Repairing Guides

how to repair fiberglass tub

by Dr. Allen Mraz DVM Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Clean and dry around the crack. Use your household cleaner to clean the area around the crack. ...
  2. Sand the area around the crack. Use the sandpaper or emery cloth to sand the area around the crack to give it a slightly rough texture.
  3. Prepare and apply the adhesive. The fiberglass tub repair kit will have an adhesive or bonding agent with preparation instructions on it.
  4. Fill the crack with fiberglass filler. After the adhesive has dried up, take the fiberglass filler from the fiberglass tub repair kit then use a putty knife to apply ...
  5. Sand the area around the crack again. Use the sandpaper or emery cloth to sand the area around the crack until it’s level with the surrounding area then off ...
  6. Coat the crack with epoxy. Read the instructions on the epoxy or polyester resin included in the fiberglass repair kit to create the required epoxy mixture.
  7. Add fiberglass clothing. Cut a piece of fiberglass clothing (found in the fiberglass repair kit) that fits the area covered by the epoxy mixture.
  8. Apply more epoxy mixture. Apply more of the epoxy mixture over and around the fiberglass clothing using the paintbrush. ...
  9. Apply a sealer or finishing coat. The last procedure is to apply a sealer (also found in the fiberglass repair kit) on the cracked area.

Part of a video titled How to fix a Crack Hole in Bathtub - Fiberglass - YouTube
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They 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.

Full Answer

Can you resurface a fiberglass tub?

Surface Renew’s process for resurfacing/recoloring of fiberglass or acrylic bathtubs or showers is a very cost effective alternative to replacement. How do you restore a fiberglass tub? Pour undiluted white vinegar into a clean, empty spray bottle. Spray all of your tub’s surfaces, including cracks, crevices and hardware.

How do you repair a fiberglass bathtub?

How do you repair scratches in a fiberglass tub? Fill deep cracks with the filler included in your repair kit. Use a small rubber scraper to apply the filler and smooth it down so that it is flush with the surface of the tub. Allow the filler dry for at least 30 to 45 minutes. Give it extra time to dry if the day is damp or rainy.

What is the best way to repair your tub?

Part 2 Part 2 of 2: Applying the Caulk

  1. Buy "Tub and Tile" or "Kitchen and Bath" or "caulk. These are basically different names for the same type of caulk.
  2. Load the caulking gun with the caulk tube. Use a utility knife to cut the tip off the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle.
  3. Hold the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle from the edging. ...
  4. Apply the caulk to the seam. ...

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How to refinish a fiberglass bathtub?

We have isolated a few of the most common materials to give you a small breakdown of each:

  • Cast Iron: The cast iron tubs are by far the most durable on the market today. ...
  • Porcelain: Porcelain does not sound like a durable material. ...
  • Fiberglass: If you are looking for something affordable, fiberglass will be a great option to choose from. ...

More items...

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Can you repair a fiberglass bath?

It is possible to repair damage in the forms of, staining, chips or bleaching. all are recoverable. Smashed fiberglass is repaired using a patch kit and the area re-surfaced to match the original colour. Fiberglass worn through the gel coating is simply resurfaced saving you money in the process.

How do you fix a crack in a fiberglass tub?

1:1313:19How to Repair a Fiberglass Crack in a Bathtub - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut some tape over the area so there's a bunch of tape residue. All around the cracks that I've gotMorePut some tape over the area so there's a bunch of tape residue. All around the cracks that I've got to fix whoever fixed this before did drill some holes at the end which is the proper way to do it.

Can a hole in a fiberglass tub be repaired?

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.

How do I know if my bathtub is acrylic 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.

Can a cracked bathtub be repaired?

A bathtub chip or crack can be repaired. It is important to fix a crack or chip as it can worsen over time.

Will a cracked fiberglass tub leak?

Cracks in your fiberglass tub are more than an aesthetic issue. If you don't get the cracks repaired, they can spread throughout the tub, allowing water to seep through and damage the underlying materials, including your home's structure.

Can you patch a hole in a bathtub?

You can fix many cracks, chips, and holes in porcelain, fiberglass, and acrylic showers and tubs yourself, using a simple kit, and save hundreds or thousands of dollars in remodeling costs. And that's good news, because replacing a bathtub or shower is rarely just replacing a bathtub or shower.

How do you repair a crack in a bathtub?

0:003:14How 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 fix a big hole in a plastic bathtub?

0:034:02How to Fill a Hole in a Fiberglass Bathtub - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou always want to make sure the area is stuffed that you're going to either spray. Or put patchMoreYou always want to make sure the area is stuffed that you're going to either spray. Or put patch material on so i'm going to use bondo glass. And the high performance smoothening putty.

How long will a fiberglass tub last?

10-15 yearsIt's one of the most affordable materials for tubs and one of the easiest to install. This super lightweight material is commonly used in two-story homes because there is no need to install additional support between the bathtub and the floor. Fiberglass tubs have a life span of 10-15 years.

Can I paint a fiberglass tub?

Wait, can you paint a bathtub? You can refresh your ceramic, porcelain, or fiberglass tub's color and still achieve a high-gloss finish using a specialty kit labeled for tubs and tiles, often available at home centers for about $25.

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.

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 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.

Is fiberglass bathtub durable?

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

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 ...

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.

Why is there a crack in my fiberglass tub?

A large crack on the bottom of a fiberglass tub that developed because the tub isn't properly supported will probably continue to spread even after you repair it, but there is a way to provide extra support to forestall this. However, even a hairline crack can allow water to seep, and if this situation persists, a proper repair requires removing the tub and fixing the subfloor. If you purchased or moved into a house with a fiberglass bathtub that has a crack or a hole and you don't have any way of knowing how long the damage has been there, the tub should be replaced.

How long does a fiberglass bathtub last?

To be fair to this all-purpose, fiber-reinforced plastic material, it is fairly durable, and with proper support and care, a fiberglass bathtub can last as long as one made from heavier materials.

How high should a fiberglass patch be above a tub?

The patch should rise about 1/16 inch above the surface of the tub. If you're using a fiberglass patch, apply the cloth to the wet epoxy following the manufacturer's directions. As soon as you're done filling and leveling, remove the tape, which will be impossible to do if you let the filler set first.

What to do if you don't paint a bathtub?

If you don't paint, apply polishing compound to the repair and buff it with a soft cloth until the sheen matches the rest of the tub. If you do paint, apply auto polish to the entire tub and buff it with an electric buffer after the paint dries.

Can you repair a fiberglass shower stall?

Just avoid using the fixture until you can get around to doing the repair, which is a fairly easy one, although it may take an entire day. Damage to the rim or sidewall of a fiberglass or acrylic bathtub or to the wall of a shower stall can be repaired at any time provided they pose no threat of leaking.

Can a hairline crack in a fiberglass tub be repaired?

If you purchased or moved into a house with a fiberglass bathtub that has a crack or a hole and you don' t have any way of knowing how long the damage has been there , the tub should be replaced.

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