Want to spend less time and money on refinishing your old, yellow bathtub? Instead of calling the expensive experts, how about doing this yourself with an instant refurbishing kit?
If you are interested, Ekoepl 2K is just the right tool for you!
I am here with another Ekopel 2K bathtub refinishing kit reviews to take a look at its beneficial features and the not-so beneficial issues.
Overview of the Ekopel 2K Bathtub Refinishing Kit
The Ekopel 2K kit is a complete epoxy-based coating system designed to renew worn-out bathtubs and showers. The 2-component formula provides a durable and scratch-resistant finish that can revitalize old tubs in just a weekend.
The kit contains everything you need for the refinishing process:
- Part A: Epoxy Resin
- Part B: Epoxy Hardener
- Part C: Colored Pigment (8 color options)
- Mixing supplies and tools
- 80-grit and 220-grit sandpaper
- Scoop and spreader for application
- Nitrile gloves and safety glasses
- Surface cleaner and prep solutions
- Anti-slip additive
The high-grade epoxy formula provides excellent adhesion and cures to an ultra-hard finish. Ekopel states that their coating will not chip, peel or yellow over time. It’s also resistant to mold, mildew and household stains. The glossy surface makes cleaning and maintenance easy.
Features of Ekopel 2K Bathtub Refinishing Kit
All good brands come with attractive features that entice people. So does Ekopel 2K bathtub refinishing kit.
- Completely Odorless
Compared to other spray enamels and rollers in the market, Ekopel 2K is odorless.
This feature is desirable for some people who can not stand the smell of strong cleaning chemicals.
Additionally, the fact that it has no smell, your pet will thank you for it!
On the list of people who prefer their bathrooms to contain no strong smell are the elderly, people with diseases, and young children.
- Thicker Than Other Refinishing Kits
Since this refinishing kit has a very thick layer, just one application will do to clean your bathtub. Other cleaning agents may need several layers to get the job done.
You just need 3 or 4 kilograms for one bathtub, whereas other spray coatings and rollers may take more.
- Saves You Tons of Money
Are you tired of redoing your old, yellow tub every year or so? It is natural for you not to want to spend heaps of money on a professional service that may bankrupt you eventually!
On top of that, those people will take over 5 hours to overflow the tub with toxic chemicals that may pose a serious threat to your health. Finally, you still have to pay them a hundred dollars after bearing all these!
The good news is that those days are over now. You can refinish your tub by yourself with Ekopel 2K, and the result will last for about 20 years!
However, avoid using bleach and abrasive cleaners on your tub to maintain a lasting look. All you need to do is clean it with tiles or scrub bubbles to keep the white surface beaming!
- Do It Yourself
The refinishing kit is environment-friendly and non-toxic, so you can get your own hands down and dirty with it without worrying about chemical poisoning.
Ekopel 2K is suitable for renters, residential, and apartment dwellers. You can even use this kit on showers and sinks, not just your tub.
The instructions that come with the product are self-explanatory. Just stick to the rules laid out over there, and you will be fine.
The enamel works on fiberglass, cast iron, ceramic, and steel, so make the most of it!
Since the kit includes all the necessary supplies for you to remodel your tub yourself, you do not need to search and buy any additional tools. The kit consists of scooper boxes, foam roller with covers, and enamel.
Ekopel 2K Problems: What Could Have Been Better?
Despite how cool the product may appear, it is not free of flaws. Let us look at all the areas where it needs improvement.
- Ekopel 2K Can Destroy Your Drain Pipes
You have to be very careful when you are using Ekopel 2K. The tub drain has to be prepared first. Otherwise, the enamel can harden inside the drain if it gets through. It can block your drain entirely afterward.
For this reason, some level of competency is required to use a sophisticated bathtub refinishing kit like the Ekopel 2K. Use a tape dam to cover the drain tightly before applying the bathtub enamel.
However, the tape has to be removed after 5 hours. If you delay for another 24 hours, the tape will harden and stick to the finished enamel.
- Prepping and Taping the Bathtub Takes Hours
If you thought that applying Ekopel 2K was tough and intricate, you have not gone through the prep work involved at the beginning yet.
The tub and the surrounding walls must be wiped dry. If there are any repairs needed, do so before the enamel application.
You can’t forget to tape the drain, faucets, and the edges of the tub against the bathroom wall.
Forgetting to tape and cover the drain will cost a lot of time trying to clean the drain and even cost money to hire a professional for collateral damage.
Then, you must pour the enamel all over the tub very carefully. It is not as easy as it sounds because your tub is quite large, and you must make sure the liquid is sitting in every area consistently.
It is quite common to have thick layers in some areas and thin layers in others.
There is a drying period after the application. Drain tape must be taken off after 5 or 6 hours. You can’t use the tub until a day has passed. Some chemicals are prohibited from being used on the tub for cleanings, such as bleach and other heavy toxic chemicals.
All the while, you have to lean, do all the work, and strain your back for hours. Undoubtedly, cleaning up the mess, later on, is on the list of strenuous tasks.
- Bubbles and Peels are Possible after a While
Despite the strong promise of the manufacturers that Ekopel 2K would not form bubbles and peels for the next 20 years, some people have experienced it.
How you apply the enamel, preparation, and drying time- all come to play to prevent bubbles and peels.
But not everyone is blessed with DIY skills. Hence, it may be difficult for some people to go through the entire tub refinishing process. Mistakes are bound to happen as well.
So, do not be surprised if bubbles, cracks, and peels appear on the surface of your bathtub after a year or so.
The Pros and Cons of Ekopel 2K
Pros
- Extremely durable epoxy finish built to last for years
- Excellent adhesion to tub surfaces with proper prep
- Highly resistant to scratches, chips and household chemicals
- Easy DIY application with simple tools
- Available in 8 designer colors to match any decor
- Textured non-slip finish for safety
- Low odor formula and VOC emissions
- Cost-effective compared to tub replacement
Cons
- Not as glossy as some automotive epoxy finishes
- Surface has a slightly soft feel, not completely glass-smooth
- Needs full day or more to complete the process
- Not designed for use on floors or wet areas besides tubs/showers
- Tile walls and surrounds still look worn compared to glossy tub
- 5-year warranty is less than other brands
- Can still stain if care products are not promptly removed
While not perfect, the Ekopel 2K bathtub refinishing kit provides excellent value for the performance. The minor drawbacks are reasonable given the extremely durable finish and protective abilities of the epoxy coating. For a few hundred dollars, you can make a dingy old tub look fresh and new again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Ekopel 2K last?
Ekopel 2K can last 5-10 years or more with proper care. The durable epoxy finish is built to withstand decades of use without losing its shine. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can dull the glossy surface. Promptly clean away bath products to prevent staining.
Are bathtub refinishing kits worth it?
In most cases, yes – refinishing kits provide extreme value compared to replacement. At around $200-$500, you can renew a worn tub instead of spending thousands on a new tub. The process is also much easier than ripping out and replacing a tub.
What do professionals use to refinish bathtubs?
Many pros use a 2-part epoxy system much like the Ekopel kit. Some use automotive grade polyurethane or gel coat finishes. Hiring a pro costs $500-$1500 but may provide a smoother, glassier finish than DIY kits.
Can you roll on Ekopel 2K?
Yes, Ekopel 2K can be applied with both a brush and high-quality roller cover with 1/4″ or 3/8″ nap. This helps achieve a smooth, consistent coat. Pour epoxy into roller tray and evenly roll onto surface in 2×2 ft sections, maintaining a wet edge.
Final Thoughts
Based on my Ekopel 2K bathtub refinishing kit reviews, what is your opinion of it now? Do you think it is worth the hype or just an overrated refurbishing product?
It may not be an easy DIY project to take on, but if you are serious about this, I say go for it!
When you weigh the pros and cons of buying another tub, installing it, or hiring a professional to refinish it, Ekopel 2K sure looks better than all the other options.
Thanks for the realistic expectations and things to avoid. I also learnt that you have to mix the Ekopel 2k by hand, not a powered mixer, which will lead to creating bubbles. And some cleaners will interfere with the adhesion process.
Loved the finih but I notice it now has some slightly brown streaks, have I done something wrong and can anyone tell me how I can remove the brown streaks?