Fiberglass Bathtub Refinishing
If your bathtub has lost its shine you might want to consider fiberglass bathtub refinishing. Replacing your bathtub can get costly and messy and you may not be able to find a bathtub that fits your space. That would mean additional carpentry work to finish out the area around the tub. An old bathtub is also very difficult to keep clean. Soap scum adheres easily and it takes some difficult scrubbing to get it clean. Refinishing is a great option and your tub will end up looking just like new.
Some people prefer to install an acrylic liner that completely covers the tub but this is still an expensive option. The end result is the fact that you still have a tub that needs refinishing and the liner will not last all that long.
Practically all bathtubs can be refinished including fiberglass, cast iron, and porcelain. It is probably a job that you will want to hire someone else to do since it can get complicated for the novice. When you hire somebody to refinish your bathtub you do not have any need to remove the tub from the home. The person who does the refinishing comes into the home and does the refinishing right there in your bathroom. A professional will be mindful of your needs and will keep the mess down to a minimum.
Before your tub is ready for refinishing it must first be prepped. This involves repairing the nicks, priming the surface, and following up with a sealer. The final step will be applying a durable paint in the color of your choice. Often this is referred to as reglazing. There are actually several different products that are available for bathtub refinishing. Some will not adhere to the surface as well as the others. It is very important that you find the right bonding agent that will keep the paint intact. The bonding agent is what adheres to the tub and holds that paint in place. Before refinishing your bathtub you should first remove all of the old caulking. Chances are it has molded and turned black anyway. This can be removed with a razor blade or a putty knife. Once your refinishing project is complete you will then want to replace the caulk to fully seal up the area. Probably one of the most important things to remember is to thoroughly clean your tub before you begin the refinishing process. Soap scum residue will prevent the bonding agent to adhere and your paint will chip and crack. The best way to make sure the surface is thoroughly cleaned is to use acetone. This will cut through the soap scum and provide you with a clean surface that will stand up well to the refinishing process. After cleaning you will need to use sandpaper to create a rough surface. Sandpaper will remove any old glaze and will help the bonding agent to stick. Fiberglass bathtub refinishing can help add value to your home without you having to spend a lot of money for tub replacement. If the job is done correctly it will look like you have gone out and purchased a new tub. The key is getting the tub prepped correctly.
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