How to Repair Chips in Fiberglass Bath Tubs

Repair your fiberglass tub with a repair kit.

Fiberglass bathtubs last a long time. However, chips can occur in the surface of the tub. These chips detract from the overall look of the tub, making a newer tub appear older than it is. Chips also collect soap scum and dirt, which is unappealing. Too many chips weakens the structure of the tub and eventually leads to leaks. Repairs are fairly easy and require just a little patience to complete.

Things You'll Need

• Bathtub cleaner
• Bristle brush
• Razor blade
• Fiberglass tub repair compound
• Spreading trowel
• Sandpaper, 200-grit wet or 80-grit dry

Instructions

1. Clean the bathtub with bathtub cleaner and a bristle brush. Remove all dirt, soap scum and stains. This will reveal the chips in the tub surface. Repair them all at the same time for maximum effectiveness.

2. Remove any burrs and flakes from around the chip area in the tub, using a small razor, until the surface around the chip is smooth and flake free.

3. Mix the fiberglass tub repair gel with the hardener in a plastic container. Follow your tub repair kit instructions for the appropriate mixing ratios.

4. Apply the tub repair compound to the surface of the chip with a spreading trowel. Fill the entire chip with compound, then scrape away the excess with the flat edge of the trowel. Let the compound dry completely. Dry times will vary. Consult the documentation for an estimate of your drying time.

5. Lightly sand the surface area of the dried compound with 200-grit wet sandpaper or 80-grit dry sandpaper. Only sand the filled area of the tub, do not sand the entire tub.

6. Apply a fiberglass primer to the repair once it is completely dry. Allow this to dry as indicated on the label. Once the primer is dry, apply a single coat of fiberglass paint that matches your tub's surface color to the repair, using a spray can or spray gun. You must find a fiberglass paint that matches your tub's surface color to blend the repair. A gel coat, a type of fiberglass paint that contains epoxy and pigment, will give a shiny surface. Fiberglass paints and gel coats are sold at hardware stores, boat stores and specialty paint stores.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a hair dryer to accelerate the tub repair compound drying process.

• Some fiberglass tub repair kits include a top coat of fiberglass paint or gel coat.

• To completely blend the repair you may also add pigment to the epoxy repair material so it matches the color of the tub. If you take this step, painting may not be necessary.

References

• Happynews: Repairing Fiberglass Tubs

Resources

• West Sytem Website: Fiberglass Tub Repair