REFINISHING TUBS, SINKS, TILE, SHOWER STALLS AND COUNTERTOPS (TS-100)

This information has been prepared for resurfacing fixtures, glazed tile, countertops and similar surfaces with the 1-Part Epoxy (TS-100) refinishing system. This system is easy to use, highly durable and economical producing a beautiful finish that really lasts. The cured epoxy finish has been proven by independent accelerated durability testing to last more than 40+ years in constant submersion service in an industrial environment which is exceptional performance. 1-Part Epoxy produces a film that remains both hard and flexible at the same time! It covers well and self levels well without leaving brush or roller marks, however, best results are typically achieved in spray applications. It may be applied to virtually any surface including Metal, Fiberglass, Wood, Vinyl, Concrete, Masonry, Tile, Porcelain, Formica, Plastic, Composites, Glass even linoleum. It has been designed to go on thin and out perform high build coatings. It is a lead free non-toxic formula. 

NOTE: Please read the following information carefully before moving forward with your project. All products must be used only at room temperatures above 60 F. Good ventilation is critical to proper drying and curing. Dry and cure times will be extended without proper ventilation! These products can be dangerous when misused. The customer or end user(s) assume full responsibility for its proper use and application, as outlined in these installation instructions. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available upon request.

What to watch out for: Incompatibly issues: Use 1-Part Epoxy only with recommended Top Secret Coatings thinners, accelerator/hardener, gloss reducer and primers. If you are painting over preexisting paint be sure it has cured before proceeding.
Watch your thickness: This product must be applied considerably thinner than typical paint. With 1-Part Epoxy the maximum wet film thickness is only 2 mils which is half the thickness of a sheet of paper! If it is applied to thick the coating may not catalyze properly which may lead to extended dry and cure time or a failed application. 1-Part Epoxy has been specifically formulated to go on thin and self level allowing it to spread further and cover better.
Runs and sags: If you get any runs or sagging, usually, it has been applied to thick.  1-Part Epoxy may be different than what you may have used previously so you may want to do a small test before committing to the entire project.
Cure times: 1-Part Epoxy is catalyzed by oxygen rather than chemically. The full cure may take longer than expected. This process should be allowed to be completed naturally or with the addition of TS-160 Accelerator/Hardener before entering full service duty or film failure may occur. If the film remains soft after 24 hours it has likely been applied too heavily. Using TS-160 A/H, increasing air movement across the curing film is the best way to speed dry and cure times.
Drying Problems: After applying the topcoat or clear coat, you notice that the painted area is soft and can be easily indented with your fingernail you probably didn't let the basecoat dry long enough before applying the next coat. Solution - Just wait and let the paint dry. Allow more time (weeks if needed) until cured. Thinning: 1-Part Epoxy has a very high solid content so in most all applications thinning will be necessary. Recommended reduction is 5-10% depending on variations in temperature, humidity, equipment, spray tip size, desired control and application requirements. Proper thinning is required to achieve a leveled finish.  Use only TS-101 Thinner. To prevent incompatibility issues and achieve the best results DO NOT substitute any other reducer or thinner.

1. Preparation: Completely remove all silicone or caulking from fixtures with a razor blade then sand off any remaining film on the fixture. Repair all damage, deep scratches, voids and cracks with a paintable repair material. All surfaces to be refinishes must be sanded with 80-100 grit sandpaper to remove paint droppings, excess caulking or other unwanted imperfections prior to application. Fiberglass fixtures must be thoroughly sanded to roughen the surface prior to applying the primer. (Exceptions are Formica countertops, cultured marble and plastics. These surfaces require a light sanding with 300-400 grit sandpaper. Rust may be removed with a wire brush.

2. Clean: Recommend using TS-695 Etching Cleaner. Metal parts including the drains on bathtubs should be covered with masking tape prior to applying Etching Cleaner. Recommend wearing safety goggles, latex gloves and a solvent rated dust mask or respirator. Avoid splashing etching solution on bare skin. Apply Etching Cleaner 100% strength with a paint brush. Do not allow solution to run onto unmasked surfaces as it will deglaze them. Work etching solution into the surface with a scrub brush or pad for 10 minutes. It is acceptable work in sections. Rinse surface thoroughly after 10 minutes with clean water. An old towel or paper towels may be used to remove moisture from the fixture. WARNING: Even the smallest amount of moisture may ruin your job. All surfaces must be allowed to dry thoroughly and completely before proceeding with your project.

3. Apply Primer: Etching Primer is always required. Recommended primer is TS-664 Etching Primer. This is an excellent high-build sandable product that creates an “etching bond”. It is available in White for light colors and Red Oxide for dark colors. Stir primer thoroughly with a lifting motion to suspend heavy solids from bottom of container. For best results spray or apply Etching Primer with a soft natural bristle brush or ¼” mohair roller cover. Thin as needed with TS-101 Thinner. Avoid overlaps or heavy build up. Once the primer has been allowed to dry and cure 2+ hours it can be sanded lightly to remove imperfections in preparation for the top coat. Recommend finish sanding with 200 or higher grit sandpaper. It is OK to proceed without sanding. Maximum wet film thickness is approximately 4 mils. Etching Primer must be thoroughly dry before topcoating.

4. Mix and thin epoxy: Stir 1-Part Epoxy thoroughly with a lifting motion to suspend heavy solids and colorants from bottom of container. Thin 1-Part Epoxy as needed. Spray applications typically require 5-10% dilution, brush and roll 5-10% dilution depending weather, humidity and type of equipment. Stir in TS-101 Thinner with a lifting motion. Do not shake. For spray applications we recommend straining the paint twice and stirring one more time. NOTE: The use of TS-160 Accelerator/Hardener is recommended, however, it is optional. Accelerator/Hardener is very effective. It increases hardness, speeds the dry and cure time as well as increasing resistance to abrasions and impacts. After mixing paint and thinner, add TS-160 A/H at a rate of 3 ounces per quart of paint or 8 ounces per gallon. Mix thoroughly. Pot life with additives is approximately 1 hour.

5. Apply epoxy: Spray: Recommended tip for airless Sprayers: .015 to .021 tip. Begin by spraying one light coat and finish with a good, wet, shiny coat waiting 10-15 minutes for the coating to flash prior to applying each coat. Normally one or two coats are all that is required. Avoid runs; if you do get any runs, wipe the run off with a paper towel lightly saturated with acetone. Brush & Roll: Begin by brushing edges with a brush then roll the rest maintaining a wet edge. Avoid overlaps and heavy application. Areas with heavy build up may take longer to dry and cure. For best results apply two even coats. When Super-Fleck Chips, sparkles, flakes and other decorative elements are desired to enhance the texture or appearance they are evenly sprinkled onto the sill wet surface of the color coat in brush and roll applications. In spray applications they are sprinkled onto the still wet surface of the second color coat creating the desired appearance.  

6. Apply clear coat: A clear coat application is required on countertops to seal in Super-Fleck Chips, like decorative elements, protect the color and serve as the wear layer. Clear is not required where decorative elements are not used or on fixtures. Brush, roll or spray according to guidelines as seen in steps 4 and 5. When finished, remove masking tape and paper immediately. Allow to Dry 24 hours depending on temperature, humidity and ventilation – DO NOT USE SURFACE OR ALLOW PAINTED AREA TO GET WET FOR 36-48 HOURS. Color, low temperature, high humidity and poor ventilation may slow drying times. CLEAN UP: Use TS-101 Thinner or Acetone. CARE & CLEANING: Do not use abrasive cleanser, scrub pads or bleach which will damage the finish.

Warranties: Top Secret Coatings warrants satisfactory results when product is properly applied and used according to label directions, installation instructions and other literature. The statements made on any of our literature, website or by any of our agents concerning our products, their potential applications or installation instructions are given for information purposes only. They are believed to be true and accurate and intended to provide a guide to approved construction practices and materials. As workmanship, product compatibility, weather conditions, application equipment, quality of other materials and other variables affecting results are beyond our control. Top Secret Coatings Inc. does not make nor does it authorize any agent or representative to make any warranty of MERCHANTABILITY OR fitness for any purpose or any other warranty, guaranty or representation, expressed or implied. Top Secret Coatings warrants that its goods, as described on the face hereof, are free from any defects in material or workmanship. Seller makes no other warrantee, express or implied, and all implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are hereby disclaimed. Seller shall not be liable for prospective profits or special indirect or consequential damages. Seller’s sole liability and buyer’s exclusive remedy for breach of any warranty as expressly limited, at seller’s option, to replacement at the original F.O.B. point or refund of purchase price.  Seller shall not be responsible for any claim resulting from failure to utilize product in the manner in which it was intended and in accordance with instruction provided for use of product. Any claim for breach of warranty shall be deemed waived unless buyer shall give seller written notice of such claim within thirty (30) days after delivery and shall allow seller reasonable opportunity to investigate claim and inspect product.