Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is this Project?
It is no more difficult to apply than other paints however surface preparation is critical to a successful finish. Be sure to read all directions through carefully.
Will my tub really look like it has a porcelain finish?
Yes, when properly applied Tough as Tile self-levels to a beautiful high-gloss finish that has the appearance of real porcelain. Generally it will be difficult to know that a refinished tub or sink is not original porcelain.
How durable is Tough as Tile?
Tough as Tile is a tough epoxy finish and stands up well to normal use. Due to our lack of control over application and use of the product we cannot provide firm guarantees, but it has been known to hold its color and gloss for as much as five years under normal usage and cleaning conditions.
What’s the difference between the aerosol and brush-on version?
Both products use a similar epoxy formula and are equally effective. The brush-on formula is the only version that can be tinted to a custom color and is preferred for users that are sensitive to aerosol delivery systems. The aerosol formula applies like a spray paint and is easier to control and achieve an even, uniform coating when applying. Aerosol application is also a bit faster to apply and there are no brushes to clean.
Why should I use Homax Tough as Tile as opposed to another brand?
Homax has been making Tough as Tile finishes for many years and has innovated many new technologies to provide you with the best finish possible.
How long will it take?
This is a weekend project. Preparation and application can be accomplished in a 3-4 hour consecutive time period but drying time takes an additional 3 days or more.
How much does it cover?
Each 16oz can covers 22-23sq/ft. at a 2 mil thickness (recommended finished thickness). One can finishes the average sized sink and 2 cans the average sized bath tub. Each aerosol kit contains 2 cans of product.
When will it be dry enough to use?
3 days minimum of cure time is suggested before exposure to water, however if temperatures are not ideal, curing may take up to 5 days. Curing is the chemical process of hardening and solvent evaporation. Humidity must be maintained below 80% to prevent longer cure times and possible loss of gloss on the finish.
What can I paint with Tough as Tile?
- Porcelain
- China
- Concrete/Cement
- Cultured Marble
- Formica
- Prev. Resurfaced* It is Ok to use over professional or Tough as Tile resurfaced substrates.
- Paint* Will adhere to the paint (not primer, see below). If the paint has not adhered to the surface well then TAT will peel off with the paint.
- Wood* Must be sealed first or Tough as Tile will be absorbed. Behr, Zinsser, and Kilz make suitable sealers. Not for outdoor use.
- Fiberglass* It is possible to paint fiberglass. However, if the substrate flexes a lot, the product may lose adhesion and crack off.
*With exceptions
What can’t I paint with Tough as Tile?
- Hot Appliances For example, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers. Homax, Appliance Touch Up (Item# 12101) is suitable for small repairs, but we don’t offer a product suitable for resurfacing large areas of hot appliances.
- Refrigerator Not recommend for this application. The solvents in the paint can dissolve the Styrofoam inside.
- Drywall Not even if painted or primed.
- Primer Tough as Tile will not go on smoothly over a primed surface.
- Hot Tubs Continuous exposure to high temperature will cause Tough as Tile to crack and come away. Customer should contact the manufacturer for referral to an appropriate refinishing product.
- Floors Tough as Tile is not designed for areas of heavy use such as floors.
- Plastic Not recommended.
- Stone and Marble Not recommended.
- Toilets Not recommended.
Can I tint Tough as Tile aerosol?
Tough as Tile aerosol cannot be tinted. Our Tough as Tile Brush On can be tinted, but is limited to pastel colors (for more information refer to tinting in the Tough as Tile Brush-On page).
Do I need to remove the fixtures?
It is not necessary to remove fixtures before applying. They can be taped off with painters masking tape if you don’t want to remove them.
What should I use to prepare surface for painting?
Using #000 grade steel wool for scouring is essential for removal of contaminants, and to ‘break the gloss’ which will allow the finish to adhere. Sandpaper is not an acceptable substitute, nor is a coarser grade of steel wool. Using TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) is essential to clean the surface and is especially effectively as a pre-painting cleaner and for removing soap scum and oils.
What concentration of TSP should I use?
Always follow the recommended amount listed by the manufacture. When it is un-clear we recommend using 1/2 cup per 1 gallon of warm water.
Can I use TSP Substitute?
We do not recommend using a TSP substitute, especially where there may be calcium or lime deposits on the surface.
Why do you say clean 3 times with protective gloves?
For epoxy to adhere properly, it is essential to have the surface free of any contaminates including the body oils from your hand. Repeating the cleaning process 3 times helps ensure the surface is completely clean of any possible contaminants. This is the most important step for a successful finish.
Is there any mixing?
No. Our new 1-part epoxy eliminates any mixing like the 2-part epoxies.
Is Tough as Tile flammable?
Yes. Beware of flames and spark sources during application, such as portable heaters or furnace pilot lights – the solvent in Tough as Tile is flammable! Always follow directions on the container and instruction sheet.
Is Tough as Tile volatile?
Yes. Ensure good ventilation when applying and use a NIOSH approved mask (Organic Vapor). The risk from vapor inhalation only applies during application, not once the product is dry. Pregnant women should not be exposed to Tough as Tile vapors during its application.
How warm does it need to be to apply?
Temperature must be at least 72 degrees F and less than 90 degrees F, both ambient and surface to be painted, throughout application and drying time. Ideal temperature is about 72 degrees F.
Humidity must be maintained below 80% to prevent longer cure times and possible loss of gloss on the finish. For best drying results, close windows and doors to avoid humidity.
What tips do you have for spraying the aerosol?
- Shake can for 1 minute or more.
- Spray application should be performed in smooth strokes while stopping the spray after each stroke. Don’t spray back and forth continuously as this can result in thicker applications on the side of each sweep and can cause sagging and running.
- The nozzle must be wiped regularly to avoid dripping. The nozzle should be 8-10” from the surface.
- Practice spraying on a piece of cardboard first.
How thick of a coat can I apply?
It is critical to apply in thin coats especially the first base coat. Even moderately thick coats may result in significantly longer drying time. See instructions.
How long do I have to wait between applying coats?
It is ideal to apply a second coat 15-30 minutes after the first coat but not longer than 90 minutes after the first coat. If you wait more than 90 minutes, it has cured too much and you need to wait 72 hours before applying the next coat.
Do I need to sand between coats?
Only if you need to repair a mistake, such as a drip or run, made in the previous coat.
How do I repair wrinkling, sagging and running?
If the wrinkles, sags or runs aren’t severe they can be smoothed out by scouring with 3/0 steel wool when first coat has dried. If the wrinkles are severe, the affected area of Tough as Tile may need to be removed and reapplied.
How do I remove overspray?
Remove with a solvent such Jasco’s Premium Paint Remover.
Can I use bath mats and anti-skid products?
You can apply anti-skid materials after the 5-day curing process. Removal of some of these products may remove the Tough as Tile surface due to their strong adherence. Do not use suction cup anti-slip bathmats as this may weaken and remove the surface.
Should I caulk after using Tough as Tile?
Caulking around sinks and bathtubs is recommended after applying Tough as Tile. It is also recommended to caulk the edges of the painted surfaces to prevent peeling back from the edges. Do not caulk before painting, as Tough as Tile will not adhere to any type of silicone caulk.
How should I clean my finished surfaces?
Use a non-abrasive, non-bleach/non-chlorine based cleaner, such as Simple Green or Scrubbing Bubbles. Don’t use cleaners with very strong dyes such as Kaboom, which could stain the surface. Any bleach/chlorine-based product can cause yellowing, and should not be used.
How safe is Tough as Tile?
Tough as Tile is flammable when applied and considered a VOC (Volatile organic compounds present) Read all warnings, cautions, and complete instructions before using this product.