What Does A Hydrophobic Coating Do For Your Shower?
If you're doing a bathroom remodel or even just a few simple upgrades, you might have heard something about the benefits of hydrophobic coatings. Otherwise, you may be unaware that getting a hydrophobic coating on your shower door is your secret to effortlessly keeping your shower glass sparkling clean! This is the biggest thing it does for your shower, and what an amazing little miracle it is. We're going to dive into this topic today.
Let's face it: Keeping your glass clean in the shower is a pretty big deal. This is where mineral deposits and scummy buildup inevitably occur, so anything that makes this job easier is appreciated. One of the best shower cleaning tips is to purchase a squeegee and keep it in the shower to wipe the glass after every use. The suggested cleaning schedule for showers is that they should be wiped down daily, with soap and a scouring pad once a week, and deep cleaned once a month when many people use a water-repellent spray. Nearly all of this can be eliminated with a hydrophobic coating.
About hydrophobic coatings
A hydrophobic coating is typically made from silica gel and repels water by filling in the tiny pores inherent in glass. The invisible coating repels both oils and water and only needs to be reapplied once every three to five years. The result is rendering the surface stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and water-resistant. It also helps reduce bacteria and mold or mildew. It's the best-kept secret to keeping bathroom surfaces sparkling clean while barely lifting a finger.
Hydrophobic coatings can be applied to other bathroom surfaces, too. Any hard, non-porous surface can be coated, including windows and mirrors, toilets, sinks, and countertops. Glass shower doors and bathtub enclosures are the most common. Coating all possible surfaces in the bathroom can be greatly beneficial. It protects these surfaces from hard water stains, environmental pollutants, and weathering from wear and tear over time.
When ordering a new shower door, ordering one with a hydrophobic coating will cost you about 30% more. EnduroShield is a brand with a 10-year warranty that you can have applied by a professional anytime. If you're looking to DIY, the EnduroShield brand has a DIY version that covers 80 square feet for about $40 and will last three years.
What to know about installing a hydrophobic coating
If you're all about saving money and don't mind reapplying the coating every few years, let's discuss the DIY process. They're typically sold in kits, and reading the instructions carefully is vital. With this project, preparation is the key. Before applying any hydrophobic coating, it's important to get the glass or other surface as clean as possible. You may need to use a hard water stain remover or other deep cleaning products. The idea is to get it as spotless as possible before applying the coating.
If you have the coating applied professionally, it will last much longer. If you didn't get it put on when you ordered the door, most local shower door manufacturers offer the service. Be sure you don't use any harsh chemicals to clean any surface with a hydrophobic coating on it, or it will break it down faster. You can still use the squeegee on coated shower doors and walls, just use a mild solution of vinegar and water. Hydrophobic coatings will help keep your bathroom surfaces pristine for years to come!