Bath and tile refinishing projects are completed using chemicals such as bonding and stripping agents, primers, and topcoat paints. Refinishers should only use chemicals and supplies made specifically for refinishing bath, shower, and sink surfaces. These types of synthetic coatings perform the best and are safest to use when they are EPA certified and FDA approved.

EPA Certified and FDA Approved

Before hiring a bath refinishing company, the first question to ask is this: do they use EPA certified and FDA-approved materials and supplies? If so, then the company is performing along with safety guidelines since EPA-certified refinishing chemicals are rated “safe” for exposure to humans and the environment. FDA-approved products are also important since it provides an extra guarantee that the chemicals have been safety-tested.

Most if not all bath refinishing professionals will provide you with an MSDS, which details the kind of materials and substances that will be used to complete a project.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Refinishers who do not abide by safety regulations are more likely to provide an MSDS with safe materials listed; however, they may show up and use unsafe supplies such as car paint or marine paint.

Companies that advertise a “low-cost” or “discounted” refinishing service are more likely to use car paint or marine paint to resurface bathtubs. This is an unsafe practice because car paint and marine paint are not EPA and FDA approved for use within residential properties.

Polyurethane and acrylic urethane are two generic names for car and marine paint, which are both non-compliant for use in residential properties. It is illegal to use non-compliant materials for bath refinishing projects because they present higher risks of property damage and could be hazardous.