How to Restore a Fiberglass Bathtub
Fiberglass bathtubs have a surface that is coated in a protective gel that also acts as the surface paint. Over time, chips can form in this surface, causing a path for water to get beneath the surface and cause the surface to deteriorate even more. Clean the tub thoroughly before attempting to restore the gel-coat surface to prevent dirt from permanently being trapped beneath the surface. While some gel-coat surfaces can be brushed on, it's best to spray on the gel-coat to create the smoothest surface. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Sand down the surface of the tub. This will remove the top coat of finish on the bathtub.
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Wipe down the tub with a wet cloth to remove all remnants of finish and dust after sanding. Wait for the surface to dry.
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Mix together components of the gel-coat liquid, which is usually sold in a kit that contains a small amount of a catalyst called MEKP. Add the liquid to a spray gun made specifically for gel-coat. The special gun prevents the gel-coat from drying inside it, unlike a regular paint sprayer.
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Spray a layer of gel-coat onto the surface. Drying time depends on the brand, but could take several days. Immediately after spraying, wipe off all gel-coat remnants from the gun before they dry permanently.
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Sand the surface again if there are any uneven areas after the drying is complete. If you do need to sand again, spray on one more coat of gel-coat finish and let it dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Spray the bathtub before restoring it with straight vinegar, using a spray bottle. Let the vinegar sit for five minutes and then scrub the tub with a sponge. This restores the tub by removing hard water buildup and soap scum.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
