Recently I came across the product under the name “Ekopel 2k”. It is a modified 2 parts epoxy coating that with proper preparation work will never peel off of any bathtub. Ekopel adheres to any bathtub substrate, including: cast iron, steel, ceramic, fibreglass.
I think that the biggest advantage of this product is that it’s odorless, non-toxic and friendly to the environment.
Below is the instruction how to refinish your bathtub step by step taken from their instructions leaflet:
Application Instructions
GLOVES ARE RECOMMENDED
Tips:
Warm the bathroom to 75 degrees fahrenheit for a minimum of 12 hours prior to application. This can be
best accomplished by placing a portable heater inside the bathtub and leaving the bathroom door closed.
Fill large chips if necessary with a high-quality auto body filler after the tub is fully cleaned.
- Sand down smooth or use paint stripper to remove previously applied coatings.
- Remove ALL caulking or silicone from tub edges with razorblade (Wash area with alcohol.)
- Scrub and wash tub with Lysol Power Toilet Cleaner. Fully dry tub with blow dryer/ heat gun.
- Tape drain off with masking tape. For extra protection build a tape dam 2 inches from drain.
- Tape around tub walls. Tape off the floor with paper plastic. (Tape ⅛ inch onto the tub with duct
tape for best results. This will help prevent dripping onto the floor.) - Mix all Part A and Part B by hand (10 minutes wait 5 minutes mix another 2-3 minutes.)
- Bend container in half and begin pouring from the top of the tub.
- Pour whole container on inside 3 walls then scoop excess materials back into pail.
- Using foam roller push excess material from the top rail of tub using light pressure. Moving
material in pooling areas over any missed stops on walls. - Pour all scooped material onto front rail, rub roller with light pressure to push material to flow on
inside and outside tub walls. Scoop extra and re-pour if needed. - Move material up tub wall. Roll outside tub skirt and any further missed areas.
- Level out and remove excess from bottom of tub. Remove tape from walls.
- Use Heat Gun or Hair Dryer to pop micro foam bubbles. This prevents staining while it oxidises.
Then remove tape. - After 1 hour remove tape dam. Hourly scoop off / wipe excess material off drain / floor tape.
- Wait until material stops moving onto drain area, removing remaining tape (After 4-6 hours.)
- Remove wet Ekopel with alcohol or acetone if needed.
- Remove tape, wait 24-36 hours for use.
Here are some training videos how to properly use this product.
If you decide to take on that project yourself remember to stick to the recommended steps.
Good luck.
Cheers