Refinishing Products for Bathtubs, Tiles, Sinks, Countertops
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As a professional kitchen and bath refinisher, you know that the products and equipment you use are crucial. In other words, using the right bathtub refinishing products can save you valuable time and money. But how much do you really know about bathtub refinishing primers? 

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As a professional kitchen and bath refinisher, you know that the products and equipment you use are crucial. In other words, using the right bathtub refinishing products can save you valuable time and money. But how much do you really know about bathtub refinishing primers? 

In the past, we’ve written blogs about tips on keeping your refinishing spray gun in working order and the overall importance of keeping your equipment clean in order to extend its lifetime. As a refinisher, you’re well aware of how important this piece of equipment is and how all jobs, both kitchen and bathroom refinishing, rely on having a properly cared for and well-maintained spray gun and system. Taking the time to clean your spray gun, maintenance, and repair small fixes yourself, or in some cases, sending it away to be repaired, undoubtedly gives you a better return on your investment. So let’s dive into refinishing gun maintenance on your Titan Capspray System specifically, a trusted option sold and used by NAPCO experts.

 

Utilize NAPCO for repairs

capspray 75NAPCO customers can utilize our live virtual tech support and troubleshoot their Titan system virtually with one of our experts completely free of charge. Most issues that refinishers call in for are simple fixes usually involving a switch, fuse or plug which we can easily walk you through.

In the case that you don’t want to try and fix the repair yourself, NAPCO customers can also drop off or ship their spray systems directly to NAPCO. We charge $15 an hour for equipment repairs (not including any parts needed for both cleaning and repairing at the customer’s request). Give us a call directly at 800-888-1081 to schedule your NAPCO service repair.

Keep in mind that on our website, we also offer the recently updated service manual and the gun part list which also provides some troubleshooting and maintenance tips for quick fixes and references.

 

Send Systems to Titan for Motor Repairs

NAPCO does not do any motor repairs to Titan systems. If you have troubleshooted and determined that it is an issue with the motor, we encourage you to contact Titan directly by calling 800-526-5362 or emailing TitanTechService@titantool.com. Alternatively, visit their website for an inclusive list of their updated service manuals.

 

Maintain a Proper Cleaning Schedule and Update Regularly

NAPCO recommends to always rinse out your spray gun and cup after each use. Keep check valves, valve seals, cup gaskets, and paint strainers changed on a regular basis for smooth effortless finishes. As for the Titan Capspray system specifically, it is recommended to change the two outer filters every week to every month, depending on usage, as well as the main filter to be changed monthly to bi-monthly. Doing so will cost you very little upfront, and ultimately extend the life of the systems motor by years if properly cared for.

Utilizing the above steps, in conjunction with some of our other tips that we’ve covered in the past, like using NAPCO’s On The Spot Gun Cleaner, conducting weekly inspections, and keeping backup parts on hand for quick fixes are all proven ways to get more life out of your system, and get more even, professional-looking sprays.

 

Taking the time to clean your spray gun, maintenance, and repair small fixes yourself, or in some cases, sending it away to be repaired, undoubtedly gives you a better return on your investment.

As leaders in the bathroom and kitchen refinishing industry, NAPCO continually finds ways to make refinishers’ experience with our products and services even better. For example, last year we launched our live, virtual tech support for refinishers where we offer free, on-the-job support that allows you to work directly with NAPCO experts and solve problems that you may need an extra set of eyes on. Here, we found the value of giving refinishers expert advice at their fingertips and started offering training videos posted on our Facebook and YouTube pages.

We wanted to provide an ongoing, go-to resource that can be watched from anywhere to help refinishers hone and/or refresh their skills, save valuable time on the job, and in turn save money on products and increase profitability. Our short online training videos are a valuable resource for reviewing previously taught topics, helpful tips, or answers to top questions that we’re seeing from refinishers or problems they’re constantly running into.

Check out some of our latest videos!

Have questions and would like to see them answered and explained in more detail? Please submit your questions to szamborsky@napcoltd.com, or on our Facebook page and tag #AskNAPCOAnything for a chance to have your question featured in our next video. And remember, you can always give us a call at 800-888-1081 for urgent requests for our virtual tech support, and we’ll get you connected to Steve Zamborsky, NAPCO’s Research and Development and Technical Manager.

 

Our short online training videos are a valuable resource for reviewing previously taught topics, helpful tips, or answers to top questions that we’re seeing from refinishers or problems they’re constantly running into. Check out some of our latest videos! 

Kitchen remodels have always been at the top of the list of home remodels, and now more and more homeowners are making this their 2021 remodeling priority. Whether remodeling to enjoy personally as people are spending more time at home, or increasing equity before putting their house on the market, a kitchen remodel remains top of mind for many homeowners. With that, great refinishers know best how to mesh those unique desires with available products and one available product that should be on every refinisher's list for kitchen remodels is Flint-Stone® countertop coating.

The Benefits of Flint-Stone Countertop Coating

As homeowners are spending more time and money upgrading their kitchen and changing kitchen cabinets and/or tile colors, refinishers are able to take it one step further and sell matching and complimentary countertop upgrades using Flint-Stone.

Flint-Stone is a faux-granite countertop coating that can be applied directly onto existing countertops that allow homeowners to enjoy the look of natural stone without the drawbacks of investing in a porous material. This is a great option for homeowners looking to emulate the natural stone trend, as this coating also comes in 23 different colors. It costs a fraction of the price of a full remodel and installing brand new stone countertops.

So what are some of the other benefits of Flint-Stone?

1. Well, first, money. Flint-stone countertops cut the costs of refinishing by 70%, sometimes even more, over the cost of a full replacement. These are excellent solutions that can give homeowners the look of a fresh new countertop but without the huge end bill.

2. It's also a more time-efficient solution. Rather than completely demoing their kitchen, NAPCO’s Kitchen Renew Countertop Coating is a clear coating that when applied over Flint-Stone, can have countertops complete in just 1-day. At most, when using Polyglass 320 Low VOC Clear Coating, the completion of a Flint-Stone coating countertop will be two days. In addition, Kitchen Renew clear coating was formulated to specifically work with Flint-Stone wet-on-wet and aids in laying down and smoothing out the Flint-Stone flakes. This assures a smooth application and professional finish. Gone are the days of having to get takeout for weeks during a full kitchen remodel!

3. Flint-Stone countertop coatings are also especially versatile. Because Flint-Stone has so many color options and color combinations, they are beneficial for homeoweners who may like to change décor often. With more than one solid option to work with as a base, paired with a refinishers professional spray skills, Flint-Stone can really look like a one-of-a-kind coating with each application.

 

Visit NAPCO's Online Store Today to Learn More

If you are looking to expand the capabilities of your refinishing business and capitalize on this growing trend, adding our Flint-Stone Countertop Coating to your repertoire is a great way to appeal to a wide range of homeowners. Visit our online store today to see our full line of 23 different colors and to learn more about how to use this product.

Are you a homeowner interested in finding a refinisher who uses Flint-Stone? Contact us and we can refer you to a refinisher in your area.

 

As homeowners are spending more time and money upgrading their kitchen and changing kitchen cabinets and/or tile colors, refinishers are able to take it one step further and sell matching and complimentary countertop upgrades using Flint-Stone. 

While the hot summer weather is good for taking beach vacations, lying by the pool and eating watermelon, it can quickly cause problems for a refinisher. Heat can not only damage your products and shorten the overall lifespan, but it can also negatively impact the final finish. Refinishing in the summer heat can cause solvent popping on a rough surface, often resulting in an “orange peel” look from thinner evaporating too quickly.

So how can refinishers ensure that products stay protected during the summer heat and finishes dry quickly and smoothly? The following is a look at some essential safety tips to help avoid the worst the summer weather has to bring.

 

  1. Check the storage temperatures on all of your products.

If you leave resin in your vehicle or space above the recommended storage temperature, it can become too thin and cause more runs due to the lower viscosity. Over time, the high temperatures can also cause separation of the material, leading to loss of product.

All products have varying storage temperatures, so be sure you’re reading each label for proper storage recommendations. As a safety precaution, we recommend refinishers store ALL products at indoors room temperature between 50° - 90°F and out of direct sunlight.

 

  1. Try to avoid refinishing in areas that aren’t temperature controlled.

If you’re refinishing in an area that is too hot, you will have difficulty getting a nice, glossy surface since the solvent flashes off too quickly while spraying. To do this, consider asking the property manager or customer to turn on the HVAC the night before refinishing to get the area to ambient temperature and humidity. In cases that this is not possible, try adjusting your hours for really hot days and consider working early morning hours, or in the evenings after the sun goes down.

 

  1. Keep suggested products to use during high temperatures on hand.

mega fast resinWe understand in some situations that it may be challenging to avoid refinishing in high temperatures. If that’s the case and you must spray in a hotter area with no way to reschedule, make sure to have some NAPCO Retarder on hand. A retarder will help increase your chance for success and reduce customer complaints by reducing dry time. Used in combination with our Mega-Fast coatings, it will help slow down the evaporation of your mixture and help ensure a smooth, professional finish.

 

  1. Ensure all products are tightly closed when not in use.

This one may sound like a no-brainer, but even when using on the job, make sure products that aren’t in use are kept closed at all times. If products are not tightly sealed, the solvent present in the resin formulation will evaporate, causing thicker, more concentrated resin. Many products are also sensitive to high humidity, possibly requiring more reducer for proper spray, which lengthens the recoat tack times and slows down the cure.

 

Don’t let the summer weather slow you down or prevent you from delivering your best work. Knowing how to properly and safely use your products and equipment in extreme temperatures allows you to be prepared no matter the situation. For more information about our recommendations for storing products and refinishing during the summer, contact our team today by calling 1-800-888-1081 or visit www.napcoltd.com.

 

Don’t let the summer weather slow you down or prevent you from delivering your best work. Knowing how to properly and safely use your products and equipment in extreme temperatures allows you to be prepared no matter the situation.

The mark of any great refinisher is the condition in which they keep their tools and equipment. How well you care for the equipment of your trade is important both for yourself and your customers. Arguably one of your most important pieces of equipment as a refinisher is your spray gun. Taking just a few extra minutes at the end of each day to clean your spray gun will help keep it flowing evenly and also extend the overall life, meaning you get more out of your equipment investments.

And personal investment reasons are only one big part of why you want to keep tools like spray guns, exhaust system and breathing systems clean and properly maintained. Forgetting or neglecting to clean your guns and changing filters in your equipment can cost you a job or needing to buy new equipment earlier than you thought if you aren't careful. We know taking the time to clean your equipment isn't the most exciting part of your job and takes some time at the end of your busy day but taking this extra time will certainly pay off in the end.

So now that you get why it's important to always keep your equipment clean and well-maintained, let's take a look at three key ways of doing so:

Use a spray gun cleaner

NAPCO-cleanerA spray gun cleaner, like NAPCO's On The Spot Gun Cleaner, is ideal for keeping your spray gun clean and well maintained. We recommend using spray gun cleaner every time you finish using your spray gun on a kitchen or bath refinishing job. Start by emptying your gun of any excess material. Then, follow the instructions and pour the indicated amount of On The Spot Gun Cleaner into the spray gun's cup. Shake the gun well in order to properly distribute the cleaner and then spray the cleaner through the gun. You might need to do this several times in order to get it properly cleaned. Just remember that this $20 cleaner can significantly extend the life of your $320+ piece of equipment, and that means extra long-term savings for your business. The entire gallon should provide a month or two of cleaning solution depending on how frequently you clean, which is a small price to pay for that added insurance.

Conduct weekly inspections

Cleaning Like a professional is a great way to catch the grime, but it's important to go beyond just cleaning in terms of caring for your kitchen and bath refinishing equipment. We recommend taking an hour each week to inspect the valves, valve seals, air tubes, and cup gaskets of all of your spray guns. For your larger equipment, make sure to keep new filters on hand and change them regularly to keep them running smoothly and to prevent clogging or overheating. As with other items, timely repair of small issues can help prevent an expensive and often inopportune breakdown in the future.

Keep backups and spare parts on-hand

This final tip flows from the previous one but it bears highlighting. Make the small investments now in order to have backup parts on hand; backup parts like an extra needle set, check valves, needle packings, gaskets, and filters all of which can be ordered through NAPCOltd.com. By having these items on-hand, you can quickly switch out bad parts with good ones when necessary. Having these parts on-hand prevents a disruption from impacting your business like having to cancel a job because your gun isn't in good working order.

 

Utilize NAPCO for repairs

NAPCO customers have the option to either drop off or ship your spray guns directly to NAPCO for us to repair. We charge $15 an hour for equipment repairs (not including any parts needed for both cleaning and repairing at the customer’s request). Additionally, customers also have access to our live virtual tech support for troubleshooting over-the-phone if you just need to walkthrough the issue with a professional.

Are you ready to stock up on backup parts, filters and spray gun cleaner? Visit our store at NAPCO today to get started.

 

How well you care for the equipment of your trade is important both for yourself and your customers. Extend the overall life and get more out of your equipment investments by keeping your refinishing equipment clean. Let’s take a look at three key ways of doing so.

We are excited to announce the revamped NAPCO Customer Reward Program, allowing refinishers to stay on budget and save even more on refinishing materials! We know that every dollar counts, and that is why we are here to help you get the maximum discount you deserve.

The reward program makes it easy for NAPCO customers to enjoy discounts and save money automatically. It’s simple: the more NAPCO products that are purchased every month, the higher discount you will receive on every order. The initial rewards level is based off of your NAPCO purchases from the rolling year, or the 12 months prior from the current month you are enrolled. For example, if you are making a purchase in October of 2020, your rewards level will be determined by looking at purchases from October 2019-October 2020. So, the more you purchase from us every month, the larger your rolling year discount will be.

 

How do you get started?

As a NAPCO customer, you are automatically enrolled in the program. Your rewards level discount will then automatically be applied to each order, both for online and call-in orders. As a new NAPCO customer, we will base your initial rewards level off of your average purchase costs from your previous supplier. As long as your minimum purchasing amount stays within the same range, the same discount level will apply. Whether it be plastic spreaders or kitchen cabinet coatings, the discount will apply to all non-equipment NAPCO orders. See the chart below for the reward level breakdown and discounts available – the values listed below apply to your entire order, every time!

NAPCO Rewards Program

 

What about if you’re purchasing in volume? 

NAPCO customers can add even more savings on top of their rewards level to each order when they purchase in bulk. Volume discounts are based on the quantity purchased on each order per individual line item. For example, if you buy 2 gallons, you will receive a 10% discount, or if you buy 5 gallons, you will receive a 15% discount.

NAPCO Rewards Program

Enjoy the benefits of NAPCO’s Rewards Program and earn discounts just by purchasing through NAPCO. Contact us at 1-800-888-1081 and mention the rewards program for any questions or issues with your discount applying to your online orders. Visit NAPCOltd.com and order your products today to start saving!

 

 

The reward program makes it easy for NAPCO customers to enjoy discounts and save money automatically. It’s simple: the more NAPCO products that are purchased every month, the higher discount you will receive on every order.

Most of us have been at home nonstop for months, forced to consider every inch of our spaces. Now that we’re carefully resuming a more normal life, homeowners are finally able to make those design changes they’ve been daydreaming about. With the increase of potential bathroom refinishing projects, it’s important for refinishers to stay on top of the 2020 bathroom design trends and styles in the industry.

Black is back!

So what’s in currently for 2020? Black is back! For several years, gray has been a popular base color, but now darker shades are providing more impact. This trend is most popular in vanities and other fixtures. With NAPCO’s faux-granite Flint-Stone™ coatings, refinishers are able to model the look of natural stone surfaces in the bathroom at half the cost coming in a range of colors like the darker tones of Nightspots and Onyx.

NAPCO counter top coating

Black also helps accent colors pop, like pink, which is also on trend now. Blue remains a popular bathroom color, as it reminds people of the ocean and relaxation, and green infuses energy because users feel an outdoor tree and grass connection. With NAPCO’s ability to color match hundreds of desired colors for all coatings and primers, you have any on-trend hue at your fingertips.

Simpler Storage Solutions

2020 bathrooms will also display simpler storage solutions with cabinets and shelves. For those homeowners who build more storage, refinishers can step in to paint any and all newly exposed surfaces, tubs and showers to match new shelving.

Now is the perfect time to help homeowners turn their spa bathroom fantasies into realities using these 2020 bathroom trends. Call 800-888-1081 for more information on how NAPCO can help you stay on the cutting edge of design trends for 2020 with our bathroom refinishing products.

 

Most of us have been at home nonstop for months, forced to consider every inch of our spaces. Now that we’re carefully resuming a more normal life, homeowners are finally able make those design changes they’ve been daydreaming about. With the increase of potential bathroom refinishing projects, it’s important for refinishers to stay on top of the 2020 bathroom design trends and styles in the industry.

Effective November 2019, all methylene chloride products for consumer paint and coating removal were officially banned from the shelves. This is an initiative that NAPCO supports as the safety of refinishers and homeowners continue to remain one of our top priorities. NAPCO offers a range of eco-friendly, methylene chloride free products, including the On The Spot Gun Cleaner, a multi-purpose surface and gun cleaner, offering refinishers a safer alternative.

NAPCO’s On The Spot Gun Cleaner not only works on spray guns, it also cleans overspray from almost any surface as well as any silicone contamination on hard surfaces like marble, tile, porcelain and glass. The cleaner works almost immediately due to the formulation of effective, powerful solvents without the use of toxic methylene chloride.

napco spray gun cleaner

After a job is complete, use the On The Spot Cleaner right away to extend the life of your gun. You can even soak your gun in the solution if necessary since it’s not harsh, a benefit to many refinishers. After getting a gallon of On The Stop Gun Cleaner, it’s easy to de-gunk your gun with these suggested cleaning tips:

1. Make sure to use at least a cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridges installed.

2. As soon as you finish your job, pour out any unused resin from the cup.

3. Pour 4 to 6 ounces of NAPCO’s On The Spot Gun Cleaner into the cup.

4. Shake well to distribute cleaner inside cup.

5. Spray cleaner through gun on all settings until cup is empty.

6. Repeat steps 3-5 as necessary until liquid runs clear.

7. Wipe out cup with lint-free rag or towel and let air dry.

 

Use On the Spot Gun Cleaner, a simple process for effective and safe results. Visit our website at On The Spot Gun Cleaner to get your gallon and keep your business clean!

 

Effective November 2019, all methylene chloride products for consumer paint and coating removal were officially banned from the shelves. This is an initiative that NAPCO supports as the safety of refinishers and homeowners continue to remain one of our top priorities. NAPCO offers a range of eco-friendly, methylene chloride free products, including the On The Spot Gun Cleaner, a multi-purpose surface and gun cleaner, offering refinishers a safer alternative.

Now that 2020 is here, we’re looking at the trend predications that will define this year. NAPCO will help you stay on the cutting edge of design trends into 2020 with our refinishing capabilities in your kitchens and bathrooms.

Kitchen Cabinets

So, what’s hot for 2020? Softly colored kitchen cabinets. Think hues of blue and gray, to subtly compliment your furnishings and appliances. Neutrals also help your resale value if you’re moving this year. Warm colors like coral, ochre and clay are also on the rise in remodeling. White still remains a popular cabinet color, chosen by over 40% of homeowners who are renovating, which makes kitchens pop and everything look fresh and clean. White is also a great choice to highlight vintage or vibrant knob hardware. What a little more pop of color? Pantone announced that the 2020 Color of the Year is “Classic Blue,” saying “it’s a color that anticipates what’s going to happen next,” and NAPCO can certainly help you be on trend there as well. Don’t forget that NAPCO can color match hundreds of desired colors for all of our coatings and primers depending on your needs.

cabinet refinishing - after

Bathroom Renovations

You can also get 2020 vision in bathrooms. Designers are suggesting highlighting the tub apron with a continuing or contrasting color. Double floating vanities are also popular with renovators, and NAPCO can help you with fun and functional color choices if you decide to double up. Don’t forget to jazz up your powder rooms too since they often get the most guest traffic. With NAPCO’s faux-granite Flint-Stone™ coatings, you are able to model the look of natural stone surfaces in the bathroom at half the cost.

Let NAPCO help you ring in the new year and spruce up your space! Call 800-888-1081 to learn how to keep your renovation resolutions.

 

Now that 2020 is here, we’re looking at the trend predications that will define this year. NAPCO will help you stay on the cutting edge of design trends into 2020 with our refinishing capabilities in your kitchens and bathrooms.