapse of the coating. Furthermore, because of the potentially harmful chemicals that are frequently used in stripping solutions, dismantling your bathtub might be a risky endeavor.

How to Prevent

Using an electric mixer will result in bubbles and fisheyes appearing in the mixture. For Ekopel to function as intended, it must be blended by hand. In addition, you need to wait twenty-four hours for the coating to completely cure and prevent any water from coming into contact with the tub while it is being cured.

Fading

A fading effect may be produced if the refinish coating is spread too thinly or if the materials that go into it need to be properly combined. It can also be brought on by using the wrong cleaners or not leaving enough time for the substance to cure properly. 

A portion of the underlying surface may become visible after the coating has been applied if the coating was applied in an insufficiently thick layer before it was applied. In other instances, the tub loses its shine because the cleaners, such as Comet or Ajax, are sanding down the finish. This causes the tub to become less shiny over time. 

The shine is typically the first part of the finish to disappear, although fading is possible if the surface is consistently cleaned with abrasive products. Tubs refinished should never be cleaned with harsh or abrasive chemicals.

What can be done?

We strongly recommend that you use Ekopel and that you use it in conjunction with a primer. The use of the primer will provide a strong and long-lasting bond. It is important to remember that a little goes a long way; the 5-ounce container will be more than enough for a bathtub and surround unit. In addition to that, we will take the time to instruct you on how to care for your surface properly.

Having a Rough Texture

A bathtub that has been refurbished ought to have a smooth texture to the touch. However, suppose the surface of your refinished bathtub has a rough, pointy texture or feels like sandpaper (and you didn't have a non-slip surface applied). In that case, this could be an indication that the surface wasn't sanded or cleaned properly before the coating was applied if you didn't have a non-slip surface applied to your bathtub. 

There's also the possibility of dirt and debris embedding in the finish. As a result of the impossibility of maintaining a completely dust-free environment in the bathroom at all times, dust particles may sometimes become embedded in the finish as it cures. Having one or two very minor flaws is acceptable, but having too many can be bothersome.

How to Counter It?

Sandpaper with a grit range of 220-320 should be used to make the surface of the unit as smooth as possible to the touch. Sand it quickly, even if it's already smooth. After that, you will need to etch the bowl thoroughly with Lysol Power or any other toilet bowl cleaner that contains hydrochloric acid. This will etch the surface and give it a thorough cleaning. 

You can get a more even surface by using automotive Bondo to patch cracks, chips, holes, dents, or pitted areas and then sand the area smoothly. After that, you may begin to pour and start taping up. All limescale and soap scum must be removed. Scrubbing with Lysol power toilet cleanser is what we suggest using to accomplish this goal.

Feeling that is Sticky or Tacky

After the period of time has passed for the refinished bathtub to cure, you should not use the tub if it still has a tacky or sticky feeling.

The fact that the coating feels sticky suggests that it did not cure completely and that it may be necessary to reapply. This may occur if the resurfacing components need to be correctly blended or if the coating is reacting to a cleaning agent or chemical. 

If the professional doing the refinishing has been properly trained on the appropriate mixing ratios for the components, then this sort of thing should only happen sometimes. If it does take place, the safest course of action is to keep your hands away from the tub.

How to fight back against it

This may result from a problem with the mixing process if Part A and Part B are not combined for a sufficient time or blended thoroughly enough. If you did not use any Part B, the entire project would not dry, and the same would happen if you rolled the lid over an area where there was no Part B. If the temperature in the room is too low, this could prevent the material from drying out. 

You can address this problem by scraping off the tacky material, then sanding it smoothly if that's required, and finally applying our pour touch-up kit to the parts that have been damaged.

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