Our Bathtub, Tile & Shower Refinishing Process
Professional Surface Preparation, Repair & Refinishing Without Major Demolition
A quality refinishing job starts long before the final coating is applied.
NU-COAT follows a careful, multi-step process designed to clean, prepare, repair, and refinish existing bathroom surfaces so homeowners can update tubs, tile, and fiberglass without unnecessary replacement.
- Professional Surface Preparation
- Repairs Completed Before Refinishing When Appropriate
- Most Projects Completed in One Day
- 3-Year Workmanship Warranty
- Serving Connecticut Since 1997
Refinishing Is More Than Applying a New Coating
Professional refinishing depends on three things:
- 01Proper evaluation
- 02Thorough preparation
- 03Correct application
If a surface is dirty, damaged, unstable, or covered by a failing previous coating, simply spraying over it is not enough.
NU-COAT evaluates the condition first and prepares the existing surface before the new finish is applied.
That process may include:
- Cleaning
- Surface preparation
- Chip or crack repair
- Rust treatment
- Previous coating preparation
- Fiberglass repair
- Structural reinforcement where appropriate
- Professional coating application
- Final curing instructions
- Step1
Step 1: Prepare the Work Area
We set up ventilation and exhaust equipment, remove old caulk, and remove fixtures such as the overflow cover as needed.
- Step2
Step 2: Deep Clean the Surface
We thoroughly clean and prepare the surface to remove soap scum, body oils, and mineral buildup that can interfere with adhesion.
- Step3
Step 3: Repair Surface Damage
We fill chips, cracks, and other repairable imperfections, then sand the repairs smooth to create an even foundation.
- Step4
Step 4: Protect Your Bathroom
We mask surrounding walls, floors, faucets, and fixtures, then complete a final surface wipe before applying the coating.
- Step5
Step 5: Apply the Bonding Agent
We apply TopKote Crosslink III to help the new finish bond securely to the prepared surface without harsh acid etching.
- Step6
Step 6: Spray the New Finish
Using professional spray equipment, we apply three even coats of refinishing material for a smooth, consistent finish.
- Step7
Step 7: Finish and Allow to Cure
We remove the masking materials, re-caulk where needed, and provide care instructions. The surface is typically ready for use after 24 hours. We’ll confirm the required curing time for your project.
Make your tub, tile, or fiberglass shower look like new in a day!
How the Process Differs by Surface
The core principles are similar, but the exact refinishing process depends on what we are restoring.
Bathtub Refinishing
Bathtub projects may include:
- Surface evaluation
- Deep cleaning
- Chip repair
- Crack repair
- Rust treatment
- Preparation of previous coatings
- Professional refinishing
- Curing instructions
Tile Refinishing
Tile refinishing may include:
- Cleaning soap and mineral residue
- Preparing tile and grout lines
- Repairing appropriate chips
- Masking surrounding areas
- Applying the refinishing system
- Final curing
Fiberglass Shower Refinishing
Fiberglass projects may require:
- Crack evaluation
- Chip repair
- Surface preparation
- Reinforcement of weak areas
- Refinishing of the enclosure
- Curing and maintenance instructions
Shower Pan Repair
A damaged shower floor may require additional steps before refinishing, including:
- Evaluating floor movement
- Reinforcing weak areas
- Repairing damaged fiberglass
- Preparing the restored surface
- Refinishing the shower floor
Why Professional Preparation Matters
Many coating failures begin with poor preparation.
NU-COAT focuses heavily on surface preparation because the final finish is only as good as the surface underneath it.
Applying a new finish over:
- Soap residue
- Oils
- Loose coating
- Poorly repaired cracks
- Unstable fiberglass
- Surface contamination
can compromise the result.
Professional Refinishing vs. DIY Kits
DIY kits can make refinishing look simple.
In reality, achieving a smooth and durable result requires more than applying paint.
Professional refinishing includes careful attention to:
NU-COAT- Cleaning
- Surface condition
- Repairs
- Adhesion
- Application technique
- Curing
DIY problems can include:
- Peeling
- Bubbling
- Brush or roller marks
- Uneven coverage
- Poor adhesion
- Premature failure
Professional refinishing is designed to provide a more consistent result.
How Long Does the Refinishing Process Take?
Many NU-COAT projects can be completed in a single day.
The work may be completed in one day, but the new finish still requires proper curing before regular use.
We provide specific timing instructions after the project is completed.
The exact project time depends on:
- Surface condition
- Type of fixture
- Repairs required
- Previous coatings
- Project size
Why Choose NU-COAT?
Serving Connecticut Since 1997
NU-COAT has more than 25 years of bathroom refinishing experience.
More Than 5,000 Customers Served
We have completed thousands of surface restoration projects.
Specialized Refinishing Experience
Our focus is restoring bathtubs, tile, fiberglass showers, and related bathroom surfaces.
Repair Before Refinishing
Appropriate damage is addressed before the new finish is applied.
3-Year Workmanship Warranty
Our refinishing work is backed by a three-year workmanship warranty.
Licensed & Insured in Connecticut
CT HIC #0557873Frequently Asked Questions About Our Refinishing Process
How long does bathtub refinishing take?
Many bathtub refinishing projects can be completed in one day.
Additional repairs or preparation may affect the timeline.
Do you repair damage before refinishing?
Yes, where appropriate.
Many chips, scratches, cracks, rust spots, and surface imperfections can be repaired before the new finish is applied.
Do you prepare the existing surface first?
Yes.
Cleaning and surface preparation are essential parts of the refinishing process.
Can you refinish over an old coating?
In many cases, yes, but a failing previous coating may require additional preparation or removal first.
Can you refinish a flexible fiberglass shower floor?
The floor must first be evaluated.
If movement is caused by insufficient support, reinforcement may be needed before the surface is repaired and refinished.
When can I use the bathtub or shower again?
The exact curing time depends on the project.
NU-COAT provides specific instructions after the refinishing work is completed.
How should I clean the new finish?
Use mild, non-abrasive cleaning products with a soft cloth or sponge.
Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning tools.
Ready to See If Your Bathroom Can Be Refinished?
The first step is simple.
Send NU-COAT photos of your bathtub, tile, fiberglass shower, or damaged surface and let us review the project.
- Professional Surface Preparation
- Repairs Before Refinishing When Appropriate
- Most Projects Completed in One Day
- 3-Year Workmanship Warranty
- Serving Connecticut Since 1997
Request Your Free Refinishing Estimate
Call 860-394-6823 Call 860-394-6823Or text us photos of your project for a quick review.
Text Us Photos