HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR REFINISHED TUB, TILE, COUNTERTOP OR TUB LINER.
By Paul Burns, Nationally Recognized Bath Refinishing Expert.
You should have many years of enjoyable use and trouble-free maintenance as long as you care for it properly and use recommended products to clean and maintain the surface.
These are general guidelines and common sense tips for caring for your refinished tub, tile or countertop.
With the TubPotion Coating System: You should allow at least 24 hours before using your refinished surface (at room temperature) until it should be used normally again.
Got a quiet moment? Check out these tub care cleaning tips.
For countertops and ceramic floor tile coated and cured with our Ultra Violet cured coatings may be put back into service immediately.
Treat your refinished surface as you would the hood of a new car. Never use abrasive cleaners or abrasive pads. The refinished surface is non-porous; a mild, non-abrasive soap combined with a soft cloth and water will clean your refinished surface.
Refinishing a bathroom the right way can dramatically make the bath look brand new. Let’s learn how to keep it this way.
The best practice is to care for and maintain your refinished fixture is to wipe it down with a towel after each use. Regular cleaning is important to prevent soap scum build-up that will be hard to remove once it hardens and mars the beauty of the finish.
For normal once-a-week cleaning, you should use a mild soap and water with a soft washcloth.
Should you wish to use a product not listed below, always test on a small area in a corner before applying it to the entire surface.
Always review individual cleaners’ instructions, and always rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
Plastic cleaning pads and or brushes designed for use on Teflon surfaces generally are fine to use. Do not allow any cleaners to remain on the surface for an extended period of time before thoroughly rinsing off.
Soaps are generally Alkaline in nature, meaning they have a higher PH than 7.2 which is considered neutral. High PH Alkaline or low PH Acidic cleaners can mar or damage most surfaces. Especially if left down for extended periods.
Dust, pollen etc. in the air cannot be avoided.
Because the surface is still curing after we leave, normal use and regular cleaning will remove all minor surface dust marks.
Once you put the shower curtain back up and start using the tub, you’ll no longer notice this.
We do offer wet sanding and buffing service in our ELITE PACKAGE if this is a problem for you.
Cleaning Products: Recommended cleaning products for How To Care For A Refinished Tub, Tile, Countertop.
Dawn dish-washing soap, diluted in water, is my recommended cleaner as it is gentle but cuts through body oil or bath oil easily.
Other cleaners that are fine to use: Formula 409, Dow, Scrub Free, Fantastic, Windex, Mr. Clean, and dish-washing soaps such as Joy, and Ivory.
How to remove stubborn stains
Use automotive rubbing compound, which has a fine grit in it, and then to really bring back the shine use an automotive polishing compound to finish up.
This YouTube video is a good demo removing a mark on a car and can be used on your tub, tile, or countertop.
Any of the brands should work fine. These can be found at any auto parts stores or Walmart.
How to remove stubborn stains and scratches from a refinished tub tile or countertop. How To Care For A Refinished Tub, Tile, Countertop
How to remove stubborn stain – scratch or bring back the shine to your refinished tub, tile or countertop.
Do not use Comet or Ajax, steel wool, wire brushes, harsh abrasives, bleach, ammonia or cleaners containing ammonia, or scratch pads. The use of these chemicals would cause a dull surface.
Drain Cleaners: Liquid drain cleaners are recommended over powders and/or crystal.
However, when using liquid drain cleaning agents bail the standing water out of the bathtub completely and remove the tub drain plug if present.
Using a sponge get as much water out of the tub’s drain as possible. If you’re up to it a small diameter clear vinyl tubing can be inserted into the drain and you can suck some of the water out. Avoid getting it in your mouth ;-)
Use a funnel to prevent spills and apply the chemicals directly down the drain, slowly, allowing them to work. Always make sure that chemicals do not come in contact with the new surface.
If it does wipe up immediately. Use drain cleaners sparingly so that they do not boil out and attack the new surface. Allow time for the chemicals to work.
Snaking out thru the overflow is the better option to remove hair build-up.
Got A Big Dog Or Even A Little One?
Washing your dog in a refinished tub, it’s a good idea to put down a rubber bathmat or towel on the bottom of the tub.
One so they will feel secure and safe. We don’t want them to dig into the refinished tub’s surface.
Also, place a towel over the tubs rail so when they climb out they won’t dig into the tubs rail with their toenails when getting out.
Should you accidentally get some scratches see the rubbing compound trick above.
Caring For Your Refinished Tub When Washing Scooby Doo
Important Tips For Cleaning How To Care For A Refinished Tub, Tile, Countertop:
- It’s best to store shampoo, soap bars, etc. in a hanging shower caddy or shelf that works well, to store your cleaners. Alkaline products left sitting on the surface will attack the surface over time. Should you have a built-in soap dish use a raised soap holder.
- Avoid using heavy objects or tools near the surface without using protective padding in case of accidental dropping.
- Don’t let little Johnny or Susie use hard plastic toys in the bath as they can damage the surface from striking the surface, especially on the edges of the tub.
Always provide soft rubber toys if needed. If you do get a damaged area contact us immediately for a chip repair to prevent the damage from spreading. Sorry this is not warrantied under our guarantee.
- Have leaking faucets repaired ASAP as dripping water will cause erosion of the surface over time. Running water made the Grand Canyon after all.
- Our coatings with triple adhesion can withstand the use of a bathmat. The only CAVEAT is the mat MUST be removed after use. Just lay it over the tub’s rail to dry. Water trapped under the suction cups is in a vacuum and over time will penetrate the finish.
You’ll see round bubbles in the coating lifting and again is not warranted. To avoid this hassle let us install our anti-slip to your tub’s bottom. It’s free after all.
- Should you have a need to put a ladder in the tub to paint, put down padding and plywood under the legs of the ladder to spread out the weight? This is especially true for fiberglass plastic tubs as we have seen clients punch a hole in the tub’s bottom.
- For refinished countertops do not place extremely hot pans directly on the surface or cut directly on the surface with knives as either will damage the surface and not warrantied.
Refinishing your bathroom fixtures and countertops is an effective option to the high cost of remodeling, but does require some common sense care to extend the service life. The suggestions on this page are true for new fixtures as well.
Raised Soap Holder Type Recommended.
Recommended Type Of Shower Caddy
Call Us Or You’ll Make The Bunny Cry!
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Were can i buy these products
Im a refinisher
Hello Gus are you in the States? As I’m not shipping to Canada at this point.
I live in Little Rock, Arkansas do you service this area? If not can I purchase what I need?
Thank you
Tell what you’re trying to solve, tub and or tile? Color, plan or rolling or spraying, your experience, equipment etc. You can email me at pburns@bathrenovationhq.com
Thanks for the information on taking care of restored bathtubs. Our tub is pretty old and gross, so we are going to have it refinished. We want to make sure we take better care of it this time around. Thanks for mentioning to not use any abrasive cleaners like bleach because it will make it look dull. We will steer clear of that.
Our tub has been recently refinished, but I don’t know what products were used. We have been using diluted dish soap to clean it, but now there’s a buildup.
1. Is it okay to use a magic eraser sponge?
2. Is it okay to use some vinegar as it cuts soap scum?
3. What about TIlex Soap Scum Remover (not the mildew remover)?
4. Will using shower gel instead of bar soap cut down on soap scum?
Thank you
Hello Kim, let’s take it one question at a time.
1. Is it okay to use a magic eraser sponge? Have not used this product personally.
2. Is it okay to use some vinegar as it cuts soap scum? Diluted Vinegar should not be a problem, be sure to rinse the area with water afterwards.
3. What about TIlex Soap Scum Remover (not the mildew remover)? Tilex is a bit aggressive would avoid.
4. Will using shower gel instead of bar soap cut down on soap scum? You would have to try it to determine yourself.
suggestions: wipe surfaces down after bathing with wash cloth, no soap. Try using ‘Rubbing Compound’ (not Heavy Duty) or (Not Rubbing Polish) found at your local auto parts store or at any car paint supplier. Made by 3m – Turtle Wax – Mothers – etc. use and old T-shirt etc. and rub in to remove build up or stain and buff off. Apply Nu-Finish Urethane sealer like you would car wax and buff off to improve shine and it will cause the soap and water to bead off and not stick. You’ll have to re-apply the sealer every once in a while. DO NOT APPLY TO TUBS BOTTOM as you’ll end up on your butt (slippery)
You say ‘not Heavy Duty’, but the picture above says Heavy Duty. Does it come in any form that isn’t ‘Heavy Duty’?
Good Catch, I just grabbed a photo. Yes, rubbing compound comes in different grades of coarseness. If using a course grit you’ll need to use a polishing compound to remove the course grit scratches. Hope that helps.
Any problem installing a water softener with refinished tubs, shower stalls and sinks?
Can’t imagine why there would be any problem.
I appreciate what you said about wiping the tub down after each use with a towel in order to maintain the glazing. Bathroom fixtures often suffer wear and tear, so it’s a good idea to hire a professional reglazing service to help out. If I noticed any chips taken out of my sink or tub, I’ll contact a reliable business in my area that can fix the issue in a timely manner.
I have a cast iron tub that I took to a powder coating shop. They sandblasted it inside and out, and then powder coat painted it a mixed bronze copper color. It looks real nice but I am now wondering if it is safe to bathe in and if it the paint coating will last over time. It did end up cracking in some places (small crack lines) and I am concerned about any potential lead issues.
After looking at your website I am considering having the inside refinished for a smooth even and completely sealed surface. Would you be able to do this over the inside surface as is or would it need to be sanded again before application?
Appreciate your thought on the matter. Thanks, Toni.
PS: I live in Montgomery County, VA and saw on your that you may service this area.
I don’t think you’ll have any issue with lead. Should you wish to go with Re-glazing, yes the surface would need sanding prior to applying the coating. Sounds as thou you have a good product already, with the powder-coating. I would like to mention that your around 4 hours from our shop, a tad outside our service area. Thanks for the questions regards Paul Burns
My question is: how can I remove mold that is creeping up where the tub meets the shower walls? I used to use bleach… just let it sit on the edge of the tub and in a little while, no mold. Is there anything I can use that will not harm my re glazed tub?
Hi Carole, thanks for the question. I would tend to want to address the “why” your getting mold? Is generally due to there not being enough ventilation or no ventilation to remove the humidity generated with a hot shower. Now as far a bleach goes, on a white reglaze it shouldn’t effect the coating. A colored reglaze could have the color washed out from bleach or peroxide. I wouldn’t use the bleach full strength, and a antimicrobial cleaner may help as well.
Hello,
Can I use 7th Generation liquid dishwashing soap as a regular cleaner as well as Dawn, Joy or Ivory, etc? I would like to stay as green as possible.
Thank you,
Smilia
That should not be a problem. Just avoid abrasives and harsh cleaners.
Thank you!
Oh! I forgot to ask you about Bon-ami. It’s one of my favorite go to products for many things. It makes things shine, like tiles and sink surfaces. It boasts that it “hasn’t scratched yet,” but would you still consider that an abrasive?
the Bon Ami website lists the following as main ingredients: feldspar, limestone, water, baking soda, citric acid, corn alcohol, epsom salts, essential oils, and xanthan gum. So the shine is coming from the essential oil. The limestone is a concern for me. Unless you’re trying to remove a stain, I would stick with Dawn dish soap or equivalent.
Thank you so much!!! I love your scientific approach. That explains where the shine comes from. I read that essential lemon oil could be used for a shine but wonder if oil on the surface would facilitate scum buildup?
I read also that it is O.K. to use equal amounts of ammonia and baking soda with warm water as a cleaner. Do you approve of that?
Much appreciation,
Smilia
I have not tried that as a cleaner, so I would hesitate to recommend. As for bringing up the shine on a coated surface, I would rely on my experience as a car painter back in the ’80s. Any scratches or blemish would be removed with fine wet sandpaper. Start with 600 grit then expanding on the area 1000 grit then 1500 grit, then polish with a compound like Sonax Cutmax rubbing compound, using a buffer or for a homeowner use a terry cloth and rub fast and hard when done correctly will bring it back to brand new. If sanding is needed be aware of “cutting through” the coating by over sanding.
Can I use Mr. Clean eraser on the refurbished tub?
Magic Erasers only need water to effectively clean most stains—no chemicals or soaps necessary. On the outside, they look, act and feel like most other sponges, but that’s where the similarities end.
Melamine foam is a porous material, which acts something like very fine sandpaper to gently remove stains. Though it feels soft on the outside, each eraser is actually uniquely abrasive and uses small air pockets in the material to lift stains when damp.
So I would say NO as a fine sandpaper it would leave a dull spot. For tough stains I would use a fine auto rubbing compound for stains that can’t be removed with cleaners.
Thanks for sharing such an amazing article. This is very helpful for my profession because I’m a professional plumber and efficient in doing bathtub refinishing and these tips really help(ed) me a lot in doing these things (can use KW) better.
Can I use a clear plastic polish such as Sumner 212 Plastic Cleaner and Polish to provide a clear protective coating on my resurfaced bathroom sink and tub? The directions say to apply a coating, wipe off, and then buff to a polish. People use it on things like all old worn plastic car headlights and they think it works great.
Should be fine to use. Another good product is McGiures aluminum polish sold at auto stores, amazing results in cleaning and polishing.
I have a refinished fiberglass shower, and I don’t know how it was refinished. I was told to use Scrubbing Bubbles, but that is not getting rid of the streaking and yellow stains that I now have. Do you know if Original Gel Gloss Kitchen and Bath Polish is safe to use on this type of surface? If not, what do you recommend? Thank you for your help!
Hi, Wendy rubbing compound should do the trick for you. Here is a link on Amazon that should work well for you.
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G18016-Clear-Rubbing-Compound/dp/B006FUT13G/ref=sr_1_5?gclid=Cj0KCQiAubmPBhCyARIsAJWNpiP7SfeqBHAhhEjbR_uWSzVzex4GbBjd1lwBvLIP_MDDhlGGaHM1MH4aAsJ3EALw_wcB&hvadid=323362304132&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9007720&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=6614755720811548221&hvtargid=kwd-545469839659&hydadcr=1643_9901531&keywords=fine+grit+rubbing+compound&qid=1643031413&sr=8-5
I just had my tub and shower refinished and it looks amazing; it they said not to use suction cups; so I panicked because all shower caddies have suction cups including the one you recommended. Can I use suction cups on my shower caddy? Thank you!
Where it matters most is the area of the tub, or shower that’s wet. Having moisture trapped under the suction cup can create problems. If it’s dry shouldn’t have a problem.
Is the cleaner known as CLR safe for use on a reglazed/refinished tub? The recommendation is to avoid using “harsh” cleaners, but I’m not sure if CLR falls into the “harsh” category.
Thanks.
CLR is used to dissolve and removes tough calcium and lime deposits. Can be used on surface rust stains from bathtubs, toilet bowls, sinks, glass, chrome, fiberglass, stainless steel, humidifiers, dishwashers, washing machines and showerheads. I wouldn’t allow it to remain on a refinished surface for longer than a minute before flushing with water. As well I wouldn’t use it for regular cleaning.
I live in a rental and didn’t know the tub was refinished. I used bleach and it caused yellowish stains. What would be the best way to get it white again? Would hydrogen peroxide or baking soda damage a refinished tub? Thanks!!
I don’t see those products causing harm, but I would use a polishing compound and an old tee shirt to see if you can buff out the stain. Such as https://www.amazon.com/Sonax-02251410-Cut-Finish-8-45/dp/B0052T5ZAO/ref=sr_1_9?crid=2C55ZIBT8L923&keywords=Sonax%2BCutmax&qid=1656074719&s=automotive&sprefix=sonax%2Bcutmax%2Cautomotive%2C45&sr=1-9&th=1
Thank you for providing such an informative website. How can one get in touch with you to for a consultation?
Sure, contact me by my email, I don’t want to post my number here. pburns@bathrenovationhq.com
I am considering applying a tub splash guard to keep water in & shower curtain clips to keep my curtain in place to my reglazed shower. But, also concerned how the adhesive will affect the finish if I ever need to remove them. Maybe you have a better solution.
Thanks for you help.
I don’t have a better solution. The old caulk can be carefully removed down the road.