How to Repair a Fiberglass Shower
Showers can become damaged after time and must be replaced or repaired. Replacing one can be expensive and time-consuming. You must tear the old shower out and then pay to dispose of it, then uy a new one. Repairing a shower is cheaper and a lot less work. Repairs involve very few materials, which you can find at your local marine supply store. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Respirator
- Palm sander
- FIne-grit sandpaper
- Rags
- Acetone
- Marine fiberglass filler
- Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (hardener)
- Small bucket
- Stir stick
- Putty knife
- Gel coat
- Gel coat spray gun
Instructions
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1
Sand the entire surface of the shower, using a palm sander with fine-grit sandpaper. For any cracks or fractures, sand the edges of the crack into a gradual taper. The more gradual the walls of the crack are, the better the bond will be. Make sure the entire surface is scuffed with no shine remaining.
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2
Wipe the shower clean, using a clean rag and acetone. Remove any grease or dust that may be on the surface. It is important to get the surface as clean as possible for bonding purposes.
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3
Mix the fiberglass filler with the hardener as the containers recommend. Use a small bucket and stir stick to thoroughly mix the filler. When the filler is all one color, apply it to the damaged areas. Use a putty knife and smooth the filler so it is level with the surrounding fiberglass. Let dry until it is hard and cool to the touch.
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4
Sand the filler smooth with palm sander and fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe the sanded areas clean with a clean rag and acetone.
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5
Mask off the surrounding walls and anything that can get overspray on it, using painter's tape and masking plastic.
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6
Add the gel coat and hardener to the gel coat spray gun as directed in the manual. Spray the first coat of gel coat on the shower in a heavy mist. Spray as evenly as possible, avoiding any runs or heavy spots. Let the first coat begin to become tacky and apply the final coat, which should solidly cover the shower. Let dry until the gel coat is completely hardened.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear a respirator when sanding fiberglass.
