Summer brings its own set of challenges for bathtub refinishers. While warm weather is perfect for barbecues and beach trips, it can make refinishing feel like wrestling a wet pig. The main culprits? Lack of airflow and high humidity. These factors can affect the quality of your work, making an already demanding job even tougher. But fear not! With some savvy tips and a bit of planning, you can master the art of summer refinishing.

Understanding the Enemy: Humidity

Humidity is the silent saboteur of refinishing work. High moisture levels in the air can wreak havoc on your coatings, causing them to cure slowly, blush, and even peel. Imagine spending hours meticulously applying a beautiful new finish, only to have it compromised by the muggy air. It’s frustrating, but not unbeatable.

Tip #1: Control the Environment

Use air conditioning if possible. A dehumidifier  can significantly lower humidity levels, making your workspace more conducive to refinishing and ensuring optimal conditions for applying your coatings. Position it strategically close to the area where you’ll be working the most.

Tip #2: Ensure Proper Ventilation

Good airflow is essential for ensuring your coatings dry correctly and evenly. In the summer, achieving this can be tricky. Open windows and doors to create a cross breeze. If that’s not an option, use fans to keep the air circulating. Placing a fan near the door can help draw in cooler air, while another fan in the window can push out the warm, humid air.

Tip #3: Pay Attention to Surface Preparation

Thoroughly clean and dry the surface before applying any coatings. Any residual moisture can interfere with adhesion and curing, so it's essential to ensure the surface is completely dry.

Tip #4: Use the Right Reducer

Reducers  are categorized based on temperature ranges: fast reducer (55-65ºF), medium reducer (65-75ºF), and slow reducer (75ºF and up). During the summer months, use a medium or slow reducer to allow your coating to stay wetter longer, reducing problems such as solvent pops and dieback.

Remember

Refinishing bathtubs in the summer presents a unique set of challenges, but with the right strategies such as controlling humidity and airflow and using the right reducer, you can ensure your refinishing projects are successful. Happy refinishing!

For more articles like this visit our Blog. If you want to join other like-minded professional refinishers to discuss process, visit the Facebook group RCN – Resurfacing Contractors Network.

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