Refinishing Tips and FAQ for Bathtubs, Tiles, Sinks, Countertops
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Are you enjoying the sleek, shiny look of your newly refinished kitchen countertops, bathtub, or bathroom vanity? If so, read on to learn how to properly care for these surfaces so that they do not break down over time.

Avoid Abrasive Cleaners

refinished tubSome cleaners are abrasive and will dull refinished surfaces. The best way to clean refinished surfaces, whether a bathtub, countertop, tile, or vanity,  is to use a wet washcloth with a gentle cleaner. Some recommended cleaners include Windex, Mr. Clean, and Dawn, as they do not contain the harsh chemicals that erode refinished surfaces.

Cleaners to stay away from include anything with ammonia or bleach, like Comet or Ajax. It is also important to avoid using steel wool or scratch pads as they are very abrasive on refinished surfaces and will dull or scratch the appearance.

Prevent scratches

Some other helpful guidelines to cut down on general wear and tear include avoiding placing hot pots or pans directly on the refinished surfaces, as well as not cutting directly on the countertops as this will scratch the finish.

Fix leaky faucets and Don't use bath mats with suction cups

For bathtubs and vanities, be aware of the state of your faucets. Leaky faucets will wear away the refinished surface over time and create cracks, dents, and other blemishes. Also, be careful not to use bath mats with suction cups or adhesives because they can lift the coating on the tub when combined with the hot water. If you wish to add non-slip surfaces to your tub, that can be done during the refinishing process.

Contact a professional refinisher

NAPCO wants you to enjoy your newly refinished surfaces to the fullest by providing you with these simple care guidelines. If a crack or blemish occurs shortly after refinishing, feel free to contact a professional refinisher.

 

Are you enjoying the sleek, shiny look of your newly refinished kitchen countertops, bathtub, or bathroom vanity? If so, read on to learn how to properly care for these surfaces so that they do not break down over time.

2017 is here, so let’s start working on those New Year’s resolutions. If your old tub is dragging you down, it’s time to finally do something about it!

New Year, New BathtubIt’s common for bathtubs to start to flake and peel after several years of use, and using harsh chemical cleaners or a rubber suction bath mat can further contribute to the deterioration of the surface of your bathtub. An old flaky tub does not do any favors for the overall aesthetic of your bathroom, not to mention making the prospect of a bath highly unappealing. This year, enjoy your bathroom by fixing up that old tub until it sparkles like new.

You may think that making a completely fresh start with your tub is the best option, and it can certainly be tempting to rip the whole thing out upon seeing the stained and peeling surface. However, replacing a tub is highly expensive and most of the time it is ultimately unnecessary. Most bathtub damage does not extend below the surface-level, and can be fixed with a timely and affordable refinishing solution. You could put the money you save toward accomplishing another New Year's resolution!

NAPCO provides a wide range of bathtub refinishing products that will suit any need. Maybe you want an even bigger change in your bathroom than a shiny new coat for your tub. NAPCO has an extensive assortment of different colors and finishes so you can get the custom bathtub you desire. An especially popular line of products are the eco-friendly coating solutions that contain lower levels of volatile organic compounds, or VOC’s.

Whatever your bathtub vision may be, ensure the longevity of your creation by making sure you invest in the proper bathtub refinishing supplies. NAPCO is a leading supplier of bathtub, tile, shower, and countertop refinishing products with a service-first mentality, and has taken the lead on developing innovative new products that help their customers succeed in whatever project they undertake. It’s a new year, and a new you. Treat yourself to an affordable bathtub upgrade and let NAPCO help you get the job done.

NAPCO also offers a training program to certify talented women and men to become professional refinishers. Find a great match for your refinishing project here.

 

2017 is here, so let’s start working on those New Year’s resolutions. If your old tub is dragging you down, it’s time to finally do something about it! Replacing a tub is highly expensive and most of the time it is ultimately unnecessary. Most bathtub damage does not extend below the surface-level, and can be fixed with a timely and affordable refinishing solution. You could put the money you save toward accomplishing another New Year’s resolution!

There are many things to think about when you are restoring a home. You want to be able to keep as much integrity about the house as possible while also incorporating many aspects of modernity, we are living in 2017, after all.

House Restoration Projects

To restore a house means to return a building’s interior and exterior appearance to a particular date or time period. Strict restorations are ones that eliminate everything not present during the period chosen and are rare for homes. Most owners opt to maintain modern systems, such as plumbing, and make their design choices to enhance the integrity of the home while also enjoying modern luxuries. So you don’t have to feel bad about using some materials that didn’t exist during the desired time period.

The Bathroom - Vintage Look with Modern Materials

refinished claw-foot bathtubThe bathroom is the perfect place to mix a vintage look with modern materials. You want the features to reflect the period of the home, but you also want to use modern plumbing. A perfect solution to this dilemma might be to incorporate a refinished claw-foot bathtub.

If you do not have one in the home you are currently restoring, you can order one from a vintage dealer. If you do have one in the home you are restoring the odds are that it is not in mint condition. A simple and cost effective way to fix this problem is to consider bathtub refinishing. This is the perfect way to maintain the integrity of the original time period because the refinishing process allows you to use the original piece while also making the space functional, clean, and sleek.

Eco-friendly Tub Coatings

Something important to think about while in the midst of a restoration project is material. NAPCO is an industry leader in eco-friendly tub coatings. Most bathtub coatings contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). Due to government regulation and a desire for a greener footprint, NAPCO has produced eco-friendly bathtub coatings as a way to reduce VOC’s.

NAPCO’s Eco Glaze is a waterborne tub and tile coating that has absolutely no VOC’s whatsoever. It’s other benefits are that is has no odor, is easily cleaned up with plain water, does not need thinner, still produces a hard finish, and uses less material.

So, for your next refinishing/restoration project feel free to tackle a claw-foot bathtub. The process isn’t any different from spraying a modern tub, but the aesthetics of a vintage, modern look combined with the eco-friendly coating option will bring your restoration project to the next level.

 

There are many things to think about when you are restoring a home. You want to be able to keep as much integrity about the house as possible while also incorporating many aspects of modernity, we are living in 2017, after all.

NAPCO’s Headquarters in Skokie, IL just had their first significant snowfall of about six inches this past Sunday, December 4th and according to the 2017 Farmers’ Almanac, this year’s winter forecast for the Midwest is going to be ice cold and frigid.freezing temps

The Almanac also predicts a colder-than-normal winter for two-thirds of the country including: the Northern Plains, Great Lakes, Midwest, Ohio Valley, Middle Atlantic, Northeast, and New England states.

The first snow of the season has come and it won’t be the last. With the expectation of freezing temperatures in the not-so-distant future, this is the perfect opportunity to discuss how to care for your refinishing equipment during these cold months.

Refinishing products and equipment – Winter safety tips

It’s important to take care of your refinishing products and equipment as the temperatures fall. Here are some tips to ensure safety from the cold:

  • Water based products will freeze they expand which could break glass containers and warp other materials. Leave some space in glass bottles to allow for expansion.
  • Keep materials in garages, basements, cellars, or crawl spaces to prevent freezing temperatures.
  • All liquid refinishing supplies should be stored in a room that will remain above freezing.

The cold can also affect the performance of certain products. For example, resins react badly in cold temperatures. Ideally, the temperature of the room, and the resins themselves, should be anywhere between 68 and 72 degrees F.

When the resins are too cold the necessary chemical reaction between the resin and the catalyst will not occur properly. In order for this reaction to take place and have optimum results, the resin should be about 70 degrees as stated above.  If the resin is too cold, there won’t be enough heat to help get the reaction started.  As a result, the resin will not mix properly and may cure with cloudy streaks, or not cure at all.

NAPCO's Fast Thinner is ideal for use during the colder months of the year or in cooler climates. Like NAPCO’s All Purpose Thinner, it is a blend of extra pure thinners, contains no water and is used to thin all Poly-Glass topcoats and Epoxy Primers. It is formulated to help provide maximum gloss and dry quickly in cold conditions.

With the right preparation, and proper care for your refinishing supplies, you’ll be able to take on the cold!

NAPCO’s team is always here to help! Call us at 800-888-1081 or visit napcoltd.com

 

The first snow of the season has come and it won’t be the last. With the expectation of freezing temperatures in the not-so-distant future, this is the perfect opportunity to discuss how to care for your refinishing equipment during these cold months.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) are getting some spotlight in the bathtub refinishing industry. Due to government regulation and a desire for a greener footprint, NAPCO has produced eco-friendly bathtub coatings as a way to reduce VOC’s.

Go Green by Using Eco-Friendly CoatingsVOC’s are emitted as gases that include a variety of chemicals that may have long-term adverse health effects. Paints and coatings contain organic solvents and release pollutants that can persist in the air long after the activity is completed or the substances have been removed from the premises. Because of this, common organic pollutants are up to five times higher inside the home than outside the home which can cause health problems.

There are several ways to reduce exposure to VOC’s including increased ventilation during use, taking heed of label precautions, and following label instructions carefully. You can also reduce VOC’s on the job and in your customer’s home by using either of the two eco-friendly bathtub coatings NAPCO has produced.

NAPCO’s Polyglass 320 tub coating contains low VOC’s, but sprays like a conventional tile and tub coating. It meets government regulations and has lower odor. This coating is ideal for commercial work in multi-tenant facilities. NAPCO Polyglass products include:

NAPCO’s waterborne tub and tile coating has absolutely no VOC’s whatsoever. It’s other benefits include:

  • No odor
  • Easy clean up with plain water
  • No need for thinner
  • Hard finish
  • Less material

This product is safer for you as a refinisher and is preferred by your customers because of the conscious effort to have a greener footprint by using eco-friendly coatings on the job.


Download NAPCO POLY-GLASS® 320 Low VOC product sheet - PDF


 

Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) are getting some spotlight in the bathtub refinishing industry. Due to government regulation and a desire for a greener footprint, NAPCO has produced eco-friendly bathtub coatings as a way to reduce VOC’s. VOC’s are emitted as gases that include a variety of chemicals that may have long-term adverse health effects. Paints […]

Have you been wanting to make a change in your kitchen? One of the biggest impacts a person can make when revamping a kitchen is updating the countertops. Countertops are not the flashiest amenities, but they are arguably the most practical structure in the room. You prepare dinner there, place hot dishes just out of the oven, and stack plates to be washed and put away. All of this daily activity comes across as routine and goes fairly unnoticed, but the evidence of your hard work is present in the worn appearance of your kitchen countertops. Make your counterspace withstand daily wear and tear without showing any evidence by having your countertops professionally resurfaced.

Resurface or Replace?

Countertop ResurfacingEven if your countertops are showing wear and tear it is better for you to resurface the countertops instead of replace them. Most kitchen countertop damage is cosmetic which can be fixed through the resurfacing process whereas a full replacement is much more invasive. The resurfacing process is cleaner than a replacement, takes a fraction of the time, and only takes a day versus weeks. It is also perfect for any scale kitchen remodel. Whether you are looking to create a completely new kitchen or just throwing up a new color paint on the walls, countertop resurfacing will go miles into updating your kitchen by giving it a sleek new look and feel.

What are the Cost Comparisons?

Granite countertops are very popular in kitchens today and, according to Home Advisor, the average cost to install granite countertops is between $3,100 and $4,500. Luckily, with countertop resurfacing you will not have to forfeit style to stay in budget. For example, Flint-Stone coatings provide you with the modern look of stone or granite countertops without the expensive price-tag. With customers spending thousands of dollars to replace countertops, resurfacing makes much more financial sense with prices starting at only $13.70 for a quart of  Flint-Stone product. Each gallon of Flint-Stone product will cover 125-175 square feet of surface.  The coatings also come in a variety of colors so you won’t have any trouble matching the existing decor of your kitchen. Take a look at the Flint-Stone product options here.

Countertop resurfacing is less inconvenient, takes a fraction of the time, and is a fraction of the cost compared to the upheaval of a full countertop replacement. After the coating application your countertops will look brand new and, with the Flint-Stone product, your kitchen will be much more than just practical.

 

Have you been wanting to make a change in your kitchen? One of the biggest impacts a person can make when revamping a kitchen is updating the countertops. Countertops are not the flashiest amenities, but they are arguably the most practical structure in the room. You prepare dinner there, place hot dishes just out of […]

The kitchen is arguably the most social room in a house because it provides a hub for families and friends to get together and learn a little bit more about each other. Whether it’s to cook Thanksgiving dinner, to pile up chips and salsa for Sunday Football, or just to make a simple PB&J, it’s important for your kitchen to be comfortable and inviting. One of the easiest ways to bring new life to your kitchen is to have your countertops professionally refinished.

What are the Benefits of Countertop Refinishing?

Kitchen Countertop RefinishingRefinishing can save 70% over the cost of a full countertop replacement. Most of the time, repairs needed to improve countertops are purely cosmetic. So if the structure is sound all you have to do is resurface your countertops in order to bring an updated look to your kitchen at a fraction of the cost.

Refinished countertops update the look of your kitchen. For example, Flint-Stone coatings provide you the modern look of stone or granite countertops without the expensive price-tag. The coatings also come in a variety of colors so you won’t have any trouble matching the existing decor of your kitchen.

What is the Process Behind Countertop Refinishing?

Three coats of polyurethane are applied to the cleaned and prepped surface of the countertop. Worried about the mess? Cabinets, backsplash, fixtures, and the floor are covered to ensure they are protected. Additionally, scratches, nicks, and chips within the countertop are fixed through the refinishing process making them look brand new.

The refinishing process is minimal compared to the disturbance a full replacement would cause. Countertop refinishing takes only one day versus the possible weeks a full replacement would require so there is also less mess and less inconvenience for you and your family.

The goal is to provide the best outcome with as little disturbance as possible to your everyday life. By implementing professional countertop refinishing, it will change the whole feel of your kitchen, cost you much less than a replacement, and make your kitchen the focal point of your home once again.

Click here to find a professional countertop refinisher near you

 

The kitchen is arguably the most social room in a house because it provides a hub for families and friends to get together and learn a little bit more about each other. Whether it’s to cook Thanksgiving dinner, to pile up chips and salsa for Sunday Football, or just to make a simple PB&J, it’s […]

Has working for yourself been a dream of yours? If you’re thinking about taking the leap of owning your own company, consider bathtub, tile, and countertop refinishing. Countertop, tile and tub refinishing is an excellent small business opportunity. You can have your refinishing business up and running in no time.

Refinishing Business Advantages

Owning your own business has a lot of advantages. Here’s just a start:

  • Master of your own business decisions
  • Control over your schedule
  • Financial success within reach

But, before you can reap the benefits enjoyed by professional refinishers, you’ll need to train up and collect your supplies.

Bathtub Refinishing Training

Prior to launching a successful refinishing business, it’s important to get hands-on training from a company with a proven track record of training professional refinishers. This training should instruct you on how to refinish surfaces such as bathtubs, tiles and countertops. Our bathtub refinishing training includes hands-on training to get you ready for business.

 

Refinishing Supplies

After you’ve successfully completed your refinishing training, it’s time to stock up! The right countertop and bathtub refinishing supplies will help you get the job done professionally. As you start to build out your client base, your stock may be small. But, you’ll soon know what colors and glazes are most popular and you can continue to grow your supply. Look for a company that will be your partner in growing your refinishing business. Select for quality, commercial grade premium supplies, but also look for a company that offers a robust loyalty program.
Market your refinishing business

Now you’re trained up and stocked up—it’s time to find your inner marketer. The best refinishing training courses will help get out there and winning business.

Get Trained the Right Way

NAPCO Ltd. is a leading provider of equipment, supplies and top-of-the-line training to professional kitchen and bathroom refinishers. Our trainer, Simon, is the best in the business. After attending a two-day training session with Simon, and shopping our high quality, commercial grade bathtub, tile and countertop refinishing supplies and equipment you’ll be set for success in your professional refinishing business. See why the NAPCO program beats the franchise opportunity.

Has working for yourself been a dream of yours? If you’re thinking about taking the leap of owning your own company, consider bathtub, tile, and countertop refinishing. Countertop, tile and tub refinishing is an excellent small business opportunity. You can have your refinishing business up and running in no time. Refinishing Business Advantages Owning your […]

Fourth of July - 3 ways our founders DIY’d a nation

The Fourth of July is the most American of all our holidays. On it, we proudly celebrate our struggle for freedom from tyranny through the three great F’s of the American spirit: Food, Fireworks, and Fashionable red white and blue accessories. But independence wasn’t won easily. The challenge was great, unprecedented even, but our founders had a ‘Do It Yourself’ attitude that gave them the courage and ingenuity to succeed.

Here are three ways our founders DIY’d a nation.

1. They built an army out of nothing:
Drawing soldiers from all thirteen colonies, George Washington and the Continental Congress managed to put together a fighting force of 17,000 men from colonies that had been devoted to farming and commerce and had never had a real military.

2. They formed a new kind of government:
The United States constitution was the first document that explicitly laid out the powers of all the political institutions in a modern nation. The authors of our constitution borrowed ideas from Ancient Greek city states like Athens and philosophers of the day such as John Locke to cobble together the document that defines the rights of citizens and powers of government.

3. They shaped their own future
Our founders rose up against Britain because they felt their rights were being trampled on. They fought for freedom from taxation without representation, and the right to build their own future out from under the shadow of King George and the British Parliament. Their fight laid the foundation of the great nation we live in today, a nation based on freedom, enterprise, and independence.

The people who founded this country were D.I.Y. experts who created a nation from scratch.

How to become an independent DIY professional

Why not celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that built a nation by taking charge and learning how to become an independent countertop refinishing professional? Here are some tips to get you started:

D.I.Y. Counter Revolution

1. Get the Right Countertop Refinishing Training
Countertop refinishing is easy to learn if you have the right training. Look for a hands-on refinishing program that gets a sprayer in your hand under the supervision of a qualified instructor. Technique is everything, and with the right countertop refinishing training you’ll be equipped even better than our revolutionary forefathers.

2. Get the Right Countertop Refinishing Supplies
This type of work requires very specific countertop refinishing supplies. Don’t worry, you don’t have to travel across the Atlantic and negotiate with the French for arms. Instead, find a trustworthy manufacturer committed to quality. Get the right professional tools, including brushes, painter's tape, and of course, countertop coatings and epoxy.

3. Leave Enough Time
Setting up and refinishing a countertop shouldn’t take all day, but make sure to leave enough time to get everything right, especially if you’re working on a large countertop. Individual coats of paint or finisher may take up to an hour to dry, so if your kit requires a second coating, be sure to plan accordingly. And remember to factor cleanup time into your schedule.

America is about boldness, innovation, self-sufficiency, and an enterprising spirit. Let your American spirit shine by learning a valuable skill like countertop refinishing and using it to make a living as an independent professional!

Happy Birthday, America.

Fourth of July – 3 ways our founders DIY’d a nation The Fourth of July is the most American of all our holidays. On it, we proudly celebrate our struggle for freedom from tyranny through the three great F’s of the American spirit: Food, Fireworks, and Fashionable red white and blue accessories. But independence wasn’t […]

As outdoor temps heat up, it’s important to think about how heat and humidity can affect your bathtub refinishing supplies. And, according to The Climate Prediction Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Summer 2016 is going to be a scorcher. Nearly every state is going to experience hotter than average temps.

So what does this mean for your business? Here are some things to think about as the temperatures rise:

  1. As a mobile business, you likely keep your refinishing supplies in a camper, truck or van. Keep in mind that even on a moderate 70° day, temps inside a vehicle sitting for more than an hour top 115°.
  2. Heat accelerates any kind of catalyzed material. What helps speed up the chemical reactions gets even faster!
  3. Overheated filler will dry ultra-fast. So, unless you like working on fast forward, don’t let your supplies overheat.
  4. Additionally, any sprayable products that have gotten too warm cause their thinners to evaporate quickly and cause dry spray. Not helpful.
  5. We know that in many places summer doesn’t just bring heat; it also brings humidity. On a bathtub refinishing job, condensed moisture can compromise your surface prepping efforts. And as you know, prepping the surface can be the most important part of the job. Surface moisture will neutralize the active ingredients in our wipe on primer, Gorilla Grip.

Protect your Bathtub Refinishing Supplies from the Summer Heat

Don’t get discouraged! Read on for some tips and tricks to beat the heat and humidity this summer:

  1. If possible, store your bathtub refinishing supplies in a temperature controlled environment when not out on a job. Remember—garages can get quite hot too!
  2. Store material in an empty old cooler or ice chest in your vehicle with the lid closed to help regulated temps. (remember, no ice!)
  3. Pack your bathtub refinishing supplies into the cooler the evening before a job. The cooler evening temperatures will be insulated by the cooler and keep your supplies at an appropriate temperature.
  4. Use a box fan to blow air over surfaces that are sweating due to the heat. The fan will bring those surfaces back down to temperature and evaporate any moisture on the surface.

With the right preparation, and proper care for your refinishing supplies, you’ll be all set to rock your summer jobs. And remember, NAPCO’s team is always here to help! Call us at 800-888-1081 or visit napcoltd.com

Do you have any tips for surviving the summer heat?

As outdoor temps heat up, it’s important to think about how heat and humidity can affect your bathtub refinishing supplies. And, according to The Climate Prediction Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Summer 2016 is going to be a scorcher. Nearly every state is going to experience hotter than average temps. So what […]