Refinishing Tips and FAQ for Bathtubs, Tiles, Sinks, Countertops
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Neutrals and Pale Tones Replace Big and Bold

Based on trend data from both our own customers and other industry experts, we predict a shift from big and bold colors to neutrals and pale tones for the remainder of 2018. High-gloss coatings in Brite White, Kohler White, Marshmallow, Almond, Bone, Ice Gray, Thunder Gray, and various pastels are customer favorites for use in both the kitchen and the bathroom.

“While intense colors and bold layouts used to be in style, sales during the first part of the year have indicated that there will continue to be a major decrease in these types of color schemes in favor of milder hues,” said Jackie Stuckert, Customer Service and Sales Manager at NAPCO. “Our clients are now favoring softer, more relaxing tones that are easier to match with a wide variety of decor.”

Top Refinishing Color Trends for Summer 2018

High-gloss finishes have always been popular with NAPCO customers, as the human eye is naturally drawn to surfaces that have an elevated level of shine and smoothness. What is different this year is a revived interest in pastels, a kitchen and bath trend that was mainly seen in the 1950’s and 1960’s. These softer hues, combined with a glossy topcoat, create a mild and satisfying blend of colors and textures that are easy to customize and match.

It is important for our refinishers to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends, so that they will be able to best serve customers and attract new business opportunities!

For any advice or recommendations on bathroom and kitchen refinishing options, equipment, and/or product information, contact a NAPCO customer service representative on our website. NAPCO will be able to help you find the perfect color palette to match your clients’ needs!

 

Based on trend data from both our own customers and other industry experts, we predict a shift from big and bold colors to neutrals and pale tones for the remainder of 2018. High-gloss coatings in Brite White, Kohler White, Marshmallow, Almond, Bone, Ice Gray, Thunder Gray, and various pastels are customer favorites for use in both the kitchen and the bathroom.

napco inventory trade up offerGiven the success of NAPCO’S Trade-Up Program in past years, we have decided to extend this special offer to refinishers year-round. This free program allows refinishers to replace their entire refinishing supply inventory with NAPCO’s bathtub and kitchen refinishing products; products eligible for this offer include additives, cleaners, coatings, chemicals and primers. The program is available not only for NAPCO-certified refinishers, but for all refinishers who have purchased a competitor product that was unsatisfactory.

The fees associated with switching refinishing products can be a costly commitment, and NAPCO’s Trade-Up Program provides the perfect solution. Do not waste another day using refinishing materials you’ve found to be disappointing. In a recent survey, 96% of current customers rated NAPCO products as “good” or “excellent.” Make your trade-up today, and become a part of this statistic.

Follow these simple steps to take advantage of our offer today:

1. Call NAPCO to confirm the competitor from whom the supplies were purchased.

2. Pack up current professional refinishing supplies.

3. NAPCO will send a shipping label to cover all shipping costs free-of-charge.

4. Once the supplies have been received, NAPCO will replace the entire supply of inventory with an equivalent value of NAPCO products for FREE.

NAPCO Trade up steps

For a complete list of competitors’ stock we accept, call one of our live customer service representative at
1-800-888-1081. Upgrade to NAPCO today!

This free program allows refinishers to replace their entire refinishing supply inventory with NAPCO’s bathtub and kitchen refinishing products; products eligible for this offer include additives, cleaners, coatings, chemicals and primers.

Recent studies have shown that remodeling has seen an upward trend among U.S. homeowners this year, and is showing no signs of stopping as we begin the new year. Much of this increase can be attributed to the 2017 housing inventory crisis. As fewer homes are put on the market, those who might have potentially looked to sell their home are staying put instead, for fear that they may not be able to find a suitable replacement. This shortage is having interesting effects on both the remodeling industry and millennial homebuyers.

As millennials make up more and more of the active work force, they are also on the lookout for homes to buy. However, this is a difficult task for most members of this generation, as they do not have the financial benefits of selling a previous home. Add this to the inventory crisis, and it’s a tough market out there for young people searching for an affordable house. As such, the construction and remodeling industries are turning away from the high-value homes that they have typically concentrated on in the past, and are refocusing on cheaper, entry-level homes that millennials will be more likely to pursue.

This shift in the marketplace is having another unexpected effect; namely, the number of millennials moving to the suburbs is increasing. This is surprising as millennials have historically flocked to urban centers for the employment opportunities and exciting entertainment, but the housing shortage is forcing them farther away from city centers in search of affordable options.

refinished claw-foot bathtubAll of these changes have important implications for those in the remodeling and refinishing industries. In general, the need for these types of services is going to be greater, as the lack of affordable housing options will force homeowners to update their existing living situation, instead of simply moving houses as they may have done in the past.

In order for refinishers to capitalize on this shift in the market, they need to begin targeting sectors of the population that they may not have focused on in the past. Generating awareness about your business within the millennial population will be essential, as these young homeowners will be looking to fix up their entry-level homes. Targeting homes in the suburbs is also a great strategy for enterprising refinishers, as families and young people alike will be looking to remain in their homes for years to come.

If you need assistance reaching out to these markets, NAPCO is here to help. We can provide you with marketing strategies and suggestions to get your name out there!

 

Recent studies have shown that remodeling has seen an upward trend among U.S. homeowners this year, and is showing no signs of stopping as we begin the new year.

FrostIt’s now the start of October, and the first hint of crisp fall weather is in the air. This means that winter is right around the corner, and with it comes snowfall and icy temperatures! Bathtub and countertop refinishing in the winter-time is a little trickier than usual, as the colder weather can cause the bathtub resurfacing products to behave differently. Though of course you will most likely be conducting business inside a home or apartment, these materials are very sensitive to temperature changes, and some places you visit may not have the best heating systems. Below are some things to watch out for when refinishing in the cold weather, and what you can do to address problems that may arise.

Problems You May Encounter

One of the first things you will probably notice when starting a refinishing job in the winter is that the products have become more viscous. Even the short period of time between transporting the products from your car to the home you are working in can be enough to affect the consistency of your refinishing product. When the product becomes thicker and more sticky, this makes it more difficult to work with. It changes the way that the material coats the surface and can cause the finish to look different.

In addition to changing the way the coating product looks and feels, cold weather can also prevent the coating from properly curing to the surface of the bathtub or countertop. The coating can stay soft and undried for a longer period of time than is normal, potentially causing conflict with the homeowner if they expected the job to be finished at a certain time.

The third thing to watch out for is that cold weather can cause condensation to build up on the surface of the tub. If the surface is at all moist when the coating is applied, it can cause the coating to fail or not stick, as well as dulling the finish and other issues.

Solutions for Refinishing in the Cold

Fortunately, there are many simple steps you can talk to ensure that the room temperature and temperature of your coating materials are at the correct levels. To warm up your coating product and make it more liquid again, try dunking the container into a sink of warm water and letting it soak for 20 minutes or so. If this doesn’t work, you can try a more targeted way of reducing the viscosity of your refinishing product. Increase the speed of your reducer to heat up the coating products, and try adding a little acetone to speed up the process.

If the room is too cold and is causing the surfaces to remain below acceptable levels, you just have to warm it up. This will most likely make you more comfortable as well. You can ask the homeowner if they are okay with you turning up the central heating, or if that is not an option you can bring along your own space heater. Just be extra careful if you do use a space heater, as these appliances are known to be tricky and can cause serious accidents if placed too close to flammable materials.

To determine that the surface of the bathtub or countertop is at an acceptable level, and to be rid of accumulating condensation, you can use a heat gun and laser thermometer. These can be purchased at most home improvement stores.

We hope these suggestions will help you avoid any troublesome situations once the winter weather is here. Feel free to contact us if you have any other cold weather refinishing questions!

It’s now the start of October, and the first hint of crisp fall weather is in the air. This means that winter is right around the corner, and with it comes snowfall and icy temperatures! Bathtub and countertop refinishing in the winter-time is a little trickier than usual, as the colder weather can cause the bathtub resurfacing products to behave differently.

How much coating to apply

One of the most important steps in a refinishing project is also one of the easiest to mess up: applying just the right amount of bathtub resurfacing products to ensure the job gets done right. It can be easy to assume that you can just “eyeball it” and hope that it will be good enough, but there are actually very specific parameters for making sure that the resurfacing spray dries at optimum performance. The right coating thickness will make sure that the protective abilities of the product are at their strongest. Below are some issues you may see if the coating is not applied correctly.

Too Thin

bathtub refinishingWhen not enough refinishing material is applied to the surface, the layer will be too thin and this can lead to several different issues. One of these problems it that the coating will be more susceptible to chipping and cracking, especially after prolonged use. This is exactly the type of issue that bathtub resurfacing is meant to remedy, so it can be very disappointing to homeowners if their bathtub continues to have the same issues as before.

Another risk that comes with a thin layer of coating is that the underlying substrate may not be protected enough. This means that it is more susceptible to environmental factors like light and water, and could break down more easily. Again, this is exactly the issue that brings refinishers to homes in the first place, so don't work backward!

Too Thick

You may think that in order to avoid the problems associated with a thin layer of bathtub resurfacing products you should instead make the layer extra thick. In fact, there are even more issues associated with a too-thick layer of bathtub resurfacing!

One issue is that a thick layer of coating will greatly increase the time it takes for the tub to dry. This can lead to unwelcome conversations with homeowners who expected the project to be finished by a certain time. One of the biggest problems associated with a too thick application of resurfacing product is that the coatings may not cure properly. When this happens, the surface is at an increased risk for damage.

When the layer is too thick it can also start to run, especially on the sides of the tub. This can cause the surface to become uneven, as it will dry with bumps and grooves.

An uneven surface can also be caused by “wrinkling,” which is when the top layer of the coating dries before the layers underneath. This uneven exposure to air and the environment will eventually cause the surface to dry faster in different places, creating wrinkles.

To avoid all of these issues, make sure you are familiar with the coating specifications of the refinishing products you are using and always follow their exact instructions! As always, NAPCO is here as a resource on and off the job so you can feel free to give us a call if you are uncertain as to how much coating to apply.

One of the most important steps in a refinishing project is also one of the easiest to mess up: applying just the right amount of bathtub resurfacing products to ensure the job gets done right.

Pair kitchen cabinet resurfacing with countertops and you provide an almost complete remodel. By using our high-build primer resin you can cover up almost any woodgrain pattern and color with one coat. Then just apply any color (including custom selections) topcoat and your customer has a totally new look. Some of our customers partner with a flooring professional to offer a more complete package.


refinished coutertopStain-No-More Catalyst

• Mix with any of our topcoat resins
• Resists staining agents such as ketchup, grape juice, mustard, wine, etc.


Click here for more information or to order low gloss coatings, primer and catalyst.

 

 

Pair kitchen cabinet resurfacing with countertops and you provide an almost complete remodel. By using our high-build primer resin you can cover up almost any woodgrain pattern and color with one coat. Then just apply any color (including custom selections) topcoat and your customer has a totally new look.

NAPCO offers a complete line of low gloss resin for use on kitchen counters and vanity tops. This line has the same features as our high gloss coatings but with 20% less gloss. The textured versions are as easy to use as the regular low gloss coatings but result in a slightly textured surface.

professional refinisherAll Poly-Glass Low Gloss Topcoats:

• Flexible enough to withstand impact of dropped objects
• Tough enough to last 10+ years when properly applied
• Provide great coverage with less material and cost
• Fit any décor; available in 22 standard colors plus custom colors
• Available in textured finish as well


Mega-Fast Poly-Glass 4 Hour Cure Low Gloss Resin

• Our fastest dry time – fixture can be used in 4 hours
• Dries to the touch in 5 – 10 minutes minimizing dust contamination
• Great for commercial accounts such as hotels, nursing homes, hospitals, etc.


Poly-Glass Quick Dry Low Gloss Resin

• Fixture can be used in 24 hours
• Minimize dust contamination, dry to the touch in 5 – 10 minutes


Poly-Glass Regular Dry Low Gloss Resin

• 48 hour cure time
• Our most economical low gloss topcoat


Kitchens can be Your Most Pofitable Work! Call NAPCO today!

 

 

 

NAPCO offers a complete line of low gloss resin for use on kitchen counters and vanity tops. This line has the same features as our high gloss coatings but with 20% less gloss. The textured versions are as easy to use as the regular low gloss coatings but result in a slightly textured surface.

Volatile organic compound (or VOC)

Many household cleaning and maintenance products contain chemicals that can be dangerous when consumed. This is very true of refinishing products as well, which is why it is so important to take the proper precautions when using these chemicals. Most refinishing products contain stripping agents with a high volume of methylene chloride, which is a volatile organic compound (or VOC). This VOC is a colorless liquid with a sweet smell, and is ingested by breathing or absorbed through the skin.

Bathroom refinishing safety tips

Top Tips to Start Your Own Tub Refinishing BusinessBathroom refinishing can be especially dangerous because bathrooms are usually small, enclosed spaces without proper ventilation. Exposure to methylene chloride can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and at high levels it can impair breathing. Fortunately, there are a number of precautions refinishers can take to ensure that they are not harmed by these dangerous chemicals.

  • Consider using “green” or eco-friendly products when possible. NAPCO has a line of eco-friendly products currently available, and is on track to become the first fully eco-friendly refinishing company by 2018.
  • Make sure you are using all of the proper equipment when refinishing. This includes all ventilation systems and masks.
  • Turning on the bathroom fan or opening a window is NOT enough ventilation! Local exhaust ventilation must be used to filter out the harmful vapors.
  • Use far-reaching tools for stripping and refinishing so that you do not need to lean directly into the tub.
  • Vacate the room immediately after applying the chemicals to limit exposure.

Safety is our number one priority

At NAPCO, the safety of our refinishers is our number one priority. This is why we provide full training and educational services to all of our clients. Please ensure that you are taking the proper safety precautions when refinishing. As always, NAPCO staff are available to provide resources and safety advice whether you are on or off the job. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any safety-related questions!

 

Bathroom refinishing can be especially dangerous because bathrooms are usually small, enclosed spaces without proper ventilation. Exposure to methylene chloride can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and at high levels it can impair breathing. Fortunately, there are a number of precautions refinishers can take to ensure that they are not harmed by these dangerous chemicals.

If your bathroom is in need of an upgrade, then you are probably wondering which course of action to take. This is a dilemma that many homeowners face as surfaces and appliances break down over time and need to be replaced. The two obvious choices are to either repair your rooms as best you can, or throw in the towel and completely remodel. The second choice is tempting, but not always immediately available as remodeling can be very expensive.  It is actually better to invest in some simpler and affordable fix-up solutions in the immediate future while you continue to save for your eventual remodel.

Bathroom Remodel Costs

bath cabinet refinishing - before

According to HomeAdvisor, the average bathroom remodel costs close to $10,000, and can take weeks or even months to complete. Finding and purchasing a new tub, cabinets, countertop, toilet, sink, and other components can be extremely stressful and time consuming, which is why this is a long-term solution. Instead of simply suffering in your current situation, a bathroom fix-up could be an alternative solution. Refinishing can cost as little as a few hundred dollars and take just hours to complete. This gives you almost immediate accessibility to your space and allows you to save thousands of dollars in the meantime. There is really no reason to spend several thousand dollars replacing a tub with a cracked or peeling surface when you could simply have it refinished for a few hundred dollars in a day.

bath cabinet refinishing - after

Refinishing is Worth the Time and Money

There are many fix-up ideas that you can utilize to make your space feel brand new, without breaking the bank. Come up with a new color scheme for your bathroom, and go all out. Paint the walls, buy towels in complementary colors, change your bathtub or countertop colors to match. Choose a new theme and buy different art pieces to hang on the walls. Have a fun time going to the home goods store and picking out different decorations, soap containers, bath mats, and rugs. All these new additions will make your space feel completely different, and best of all will cost only a few hundred dollars.

bath cabinet refinishing - afterIt is important for you to feel clean and comfortable in your home, and this is hard to do if your kitchen or bathroom is feeling shabby and rundown. Though a full remodel does sound tempting when faced with these old sights, it is very expensive to tear everything out and replace it with new material. You don’t want to commit to a remodel that you only halfway like because it is cheaper. A temporary fix-up could be just what you need to tide you over until you have enough in your budget to commit to the remodel of your dreams. You don’t have to live with your peeling tub or scratched countertops, but neither do you have to spend thousands to fix them today. Visit NAPCO’s “Find a Refinisher” resource to book your appointment with a talented and qualified refinishing professional.

 

If your bathroom is in need of an upgrade, then you are probably wondering which course of action to take. This is a dilemma that many homeowners face as surfaces and appliances break down over time and need to be replaced. The two obvious choices are to either repair your rooms as best you can, […]

Want to learn more about masking your bathroom successfully? If so, read on for NAPCO’s recommended procedure and best practices in covering the bathtub, vanity and toilet.

  1. Bathtub

Masking Your Bathroom before RefinishingStarting with your bathtub, tape a golf ball-sized wad of paper towel under the spicket with NAPCO’s one to one-half inch masking tape. Next, place a plastic bag over the entire spicket and secure the shower head with NAPCO’s 18-inch masking paper and tape. Tape off the fixtures completely. Secure two rows of paper (36 inches) on each side of the tub so that they overlap slightly on the floor and on the top of the tub. Extend two extra rows of paper past the side of the bathtub for protection. Tape off the drain and cut the excess tape with a new single-edge razor to make a crisp line.

  1. Toilet

Your toilet can be covered with a small tarp. If it is close to the tub, use tape to seal the tarp to the masking paper on the wall so no overspray will travel behind the toilet. If the toilet is in front of the tub, we recommend using a single 18-inch piece of paper doubled up on top of itself.

  1. Floor

A tarp should completely cover the rest of the floor as well. Lay the tarp over the paper in front of the bathtub and tape the tarp about one to two inches from the tub.

  1. Cupboards

For vanities with cupboard doors, use three rows of paper (54 inches) that extend from the bottom of the counter to the floor. Then cover the counter top with paper and tape, or a small tarp. Mirrors need to be completely masked with sealed tape. Any towel bars or door handles should have a single piece of paper draped over the top of them as protection from overspray.

  1. Kitchen

You should note that these practices can also be applied to the kitchen, with the exception of larger cabinets. To mask these, cover them with tarp and place one row of paper over the plastic. The masking paper can help stop the plastic from flapping around and also absorbs more overspray. The plastic can also be used to cover the refrigerators and to block off access to other rooms, however it is recommended for safety reasons that items in adjacent rooms be covered as well.

NAPCO is always here to assist you during the refinishing process. We hope these tips can help you successfully mask the bathroom or kitchen. If further support is needed, feel free to send us a quick message in our chat box or call us at 1-800-888-1081.

 

Want to learn more about masking your bathroom successfully? NAPCO is always here to assist you during the refinishing process. We hope these tips can help you successfully mask the bathroom or kitchen.