Bathtub Repair

The bathtub is a cornerstone of many bathrooms, and the restoration of the image and style of a bathroom often can be accomplished with a simple bathtub repair. Such a repair can reduce greatly the investment and length of time associated with purchasing an entirely new tub, while possibly salvaging a favorite home fixture. Aspects such as size, style and shape - factors that could lead to costly design issues in addition to the price of a new tub - become irrelevant because the primary focus is on what type of material is used to construct the bathtub.

When repairing a Copper Bathtub it is crucial to understand what not to do. Copper, whether pure or recycled, is a hard, durable metal. As such, it is resistant to dents and scratches. In fact, a copper tub actually preserves itself over time and eliminates any scratches in its surface. However, a copper bathtub is coated with a delicate patina that can be inadvertently damaged when using common cleaning chemicals.

To repair the patina, a kit must be purchased. Once the blemished area is cleansed using simple soap and water, the directions on the kit can be followed and the marred finish restored. Repairing Acrylic or Fiberglass Bathtubs Several types of baths are manufactured using fiberglass or an acrylic polymer. Depending on the extent of the damage to the surface, there are a number of options for curing acrylic or fiberglass tubs.

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Light scratches and minor dulling from daily wear and tear or an abrasive cleaner can be easily removed from an acrylic surface by using a soft cloth to apply a gentle metal or liquid polish. Burns or medium scratches require sanding using fine paper as well as the aforementioned polish. Unfortunately, a fiberglass bath requires a kit and more than a little 'elbow grease' to remove such marks. If cracking has occurred, or a hole exists, both materials utilize the same basic procedure for bathtub repair.

First, the surface must be cleaned thoroughly and all debris removed from the area. For small cracks, a fiberglass or acrylic resin is combined with a hardener and matching color tint and applied to the surface. For larger cracks or holes, a special tape or mesh must be used to reinforce or cover the area to be restored before employing the mixture. In either case, once the compound has hardened, the area must be sanded and polished, again using a gentle metal or liquid polish.

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Sprucing Up the Repair

When considering a bathtub repair, there are alternative methods that can be utilized instead of using chemicals or a do-it-yourself kit. One simple method to resolve any degree of tub damage for a corner bathtub or any non-copper freestanding bathtubs is to buy a liner. Installed liners efficiently cover the entire bathtub area, concealing any unsightly blemishes and allowing for the continued use of the bath. Though more expensive than restorations, liners are still cost effective when compared to the price of a new bathtub, and a liner allows for more customization than refinishing the existing bath.

A second option to ponder in place of or in addition to a bath repair is to apply bathtub paint. Bathtub paint maximizes customization of the tub area as well as the entire décor of the bathroom. This solution involves a little more work than an average restoration as it requires the entire surface to be thoroughly cleaned and sanded before painting even begins. The actual process requires up to several coats of a primer as well as multiple applications of an epoxy paint. Nevertheless, bathtub paint is a manageable alternative for bathtub repair.

As can be seen, multiple options exist when contemplating the restoration or refurbishing of a bathtub. The conventional corner tub as well as the acrylic clawfoot bathtub can be revitalized through a variety of methods. Choosing to repair a tub instead of buying one carries certain perks. Such a choice eliminates many of the subjective factors involved in a new purchase and binds courses of action to the type of material used and the severity of the damage incurred. Any bathroom can be renewed with a bathtub repair.