TubPotion Bathtub – Tile – Countertop Refinishing Coatings When You Want The Look and Feel Of Porcelain.
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Warning:‘Geeky’ Content.
Why my peers hate me! Tub Potion bathtub, ceramic tile and countertop refinishing coatings where engineered with a secret ingredient of POLYESTER for the harsh and demanding environments that bathroom fixtures must endure.
We were unhappy with the quality of polyurethanes and epoxy coatings made for the bath refinishing market, which are aimed at reducing the cost to refinishing company’s bottom line.
What we found working with industrial coatings engineers, was not a coating but a system. Here in this short video we examine the differences between bathtub and tile coatings
We were unhappy with the quality of polyurethanes and epoxy coatings made for the bath refinishing market, which are aimed at reducing the cost to refinishing company’s bottom line.
Different Bath Tub Refinishing Coatings Cure Between 4 And 48 Hours… Why?
TubPotion #10 Our Aliphatic (non-yellowing) high performance polyester catalyst. Creates a chemical reaction in our bathtub refinishing coatings, allowing them to achieve full cure in just 24 hours.
Which is the perfect balance in set time. for you and the coating in convenience and durability.
*Beware of bathtub refinishers touting 4 to 12 hour cure, their using an accelerator in the polyurethane that makes the coatings brittle and chip easily and which I don’t recommend.
The 48 hour cure is an epoxy which are slow to set up. Yellow with time and tend to be easily damaged. Nor do they provide the texture free porcelain look of TubPotion polyester coatings.
Coatings Are Rated For Different Applications Such As:
- Immersion coatings for constant water contact – not concerned with aesthetics or gloss.
- Graffiti coatings provides a Teflon like surface, preventing graffiti from sticking.
- Marine coatings which are geared toward salt, UV exposure and weather conditions.
- Automotive coatings geared for good looks & reasonable durability.
- Industrial coatings for equipment rated for high durability over looks.
- Friction coats rated for high abrasion resistance and strength.
After Working With Coatings Engineers… I was able to develop a polyester polyurethane hybrid tub – tile – countertop coating system that gave us the best of all worlds:
- Teflon like additive repels water.
- Capable of handling water immersion.
- Weather UV resistant non yellowing.
- Extreme durability.
- High friction scratch resistance.
- All while providing flat as glass good looks and high gloss.
- Hygienic sanitary non-porous easily cleaned.
From E-How.com Excerpt on Polyester vs. Polyurethane,
Acrylic Polyurethane (What most refinishers use.)
• Acrylic polyurethane paint is considered to be the most affordable type of polyurethane paint (compared to polyester polyurethane). These paints provide more protection against abrasions, stains and chemicals than most standard paints, but they do not provide as much protection as their polyester counterparts.
Common applications for acrylic polyurethane are on automobiles and water towers, where surfaces have limited friction and chance for abrasion. Acrylic polyurethane can be applied with a paint sprayer, spray can or paint brush. When applied from a sprayer or spray can. It may take up to 10 days for polyurethane paint to fully harden and dry.
Polyester Polyurethane (What we use.)
• Polyester polyurethane is considered to provide optimal protection because it is highly stain-resistant, abrasion-resistant and chemical-resistant. Best results are achieved when applied by professional spray equipment. Polyester develops 95% of its full properties in 24 hours.
Common applications for Polyester polyurethane coatings are used when optimal protection is required for industrial applications, airplanes, boats, floors and porcelain refinishing.
- Get close as possible to the look, feel and durability of real porcelain.
- Develop a molecular adhesion to the substrate to prevent peeling.
- The coating had to lay exceptionally flat without the textured look of many coatings
- Cure to high pencil hardness while maintaining flexibility to avoid being brittle.
- Impact resistant to reduce chipping.
- Scratch and abrasion resistant to maintain the new look.
- Chemical resistant against bathroom cleaners
- UV stable as not to yellow over the service life as epoxy’s do.
- Low VOC (Volatile organic compounds) or in laymen terms ‘pollution’
Polyester component in Tub Potion coatings adds durability and enhance performance over straight polyurethane.
TubPotion # 17 is a TOP SECRET potion, added to the TubPotion coatings.
Creates an almost magical water repelling action. Reducing water-spotting, helping to keep your bathtub or tile sparkling clean. The self-cleaning action is built right into the actual coating for years of lasting action.
Left side untreated water spreads out clinging to the surface. Right side treated with TubPotion #17 magically repels the water
Once tilted upright TubPotion #17 forces the water to slide away, reducing water spotting. Helping to keep your bathtub or tile sparking clean.
See The Testing Results…Click Here.
The key was not anyone item but in combination the results did not disappoint. Our line of Tub Potion Coatings was born using the most advanced chemistry to date. Time tested in the lab and real world experience.
We use a multi-point surface preparation, which provides the foundation you’ll need for adhesion, by properly preparing the surface. Provides ‘Mechanical Adhesion’ with the surface ETCHED and being free of containment’s, such as body oil, soap film and bath oils etc.
Next the surface imperfections are addressed like chips, scratches and imperfections by using a diamond abrasive and marine grade fillers.
Then we apply an application of Tub Potion # 8 Organofunctional Silanes coupling agent (Think Super Glue) which attaches to the surface on a molecular level.
Silane’s developed for the Aerospace industry. Provide incredible adhesion. No more peeling tubs.
Coupling agents are used to provide a stable bond between two otherwise non bonding and incompatible surfaces. The use of Silane results in greater composite strength and longer service life.
Our Silane technology, developed by the Germans to keep coatings on vehicles launched into space and must endure absolute zero (-459.67 degrees F.) to really HOT re-entry temperatures.
A ‘true’ coupling agent provides a water-resistant bond between the polymer resin coating and organic materials bathtubs are made from. Silane coupling agents have the unique chemical and physical properties to not only enhance bond strength, but also more importantly, prevent de-bonding or peeling between the fixture and the coatings during aging, and use, of the fixture being coated, providing extended service life.
Tub Potion # 10 Is an aliphatic (UV Stable) high performance-curing agent used to catalyze or activate the bonding primer and protective top coats. (Known as “Cross-linking chains” in engineering circles.) Cross-linking molecules add tremendous strength and integrity to the coating.
Tub Potion # 11 Bonding primer coat, the secret is a 2-component polyester vs. the industry standard of using epoxy primers. Polyesters are used in Gel Coats, which can handle the harshest environments, they are used for the manufacturing of boat hulls.
Polyester’s are generally not spray-able without using a mold. Using a hybrid coating and modified reducer, allows the polyester primer coat to lay out flat, sealing the surface and providing an exceptional bond & seal coat.
Along with ETCHING – SILANE TREATMENT – BONDING PRIMER the 3 combined are what I affectionately call triple adhesion.
Protect your family from slippery bathtubs with TubPotion #9
Click to open larger view – Tub Potion #9 non-grit textured safety surface.
The polyurethane component provides the beauty and the polyester component provides the muscle, that straight polyurethane would never achieve.
Tub Potion #12 is our Porcelain White used for the majority of our work.
Tub Potion #13 is our Porcelain Bone
Tub Potion # 14 is a clear coat recommend for those on well water who suffer from hard water stains. The clear coat will stand up better to discoloring, as there is no color to dis-color.
Tub Potion #15 Made to order custom colors, if you provide us with a glossy color sample, we can color match to your needs in our in-house lab. There may be a small fee for this service.
Click for larger view – Tub Potion process with out anti-slip.
Cross linking chains in coatings enhance durability & service life.
Side by side comparison testing with and without Tub Potion #8 Silane Coupling Agent.
Most bathtub refinishers are cannibalizing themselves in a price war. They use the cheapest coatings to cut cost on. Bathtub coating manufactures are competing for their business to provide the lower cost coatings.
Refinishers are skipping important preparations steps in etching the surface, and they use anti-logic to convince folks that skipping this important etching step is helping you. See the proof in this short video on ETCHING bathtubs for adhesion…Click Here.
Many refinishers use cheap lacquer thinner to save a few bucks. Lacquer thinner’s contain isopropanol which has a high moisture content. Isocyanates used to catalyze polyurethane react negatively to the moisture, damaging the cross-linking component and causes the coating to peel prematurely.
I REFUSE TO JOIN THIS PRICE WAR AND COMPROMISE OUR SERVICE!
We make no apologies for our value based refinishing pricing. We must feel good about what we do in life and taking pride in our profession is important.
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Dave Loughborough
Hi,Your range of products seem to be the most comprehensive i’ve seen, with a believable spec. I have been in the marine industry restoring and building boats for over 30 years so know a little about applications. Q. do you sell a DIY kit for tub refinishing?
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About Paul A. Burns
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Hello! I’ve been following your web site for a while now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Atascocita Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the excellent job!
Hi,
Your range of products seem to be the most comprehensive i’ve seen, with a believable spec.
I have been in the marine industry restoring and building boats for over 30 years so know a little about applications. Q. do you sell a DIY kit for tub refinishing?
Dave.
Newport, R.I.
Hi Dave, I have considered offering our products, I first must complete shipping training from UPS for flammable products and set up a Chemtrec account. Then packaging and a shipping center. So currently I’m unable to assist you and stay complaint with regulatory concerns. If you can wait several months, it may be possible. Paul
I’m interested in your TubPotion products and information, I would love to talk with you.
Hi Ryan would be happy to talk with you. Anytime 8:30 to 4:30 EST. You can reach me at 301-262-6012
Do u offer training,if so how much? Can u call me 336-267-7427?
Hi Paul – I have recently acquired a 35 year old quality built custom mid-century modern home. I’m interested in maintaining the original feel of the home so bringing the home back to a ‘new’ state is more in keeping with my intensions as opposed to remodeling. I have 4 bathroom sinks and one laundry room sink that are enameled cast iron in ‘shop worn condition’. After hours of scouring the internet, your product appears to be the most promising way to restore these sinks. It would be a shame to use a slipshod method .
I’m located in California and I’m willing to wait until you are in a position to ship your product at which time I’ll locate an experienced person to professionally apply it. If shipment to California is difficult for whatever reason,there is also the possibility that I could receive the product in Arizona and take the sinks there to have the work done. Please let me know how you’re doing with your UPS training.
Hi, Karol we just finished a huge computer update and data transfer for all of our systems, I can start looking into the UPS training now. My only concern is there is a learning curve to applying our coating system. I could possibly walk someone thru it, but they would want to maybe practice a bit and they can’t be hard headed by not being able to adjust to what I tell them.
Just now revisiting your website to see how you’re doing. Finding quality craftsmen has been and is my major challenge, so I fully understand where you’re coming from.
At this point, do you have any idea when you would be in a position to ship product? Once I know that, I can aggressively pursue lining up someone trainable and qualified to do the work.
Hey Karol I’m getting a lot heat from folks wanting to use our system. I’m shooting for the end of this year to start shooting training videos and prepare for shipping requirements. So hopefully I’ll be ready before spring. Paul
Can you give me a reference to a re finisher in Houston that uses your system/products.
Sorry but currently this is a proprietary system, we are considering making it accessible to the public. Paul
Hi Paul
I have a plumbing company in North West Arkansas and would love to take a class maybe even joint venture as there is no one really qualified in my area too do this kind of work
Please contact me via the email address I have provide
love you’re product
Thanks
Jeff
Hey Jeff I just sent you an email for our first training class.
Hi Paul,
I own a refinishing company in Toronto Canada. Our resources up here are very limited when it comes to the types of coatings we can acquire. I’ve used all the coatings that are available to us. And am currently using an etch/epoxy/acrylic urethane system sold by a big supplier to the industry who I’m sure you know well. I m constantly searching the Web for the best coatings available and best preparation products and the best overall look of the finished product. I seen your videos and website and I believe that your products are superior to acrylic urethane s in adhesion, durability and look. I would be very interested in trying your product if you can get the proper license s to ship internationally. I’m sure acquiring these license s are not easy to get or cheap. But I would love to use your products up here in Canada. For now I have no choice to use what has fortunately been working for us for the past 5 years. Mainly due to out meticulous prep work. But I would love to get on board with a system like yours.
Hi Ryan thanks for reaching out, I have some projects I’m trying to complete and will be getting a web store up and running in the near future for materials and will look into shipping to Canada for you. Let’s keep in touch. Paul
Ive been in the refinishing business for 8 years now and have been very successful. Im always looking for ways to improve my buisiness and your product line caught my attention. Are you selling these products to refinishers? Im located in the SE US. I’ve had a couple of customers see your web site and have asked about your system but ive had to tell them that its unavailable in in our area. Due to that, and your faqs page, ive had a harder time selling them on my current system. So you can see the deliema im in. They now think i use an inferior system so i would love to be able to have access to your system. Is that sonething you guys offer? Thanks!
Hi Darryl, I don’t have the store up just yet but I’m shipping kits out now. My direct line is 1.240.335.0214 Paul Burns https://bathrenovationhq.com
Any update on getting the web store up and running for materials and shipment outside your area of service?
Hi Bob, I don’t have the store up just yet but I’m shipping kits out now. Are you looking for a tub kit or tile as well? and are you looking for white? My direct line is 1.240.335.0214 Paul Burns https://bathrenovationhq.com
Online store. Hi Kevin, I don’t have the store up just yet but I’m shipping kits out now. Are you looking for a tub kit or tile as well? and are you looking for white?
Hi Kevin, I don’t have the store up just yet but I’m shipping kits out now. Are you looking for a tub kit or tile as well? and are you looking for white?
Hi Paul , I’m wondering if you know when you will be selling DIY kits.
Thank You Emilie
Hi Emilie, I don’t have the store up just yet but I’m shipping kits out now. Are you looking for a tub kit or tile as well? and are you looking for white?
Hi Paul – following up on your message to Emile…
I just started on my concrete laundry sink – all scrapped and ground of the 90+ years of abuse, but some cracks and pits. Read through your site and messages, and saw that you are sending out kits now. I can get a marine filler and not sure that is part of the std kit anyway, but wanted to get appropriate tubpotion (#8?) and top coat. webordering, telephone?
Thanks,
John
I will email you the information and a few questions. Paul
Hi Paul,
I’m in a similar boat as John, although I haven’t done any prep work yet. Please shoot me an email with questions I know you have.
Thanks,
Josh
Hello Josh, I don’t check my comments but a couple times a month. So sorry for the delay. Email on our contact form is a more reliable means to reach me. You’ll need to tell me about your project and any photos are very helpful.
I would like the tube kit with the tub portion # 9 no slip grit that used on the floor of the tub in a White white gloss. Thanks for your help Dennis
You talked about how coatings are rated differently whenever you refinish your bathtub. Some of these such as graffiti coatings will help prevent graffiti from staining your walls or tub. It is recommended to go with coatings that provide extreme durability that would last for many years to come. This way, you would have peace of mind that your bathtub will be free from any damage as it is supposed to be a long-term investment anyway. If I ever need to refinish my tub, I would make sure to keep this in mind. Thanks.
Finding a coating that does 100 percent in all areas can be challenging. TubPotion coatings are a polyester hybrid. Polyester is the base for Gel-coats used on boat hulls which are not only in constant water contact coatings but can handle saltwater immersion. So why not use Gel-coat on tubs? Gel-coats are sprayed against a mold as the develop high texture and would look awful. TubPotion coating are a hybrid that allows us to get the benefits of Gel-coat but the glassy look of polyurethane. The closed cell structure, makes the coating graffiti proof, waterproof and virtually a permanent bond. So we have pretty much the best of all category. A tough act to follow. Let me know if you’d be interested in using TubPotion, I see you are close by in Alexandria.
Hi, our contractor, much to my chagrin, completely reglazed to fix a couple chips in our brand new Kohler bathtub. It looks fine, but the Safeguard nonslip also glazed over. I realize a lot of people hate this stuff, but we liked it because it was minimally abrasive and I have two toddlers. (Also, based on reviews and others experiences, bathmats without suction cups seem like a dicey proposition to me). Do you do just standalone antislip applications? Your potion #7 or #9 look like what I’d be looking for. How much do these cost? I’d prefer the coating most similar to how the Kohler antislip performed. I live in the DC area (Bethesda). Also, would adding either antislip coatings cover up any discoloration on the floor of the tub? Our contractor appears to have done a fine enough job, but the grid outline of the Kohler antislip still shows through a bit.