how to repair fiberglass shower stall

How to Fix a Cracked Fiberglass Shower Stall

• 1.. Put on goggles, a respirator and gloves, and turn on the bathroom exhaust fan. Grind a bevel about 1 1/2 inches wide...
• 2.. Lay cellophane tape around the borders of the bevel to keep the repair materials off the undamaged surface of the...
• 3.. Mix epoxy fiberglass repair resin with the hardener that comes with it in the...

Full Answer

How do you clean an old fiberglass shower stall?

• Dishwashing detergent. Mix an ounce in a gallon of water and scrub with a sponge or plastic scrubbing pad.
• All-purpose household or bathroom cleaner. Use this in the same way as you would use dish detergent. ...
• Baking soda. Make a paste with water and scrub the stall with a sponge or plastic applicator.
• White distilled vinegar. ...
• Acetone or turpentine. ...

How to refurbish a shower stall?

How to Repair and Resurface a Shower Stall

• Repair Cracks on the Surface and Edging. Over time, cracks can appear on the surface of fiberglass shower stalls. ...
• Professional Cleaning. A good cleaning may be all your shower stall needs for a new look. ...
• Resurfacing Kit. You don't have to hire a professional to resurface your shower stall. ...
• Protect Against Future Damages. ...

How to easily repair shower stalls and bathtubs?

We Also Do Tile, Shower, Sink & Countertop Repair

• Ceramic tile shower surround repair
• Bathroom tile flooring repair
• Tile backsplash repair
• Acrylic or fiberglass shower pan repair
• Fiberglass or acrylic shower surround repair
• Porcelain sink repair
• Formica countertop repair
• Tile or composite style countertops repair

What to do with an old shower stall?

• Squeegee the shower walls, floor and shower door to dry them. ...
• Run the bathroom fan for about 20 minutes or open a window to remove humidity.
• Leave the shower door or curtain slightly open for air circulation.

More items...

What is a paste type fiberglass kit?

How long does it take for a paste to harden?

What is epoxy used for?

Can you install a fiberglass shower?

Can a sharp blow damage a fiberglass shower?

Who makes fiberglass repair kits?

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How do you repair a Fibreglass shower?

0:3912:12How to Repair a Fiberglass Hole, Waterproof (in Bathtube) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd plastic repair kit supposed to be waterproof. It's meant for bathtubs sinks toilets etc. SoMoreAnd plastic repair kit supposed to be waterproof. It's meant for bathtubs sinks toilets etc. So looks pretty easy to put on and install. I'll include a link in the description.

How do you repair a cracked shower stall?

You can usually fill 1/4-inch holes with epoxy paste, but to be on the safe side, it's a good idea to lay a small piece of fiberglass cloth over each hole after you've applied the paste and recoat with a little more paste. When the paste sets, apply one more coat and then sand and polish.

How do you repair a fiberglass tub surround?

0:0012:18HOW TO REPAIR A HOLE IN A FIBERGLASS BATHTUB ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd today I'm going to be filling in the screw holes that were left in the fiberglass tub surroundMoreAnd today I'm going to be filling in the screw holes that were left in the fiberglass tub surround after we removed a glass door and metal rail combo.

How do you repair a chip in a fiberglass shower?

Fiberglass tubs are generally durable and affordable, but accidents can happen. If you have a small chip in the surface of your tub, you can fix it yourself with an epoxy-based fiberglass repair kit. To get a good color match, purchase tinted epoxy, tint it yourself or paint over the area with a waterproof epoxy paint.

Can a crack in a fiberglass shower be repaired?

No matter how bad a crack or an indentation may look, the process is the same as if it was a little pit. In either case, it's surprisingly simple. 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.

How do you repair a hole in a fiberglass shower base?

The most obvious way to repair a crack or hole in fiberglass is to use a fiberglass bathtub repair kit, which you can find at any home improvement outlet. A typical kit includes two-part epoxy filler in your chosen color, application sticks, cleaning swabs, fine-grit sandpaper and polishing compound.

Can you repair a cracked shower surround?

The right kit depends upon the nature of the problem. Use a shower pan repair kit for a hole or crack in the shower floor or for a crack caused by lack of support between the wall and the shower surround. A paste-type kit works well for minor cracks not caused by lack of support behind the shower.

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

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 repair shower wall panels?

0:208:56How to Fix a Loose Shower Wall - Easy - Save $$ - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust something with a skinny tip that you can inject glue through. Some sort of a scraper. A barMoreJust something with a skinny tip that you can inject glue through. Some sort of a scraper. A bar clamp or something to spread things apart with and a piece of wood.

What can I use to patch a fiberglass tub?

0:153:14How to fix a Crack Hole in Bathtub - Fiberglass - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey usually come with some kind of a putty a liquid hardener and fortunately with this one it comesMoreThey usually come with some kind of a putty a liquid hardener and fortunately with this one it comes with some sandpaper and mixing stick to make this a little bit easier.

How do you repair a chip in fiberglass?

0:352:05A Revolutionary Way to Repair Fiberglass | MagicEzy 9 SECOND ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn the tube around and gently smooth with the specially designed level unlike other fillers only aMoreTurn the tube around and gently smooth with the specially designed level unlike other fillers only a tiny amount of pressure is required when leveling immediately clean the level with the tissue.

How do you use a fiberglass repair kit?

0:592:37Fiberglass Repair Kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse the brush to saturate the repair. Area place a piece of fiberglass on the repair area. AndMoreUse the brush to saturate the repair. Area place a piece of fiberglass on the repair area. And saturate the fiberglass with the resin. Continue to layer on the fiberglass. And the resin.

How do you repair a plastic shower wall?

1:153:29Bathtub/Shower Repair Made Easy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAdd a good amount of gel and mix in 6 to 12 drops of hardener. Now apply the mixed compound to theMoreAdd a good amount of gel and mix in 6 to 12 drops of hardener. Now apply the mixed compound to the affected. Area. Let it dry for up to one to three hours it all depends on the room temperature.

How do you repair a plastic shower panel?

3:285:58PVC Shower Wall Cladding installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou apply a silicon bead at the back of the panel. And into the bottom fixing trims and fit theMoreYou apply a silicon bead at the back of the panel. And into the bottom fixing trims and fit the panel firmly into. Place. Press to the wall all over to ensure you have a good secure.

How do you fix a crack in a concrete shower floor?

you'll usually need to roll on two or three coats, Finkey says, and the liquid can fill and seal a crack as wide as 1/8-inch. If the crack is larger than that, use a cement patch first, followed by the liquid waterproofing membrane material. A concrete bed is usually covered with tile, Finkey said.

How hard is it to replace a shower stall?

Replacing a shower stall is relatively easy chore. The hardest part will be getting it through doorways. If you can get it in, then you should have no problem installing it. Don't despair if your doorways are not wide enough, though.

What causes a fiberglass tub to crack?

Fiberglass tubs may crack if they’re poorly supported underneath, or if someone drops a heavy object in the tub and damages the fiberglass. They ca...

How long will a fiberglass tub last?

Fiberglass tubs are fairly delicate. With proper care, they will typically last about 10-15 years.

How do you get tough stains out of a fiberglass tub?

You need to handle stains in fiberglass tubs and showers carefully so that you don’t damage the delicate finish. Try letting the stain soak in cast...

What is the cost of replacing a fiberglass bathtub?

A fiberglass tub itself will cost from $200-$500 at most. The labor cost is the other major factor and is hard to judge, so get quotes from several...

Can you refinish a fiberglass tub?

Yes, just make sure that the finish you select is made for fiberglass tubs.

Can I repaint my bathtub?

You can paint bathtubs and tile yourself, but often the results won't look as good as a professional job (either to paint or replace the tile entir...

How much does a fiberglass tub cost?

A fiberglass tub itself will cost from $200-$500 at most. The labor cost is the other major factor and is hard to judge, so get quotes from several plumbers or, if the job is very simple and the existing plumbing is in good condition, you may be able to hire a handyman to do it and save some money.

How wide is a crack in a resin?

If it does not, skip to the step describing mixing and tinting instructions. If the crack is over one fourth of an inch (1/2 cm) wide , or is actually an open hole that the resin mixture will not fill alone, cut a piece of fiberglass mesh or cloth slightly larger than the hole.

How to repair a glass window?

Clean the area to be repaired. Cut any jagged or protruding glass fibers around the damaged area, sand it lightly with a medium grit sandpaper to remove wax, oil, soap scum, or other surface contaminants, and rinse with acetone or another solvent to assure proper adhesion of the repair product. ...

How to get a stain out of a sandpaper?

Try letting the stain soak in castile soap for up to an hour, then rub the area with a soft cloth or sponge in a circular motion. Rinse the area thoroughly when you’re done. If that doesn’t work, you might be able to scrub the stain out with a baking soda paste and a soft cloth.

How to repair a patch on a wall?

Begin with a fairly coarse grit of sandpaper, depending on how much of the patch has to be removed to make it flush with the original surface. Work your way from a coarse or medium grit to a fine, then very fine grit sandpaper, until the repair is smooth.

Can fiberglass tubs crack?

Support wikiHow by unlocking this staff-researched answer. Fiberglass tubs may crack if they’re poorly supported underneath, or if someone drops a heavy object in the tub and damages the fiberglass. They can also crack if the fiberglass is worn down by harsh, abrasive cleaners, such as bleach. Thanks! Yes No.

Can fiberglass showers be damaged?

Fiberglass showers and bathtubs are durable, easily maintained, and attractive fixtures, but they may still be accidentally damaged. Fortunately for homeowners, there are inexpensive kits available that can be used to make repairs if this happens.

What happens when water infiltrates a tub?

When water infiltrates these openings, it can leak behind the unit and create pools of water, soak the insulation, weaken studs, and even result in mold within the wall and floor cavities.

Can you paint a bathtub with enamel?

Although most bathtubs today are made of fiberglass or acrylic, older homes may still have enameled cast iron or steel tubs. When the protective coating on cast-iron or steel bathtubs flakes or chips away, you run the risk of the base material rusting beyond repair and developing leaks. Fixing these areas with porcelain paint nominally improves the look of the tub and usually prevents further rusting.

Can you use epoxy to match a shower?

With general-purpose kits, basic colorants can help bring the color of the patch closer to the color of the shower or tub, but the color match is rarely perfect . Some manufacturers offer epoxy kits formulated to exactly match the most popular colors of showers and tubs from major fixture manufacturers.

Who is Kelly Bacon?

Kelly Bacon is a licensed general contractor with almost 50 years experience in construction, home building and remodeling, and commercial building. Cracks, holes, chips, and stains in showers and tubs made from fiberglass, acrylic, or even cast iron can sometimes be fixed yourself, and often quite inexpensively.

Can you fix a crack in a shower?

Cracks, holes, chips, and stains in showers and tubs made from fiberglass, acrylic, or even cast iron can sometimes be fixed yourself , and often quite inexpensively. There are several DIY products on the market that can help you patch holes, fill cracks, erase rust spots, and cover up blemishes.

How to fill a bevel in a stall?

Cut a piece of 9-ounce fiberglass cloth from a roll that is wide enough to fill the bevel, wet it down with the epoxy and lay it on the crack . Cut a smaller piece of tape, wet it down and lay it on top, then lay an even smaller piece on top of that one. The final piece of cloth should come flush with the surface of the stall.

How long does it take to cure shower filler?

Choose a color that matches the shower stall. Mix it with hardener and trowel it on with a plastic putty knife. Allow it to cure for 20 to 30 minutes, then sand it flat with 120-grit sandpaper.

What does it mean when a shower pan cracks?

Cracks in the shower pan indicate either a defective pan or serious structural problems with the shower support framing. If your shower pan is cracked, you need to address the underlying problem. Writer Bio.

What degree does Chris Deziel have?

Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies. Related Articles.

Can fiberglass cracks be repaired?

If you need an invisible patch, call a professional fiberglass repair specialist, who can repair the crack with fiberglass gelcoat. Grinding fiberglass releases minute particles can can cause respiratory problems. Make sure you are protected and keep everyone else out of the bathroom while you're working.

Can you epoxy a crack in a wall?

It's important to fix cracks in the wall or pan as soon as you notice them, because they can allow water to leak into the framing, and it doesn't take long for the water to rot the wood. An epoxy repair system works best for wall repairs, but to repair a cracked pan, you should rely instead on a custom-made insert for strength.

How long does it take to repair a fiberglass tub?

In either case, it’s surprisingly simple. 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.

How long does it take for a sanding mixture to set?

Allow the Mixture to Set – Allow the mixture to set up in the hole for 2-3 hours or longer for larger, deeper holes. Once set, use the sandpaper to carefully smooth the surface.

How to get rid of soap scum?

Prepare the Area – Before getting started, clean the area with household cleaner and a sponge. Use rubbing alcohol, acetone, or a similar solvent capable of removing oils, soap scum, and glass fibers. Drill as Needed – When a lack of support is the root of the problem, you need to address the issue head on.

Can you use fiberglass mesh for putty?

For larger cracks and pits, it may also be necessary to purchase fiberglass mesh to reinforce the putty and make it less likely to dimple. As a rule, use mesh for any crack wider than a quarter-inch or an open hole that is too large to fill in with the resin mixture alone.

Can acrylic shower base be cracked?

Additionally, if something heavy drops on the surface, it could leave a large crack or a substantial hole, especially if the base isn’t properly supported. Superficial chips, cracks and scratches may only require simple filling ...

Is fiberglass bathtub durable?

Affordable, attractive, and durable, fiberglass is nevertheless prone to cracking and pitting overtime. Fortunately, repairing a cracked ...

How to make a gel coat for fiberglass?

Prepare the mixture of gel coat and toner in a small bucket. Add catalyst and stir the solution thoroughly until it is uniform in color. Use a felt roller to apply the gel coat on the areas where you applied the fiberglass fillers. Allow the gel coat to harden. Smooth the area with fine grit sand paper.

How to smooth out fiberglass?

Once the fiberglass filler is completely dry, use fine grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. Remove debris and fiberglass dust with a vacuum cleaner. Apply acetone using a clean rag on the newly patched areas again. Allow the acetone to completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

What is fiberglass made of?

Fiberglass is made of reinforced plastic resin and is used in various construction projects including shower stalls and shower floor constructions. You can easily repair a cracked or fractured fiberglass shower floor by using fiberglass filler.

Can fiberglass shower floors crack?

Fiberglass shower floors are very durable and can last years with very little maintenance; however, if your fiberglass shower floor is struck hard enough by a hard object, it will crack. Fiberglass is made of reinforced plastic resin and is used in various construction projects including shower stalls and shower floor constructions.

What is a paste type fiberglass kit?

For simple cosmetic repairs, most people find that a paste-type fiberglass/acrylic kit is easier to use than a spray product. Paste kits may include: Base coat paste and catalyst. Lightening and darkening toners. Rubbing compound or buffing bar.

How long does it take for a paste to harden?

Allow the paste to fully harden for one hour, or according to the kit instructions. A heat gun can be used to speed up this drying time. Use wet/dry sandpaper to blend in the repair area with the surrounding surface.

What is epoxy used for?

These materials include epoxy-like materials similar to the compounds used as filler in automobile body repairs. In fact, some people use these automotive body fillers to make repairs on tubs and showers, or even sinks and toilets.

Can you install a fiberglass shower?

Feverpitched / Getty Images. Fiberglass or acrylic bathtubs and showers are easy to install and are often less expensive than other options, such as a cast-iron tub or ceramic tile shower stall, making them a favorite for budget-conscious homeowners. Over time, though, the acrylic or fiberglass surfaces can get dented or cracked, ...

Can a sharp blow damage a fiberglass shower?

Sharp blows can also dent, crack, or punch holes in fiberglass or acrylic. A variety of options are available at this point, including wholesale replacement of the bathtub or shower, or installing a new liner inside the old tub or shower. But one fix that is much more cost-effective is to fill the crack or hole using a fiberglass/acrylic repair kit.

Who makes fiberglass repair kits?

One manufacturer of fiberglass/acrylic repair kits (but not the only one) is Multitech Products, who makes many of the official repair kits sold by the plumbing fixture manufacturers themselves. There are many repair and resurfacing products available, so make your choice carefully.