About Bathtub Refinishing & Repair
To repair or refinish a bathtub, requires a refinishing kit, patience and a few days to obtain a great result. Refinishing or repairing a bathtub on your own is best done in a residence where another shower or bathtub is available, because the refinishing processes is sensitive to water, and the tub should not be used between steps. However, an old bathtub can look new again with a simple kit and some time. Does this Spark an idea?
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Considerations
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Choosing whether to refinish or repair a bathtub can be a difficult choice. Take the time to assess how bad the cracks and chips are before making a decision. How many more years will the surface hold up? Repair may seem like a less expensive quick fix that does not require hiring a professional, but keep in mind that if the damage to the bathtub is worse than anticipated, small leaks over time can cause significant structural damage to a house, and that will cost great deal more in the long run.
Tools and Supplies for Refinishing
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Refinishing a bathtub is a somewhat laborious process, but it can be done by a layperson using a refinishing kit. The two primary methods of refinishing are the spray-on method and the brush-on method. Refinishing kits should include a high-quality bonding agent because preparing the surface before applying the topcoat is essential to a successful refinishing job.
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Repair Tools and Supplies
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The tools for repairing a bathtub are similar to those used in refinishing, but on a smaller scale. Cracks and chips will have to be sanded down so that a smooth surface is created before applying the patching element. Some kits will be for fiberglass tubs, others for porcelain, and there are even universal kits available. When repairing a tub that is not white, bring a color chart with the color of the tub indicated, or a paint chip, when purchasing supplies to find the right match.
Know the Process
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Whether hiring a professional or deciding to do it yourself, knowing the process is important to keep expenditures down. By knowing what goes into refinishing a bathtub, consumers can be savvier when working with refinishing companies. Be aware that refinishing can easily be done in the home and the bathtub should not need to be removed. Be skeptical of contractors that suggest removing the tub. If the bathtub is damaged to the degree that it needs to be removed, purchasing a bathtub is probably the best choice. The price of a bathtub starts at only a few hundred dollars.
Time Frame
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The most time sensitive part of bathtub repair and refinishing is respecting each stage of the process. When refinishing, the bathtub will need to be clean and dry before beginning work. Use a hairdryer to make sure that the surface is dry or else the epoxy will not adhere to it. Epoxy should be dry before sanding, cutting and applying a topcoat. Epoxy will take about 12 hours to dry. Finally, allow the topcoat to dry and set for 48 to 72 hours before using the tub. Do not rush any of these steps. Hasty work will cause the bathtub coating to fail much sooner than it would otherwise, and cause the homeowner to spend even more time in the future with repairs.
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