Rinse the tub well to remove any remaining baking soda. Unfortunately, fiberglass can become dull after only a few years, and worse yet can develop unsightly stress cracks or even structural cracks resulting in water leaks. Also, don’t forget to check the bathtub drain. You spray this on wait 10-15 minutes then just simply go wipe it off. Fiberglass repair kits are available for small fixes. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". The reason for this is that, over the years, all of the cleaning and water running over the tub has worn away the original finish and the tub … Once you have smoothed the edge of the crack and installed the subsurface support, you can sand the surface and apply the new fiberglass layer. Cleaning fiberglass is easy using warm water, white vinegar, and other household cleaning products. Sometimes you may experience staining on your fiberglass that is hard to remove. 1. Rinse the surface with clean water and dry it … The result is the tub/shower has become dull and difficult to keep clean. It's time to bite the bullet and refinish the tub and the kitchen sink. If your fiberglass tub interior has no visible cracking, but just looks unsightly due to accumulated dirt and soap scum in tiny rough crevices, you can restore the surface with an effective surface cleaner. Spray all of your tub's surfaces, including cracks, crevices and hardware. Going Green: How to Refinish a Cast Iron Bathtub. The previous owner used something abrasive to clean areas in the fiberglass tub. They are bonded into place with a waterproof epoxy and are nearly invisible in a white tub. The fibers from the tub pose a health risk once inhaled. Instead, purchase a tub and shower refinishing kit from a hardware store or building supply outlet. Step 1 Fill a bucket with warm water and mix in a mild detergent. The degree of the repair depends on the size of the problem, i.e. My fiberglass tub has the same discoloration. (BE CAREFUL AS THE TUB FLOOR SURFACE WILL BE SLIPPERY) Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes and then scrub vigorously. As long as the fiberglass is still in one piece, you can restore it with less effort than you think. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Can fiberglass tubs REALLY be refinished well? If you just have the tub with a tile surround, you can probably get away with just one kit. Follow the instructions in the container when using one of … The lists of best products are updated regularly, so you can be sure that the information provided is up-to-date. Most companies guarantee the results of these refinishes for at least two years. The scratches collect debris or mold that can only be cleaned with chemicals. We welcome your comments and Use a two-part polyester filler to repair the damage, spreading it evenly over the drill holes and the crack with a rubber spreader. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Rather than replacing your shower pan or bathtub, though, you can actually restore the finish to an acrylic tub or shower using a refinishing kit. Cleaning Fiberglass Surfaces. Much like the previous product, it also takes only 24-hours for the coating to cure, allowing you to add a second coating after 24-hours. Wet a cleaning sponge with vinegar. The kit comes with new fiberglass fabric that can be cut to any shape necessary to fit over the damaged area. To fix cracks up to several inches in length, get a fiberglass tub repair kit. . Dip a rag or soft cloth into the solution and begin scrubbing and applying it on the surfaces of your fiberglass bath tub. Wear a respirator for maximum protection against the toxic fumes. A fiberglass tub itself will cost from $200-$500 at most. Weight. Fiberglass repair kits are available for small fixes. Because fiberglass tubs are vulnerable to scratches, you want to use non-abrasive cleansers and applicators to clean your tub. Instead, purchase a tub and shower refinishing kit from a hardware store or building supply outlet. Instead, purchase a tub and shower refinishing kit from a hardware store or building supply outlet. A fiberglass kit is the best choice to fix this issue. Bathtub refinishing—also known as resurfacing or reglazing—is a valid option when porcelain, enamel, or fiberglass tubs become chipped, badly scratched, or cracked.The process involves first repairing any cracks or holes with a polyester putty or Bondo, then applying a spray or roll-on coating consisting of epoxies, urethanes, polymers, or a hybrid polyester-polyurethane blends. Here is a step by step guide to repairing the hairline crack on your fiberglass bathtub. If your fiberglass tub interior has no visible cracking, but just looks unsightly due to accumulated dirt and soap scum in tiny rough crevices, you can restore the surface with an effective surface cleaner. The first step in restoring plastic bathtubs and shower enclosures has to be a deep clean. Here’s how to apply a gel coat over the fiberglass tub. Wipe over the area with denatured alcohol to remove any dust. Use a sponge to clean the tub of grime and soap residue. By Wayne Presnell Fiberglass tub repair can seem very daunting, but if you have a drill, sandpaper, and glue, you can do it yourself.. All rights reserved. No matter how bad a crack or an indentation may look, the process is the same as if it was a little pit. 1. Cleaning Fiberglass Quickly and Efficiently. If you’re looking to buy the cheaper tub, you’d definitely go for a fiberglass tub. By using a basic epoxy kit with a few essential items, repairing a fiberglass tub takes as little as one day, with most of that time spent as the compound dries. All information is provided "AS IS." Peel off the remaining … If your fiberglass or acrylic bathtub is cracked then don't worry because you can easily repair it with the help of a bathtub repair kit that is easily available at your local hardware or any home improvement store. If you just have the tub with a tile surround, you can probably get away with just one kit. Always use the right colorants which match your tub color. In either case, it’s surprisingly simple. Fiberglass bathtub refinishing and repair has been used extensively to restore bathtubs, showers, and tub/shower units. Step 4. I just found that Dawn Power Disolver, found in your dish soap aisle in a blue spray bottle, works great. Copyright© I'm refin... Our daughter called us last night and said water was coming into her baseme... 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