First of all, let me extend a belated Happy New Year to everyone! I hope 2011 brings you great opportunities and great successes!
DIY Bath Tub Repair
So, you have a bath tub that is chipped or cracked, and you're wondering what repair options you have. You've heard about those DIY porcelain and fiberglass tub repair kits, but you're concerned that the result might look worse than the chips or cracks currently visible on your tub. Your other options are to have a service professional re-glaze the tub, or of course you could have the entire tub replaced.
Obviously the DIY option would be the least expensive choice by far, but again you're left wondering about the validity of spot repairing porcelain or fiberglass tubs. Do those repair kits really work or are they simply a waste of money and the DIY tub repair option just a bunch of hogwash?
Answer
After using a tub repair kit at my client's house during a recent project, I'm happy to report that....... drum roll please...... DIY Tub Repair Kits really work! Not only do they work, but the result can be a tub with no evidence of the previous crack or chip. Pretty cool, huh?
As with any DIY projects, there's always a right way and a not so right way, and in some cases a right way and a totally wrong way. With that in mind, it's extremely important that you pay close attention to the project during the repair and that you follow the instructions exactly.
Before diving into a bath tub repair project, you must know what type of material you tub is made with, since repair kits are typically specific to porcelain OR fiberglass.
Porcelain Tub
Consists of a thin stamped steel shell, coated with heat-fused porcelain enamel. The pros of Porcelain: resistant to acid, corrosion, and abrasion, flame proof and colorfast. The cons of Porcelain: if the surface area is chipped or cracked, it will rust. Note the RUST part and attend to any chips or cracks in a porcelain tub in a timely manner.
Fiberglass
It's lightweight and easily installed, and it can be molded into varying shapes. A pigmented polyester resin spray that is applied to a mold forms the surface. The finish will show wear after 10 to 15 years and will scratch and/or fade. On the plus side, it is easy to repair.
And finally..... a few Must Do Tips for DIY Tub Repair
- Patience, patience, patience - this is not a quick 15 minute project. The polishing step alone can take more than 30 minutes to smooth the surface and blend the repair material into the existing tub surface
- Wet Sanding - you must use wet sand paper for the polishing step and you must continually wet the sandpaper. I can't stress that enough. If your sandpaper isn't wet at all times, you'll scratch the surface of the tub.
- Purchase tub repair kits that include everything needed for the project - putty, hardener, applicator stick, sand paper (typically 2 different grits), polishing compound, alcohol wipe, etc. If you start adding in your own products the results could be jeopardized.
- Color match - make sure the repair kit is color matched to your tub's surface color.
Follow the tips and instructions and the result will be a successful DIY bath tub repair project.
Have a wonderful day!
Paige Earles
Pearle Staging & Design
RESA Atlanta Chapter President
www.pearlestaginganddesign.com
Paige Earles
Pearle Staging & Design
404-219-1393
www.pearlestaginganddesign.com
paige@pearlestaginganddesign.com
Superior Solutions, Superior Service
Unmistakably Pearle
