Troubleshooting
Problem: Brush Marks / Rough Surface
If coarse, short-bristled, or dirty brushes are used when applying Tough as Tile, they can leave brush marks or create a rough surface. Brush marks will be visible if Tough as Tile is applied too heavily or brushed on in different directions. If the surface to be finished is too cold, brush marks will remain.
Solution: Tough as Tile coating may need to be removed and recoated if brush marks are severe, otherwise a secondary coat should hide the initial imperfections. When recoating, use a soft, natural, long-bristled brush of split bristles, ideally camel or badger hair. Brush consistently in a single direction with a light amount of paint. Maintain correct temperature of Tough as Tile and surface (at least 72 degrees F).
Problem: 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.
Problem: Cratering / Fisheyes
If the surface to be coated isn’t properly cleaned before applying Tough as Tile, craters or fisheyes are created. Residues of oil, grease, silicone from soap, body oils, suntan lotions, perfumes, and silicone caulk are typical offenders.
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.
Problem: Bubbling
The number one cause of problems with Tough as Tile is when the surface hasn’t been cleaned thoroughly enough, prior to applying Tough as Tile. Use of sandpaper can also lead to this as remaining grit becomes 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.
Problem: 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 2-4 hours. 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.
Problem: Popping / Pin-holing
This is the formation of numerous tiny holes or indentations in the surface, usually due to the inappropriate 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.
Problem: Grey Color
Some iron may remain when using steel wool between coats, causing a grey color to appear on the surface.
Solution: TSP will usually remove the grey color but if any remains, the next coat of Tough as Tile should cover it.
Problem: 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 so warm air can enter, closing drafty windows, placing a space heater in the room, or using a dehumidifier. A blow/hair dryer should never be used to speed the drying and curing process.
Problem: 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 the material is exposed to it 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.
Problem: 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.
Problem: How To Remove Tough As Tile:
The epoxy resin is designed to be tough and to adhere strongly to surfaces and resist removal, so the removal of Tough as Tile is not easy.
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 Tough as Tile.
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.