Repairing Chips and Cracks on your Bathtubs
April 17th, 2011Here is your latest Bathtub Repair update.
Several accidents may occur if you leave your tubs cracked or chipped. Aside from the structural damage it may cause to the tub, your walls and floors, it may also be the cause of injuries. This is a problem indeed but the answer is not to replace your tubs, instead, you can opt to repair it and cutting costs.
There is always the option of hiring a professional to repair your tubs but by fixing it yourself, you will spend way less than paying for a repairman. You can easily repair these kinds of problems by buying a do-it-yourself kit at the nearest home improvement stores that usually contains: epoxy resin, wet/dry sandpaper, fine-grit sandpaper, gel coat enamel, and an applicator. You’ll also need the following materials and instruments to get the job done quickly: hairdryer, rags, a paintbrush, and a tungsten carbide cutter.
To begin the repair, make sure that the tub is clean and dry by using the hairdryer. This is necessary for the epoxy to stick to the tub’s surface. The next thing you should do is to make the cracked surface smooth and clean by using the tungsten carbide cutter. Using the cutter, widen the crack and remove the rough spots. If you are dealing with a chipped bathtub, smooth the edges by grinding it with the cutter and sanding it with sandpaper. This is necessary in order to get an unnoticeable repair.
Next step is to apply the epoxy resin. Instructions on how to mix and prepare epoxy may differ depending on the product. When mixing is done, fill the grove you created with the grinder and remove the excess epoxy using the applicator. Leave it for about 12 hours to let the epoxy to properly dry. After 12 hours, sand the area where the epoxy was applied to give it a smooth surface.
Last step is to apply the gel coat enamel. Mix up the enamel to get the same color as your bathtub and apply a smooth layer on the dried epoxy. Wait for it to dry up and see an unnoticeable repair.
Repairing tubs are easy. With these tips you can cut cost on buying a new tub, hiring a professional, and ultimately make your home safe and damage free.
