To Etch or Not to Etch?

I’ll try my best to explain the process of etching and how it helps with bonding to porcelain. Etching is a process of creating micro-porosities or a roughened surface on the porcelain. It involves using an etching agent, typically an acid or abrasive material, to remove the glossy finish and create a textured surface. This textured surface provides increased surface area for the primer or coating to bond to.

When the etching agent is applied to the porcelain, it works to dissolve or abrade the surface, creating tiny irregularities. These irregularities allow the primer or coating to penetrate into the pores and form a stronger bond. The increased surface area and the mechanical interlocking of the primer with the textured surface enhance adhesion.

Silane wipe-on primer, commonly used in conjunction with etching, is a coupling agent that chemically bonds with the porcelain surface. It further enhances adhesion by forming covalent bonds between the primer and the porcelain. Overall, the combination of etching and using a silane wipe-on primer maximizes the adhesion and longevity of the refinishing coating on the porcelain surface.

Not Etching: A Shortcut?

Not etching in the bathtub refinishing industry could be considered a shortcut because it skips the process of creating a roughened surface on the porcelain. Etching is typically performed to remove the glossy finish and provide increased surface area for the primer or coating to bond to. By skipping this step, the adhesion between the porcelain and the subsequent coating will be compromised.

Etching is an important step because it creates micro-porosities or irregularities on the surface of the porcelain. These irregularities allow the primer or coating to penetrate and form a stronger bond, improving adhesion and durability. Without etching, the surface of the porcelain may be too smooth and glossy, which can reduce the bond strength and increase the risk of the coating peeling or delaminating over time. While not etching may save time initially, it can result in a sub-optimal finish and a reduced lifespan of the refinishing coating.

Is a Slight Etch Sufficient?

Yes, a slight etch is sufficient when using a silane coupling agent. As already stated, the purpose of etching is to create a textured surface on the porcelain that allows the silane coupling agent to penetrate and form chemical bonds with the substrate. A slight etch or a mild abrasive treatment may be enough to create the desired surface texture for the silane coupling agent to bond effectively.

The goal is to create enough surface roughness to promote adhesion without compromising the integrity of the porcelain. By properly combining a slight etch with the use of a silane coupling agent, you can help ensure a strong bond between the porcelain surface and the refinishing coating. This can result in a long-lasting and high-quality finish for the customer.

Is Not Etching Doing Your Customer a Disservice?

Not etching in the bathtub refinishing industry is doing a customer a disservice, as it will compromise the overall quality and durability of the refinishing job. Etching is a recommended practice in the industry because it enhances the adhesion between the porcelain surface and the coating, leading to a stronger and longer-lasting bond.

By skipping the etching process, the adhesion between the coating and the porcelain may be weaker, which can result in issues such as peeling, delamination, or reduced durability over time. This can lead to customer dissatisfaction, the need for premature repairs, or the requirement for a complete refinishing job sooner than expected.

To provide the best possible service and ensure customer satisfaction, following industry best practices, including etching the porcelain surface, is generally recommended. It helps to create a strong bond between the coating and the substrate, resulting in a more durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.

Why Do Dentists Etch When Bonding to Porcelain?

For dental bonding to porcelain restorations, a mild smooth etch is not typically used. Porcelain surfaces in dental bonding require a more substantial etching process to create a roughened surface. In dental practice, hydrofluoric acid is commonly used to etch porcelain surfaces. This acid creates micro-porosities on the porcelain, allowing for better adhesion of the bonding agents.

The acid etching process is carefully controlled to ensure the desired level of surface roughness without damaging the porcelain. After the etching process, a bonding agent or a silane coupling agent is applied to the roughened porcelain surface. This further enhances the chemical bonding between the porcelain and the adhesive, ensuring a strong and durable bond. It's important to note that the specific etching techniques and materials used may vary among dentists and depend on the manufacturer's recommendations for the bonding system being utilized.

If Dentists Etch for Porcelain Bonding, Shouldn't Bathtub Refinishers Etch Too?

Yes, the concept of etching for improved adhesion applies to both dental bonding of porcelain restorations and bathtub refinishing. If dentists etch porcelain surfaces to enhance the bond strength between the porcelain and adhesive, it suggests that a similar approach can be beneficial for bathtub refinishers.

Etching porcelain surfaces in the bathtub refinishing industry is a widely accepted practice for enhancing adhesion and promoting a durable bond between the porcelain and the refinishing coating. By creating a roughened surface through etching, the glossy finish of the porcelain is removed, allowing for increased surface area and mechanical interlocking between the surface and the coating.

The purpose of etching in both dental and bathtub refinishing applications is to optimize the adhesion of the bonding agents or coatings to the porcelain substrate. Etching helps to overcome the smooth and inert nature of porcelain, providing a textured surface that allows for better bonding.

It is important for bathtub refinishers to follow industry best practices and manufacturer recommendations when it comes to surface preparation, which may include the etching process. This ensures the best possible adhesion and longevity of the refinishing coating on the porcelain surface, similar to the objectives of dental bonding to porcelain restorations.

Is It the Bathtub Refinishing Standard to Etch?

Yes, the industry standard in the bathtub refinishing industry is to etch the porcelain surfaces. Promoting non-etching as superior or better without valid scientific evidence or industry support could indeed be seen as misleading or deceptive marketing.

When a company promotes a method or product as superior to the established industry standard, they should be able to provide clear evidence and justifications for their claims. If they cannot do so, it raises concerns about the integrity and credibility of their marketing. Misleading marketing practices that misrepresent established industry standards can be considered unethical and potentially fraudulent.

It is important for companies to provide accurate information and transparently communicate the benefits and limitations of their products or services. As a refinisher or consumer, it is advisable to be cautious and critically evaluate marketing claims. Seek information from reputable sources, consult multiple professionals, and ask for clear explanations and evidence before making decisions or purchases. If you suspect misleading or deceptive marketing practices, it may be helpful to research further, seek second opinions, or consult industry experts to ensure you are making informed choices.

Is It Better to Err on the Side of Caution and Take the Time to Perform a Mild Etch?

Yes, it is generally smarter to err on the side of caution and choose to etch rather than not etch in the bathtub refinishing industry. Etching is a widely accepted, proven, and recommended practice that helps to maximize the adhesion and durability of the refinishing coating on porcelain surfaces. Period.

This is why Shark Grip Refinishers etch. Our systems are built with redundancy. It's a smarter system with no promoted shortcuts. Our goal is NOT to sell products but to increase the chances of success in the bathtub refinishing industry for each of our customers. We offer the greatest variety of refinishing systems best suited for your operation.

So, to etch or not to etch? The choice is clear—don’t be the smooth talker who skips the etching step! Your customers might just "peel" away if you do!  Remember, a good refinisher leaves no surface unetched—because in the world of refinishing, it's better to be rough around the edges than smooth and sorry!