Troubleshooting
Blobs and Drips from Nozzle
The spray may come from the nozzle in blobs or drips from the nozzle if the nozzle is not clean and functioning correctly.
Solution: The nozzle should be wiped regularly with a clean dry cloth to avoid dripping. Wet drips can be smoothed with the small paint brush. Dried drips need to dry 5 days and can then be sanded smoothed with 220 grit sandpaper as part of the preparation for the next coat. It may be possible to wipe wet blobs from the surface. For dried blobs see how to remove below. Low temperature can result in poor pressure. Placing the can in warm water for a few minutes may help.
Orange Peel (Very Fine Bumps)
If the product is applied from too far away the spray will form an orange peel texture on the surface.
Solution: The product should be applied 8-10” from the surface. You can smooth with 220 grit sandpaper as part of preparation for the next coat.
Cracking
This can happen if Tough as Tile is applied too thick or under cold conditions. This also occurs when the coating has been stressed beyond its limits by dropping something heavy, other stresses or applied to too flexible a surface, as Tough As Tile is not a flexible finish.
Solution: Smooth crack with steel wool and apply a new coat, preparing area according to complete directions.
Cratering / Fisheyes
This happens where the surface is oily, greasy, or has silicone applied. Soap, body oils, suntan lotions, perfumes, and silicone caulk are among the materials that can cause this problem. Tough as Tile draws away from the affected area exposing the surface underneath and leading to a cratered appearance.
Solution: The affected area of Tough as Tile will need to be removed, thoroughly cleaned so as to remove the contaminant, and reapplied. A special cleaner may be needed, such as a silicone stripper, a degreasing solvent, or an alkaline cleaner.
Bubbling
This occurs when the surface hasn’t been cleaned thoroughly enough. This is the number one cause of problems. Use of sandpaper can also lead to this due to the grit left embedded in the surface.
Solution: The affected area of Tough as Tile will need to be removed, thoroughly cleaned so as to remove the contaminant, and reapplied.
Sagging Wrinkles
Tiny sagging wrinkles may occur if Tough as Tile is applied too thickly or second coat is applied before first coat has dried.
Solution: If small wrinkles are present, they can be smoothed out with 3/0 steel wool. This should be done after first coating has been allowed to dry for 15-30 minutes. Remember that if you wait more than 90 minutes, it has cured too much and you need to wait 72 hours before applying the next coat. Large Wrinkles need to dry 72 hours and can then be sanded smoothed with 220 grit sandpaper as part of the preparation for the next coat.
Peeling
This is usually due to surface contaminants and may occur some time after application.
Solution: The affected area of Tough as Tile will need to be removed, thoroughly cleaned so as to remove the contaminant, and reapplied.
Popping / Pin-holing
This is the formation of numerous tiny holes or indentations in the surface, usually due to use of a hairdryer or similar hot air blower to speed the drying process.
Solution: The affected area of Tough as Tile will need to be removed, thoroughly cleaned so as to remove the contaminant, and reapplied.
Grey Color
Steel wooling between coats may cause a grey color to appear on the surface, which is some of the iron from the steel wool remaining. TSP will usually remove this, however some may remain. This is generally not a problem, and the next coat should cover it.
Drying takes too long
Cold temperatures (especially application to cold surfaces such as cast-iron tubs, walls that face onto the outside of a house, etc.), high humidity/rainy weather, and overly-heavy application can extend drying times. Customers should wait an additional 2 days for a total of 5 days drying period before becoming concerned.
Solution: Drying can be assisted by opening the door to the room, closing windows, placing a space heater in the room, or using a dehumidifier. Customers should not use a blow/hair dryer to speed the drying and curing process.
Staining
The finish can leech the color tint from a shower curtain that has been replaced before the finish has fully cured.
Some materials, such as homemade colored soaps, hair dye, coffee, spaghetti sauce, and bath bombs, have been known to stain Tough as Tile, especially if exposed for an hour or more. Hard water, especially well water, will cause Tough as Tile to become grey or discolored if exposed over a length of time.
Solution: The affected area of Tough as Tile will need to be removed, thoroughly cleaned so as to remove the contaminant, and reapplied. A “poultice paste”, a special cleaner available from tile and stone specialty stores, may draw the color out.
Yellowing / Chalky Breakdown
Tough as tile is not UV resistant. It is not intended for outdoor applications. Direct sunlight will yellow and break down Tough as tile over time. Yellow spots are caused by the use of mildew cleaner before applying Tough as Tile as it reacts to bleach-based cleaners.
Solution: The affected area of Tough as Tile may need to be removed, thoroughly cleaned so as to remove the contaminant, and reapplied. A “poultice paste”, a special cleaner available from tile and stone specialty stores, may draw the yellowing out.
Overspray
If areas aren’t masked and protected then overspray of the product is possible.
Solution: see how to remove below
How to remove Tough as Tile:The removal of Tough as Tile is not easy. The epoxy resin is designed to be tough and to adhere strongly to surfaces and resist removal.
Lacquer Thinner: May need to be left on the surface for several hours. Use saturated paper towels to keep solvent on vertical surfaces and stop it from evaporating. Use a plastic putty knife to scrape off coating. Repeated application will be necessary.
Acetone: Acetone can be used however it is extremely flammable, volatile and hard to keep on the surface long enough to have any effect. Follow manufacturers’ instructions for use of acetone.
White Vinegar: It may be possible to use vinegar to remove Tough as Tile if it has not had a chance to fully cure yet. Use warm, white, distilled vinegar.
Sandpaper: Do not use sandpaper over a 220 grit to remove Tough as Tile, as it can leave behind grit contaminants, and groove the surface leading to a rough appearance after Tough as Tile is reapplied.
Paint Thinner: Do not use paint thinner or any other oil based product to remove TAT.
Recommended Solvent for Removing complete Tough as Tile surface:
Jasco Premium Paint Stripper. Follow all paint stripper instructions carefully as Jasco Premium Paint Stripper and many other stripping products are not recommended for some surfaces such as fiberglass.
Claims:
As always, Homax stands by its products and we will always replace our product or refund purchase price to customers if they are unhappy.