5 Tips to Protect Your Refinished Surfaces and Make Them Last

You've invested in professional refinishing — now let's make sure those beautiful surfaces stay looking great for years to come. Here are five essential tips for caring for your refinished bathtub, countertop, or other surfaces. ## 1. Wait the Full Cure Time After refinishing, your surface needs time to fully cure and harden. For bathtubs, wait at least **24 hours** before use. For countertops and floor coatings, follow the specific cure time provided by your technician. Rushing this step can compromise the finish. ## 2. Use Gentle, Non-Abrasive Cleaners Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers, and cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, or acid. Instead, use: - Mild dish soap and warm water - Non-abrasive spray cleaners (like Formula 409 or similar) - Soft cloths or non-scratch sponges A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn't use it on a car's clear coat, don't use it on your refinished surface. ## 3. Prevent Standing Water While refinished surfaces are waterproof, standing water over long periods can eventually penetrate seams or edges. After bathing, wipe down surfaces and ensure good ventilation in bathrooms. For countertops, wipe up spills promptly. ## 4. Use Mats and Protectors Place rubber-backed mats in tubs and showers (avoid suction cups, which can damage the finish). Use cutting boards on countertops and felt pads under items that might scratch. ## 5. Schedule Annual Maintenance Professional maintenance — deep cleaning, polishing, and re-sealing — dramatically extends the life of your refinished surfaces. At Heritage Coatings, our maintenance service starts at just **$289** and can add years to your finish. ## When to Call Us Contact us if you notice: - Chips or scratches (we can repair these quickly) - Peeling or bubbling (rare, but covered under warranty) - Discoloration or staining that won't clean Most refinished surfaces last **5–15 years** with proper care, and some of our floor coatings and countertop finishes last up to **40 years**. Need maintenance or have a question about care? Call **(406) 438-4288** — we're here to help.