The Bathtub Refinishing industry has been searching for UV Resurfacing Solutions for almost two years.  This has been a topic  of man heated  debates. Some negative that serve no purpose other than to demonstrate their inability to cope with new technology and to flood the internet with  their mindless scrawling  in a subversive attempt to protect their conventional outdated techniques and lagging product sales.

Others choose the moral high ground  have actually put some work into their investigations.  Without a doubt the most proactive efforts and the most pronounced break  through and successes have been put for  and accomplished by the Original Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association as evident by the facts noted in the balance of this blog. After many years of research and development with the leading UV coating developer the original  Professional Bathtub Refinishing Association America and Canada has been recognized  by many prominent uv coating and uv lighting companies in the UV refinishing industry. The PBRA  have indeed solved  the issue and found many UV Resurfacing Solutions to finally end this debate. SEE VIDEO We were surprised and honored to learn  a recent nomination on our behalf was put forth by a Radtech.org  member.

Emerging Applications Award Submission

The 2010 RadTech Emerging Applications Awards will be presented at the upcoming RadTech UV/EB Technology Expo & Conference 2010, May 23-267, 2010, Baltimore, MD. Award nominees must be end users of UV and/or EB technology.

Radtech.org Show Baltimore Md. May,2010

Application Title/Name: Bathtub Refinishing Industry gets Greener with the Introduction of UV Technology

Nominating Person: Christy Dennis
Marketing Director
Adastra Technologies, Inc.
23520 Telo Avenue, Suite #5
Torrance, CA 90505
310 230-9538
Christy@UVCureNow.com

Managing Partner Mark Kittredge and PBRA of MaryLand Phil Simmons

Post Radtech.org Show PBRA Members Invite Hawk Labs for Dinner

www.UVCureNow.com
Name(s), Title(s) and Company(s) Affiliation and Contact information of Nominee(s): Gary Goel, Mark Kittredge
Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association
www.Refinishersonline.com

Description:
UV technology has successfully emerged into the bathtub, countertop and cabinet industry. One company, Professional Bathtub Refinishers Association (PBRA), is credited with taking the concept of UV and turning it into reality for its industry.

The company spent 18 months researching the advantages and disadvantages of UV, performing long-term beta testing with leading manufactures that are highly respected and most recognized  members of the worlds most leading authority regarding UV technology, Radtech.org in America and Canada before introducing UV into the vertical bathtub refinishing market and industry.

The PBRA provided specific coating requirements for its market segment, based on ASTM standards to its selected UV formulator Allied Photochemical. The prerequisites included, adhesion, scratch and chemical resistance, impact resistance and specific industry requirements. Further specifications have been developed to ensure proper application of the UV products, which include: Clear and Color Primers, Clear Matte and Gloss Top Coats and a variety of others and the first UV Single Stage UV tub and Tile coating system with adhesion promoters engineered into the coating. Simply prepare the bathtub, spray and cure for the most porcelain like finish.

After intense research, the founders also selected a lightweight, self-ballasting hand-held lamp (Starlet 300 D-Lux) from Adastra Technologies, Inc. The portable lamp and coatings were then tested together and feedback was given to both manufacturers to improve the final products. The company redesigned its Web site (www.RefinishersOnline.com) in late 2009 announcing the benefits of UV, explaining the UV process and posting instructional videos. They provide an entire UV package to PBRA members which includes UV coatings (primer base coat, pigmented, and top coat in matte or glossy), safety instructions and training. Safety training is a critical part of PBRA’s mission to the marketplace.

They conduct UV University training sessions, which provide the users of UV products important safety information about UV and its application. The transition into field-applied coatings for the re finishers is transforming the industry. The bathtub, countertop and cabinet industry is already a green market; because the process saves energy, landfill space, trees, money and time. However, the downside for the current industry practice is the use of solvent-based products (acid, acrylic, urethane and epoxy) which are harmful to the environment and require long cure times.

The introduction of UV technology is escalating green practices. Refinishers using UV coatings are protecting the environment, reducing our carbon footprint and meeting certain LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) requirements. The process of refinishing a bathtub using UV technology still requires the same prep work and application of spraying the material, but the use of 100 percent solid UV coatings and a UV lamp means there are no long lasting off gassing noxious, harmful fumes, the job is completed in hours instead of 1-2 days and the bathtub is immediately within 2 seconds ready for use.

After 8 Years  of  launching its Web site, PBRA has 20 members using UV technology and many more exploring the process. The company will be launching a new UV portal in May 2010 as it continues to perfect the technology and expand the market. They’ve also recently introducing a new  liquid metallic stain is applied after the primer coat providing a granite appearance, which is highly desirable in the counter top industry. It is clear that PBRA is bringing UV technology to the forefront of field applications and turning this emerging technology into a proven market for the bathtub, counter top and cabinet industry.

For more information regarding UV Bathtub Refinishing read about our UV University and see photos of the first UV University Class held on April, 29,2010. Or Visit our web site

Rich Mandrich of Jelight Corporation

Also Present and witness to this event was Rich Mandrich of JELIGHT CORPORATION. Rich kicked off the event with the most important aspect of UV Bathtub, Tile, and Counter top refinishing. Safety! Safety! Safety!

Rich Mandrich was our chosen guest speaker because of his vast general knowledge of UV lights and coatings but more importantly   his attendance was key to a successful class because of his honest feed back he was able to provide because of his close ties to the UV bathtub and Tile Refinishing industry. Rich has sold over300 UV lights to many in the UV bathtub Tile  and counter top refinishing industry.  His extremely favorable highly experienced opinion in this vertical market of all  the new UV Refinishing products lend third party credibility in regards to product performance and aesthetics.

Take time to review his Letter sent to the PBRA for as his description pretty much sums up this unprecedented event.

“Simply Prepare the surface, spray the coating, then cure”

Regarding the Jelight unit: I have to admit that while we always thought the unit was to heavy for this industry and would restrict portability the power and dependability makes the weight of the unit worth the extra effort.

Kevin Spencer of New Finish Technologies hosted the PBRA event and unveiled one the most innovative UV Refinishing Counter Top Products to date. Kevin has developed a 100 % UV Stain system for almost any hard surface. The product is completely roll-able or brush-able making it Refinisher Friendly with minimal masking almost zero fumes or odor. The Natural look and feel of these shimmering stains are almost beyond belief. The color combination’s are limited only by your imagination.

All present had the opportunity to use three types of UV lights. HID’s MAKO, JELIGHT, the Adastra Starlet.

With all the new UV products and techniques featured the one that seems to be getting all the attention is our UV bathtub and Tile refinishing Coating.

We have worked Full time tirelessly on this product for over 18 Months with one of the most renowned UV coatings manufactures in the industry to ensure the success of this UV bathtub and Tile Refinishing Coating System. The PBRA has attended and participated in almost each and every UV seminar or convention making us the most pro active uv bathtub refinishing company seeking facts and education as new technologies come available. Shows such as the World of Concrete in Las Vegas, The Radtech.org show most recently in Baltimore Maryland.

We know many have had negative results with other products from other distributors or manufactures giving UV refinishing a negative impression. This is why the PBRA UV Bathtub and Tile refinishing coating system was tested vigorously prior to any release to our members.

It is also important to note that we would  not allow our UV bathtub and tile refinishing coating to be sold to any member until PBRA Members had the opportunity to witness in person and in real time from start to finish the actual refinishing of the bathtub in this video.

This Clawfoot Bathtub Refinishing process  was sprayed by Nathan Oettinger of The Painted Otter Refinishers a company featured in the New York Times and Phil Simmons of Maryland Tub and Tile.

It was then Cured By Al Perez of Global Refinishing using the Jelight provided by Rich Mandrich.

Here are a  few of the Attendees, participants and witnesses to this most significant event in the UV bathtub refinishing industry.
Jonathan Gleason of Porcelain Patch and Glaze since 1938
Tim, Miracle Solutions Las Vegas Nevada
Jim, Resuface Pros Chicago Illinois
Dennis, All Bright Refinishing Tennessee
Phil Simmons, Maryland Tub & Tile
Peter, Robbins Tub Repair Ashville North Carolina
Lyle, Innovative Counter-top Resurfacing New Mexico
Don, The Tub Wizard Pittsburgh PA
Chris Titus, Custom Tub and Tile
Scott , Surface Solutions Detroit Michigan
Chris, Glaze Pro South Carolina
Mark Smith, Go Green Reglazing
Nate & Jessica, Painted Otter
Mike Berterand, Bathtub Solutions
Mark, Fitzgerald Creative Coatings
Al Perez, Global Refinishing
Mike Maddocks Tubdoctor Utah
Rich Mandrich Jelight Corporation ( Guest Speaker UV Lighting Safety )

In closing we wish to thank all our members who attended and a special thanks to Rich Mandrich of Jelight Corporation for attending. We also Thank HID for providing us the Mako unit, and Adastra Technologies for their tireless efforts to improve the smallest and most powerful light available.

Rich Mandrich Jelight Corporation

The PBRA has discovered that the choice of UV lights for the bathtub refinishing industry is like choosing a spray gun. Many Refinishes have a spray gun for primers, one for topcoats, and one for multicolor paints. It’s the same with lights. Some are better suited for different tasks.

He brings quite dignity to the PBRA and we are all better people simply because of his presence. We are also much better refinishers. I hope he does not mind me sharing this with the public but it’s a true reflection of the man who wrote. Read for yourself and know the Caliber of the man we call Harry Enfer. After reading this over almost everyday It dawned on me it deserved it’s own special place for others to enjoy and reflect upon.  I know we at the PBRA are better people if we hold these words true.

A while back I asked Harry if I could re post his Refinishers Prayer and he gave me permission. I did not want it to get lost. It deserves to have a prominent place and easy access for all refinishers to read.
To take each paragraph as he has using our trade as an outline for the real process that perfects not only the craft but the craftsman.
Thank You Harry,

The Refinishers Prayer
My Father, I thank you for another wonderful day and for giving me the opportunity to bring life to another worn out tub. May the process and the quality of my work bring honor and praise to you. Father , I give you the glory for the skills you have bestowed on me. May I use them to the best of my ability and may they be a comfort and witness to the customers you send my way. I wish for them to see you in me! Lord, as I go through the refinishing process I am mindful that your refinishing process on my life is similar to the one I use on old worn out tubs.

To start the process as with a tub, my life needs to be stripped bare so that the etching process can begin. This is probably the most important and painful step because it takes away the gloss and appeal this world has to offer. As you systematically grind all the imperfections, and bring to the surface all the grime, and dirt my life has collected over the years I am aware that everything within me is being prepared for the next step in your restoration process.

Deep cleaning is necessary to remove any residue and impurities left over from the etching process such as habits, walls built and grudges that I’ve held over the years. Attitudes, Anger and Resentment, Greed, and Jealousy, just to name a few. All traces need to be removed for me to fully receive your bonding agent, whom I consider to be your Holy Spirit. (we are all equally guilty) so we hope these words bring peace among the refinishing community as we are all brothers and sisters in Gods eyes.

To me the Holy Spirit is like the bonding agent I use, in that he prepares my dull and worn out surface by his prompting and by that small voice I have so often ignored in the past. He is like a barrier coat that needs to be applied so that the new coating will adhere to the old surface. Father, I pray his voice never goes silent in me and may I be acutely aware of his presence at all times. Good or Bad.

Lord, You and I finally come to the last step in the restoration process. This is where my old surface gets the new look. I am also mindful that as with any new surface, if not cared for, will lose its shine and in time will dull, chips, and peel. I am grateful that your process continuously strips me down, etches me, deep cleans me, bonds and recoats me. As painful as your restoration process is at times and were this not the case I would again become like the old, lifeless worn out rusted tub in very short order.

Lord, as you know, my refinishing process is only temporary, whereas yours will ultimately give me a permanent finish that will last forever when I see you face to face. I do so look forward to that day! Thank you Lord!

Amen
__________________
Harry
The Blend Master
htt[://www.blackstonetubrefinishers.ca

Please Respect these words and do not copy them. Honor them by reading them and reflect upon them on those hard days in the business we call refinishing.