Our Process
There are two popular and widely used surface preparation methods in the bathtub refinishing industry today. One process is the method of using a strong and potentially hazardous chemical known as a glass etch. This process had been around the longest and is being used by fewer bathtub refinisher today. Using a glass etch can damage plumbing and surrounding surfaces and must be properly neutralized. After etching the substrate an epoxy primer is applied to the etched surface and allowed to dry before applying a topcoat. Even though this process can yield good results it is has a known high failure rate and at best an outdated and environmentally unsafe method. This is referred to as a mechanical bond.
Another process which is becoming more and more popular with refinisher involves a thorough cleaning of the original substrate then applying a wipe on silane bonding agent or an epoxy primer to an un-etched surface, then applying a topcoat. This process saves a refinisher more time because the ease of application and time for preparation but can result in a high failure rate if the surface is un-etched or inferior products and inexperienced technicians are used. This is referred to as a molecular bond.
Glazepro doesn't strictly use one or the other, we do BOTH! Our first step is to remove the caulking & surface debris from the fixture. Then we use a three step cleaning process before applying the finish topcoat. In our first step we give the fixture a thorough scraping then cleaning by using a professional industrial strength cleaner to remove any contaminates such as soap scum, body lotions and ect. Second we use a proprietary acid cleaning solution and wet-sand to give the surface a moderate etch. The last step we chemically clean the fixture to neutralize the surface then apply our specially blended silane bonding agent. Our bonding agent is applied to an etched substrate which causes the coating to create a permanent, molecular bond making it impossible for moisture to penetrate between the new surface and original substrate. Our special bonding agent allows us to apply our aliphatic urethane glaze direct to the surface without having to use an epoxy primer thus allowing for the most smooth and shiny porcelain like finish possible in this industry.
Almost any refinisher can make a tub look good for a cheaper price but how the refinished surface looks is not what’s important. What matters the most is how well the subsurface is prepared for the new coating and the quality of the product being applied, preparation is the main ingredient. There are dozens of bathtub refinishing repackage suppliers and we appreciate all they do to support our industry. However not a single one of them manufactures their own products. They buy from other dealers such as PPG, Sherwin Williams and others then thin down the products with reducers and re-label for resale. This is why we do not purchase any repackaged products. We buy all of our coatings and supplies direct straight from the source for superior hardness, flexibility and gloss retention. Our products are 100% virgin and uncut. Why settle for a bargain price that will most likely result in a delaminated finish? Refinishing is a trade that takes years to learn and master and the same goes with product reliability. Choose wisely. Choose our experience and quality over a competitors bargain price!
