Q: My tub looks perfect but has a chemical smell after 3 days. Is this normal?

A: A mild odor is normal and should dissipate within 3-5 days with good ventilation. A strong, persistent smell after 5 days may indicate improper curing or ventilation issues during application. Contact your contractor.

Q: I see a tiny bubble. Should I be concerned?

A: Isolated tiny bubbles (smaller than a pinhead) are sometimes unavoidable. If the bubble is larger, growing, or if there are multiple bubbles, this is a defect. Document and report it.

Q: Can I use bath products like oils or bath bombs?

A: Avoid bath oils and strongly colored bath products for the first 30 days. After that, they should be fine, but rinse thoroughly after use. Oils can sometimes stain lighter coatings if left to sit.

Q: The finish is good but the technician scratched my tile. What do I do?

A: Any damage to surrounding surfaces during the refinishing process is the contractor's responsibility. Document with photos and contact them immediately. This should be repaired at their expense.

Q: It has been 3 weeks and a small area is starting to peel. Is this too late for warranty?

A: No. Peeling that appears within the first few months is almost always a workmanship issue covered by warranty. Contact your contractor immediately with photos.

Q: My tub looks perfect but has a chemical smell after 3 days. Is this normal?

A: A mild odor is normal and should dissipate within 3-5 days with good ventilation. A strong, persistent smell after 5 days may indicate improper curing or ventilation issues during application. Contact your contractor.

Q: I see a tiny bubble. Should I be concerned?

A: Isolated tiny bubbles (smaller than a pinhead) are sometimes unavoidable. If the bubble is larger, growing, or if there are multiple bubbles, this is a defect. Document and report it.

Q: Can I use bath products like oils or bath bombs?

A: Avoid bath oils and strongly colored bath products for the first 30 days. After that, they should be fine, but rinse thoroughly after use. Oils can sometimes stain lighter coatings if left to sit.

Q: The finish is good but the technician scratched my tile. What do I do?

A: Any damage to surrounding surfaces during the refinishing process is the contractor's responsibility. Document with photos and contact them immediately. This should be repaired at their expense.

Q: It has been 3 weeks and a small area is starting to peel. Is this too late for warranty?

A: No. Peeling that appears within the first few months is almost always a workmanship issue covered by warranty. Contact your contractor immediately with photos.

The 2-Week Tub Test: How to Check Your Refinishing Quality

You just had your bathtub professionally refinished. The technician has left, the bathroom smells faintly of chemicals, and you are staring at a gleaming white tub that looks brand new. But how do you know if the job was actually done correctly? The answer does not reveal itself immediately. The true quality of a refinishing job becomes apparent over the first two weeks of cure time and normal use.

This guide introduces the 2-Week Tub Test—a systematic inspection process that every Bay Area homeowner should follow after bathtub reglazing to ensure they received quality work. Catching problems early protects your warranty and ensures any issues are resolved while the contractor is still engaged.

Why Two Weeks?

The two-week period is not arbitrary. It corresponds to important stages in the curing and stress-testing of your new finish.

The Chemistry of Curing

Modern bathtub refinishing uses acrylic urethane or aliphatic polyurethane coatings. While these coatings feel dry to the touch within hours, the full chemical curing process takes longer. During the first 24-72 hours, the coating is particularly vulnerable. Over the following two weeks, the molecular structure continues to cross-link and harden.

Most manufacturers and professional refinishers recommend waiting 24-48 hours before using the tub. Some recommend avoiding standing water for 3-5 days. But the coating continues to strengthen for 7-14 days after application. By the end of two weeks, the finish has reached approximately 95% of its ultimate hardness.

Revealing Weak Points

If there are problems with adhesion, bubbling, or contamination, they typically become visible within this two-week window. Proper preparation—cleaning, sanding, acid etching—creates a strong bond between the coating and the original tub surface. Improper preparation creates weak spots that fail under the stress of thermal cycling (hot water, then cold water) and mechanical stress (standing, moving, cleaning).

Think of it like paint on a car that was not properly primed. It might look perfect in the showroom, but start peeling after a few car washes. The same principle applies to bathtub refinishing.

The Day 1-3 Inspection

Before you use the tub, conduct a visual and tactile inspection.

Visual Checklist

Stand at the doorway and look at the tub from multiple angles. The coating should have:

Uniform color: No visible light or dark patches, no areas where the underlying surface shows through.

Consistent sheen: The entire surface should have the same level of gloss. Matte patches or extra-shiny spots can indicate uneven application or contamination.

Clean lines: The masking should have created crisp boundaries where the new finish meets the tile, wall, or fixtures. Feathered or ragged edges suggest rushed work.

No drips or runs: Inspect the vertical surfaces—the apron and walls of the tub. Runs or sags indicate the coating was applied too heavily or the technician did not maintain proper technique.

Tactile Checklist

Gently run your hand over the surface. You should feel:

Smoothness: The surface should be glass-smooth with no bumps, grit, or rough patches. Any texture indicates contamination or debris in the coating.

Uniformity: The entire surface should feel the same. Areas that feel tackier or stickier than others may not have cured properly.

No dust or debris: If you feel small particles embedded in the finish, debris entered the coating during application. This is a workmanship issue.

Day 1-3 Red Flags

These issues indicate problems requiring immediate contractor contact:

Visible fish-eyes (small craters in the coating)
Peeling or lifting at edges
Strong chemical smell that does not diminish after 24 hours
Obvious color inconsistency
Coating that feels soft or sticky after 48 hours

The Day 7 Inspection

After one week of normal use, conduct a more thorough examination.

Water Behavior Test

Fill the tub with 2-3 inches of lukewarm water and let it sit for 30 minutes. Drain the tub and observe:

Drainage: Water should sheet off the surface smoothly. If water beads oddly or leaves behind residue patterns, there may be contamination in the coating.

No color change: The coating should look identical before and after water exposure. Any whitening, clouding, or color shift indicates a problem.

No softening: Press gently on the bottom of the tub with your finger immediately after draining. The surface should feel solid, not rubbery or soft.

Stress Point Inspection

Pay special attention to high-stress areas:

Around the drain: This area undergoes constant wetting and drying. Look for any lifting, bubbling, or color change around the drain flange.

The slip area: Where you stand in the tub receives mechanical stress from weight and movement. Check for any scratches, scuffs, or wear marks that should not be present after just one week.

The waterline: The area where standing water typically reaches can show problems first. Look for any discoloration or texture changes.

Caulk lines: The junction between the new finish and caulk should be clean and intact. Any separation suggests the coating may be lifting.

Day 7 Red Flags

These issues appearing at day 7 warrant a contractor call:

Bubbles or blisters anywhere on the surface
White spots or clouding, especially at the waterline
Any visible scratches that appeared during normal use (not from abusive cleaning)
Lifting or peeling at edges or around the drain
Noticeable softness in any area

The Day 14 Comprehensive Test

Two weeks after refinishing, your coating has reached near-full hardness. This is the final inspection before your window for warranty claims on obvious defects typically closes.

The Hot Water Test

Run a hot bath (as hot as you would normally use) and let it sit for 20 minutes. This stress-tests the coating's heat resistance and adhesion under realistic conditions.

After draining, immediately inspect the entire surface. There should be:

No color change
No bubbling or blistering
No softening of the surface
No new scratches or marks

The Light Test

Turn off all bathroom lights except one strong light source—a bright flashlight works well. Angle the light across the tub surface (not straight down) and look for:

Surface imperfections: This angled light reveals tiny bubbles, dust particles, or texture issues that are invisible under normal lighting.

Thin spots: Areas where the coating was applied too thinly may appear slightly translucent or show the underlying color differently.

Drips or runs: These are most visible under angled light as linear ridges or thickness variations.

The Tape Test (Optional)

For very thorough inspection, you can perform an adhesion test. Apply a piece of painter's tape (the blue 3M type works well) to the tub surface, press firmly, wait 30 seconds, and remove with a quick pull.

The tape should:

Come off cleanly with no coating attached
Leave no mark or residue on the coating

If any coating comes off with the tape, there is an adhesion failure that requires contractor attention.

Day 14 Red Flags

Any new issues appearing by day 14 should be documented and reported:

Any peeling, lifting, or delamination
Scratches appearing during normal use (not from abusive cleaning)
Changes in color, texture, or sheen
Soft spots that have not hardened
Bubbles or blisters of any size

Documenting Your Findings

Throughout the 2-week period, document everything with photos and notes.

Photo Protocol

Take photos at consistent angles and lighting:

Overall tub shot from the doorway (before and after each inspection)
Close-ups of any problem areas
Photos with angled light showing surface condition
Photos of any defects that develop

Date and time-stamp your photos. Most smartphones do this automatically. These become evidence if warranty discussions become necessary.

Written Notes

Keep a simple log:

Date of refinishing
Date of first use
Any issues observed and when
Communications with contractor

Communicating with Your Contractor

If you find issues during the 2-week test, approach the contractor professionally and clearly.

The Good Contractor Response

Quality refinishing companies expect some callbacks and handle them professionally. They should:

Respond to your call within 1-2 business days
Schedule an inspection promptly
Acknowledge legitimate issues without deflection
Offer repair or refinishing at no charge for workmanship problems

The cost of refinishing properly is significant, so reputable companies invest in preparation and materials. When issues arise, they fix them because their reputation depends on it.

The Red Flag Response

Be wary if a contractor:

Does not return calls
Blames you for problems ("you must have cleaned it wrong")
Offers only partial refunds instead of repairs
Claims the warranty does not cover obvious defects
Becomes hostile or defensive

These responses suggest a company that cuts corners on work and customer service.

Warranty Basics

Most professional refinishing comes with a 3-5 year warranty against peeling and delamination. However, warranties typically require:

Normal use and cleaning
No abrasive cleaners or tools
No modifications to the coating
Prompt reporting of issues

Read your warranty documentation carefully and follow its requirements.

Protecting Your Investment Long-Term

Once your 2-week test passes successfully, follow proper maintenance to extend your finish's lifespan.

Cleaning Do's

Use mild dish soap and soft cloths
Rinse thoroughly after cleaning
Dry the surface with a towel to prevent hard water spots
Clean weekly to prevent buildup

Cleaning Don'ts

No abrasive powders (Comet, Ajax, Bar Keeper's Friend)
No stiff brushes or scrubbing pads
No bleach or ammonia-based cleaners
No suction-cup mats (these trap moisture and cause peeling)

Annual Inspection

Even after the initial 2-week period, conduct an annual inspection looking for:

Changes in surface condition
Wear in high-use areas
Any new bubbles or lifting
Condition of caulk lines

Early detection of problems allows for touch-ups before they become major repairs.