Bathtub refinishing renews old, stained, pitted tubs to such an extent it almost seems miraculous. Yet this miracle cure does have its limits. If you mistreat your newly refinished bathtub, it will quickly lose its like-new appearance. However, by following these simple steps and treating your tub right, you can extend the life of the refinishing job and keep your tub looking clean and shiny much longer.
Let the Tub Cure
It is absolutely imperative to let the tub cure completely before use. This doesn’t just mean you must wait before running water in the tub. You also have to allow time for the tub to cure before touching it at all. This means that when you or your contractor re-caulks the tub, the job must be done from outside the tub without tape guides, taking care not to scratch the finish with your belt buckle or other metal objects. Your bathtub refinishing technician will advise you as to the recommended curing time required for both touching and using the tub.
Use Non-Abrasive Cleaners
The surface of your newly refinished tub is non-porous. This means that it should wipe clean easily with no need for rough scrubbing. You do not need to use any abrasive cleaners such as Ajax, Comet, or Soft Scrub. If you do, you risk scratching the surface of the tub, creating flaws that can eventually lead to peeling or staining. Recommended cleaners for refinished tubs include Scrubbing Bubbles or Lysol. Be sure to use a soft sponge when cleaning, not a scrubber.
Avoid Suction Cups
Bath accessories such as soap dishes, bath pillows, and bathmats that stay in place with suction cups may be convenient, but they are not safe for refinished bathtubs. They can cause the refinishing coat to pull away from the tub, especially if they are used slotmachineitaliane.net too soon after curing. Tub refinishing experts also recommend that you avoid leaving items in the corners of the tub for any length of time.
Protect the Tub
Should you ever need to do repair work in or around the bathtub area, be sure to protect the tub against chips, scratches, and dings that might be caused by dropping tools in the tub. For example, if you need to replace the shower head, cover the tub with a folded blanket to provide a cushion in case you drop any metal parts.
You should also protect the tub from mineral build up and rust staining, as once these conditions take root, you will not be able to clean them up without using damaging abrasive or chemical cleaners. Always fix leaky faucets quickly and wipe down the tub with a towel after each use.
As long as you care for your refinished tub properly, it will stay in like-new condition for years.