BEFORE BREFINISHING 

The tub must be fully functional.

o   In order for the resin to achieve a proper bond, it’s critical that the surface is absolutely clean. To achieve this, I will spend hours cleaning and removing all traces of body oil, soap scum, mineral residue, silicone/caulk, etc. This cleaning and other preparation work requires running water and a functional drain. As such, the tub needs to be fully functional including a working on/off valve, tub spout, and shower spout.

Verify the tub faucet doesn’t leak or drip.  Not even a slow drip.

o   After the tub is cleaned, it’s thoroughly dried and given a chemical wipe to remove moisture.  Any moisture that’s re-introduced will prevent the resin from properly bonding and/or curing. A leaking or dripping faucet must be repaired or replaced prior to refinishing.

Verify your tub drains properly.

o   If your tub drains slow, you should have a plumber address that prior to refinishing. It’s only a matter of time and you will need to have it addressed anyhow, and better to not have a plumber with heavy tools and strong chemicals working in your refinished tub.

Complete the following work in the bathroom prior to refinishing:

o   Painting or other work, in or above the tub, work on the tub surround, tile work, etc.  This prevents the need to have someone working in a newly refinished fixture with tools, ladders and materials that can damage it. I am telling you from experience that this will happen and I will need to charge to return and do the repair work.

o   Replace the tub overflow, drain collar, or faucet beforehand if necessary.

o   If you’re doing a bathroom renovation, it’s preferred to do the tub last.

Is there a window in the bathroom that’s not directly over the tub?

o   If so, ensure the window opens and that the screen is removable. I will install an exhaust fan in this window, and so I will ask that you remove the screen prior to my arrival. I don’t remove or replace screens since I don’t want to damage them.

Temperature.

o   The heating system in the dwelling must be able to maintain a temperature of at least 73F on refinishing day, while ventilating. Forced air systems are almost always able to do this. I normally turn the temp up to 75F once I start ventilating to maintain 73F. Hot water heating systems have a more difficult time, especially in a small dwelling where the makeup air doesn’t have much time to equalize to room temp while circulating. If you have a hot water heating system and a smaller dwelling, summer is a better time to complete your project. If you think your situation is questionable, we can discuss.

Bathmats:  I don’t tell anyone to not use a bathmat, but I don’t warranty damage from bathmats. 

o   See the bathmats page on my website for a complete explanation, and options.

What to do and what to expect on refinishing day:

o   See the page titled “What to expect”