Most people who've never had a bathtub refinished picture something complicated, a multi-day process with fumes, mess, and extensive preparation. The reality is quite different. Here's an honest walkthrough of what refinishing day actually looks like.
Before the Technician Arrives
There are a few simple things you can do to help the job go smoothly:
- Clear personal items out of the tub and off the bathroom surfaces near it, shampoo, soap, accessories
- Make sure the technician has easy access to the bathroom
- Provide access to a window in an adjacent bedroom for our ventilation system, and keep the bathroom windows closed to limit dust, the coating materials have an odour during application
That's essentially it. You don't need to do any special cleaning beforehand, the technician will clean and prepare the surface as part of the process.
Surface Preparation
The first and most important phase is preparation. This is what determines how well the finished coating adheres and how long it holds up.
The technician cleans the tub thoroughly, removes any soap scum, mineral deposits, or residue, and then prepares the surface so the coating will bond properly. Any chips or surface damage are repaired during this phase, the repaired areas are shaped and smoothed so they blend seamlessly with the surrounding surface before any coating is applied.
Surrounding fixtures, tiles, and flooring are protected before coating begins.
Coating Application
Once the surface is prepared, the highly durable UV resistant coating is applied. This is the phase where the transformation happens, the worn or damaged surface is covered with a smooth, durable, glossy finish that bonds to the original material.
This phase requires the bathroom to be clear of other people. The coating materials have an odour during application, which is normal. Our technician brings a ventilation system to manage this during the job.
How Long Does It Take?
Most bathtub refinishing jobs are completed within one to two days. The exact time depends on the condition of the tub, a tub with several chips to repair takes longer to prepare than one in good condition, but you can generally expect the work to be complete within one to two days.
The Cure Period
Once the coating is applied, it needs time to cure before the tub is ready for use. The standard cure period is 24 hours.
During this time, the tub should not be used and no water should contact the surface. After 24 hours, the tub is ready for regular daily use.
Your technician will confirm the specific cure requirements before leaving and provide care instructions for the refinished surface.
What the Result Looks Like
A professionally refinished bathtub has a smooth, glossy surface that closely resembles a new tub. Chips and damage repaired during the preparation phase are no longer visible. The colour is even and consistent across the entire surface.
As Kit Johnson, a Calgary customer, put it after having his tub refinished by Blackstone: "The tub looks brand new and for a fraction of the cost of replacement."
One Thing Worth Knowing, Safety
If anyone in your household, including pets, has a sensitivity to paint or paint-related odors, it is a good idea for them to be away from the home during the refinishing process and for 24 hours afterward.
\nThe materials and coatings used in the refinishing process may be an irritant to some. Unfortunately, there is no way around this as it is part of the process.
\nThank you for your understanding.