Bathtub and tile refinishing is a practical alternative to full replacement, allowing damaged, worn or outdated surfaces to be renewed without the cost, disruption and waste associated with renovation.
With the right preparation, application techniques and professional-grade products, a bathtub can be refinished in a matter of hours, helping extend its usable life while delivering a fresh, updated finish.
However, poor surface preparation, incorrect mixing ratios and application errors can lead to coating failure and costly rework.
NAPCO specialises in products for bathtub, tile and countertop refinishing, providing professional refinishers with coatings, preparation chemicals, primers and repair products designed for the refinishing industry.
In Australia, NAPCO products are supplied by Surface Systems, powered by Domcrete.
Here are nine common bathtub refinishing problems, what causes them and how to prevent them.
9 Common Bathtub Reglazing Problems
1. Bubbling
Bubbles can develop when air becomes trapped beneath or within the coating. This is often associated with inadequate surface preparation, contamination or application issues that prevent the coating from laying down correctly.
How to address it: Remove the affected coating as required, then thoroughly clean and prepare the surface before recoating. NAPCO Piranha Prep is a combination etching and cleaning product designed to assist with refinishing preparation.
2. Cracking
Cracking can occur when the coating is mixed incorrectly, including when too much catalyst is added. Incorrect mixing ratios can affect the curing process and compromise the coating’s performance.
How to address it: Remove the affected coating as necessary and reapply the system using the correct resin, catalyst and thinner ratios specified in the product instructions.
Always measure components accurately rather than estimating quantities.
3. Chipping
Chipping may result from impact damage, such as dropping a heavy object onto the bathtub, or from inadequate preparation and adhesion.
How to address it: Repair chips promptly to prevent further deterioration. The damaged area should be cleaned, prepared and repaired using a suitable filler before the refinishing system is reapplied.
NAPCO offers repair products including White Water-Resistant Filler and Longstrand Fiberglass Filler.
4. Peeling
Peeling is commonly associated with poor adhesion. This can result from soap residue, oils, silicone contamination, inadequate cleaning or incorrect coating application.
Applying the coating too heavily can also contribute to finish and curing problems.
How to address it: Remove loose or failed coating, prepare the surface correctly and follow the recommended application procedure. NAPCO Sonic Strip is a stripping product that can be used as part of the preparation process where suitable.
Do not apply a new coating over a surface that has not been properly prepared.
5. Fading or Colour Changes
Fading or inconsistent colour can occur when the coating is applied incorrectly, mixed outside the recommended specifications or exposed to conditions unsuitable for the coating system.
How to address it: Use a coating system suited to the application and follow the manufacturer’s mixing, coverage and application instructions.
NAPCO offers a range of bathtub and tile refinishing coatings, with product selection based on the surface, application requirements and desired finish.
6. Cratering and Fisheyes
Cratering, often referred to as fisheyes, appears as small circular depressions where the coating pulls away from the surface.
Silicone, oil, wax and other contaminants are common causes. These issues can be difficult to correct once coating application has begun.
How to address it: Thoroughly clean and prepare the surface before applying the coating. If fisheyes appear during application, follow the coating manufacturer’s troubleshooting instructions.
NAPCO Fisheye Eliminator is designed to help address fisheye issues in compatible coating systems. Confirm product compatibility and the correct method of use before adding it to a coating.
7. Rough Texture
A rough finish can result from overspray, incorrect spray technique, unsuitable application conditions or contamination settling on the wet coating.
How to address it: Allow the coating to cure as directed, then assess whether sanding and polishing are appropriate for the particular coating system. Where permitted by the product instructions, progressive wet sanding and polishing can help refine the finish.
Correct spray distance, gun settings, ventilation and application technique can help reduce surface texture issues.
8. Coating Remains Sticky
A coating that remains sticky or fails to cure correctly may have been mixed with insufficient catalyst, measured incorrectly or applied under unsuitable environmental conditions.
How to address it: Check the product’s mixing ratio, application conditions and curing requirements. If the coating has failed to cure, further coating over the affected surface is unlikely to resolve the underlying issue. Removal and reapplication may be necessary.
Always follow the specified mixing ratios and allow the coating to cure for the recommended period before use.
9. Dry Spray
Dry spray occurs when coating droplets partially dry before reaching the surface, leaving a rough, powdery or uneven finish.
This can happen when spraying from too far away, moving the spray gun too quickly or working in conditions that cause the coating to dry too rapidly.
How to address it: Review spray distance, gun settings, application speed and environmental conditions. Once the coating has fully cured, sanding and polishing may be possible if permitted by the product instructions.
Correct spray technique and suitable working conditions are essential for achieving a consistent finish.
How to Avoid Bathtub Refinishing Problems
The best way to reduce refinishing failures is to follow a consistent process from preparation through to final curing.
1. Prepare and Protect the Work Area
Before beginning, protect surrounding floors, fixtures, walls and other surfaces from dust, chemicals and overspray.
- Provide suitable ventilation and use the required personal protective equipment.
- Remove soap residue, oils, silicone and other contaminants.
- Strip existing coatings where necessary using a suitable stripping product, such as NAPCO Sonic Strip.
- Clean and prepare the bathtub and tiles using a compatible preparation system, such as NAPCO Piranha Prep.
- Keep preparation chemicals off fixtures and surfaces that are not intended to be treated, following the product instructions.
Thorough preparation is essential for achieving reliable coating adhesion.
2. Repair Chips, Pits and Surface Damage
Once the surface has been cleaned and prepared, inspect it for chips, rust spots, pits and other defects.
- Use a suitable repair filler for the substrate and type of damage.
- Consider NAPCO White Water-Resistant Filler or Longstrand Fiberglass Filler, depending on the repair requirements.
- Allow repairs to cure fully before sanding them smooth.
- Remove sanding dust and debris before proceeding with the refinishing system.
Avoid sanding the entire bathtub unless the substrate and product system require it. Follow the manufacturer’s preparation instructions for the specific surface.
3. Apply the Correct Primer and Coating System
Once preparation and repairs are complete, the surface is ready for the appropriate primer and topcoat.
NAPCO offers products designed for different stages of the refinishing process, including Gorilla Grip, a wipe-on primer designed to simplify surface preparation for compatible refinishing systems.
When using Gorilla Grip, follow the specified application window and the instructions for the selected topcoat. The timing between primer and coating application is important.
For the topcoat:
- Measure resin, catalyst and thinner accurately according to the product instructions.
- Apply the recommended number of coats and observe the specified flash-off times.
- Maintain suitable ventilation and working conditions.
- Allow the coating to cure fully before exposing the surface to water or placing items on it.
Always refer to the technical instructions for the specific NAPCO products being used. Mixing ratios, application windows and curing times can vary between coating systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to refinish a bathtub?
Bathtub refinishing can often be completed in a single day. The actual time depends on the condition of the bathtub, the amount of preparation and repair required, the coating system and the applicator’s experience.
The bathtub must also remain unused until the coating has cured sufficiently for service.
How long does a refinished bathtub last?
A properly prepared and refinished bathtub can last several years. A lifespan of five to ten years or longer may be achievable, depending on the substrate, coating system, application quality, maintenance and frequency of use.
Correct preparation and following the coating manufacturer’s instructions are important factors in long-term performance.
Can a bathtub be refinished more than once?
Yes. Many bathtubs can be refinished again when the existing surface and substrate are suitable for recoating. The condition of the previous coating and the preparation required will determine the appropriate approach.
Can a bathtub be refinished in a different colour?
Yes. Bathtub refinishing can update the appearance of an existing bathroom without replacing the bathtub. NAPCO offers colour options across its refinishing coating range.
For colour availability, product suitability and colour-matching enquiries, contact Surface Systems in Australia.
Which products are needed to refinish a bathtub?
The required products depend on the bathtub’s substrate, the condition of the existing surface and the refinishing system being used.
A typical process may involve:
- A suitable stripper for removing failed or existing coatings.
- A preparation cleaner or combination etching product.
- Appropriate fillers for chips and surface repairs.
- A compatible primer, where required.
- A suitable refinishing topcoat.
- Any additional products specified by the coating manufacturer.
Using compatible products and following the correct application procedure can help reduce common refinishing problems.
NAPCO Bathtub Refinishing Products in Australia
NAPCO provides professional bathtub, tile and countertop refinishers with products for surface preparation, repairs, priming and coating application.
Surface Systems, powered by Domcrete, supplies NAPCO refinishing products in Australia.
Whether you are an established refinisher looking to source products or a trade professional exploring refinishing systems, contact our team for product information and assistance with your requirements.
Surface Systems | NAPCO Products Australia
Phone: 1300 132 679
Email: info@surfacesystems.com.au
For product selection, always confirm the appropriate system and application procedure for your specific project.