Repairing Guides

how to repair a cracked plastic bathtub

by Gretchen Schneider II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Fix a Crack in a Plastic Bathtub

  1. Clean the tub. It’s always important to start with a very clean and dry surface. Use a chemical cleaner or vinegar to...
  2. Apply a base layer of epoxy. Mix about a third of your epoxy resin to the standards on the package. In most cases,...
  3. Apply mesh. Cut your fiberglass mesh or bathtub repair tape to size and apply it over...

Part of a video titled How to repair a cracked bathtub the right way - YouTube
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So first you'll need your fiberglass resin. That's what's going to turn hard and seal it up theMoreSo first you'll need your fiberglass resin. That's what's going to turn hard and seal it up the fiberglass cloth will add strength. The hardener will turn the resin into a solid.

Full Answer

What is the best way to repair a cracked bathtub?

Tools you will need when fixing your tub

  • You definitely need a putty knife.
  • A nylon-bristled paintbrush
  • A fiberglass mesh
  • Epoxy resin
  • A patch filler
  • Grit sandpaper
  • A utility knife.

How do you repair a crack in a plastic tub?

Method 3 Method 3 of 4: Making Plastic Slurry with Solvent

  1. Use acetone to make a plastic putty to fill in cracks. Acetone is a strong solvent that can dissolve plastic down completely.
  2. Fill a glass container with acetone. Acetone melts plastic, so you don’t want to fill a plastic container like a cup or bucket with it.
  3. Submerge a few pieces of scrap plastic in the acetone. ...

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How to repair a fiberglass crack in a bathtub?

On This Page:

  • Repairing a Fiberglass Tub Tools Needed Assessing the Extent of the Damage Purchasing a Kit Steps
  • Repairing a Fiberglass Shower Pan
  • Care & Maintenance Tips
  • Acrylic Tub & Shower
  • Fixing a Tile Pan Tools Steps
  • DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

How to fix a crack in your plastic bathtub?

Steps taken to repair a crack in your plastic bathtub

  1. Clean your bathtub thoroughly and try to ensure that there is no dirt, dust, or debris around the cracked area.
  2. Drill a little hole (¼ inch) on both sides of the crack to prevent it from expanding. ...
  3. Using the grit sandpaper, sand down the crack lightly to avoid scratching the surrounding plastic.

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Can you fix a crack in a plastic bathtub?

Thankfully, you can patch up a small crack and keep the tub in working condition rather than spending thousands in a bathroom remodel.

Can you repair a plastic bath?

Cracks to a plastic bath tub are drilled at the ends of the cracks to avoid the damage progressing any further through the molded plastic. Repairing cracks in a plastic bath tub require patching from the back of the surface with a flexible carbon fiber filler.

How do you fix a big crack in a plastic bathtub?

0:402:10How to Fix a Cracked or Chipped Bathtub - Epoxy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe epoxy mixture. So be careful to not press down the syringe yet when you are ready make sure youMoreThe epoxy mixture. So be careful to not press down the syringe yet when you are ready make sure you squeeze the epoxy. In the mixing tray that's provided for you.

Can a cracked acrylic tub be repaired?

If your fiberglass or acrylic bathtub is cracked, you can easily repair it with a bathtub repair kit which is available from your local hardware or home improvement store, says Multitech Products. If your crack is wider than 1/4 inch, you will have to use a patch to repair the damage.

How do you repair cracked plastic?

Our favourite is Loctite Super Glue All Plastics. This specialty super glue is designed for plastics, including the hard-to-bond-to polypropylene and polyethylene. It comes with an activator which you apply first and need to allow to dry for 60 seconds.

What is the best acrylic bath repair kit?

Best Overall: HomeTinker Tub & Shower Repair Kit Their Tub & Shower Repair Kit can be used on a wide variety of tub types, including acrylic, fiberglass, ceramic, porcelain, enameled steel or cast iron, and gel-coated.

How do I know if my tub is plastic or fiberglass?

Look around the tub's edges and see if it appears thinner; this could be an indication that it is acrylic. Acrylic tubs usually come in more colors than fiberglass tubs, as fiberglass tubs are commonly white. Acrylic also feels warmer to the touch than fiberglass, and tubs made of acrylic have smoother finishes.

How do you fix a big crack in a fiberglass tub?

0:075:48How to Repair a Fiberglass Hairline Crack in a Fiberglass BathtubYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSander just to kind of get all the loose. Areas knocked off and then smoothing it out a bit. SoMoreSander just to kind of get all the loose. Areas knocked off and then smoothing it out a bit. So after sanding i'm going to go ahead. And pour some resin down over the crack in the holes.

How do you repair an acrylic bathtub?

1:333:05How To Fix My Bath Using The Anglo Acrylic Bath Repair Kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the polythene film on top of the treated area and using light pressure smooth it outwards fromMorePlace the polythene film on top of the treated area and using light pressure smooth it outwards from the center to ensure that no air bubbles are trapped.

How do you fix a crack in a acrylic shower?

3:459:43How To Repair A Cracked Shower Base: Freedom Finishes ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBasically you're going to apply a resin down over the area that's cracked you're going to layer on aMoreBasically you're going to apply a resin down over the area that's cracked you're going to layer on a sheet of fiberglass mesh netting you're going to smooth out that surface and let it cure.

How do you repair a plastic tub surround?

1:3112:18HOW TO REPAIR A HOLE IN A FIBERGLASS BATHTUB ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then using it to hold the epoxy while you apply it to your the cracks or in my instance theMoreAnd then using it to hold the epoxy while you apply it to your the cracks or in my instance the screw holes to do this correctly. You're gonna need more.

How do you repair an acrylic tub?

1:333:05How To Fix My Bath Using The Anglo Acrylic Bath Repair Kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the polythene film on top of the treated area and using light pressure smooth it outwards fromMorePlace the polythene film on top of the treated area and using light pressure smooth it outwards from the center to ensure that no air bubbles are trapped.

How do you repair a damaged bathtub?

0:081:35DIY Bathtub Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSmooth it into your tub chip to fill the damaged area. Completely. Use a spackling knife or straightMoreSmooth it into your tub chip to fill the damaged area. Completely. Use a spackling knife or straight razor blade to scrape away the excess. And then smooth it back out with your finger.

How much does it cost to fix a cracked tub?

How much does it cost to fix a bathtub crack? According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to fix a fiberglass tub can run from $20 to $240. The exact price will depend largely on whether you do the job yourself or hire a professional: A DIY $20 repair can become a $200 repair if you hire someone else to take care of it.

How to fix a crack in a tub?

Scrape the cracks flush with the rest of the tub using the putty knife and let the mixture harden for a few hours, or according to the manufacturer's directions. Sand the surface of the patch after it has dried to smooth it over. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to avoid scratching the surface of the tub itself.

Why do plastic tubs crack?

Though they are the most affordable and easiest type of bathtub to install, plastic tubs also come with a downside in comparison to the more expensive ceramic, porcelain and steel tubs: They can crack due to accidents or faulty installation.

What do you need to make a patch kit?

Commercial patch kits include all the necessary components, such as a mixing stick, putty knife, sandpaper and in some cases dye that you can add to the compound to help it match the tub better so you don't have to use paint. For best results, stick to epoxy-based patch material due to its hardness when it sets up.

How long does it take for a crack to dry?

Let it dry for at least 24 hours. Cover any cracks wider than 1/4 inch with a layer of fiberglass mesh that spans each side of the crack by at least a half inch. Cut the mesh to fit with a utility knife and place it over the crack.

Can you patch a plastic tub?

Patching a plastic tub is not a perfect solution, and there is no such thing as an invisible patch due to the difference in colors and difficulty in matching a color of paint to the actual color of your plastic tub. But a patch can save you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in repairs.

How to repair a crack in a bathtub?

Let’s see what are the steps involved in repairing cracks in your bathtub. Pick a good bathtub repair kit from the hardware stores. Now clean the plastic bathtub you have normally and let it dry well for 24 hours. Inspect it closely for all the cracks and some there forms of damage present.

Why does my bathtub crack?

To be very precise, there are 3 main reasons that can cause bathtub cracks. The first reason is the lack of support. Other reasons include the material being flexible or damage from any heavy objects or heavy cleaners. There are some materials used in the bathtub making like fiberglass which is highly flexible.

Why does my bathtub break in half?

Cracks in the bathtub indicate that more moisture and water will enter the bathtub causing its integrity to weaken which will lead to breaking the bathtub in half. Cracks can be of different types in your bathtub.

How long does it take for epoxy to cure?

Fill the cracks using the putty knife with the resin. Now leave the cracks filled with resin for 12 hours at least for it to cure. You have to sand dry this area using 240-grit dry or wet sandpaper.

Can you see cracks in a bathtub?

If such materials are not installed properly while making or additional support is added, they are going to break within few days of installment. You can easily see cracks in the bathtub. Sometimes cracks are also seen in the bathtub when you drop any heavy object onto it.

Can you use a hairdryer to dry epoxy?

If you do not have much time, just use a regular hairdryer for the drying process. This step is very important because the epoxy resin in the kit would not stick well to the wet surface causing the cracks to open. You have to follow all the directions given on the label and prepare a good epoxy resin.

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