How to Repair a Shower Recess
Shower cracks must be repaired as soon as possible. If not, they can lead to water damage of the floor or walls beneath the shower. You do not need to replace the shower pan--repairs will suffice. Acrylic and fiberglass are the most common materials used for showers and both can be repaired in the same way. Every shower recess is different, so look in your owner's manual for the best way to repair your shower or bathtub. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sandpaper (120-, 240-, and 400-grit)
- 2-part epoxy
- Plastic putty knife
- Coarse sponge
- Hardener
- Color tint
- Protective gear
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Instructions
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2-Part Epoxy Repair
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1
Smooth cracked areas with varying grits of sandpaper. Begin with the 120-grit and continue until you reach the 400-grit sandpaper. Get rid of any unattached pieces of material.
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2
Work the two-part epoxy into the deep cracks. Use a plastic putty knife to apply the two-part epoxy. Wait 12 hours for the two-part epoxy to dry.
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3
Apply a second layer of the two-part epoxy. Let the two-part epoxy dry for 12 hours before you use the shower.
Tub and Shower Repair
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4
Smooth cracked areas with sandpaper. Clean the place you plan to fix, using coarse sponges.
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5
Mix any necessary tint into the hardener. Apply the hardener with a spray or a brush. Let the hardener dry for a few hours.
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6
Overlap the application with one or two coats of catalyst. Allow it to dry for 10 hours. Your shower should be ready to use as soon as it is completely dry.
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Tips & Warnings
The two-part epoxy will mix by itself so you do not need to measure and mix its ingredients.
Buy a tub and shower repair kit. Most kits include sandpaper, hardener, mixing container or spray bottles, catalyst, and occasionally color tint.
Wear protective gear such as gloves when you're repairing your shower recess.
References
- Photo Credit shower image by Dragan Trifunovic from Fotolia.com
