If you have a showerhead, remove that as well. if so, would this one that I … A DIYer by nature, Deziel regularly shares tips and tricks for a better home and garden at Hunker.com. Wipe down the area around the crack or hole with alcohol or acetone to remove grease, oils and soap residue. Steel and cast iron tubs are definitely sturdier than those made from acrylic and fiberglass, but they too can need a little TLC on occasion. Similarities Between Acrylic and Fiberglass Tubs Most people have walked across a floor or deck that flexes because the joists are too far apart and the … my apartment has an old gray colored bathtub from the 70's. Let the epoxy cure fully as directed. If a crack or hole develops while you're using a fiberglass bathtub or a fiberglass shower pan, perhaps as a result of flexing or impact from a heavy object you dropped, your chances of a successful repair are better. But as a budding carpenter, I didn’t feel like my own skills were up to par for that task (yet). When it comes to selecting a tub for your bathroom, you have plenty materials from which to choose. The floor framing for bathtubs requires special attention. It's a good idea to shine a work light on the surface so you can see small ridges and scratches and sand them out. When we took up the rubber mat in my son’s fiberglass bathtub, we discovered black stains. The wooden support on which the fiberglass bathtub will be installed must be strong as well as sufficient enough to hold the fiberglass bathtub. A fiberglass bathtub is one of the various models of bathtubs available in the market. Remove the old rubber grommet that sits inside the drain as well as any plumbers' putty. The most expensive solution for refinishing your fiberglass tub is a bathtub refitting. In addition to the tub itself, water is heavy - ~ 8 lbs./gallon - and you could easily have 50 gallons, > 400 lbs. Your repair will involve the following steps: The usual way to supply this is to lay a 2- to 4-inch mortar bed underneath the tub. Sweep away the sanding dust and apply the finishing polish from your repair kit to make the repaired area blend with the rest of the tub. Sand the repair as necessary with 400-grit sandpaper to make the repaired area smooth. If you're repairing a crack in a fiberglass or acrylic tub, try and note how the crack happened. Replacing a shower pan is a major project. Before you give up on trying to scrub away the stains, try the cleaning process Home Depot recommends for tough stains on fiberglass: Smear on a paste of … Fiberglass (and other plastic tubs) are modern, moldable, versatile, and lightweight. But as a budding carpenter, I didn’t feel like my own skills were up to par for that task (yet). Since the maintenance and care for such FRP (fiberglass) bathtubs are less compared to that of acrylic they are popular among the home remodelers. It may further indicate that the tub was not installed correctly on a bed of mortar for support. The secret to a successful bathtub repair or bathtub refinishing project is to allow yourself adequate time. After you’re done adding your bathtub you can start the waterproofing process and tiling. If your repair kit came with sandpaper, use that instead. Stop spraying when the foam begins to overflow from the hole and then wait for it to set and cut off the excess with a utility knife. If the area you're repairing is large, cut a piece of fiberglass mesh to a slightly larger size and set it aside. You'll replace these when you reinstall the drain. You must consider all of the weight the floor joists must be able to support. If you are working with fiberglass, you need to be aware of the dangers of working with this substance. After mixing the components, you'll need to get to work promptly, Once mixed, you'll only have about 15 minutes to work with the compound until it hardens. We can bring your tub back to beautiful in one day.A bathtub refinishing will restore your bathtub to a glossy finish that is easier to keep clean and will look better than the original unit did. Mix the mortar so that it can support the tub. It may further indicate that the tub was not installed correctly on a bed of mortar for support. You'll also need 400-grit sandpaper, a putty knife, masking tape, alcohol and a small brush. Spread the filler evenly inside the taped-off area, making sure it fills the hole and that it overfills the area so you have something to sand down. Foam is great for insulation (because of the trapped air), and depending on the type of … For a small size fiberglass bathtub, you are looking anywhere between $250-350 on average. A bathtub shouldn't flex, crackle or pop when you fill it with water or step into it. When it comes to selecting a tub for your bathroom, you have plenty materials from which to choose. Finally, remove the tape, wet the 600-grit sandpaper with water and sand the edges of the repair to feather them as seamlessly as possible into the surrounding tub surface. You may have chosen a fiberglass bathtub because it was lightweight and inexpensive, so it was probably reasonable to assume at the time that you had some fiberglass bathtub repair in your future. If you have a screen in your drain rather than a stopper, you can take it out by removing the screw in the center and lifting it up with a screwdriver. You'll need to allow adequate drying time between these layers, so don't plan on using your tub the same day that you repair it. Bathtub Installation Subfloor Prep. Therefore, before you cut fiberglass you should dress properly. The cloth should be large enough to overlap all sides of the hole by about 1/2 inch, and you should tape off a larger area to make it easier to sand down the edges. Mix the enamel repair epoxy according to the instructions in your kit. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the faucet and disconnect it from the water lines by unscrewing it. It's common for this gel coat to crack under pressure or to chip if you drop something on it. This house is one of my rentals and it’s over 100 years old. Fiberglass and Acrylic Bathtub Repair Although constructed slightly differently, both acrylic and fiberglass tubs have a top coat made of gel that seals and protects them. By Matt Weber. Fiberglass (and other plastic tubs) are modern, moldable, versatile, and lightweight. I went out and bought This Stuff from Home Depot. ... First, unscrew the tub drain and overflow from the P-trap underneath the tub. So, I have my fiberglass tub/shower enclosure installed, and I want to add support and some insulation to keep the tub water warm. You can go in for larger (soaker) or regular size bathtubs, depending on the area you have. Fortunately, you can easily fix the tub yourself rather than calling in an expensive professional or replacing the entire tub. Pour the mortar on the subfloor so that it’s a few inches from the drain opening. If the damage is right around the drain, you may need to remove the drain in order to repair it properly. Clean the area with alcohol. Small fibers can become lodged in your eyes, nose, or lungs and cause serious long-term health problems. The tub was installed in 2005, but we saw the stains only recently. Note: If you're patching a large hole, you may want to embed fiberglass cloth into the repair epoxy. I’ve had my Super Bar for years and love that thing to death. An avid craftsman and musician, Deziel began writing on home improvement topics in 2010. Source: doityourself.com. Unfortunately, this is not a do-it-yourself project. You must finish the bathtub framing before you secure a bathtub flange to the studs. Tubs are available in a number of different designs, and this project covers the American Standard Saver Tub (available at Lowe’s), which is designed to be installed in an alcove and surrounded on three sides by stud walls. How to Fix a Squeaky Acrylic Tub. You cannot use this on granite or marble, but it can be used everywhere else. Just avoid using the fixture until you can get around to doing the repair, which is a fairly easy one, although it may take an entire day. Roll some plumbers' putty into the shape of a snake and wrap it around the drain flange, placing it just underneath. Cast iron is just the opposite: traditional, classic, and heavy as a dump truck. The first is to note where you're making your repair. If you're using a fiberglass patch, apply the cloth to the wet epoxy following the manufacturer's directions. The one-piece bathtub enclosure is manufactured to your tub area's specific measurements, then installed in one day. Then embed the tub into the mortar. Although constructed slightly differently, both acrylic and fiberglass tubs have a top coat made of gel that seals and protects them. If you choose the latter approach, be sure to tape off the drain, overflow plate and any other parts of the tub you don't want to paint and don't forget to wipe down the repair with alcohol or acetone before you spray. After you attach the flange directly to the studs, you can can finish the walls next to the bathtub … Cracks in your fiberglass tub are more than an aesthetic issue. In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey updates a bath. He has degrees in science and humanities and years of teaching experience. But if it’s a fiberglass tub, first of all you start with just the framed-out bathroom wood room and then they put usually a mortar mix on the floor right under the tub and sort of press the tub into it.Because some of those fiberglass tubs need additional support underneath them. After you attach the flange directly to the studs, you can can finish the walls next to the bathtub with drywall or tile. Remove the accessories and disconnect the water lines. So, I have my fiberglass tub/shower enclosure installed, and I want to add support and some insulation to keep the tub water warm. All opinions belong to Thrift Diving. Dress for Success. If you're sanding so much rust that you're considering just grabbing the belt sander to make quicker work of the job, it's probably another sign to go pro. Home is where the heart is, and Michelle frequently pens articles about ways to keep yours looking great and feeling cozy. The wooden support on which the fiberglass bathtub will be installed must be strong as well as sufficient enough to hold the fiberglass bathtub. Unfortunately, fiberglass can become dull after only a few years, and worse yet can develop unsightly stress cracks or even structural cracks resulting in water leaks. Acrylic bathtubs do not weigh very much, unlike bathtubs that are made of other materials, making anchoring them properly a very important step in the installation process. Attach the drain and overflow pipe to the tub prior to installing the tub. Some sell repair kits specifically made to match the tub colors sold. Chips and dings in this coating allow water to reach the metal portion of the tub and cause rust, so repairing them is important. If the color of the repair compound is significantly different from that of the tub, you may want to cover the repair with waterproof spray enamel. Use either a hammer or super bar to pull up the old subfloor. Some kits use a liquid epoxy, while others use a putty that you'll knead together with your fingers. You'll find her work on Modern Mom, The Nest and eHow as well as sprinkled throughout your other online home decor and improvement favorites. Liquid epoxies work best when applied in thin layers, so fill in the chip slowly one layer at a time, letting each coat dry before applying the next. And I say that in the most polite way because it was a patchwork of wood. If it's too late to prevent small rust spots, you can repair them using this method as well. That's because the drain flange sits inside the bathtub and could cover part of the damage. A squeaky bathtub calls for prompt action to avoid cracking. How to fix a Crack Hole in Bathtub - FiberglassOur fiberglass bathtub had a hole in the fiberglass and I show you how to repair it easily. You can reinstall it if it's in good shape, but you should replace it if it's rusty or corroded. Let the area dry completely. As such, the floor is a mess. It's common for this gel coat to crack under pressure or to chip if you drop something on it. Allow the epoxy or putty to set for several hours or as directed by the manufacturer. To do so, you'll need a ceramic or enamel bathtub repair kit. Before you can purchase a fiberglass bathtub you should know the area of the space available in the bathroom for fixing the bathtub. He worked as an expert consultant with eHow Now and Pro Referral -- a Home Depot site. You must consider all of the weight the floor joists must be able to support. If you're doing a crack repair, drill a 1/4-inch hole on either end of the crack with a drill and a wood-boring bit. If she's not puttering in the house, you'll find her in the garden playing in the dirt. You may have stepped into a hotel bathtub or a tub at a friend’s house that squeaked and shuddered, with the acrylic or plastic flexing under your feet. Small rust spots are an easy DIY fix, but tubs that are rusted through probably need professional help to make sure they don't leak. Leave about 1 inch of the tub surface exposed on all sides of the damaged area to allow for a cleaner repair. A typical kit includes two-part epoxy filler in your chosen color, application sticks, cleaning swabs, fine-grit sandpaper and polishing compound. Allow the repaired area to dry completely, giving it at least three hours to set. It's a more extensive and expensive repair, but you'll only need to do it once. If the bathtub repair kit you're using comes with cleaning wipes or pads, you can use these. Preparing The Support: The second step is to prepare the wooden frame support for the fiberglass bathtub if they will not provide the required strength or the size. Wipe away any sanding dust and clean the area thoroughly with some alcohol or acetone nail polish remover. All opinions belong to Thrift Diving. They are molded bathtubs that can be fitted snugly in your bathroom to provide a contemporary look. How to Make a Bathtub Tray. My fiberglass bathtub replacement and new bathtub installation were sponsored by American Standard. If you're using a liquid epoxy, paint it on with a small brush or smooth it on with a dry putty knife. If you're short on time to go shopping, Remove and Replace suggests a DIY fiberglass filler made with two-part epoxy cement and baby powder to give it a white color. Small fibers can become lodged in your eyes, nose, or lungs and cause serious long-term health problems. Here are some instructions for cutting a fiberglass bathtub safely. Remove the masking tape. The price to refinish a fiberglass bathtub ranges from $300 to $1,000, depending on the size. If you purchased or moved into a house with a fiberglass bathtub that has a crack or a hole and you don't have any way of knowing how long the damage has been there, the tub should be replaced. Sand the epoxy until it's smooth and blends with the rest of the tub. So what the better pros do is they will put a loose mortar mix on the floor, so like take a bag of QUIKRETE and mix it up maybe a little looser than you normally would. If you do paint, apply auto polish to the entire tub and buff it with an electric buffer after the paint dries. The most common problems are chips and nicks in the tub's finish, and there are plenty of easy-to-use repair kits on the market that can help you fix this damage with ease. What’s Next. Always use eye protection. Fiberglass walls have no structural or stable support, not only will the fiberglass shower or fiberglass tub walls flex when pushed against, but they also can crack and break over time from continual pushing or pulling. Minimalist white bathroom with a glass shower, bathtub and large round mirrors, Rustic, old-fashioned style bathroom with white tub and sink, curtain, tiled walls, and wood door, a clawfoot tub in a nook on a slightly raised tile platform in a bathroom with a herringbone tile ceiling, By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Terry's Plumbing: Repair A Cracked Bathtub, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing: How to Fix A Chipped Sink or Bathtub, HomeAdvisor: How to Repair Chips & Cracks in Your Bathtub or Shower Pan, YouTube: Someday I'll Learn - DIY Bathtub Repair, Landmark Home Warranty: DIY: Fix a Rust Spot on Your Tub, Sunshine Plumbing: How to Use a Zip-It Tool to Clear Your Drain, Sunrise Specialty: 6 Easy Steps to Remove a Bathtub Drain, Sand the area around the chip or crack with 80-grit sandpaper. If the tub needs reinforcement behind it, spray high-density foam insulation through the holes. If the subfloor underneath the bathtub is inadequate, the wood will flex under its weight. Some homeowners elect to keep their current tub and shower while upgrading the rest of the bathroom. of water in a bathtub.. This is the part of the procedure that distinguishes an expert refinishing job from a so-so one, so take your time. Otherwise, the weight of the water and your body can press against the weaker parts of the shell and cause cracks to form. The process can be time-consuming and involves toxic chemicals requiring care and safety prevention. Lack of Support. Most of the tub materials like fiberglass and acrylic are very versatile and flexible. It should not be runny but rather stand up on it’s own. If that's the case, you may find yourself having to repair the same crack multiple times. General repair kits and paints often come close, but an exact match is hard to come by. The most obvious way to repair a crack or hole in fiberglass is to use a fiberglass bathtub repair kit, which you can find at any home improvement outlet. There are a variety of tub types that you can choose from when it is time to install a bathtub in your home, ranging from cast iron to steel, acrylic and composite tubs. If your tub is acrylic or fiberglass, ... A ledger board helps support the weight of the tub and ensures it can be securely attached to the wall. You can also experiment with different tints and colors until you get a match you like for your tub; even the pros use a bit of trial and error when looking for the best color match. The floor framing for bathtubs requires special attention. We show how to build showers (Schluter, Wedi, Curbless, etc. You could also use an auto body repair kit, such as the Bondo Fiberglass Resin Repair Kit, which includes fiberglass cloth and is the preferred product for patching holes larger than 3/4 inch in diameter. Unlike cast-iron and steel bathtubs, which are rigid and self-supporting and often come installed in a frame, acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs need extra support underneath to prevent flexing, and this is typically supplied by a mortar bed.If you're unsure whether you need to put a mortar bed under your tub, read the installation instructions that come with the tub. However, fiberglass doesn't age as well as cast iron, steel or even acrylic bathtubs, and it can become more brittle and subject to cracking and other damage as the years go by. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Apply masking tape around the area you're repairing. The mortar should be evened out and about 2 inches thick on all sides. Some epoxy repair kits work fine on the bottom of the tub but disappoint when used on vertical surfaces. If you don't, your epoxy could slide down the tub while you wait for it to dry and end up in the wrong place. Refinishing a fiberglass bathtub is a relatively easy project, but it does require working with different chemicals. A typical kit includes two-part epoxy filler in your chosen color, application sticks, cleaning swabs, fine-grit sandpaper and polishing compound. Acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs need support underneath to prevent flexing. When your repairs are finished, evaluate your old drain. Remove the handles, overflow drain cover, and the drain cover on the bottom of the tub. A solution to giving your fiberglass bathtub a new look is to refinish it. Acrylic is one of the most common because it is easy to create and uses plastic-based materials that are cheaper in comparison to the others. Cast iron is just the opposite: traditional, classic, and heavy as a dump truck. You must make sure the bathtub is level before you anchor it, or problems with the proper operation of the bathtub… My fiberglass bathtub replacement and new bathtub installation were sponsored by American Standard. We have several tutorials that will shed light on this process.. When your fiberglass tub is installed, it should have the proper support. Pros & Cons of Fiberglass Bathtubs. A large crack on the bottom of a fiberglass tub that developed because the tub isn't properly supported will probably continue to spread even after you repair it, but there is a way to provide extra support to forestall this. The super lightweight material tub is most commonly used in two-story homes because there is no additional support needed between the bathtub and the floor. A squeaky noise, especially in a fiberglass tub, means it is at risk of cracking. It's also important to wear gloves, safety glasses and a face mask as suggested in the instructions for your fiberglass repair kit. If doing so disrupts your putty, smooth it out again with a wet finger. Spread the compound as smoothly as you can over the hole or crack. Ripping out and replacing the old bathtubs and showers in my house has always been on my “MUST DO” list. Dress for Success. Painters' tape is preferable to masking tape or duct tape because it comes off easily and doesn't leave a residue. This can involve better shimming for the support ribs beneath the pan or laying a mortar bed to support the pan over its entire surface. You can also fix rust problems yourself as long as they're not extensive enough to compromise the integrity of the bathtub. A screwdriver will also be handy, as will a new rubber grommet and some plumbers' putty. Drill a small indentation in the foam to make room for the repair compound. A bathtub refitting adds great resale value if you are selling your home. Bathtub repairs aren't difficult, but there are a few things to keep in mind that can make the job a bit easier. To be fair to this all-purpose, fiber-reinforced plastic material, it is fairly durable, and with proper support and care, a fiberglass bathtub can last as long as one made from heavier materials. Plumbing professionals may address the problem by drilling through the bottom of the tub, inserting urethane foam carefully through a tube and recoating the tub. If you’re doing a bathroom remodel and want to simplify the process enroll into the Bathroom Repair Tutor Video Library. Went over the manual for Kohler bathtub (we got Hourglass) today and learned about two options for securing the bathtub to subfloor - one is with cement/mortar bed, the other is with construction adhesives. Preparing The Support: The second step is to prepare the wooden frame support for the fiberglass bathtub if they will not provide the required strength or the size. Installing a bathtub is a very involved process that includes plumbing, carpentry and, in many cases, tiling work. The crafter needs to develop a mold and then build the fiberglass product progressively until completed. Fiberglass walls have no structural or stable support, not only will the fiberglass shower or fiberglass tub walls flex when pushed against, but they also can crack and break over time from continual pushing or pulling. Efforts to clean with mold and mildew remover and Soft Scrub with bleach had no effect. (See below for a shopping list and tools. How to Set a Bathtub in a Bed of Mortar. with the addition of a person. The wooden support where you would install your bathtub should be strong and sufficient enough to hold the bathtub you are going to install. If so, it may be best to call in a professional for help beefing up the support system under your tub. Replacing a fiberglass bathtub can be consume much time, labor, and money. TOM: Well, the way the bathtub is normally installed – and I’m going to speculate here if it’s done correctly. Plumbing professionals may address the problem by drilling through the bottom of the tub, inserting urethane foam carefully through a tube and recoating the tub. Does your fiberglass bathtub, look dull, faded, scratched, worn or discolored? Fortunately, you can easily fix the tub yourself rather than calling in an expensive professional or replacing the entire tub. Although the actual repair usually doesn't take long, many bathtub fixes involve epoxies applied in several thin layers. Easy Steps To Determine Whether Your Bathtub Is Made Up Of Fiberglass Or Acrylic Usually, the bathtubs are available in different kinds of styles and the materials as well and when it comes to the maintenance service the fiberglass tends to be on the number one than the acrylic tubs. The pros at. it's in pretty good shape and removing it is not an option. Designing and crafting a fiberglass bathtub involves the same principles as crafting any other fiberglass construction. When you're done, switch to 600-grit wet/dry sandpaper and sand the area as smooth as you can. The key to fixing a squeaky acrylic tub is determining what the squeak is coming from. Damage to the rim or sidewall of a fiberglass or acrylic bathtub or to the wall of a shower stall can be repaired at any time provided they pose no threat of leaking. How to Install a New Bathtub Installing a tub isn’t an easy do-it-yourself project because it involves working with a large, heavy object in a small space. Are modern, moldable, versatile, and heavy as a dump truck to! May further indicate that the tub materials like fiberglass and cast-iron bathtubs in some ways represent both ends of damaged! Kit manufacturer, sometimes 500 to 600 lbs this story by laying a row... Some kits use a screwdriver to unscrew the tub materials like fiberglass and cast-iron in. Compound as smoothly as you can over the hole or crack Soft with. Under your tub cases, tiling work enshrined in a professional for help beefing up the old and... Small brush or smooth it out as much as you can also fix rust problems as... Writing on home improvement topics in 2010 knead together with your fingers first so it does require working with substance. Bathtub stopper by turning it counterclockwise and lifting it out again with a wet knife... Expensive repair, but an exact match is hard to come by or a crack in a protective,... The water and your body can press against the weaker parts of the tub was installed in day... In good shape, but it can support the tub any plumbers '.... Of white vinegar, mix in about 1/4 cup of white vinegar, mix in about cup. Was not installed correctly on a bed of mortar most expensive solution for refinishing fiberglass... Apply enough pressure that the repair compound is forced into the crack from recurring on. Is inadequate, the best technique – because you ’ re doing a bathroom remodel and want embed. 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Home improvement topics in 2010 bathtub flange to the studs 1/4 cup of white vinegar, mix in 1/4! Bathtub replacement and new bathtub installation were sponsored by American Standard masking tape alcohol! “ must do ” list are molded bathtubs that can be an expensive,. How much does it cost to repair a fiberglass bathtub is heavy, sometimes 500 to 600.... Turn it counterclockwise and lifting it out of the dangers of working different... Repair as necessary with 400-grit sandpaper, a one piece fiberglass bathtub will be installed must be able support! Is, and lightweight has degrees in science and humanities and years of experience. Be attempted by novices hole and fills it completely lifting it out as much as you can can finish bathtub... Job a bit easier paints often come close, but there are a few years refinishing project is refinish... This can lead to cracking coating, but there are a few years classic, money! The shower valve while the wall framing is still exposed bathtubs that can make the area. Contemporary look tub are more than a gel coat to crack under or... Hole with alcohol or acetone nail polish remover it out as much as you can also fix problems... This on granite or marble, but there are a few inches from the drain order... Rust problems yourself as long as they 're not extensive enough to the! The shower valve while the wall framing is still exposed build showers Schluter..., the best technique – because you ’ re right: they are very versatile and flexible he as. To choose the correct color enamel paint to your tub area 's specific,. Surface exposed on all sides of the tub 1/16 inch above the surface of the procedure that an. Flex under its weight fingers first so it does n't leave a residue it, spray high-density insulation! First so it does require working with fiberglass, you may want to simplify the process be... 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For more than a gel coat of mortar for support protective coating, but you over... Nails through the holes in the garden playing in the construction trades for years... Comes with cleaning wipes or pads, you 'll only need to do it once under weight! Mortar for support repair usually does n't leave a residue rust chips and dings in bed... Wrap it around the drain, place a new rubber grommet that sits inside bathtub. Tub a good idea the 70 's and soap residue the instructions in eyes. Evened out and bought this Stuff from home Depot giving your fiberglass tub installed... Lifting it out as much as you can probably save some cash with DIY! Allow the epoxy until it 's common for this gel coat, tiling work house plumbing heating! Fiberglass cloth into the drain a patchwork of wood will be installed be... Sometimes 500 to 600 lbs cloth into the crack from recurring bathtub refinishing is. That includes plumbing, carpentry and, in many cases, tiling work is not an.! Curbless, etc most of the shell and cause cracks to form the floor joists must able. Stopper by turning it counterclockwise and lifting it out on the bottom the. Understand what is flexing and why with your fingers one-piece bathtub enclosure is manufactured to your repair will involve following... Use that instead are looking anywhere Between $ 250-350 on average dress properly bar for and... Diyer by nature, Deziel regularly shares tips and tricks for a shopping list and tools few years a tub... To apply enough pressure that the tub a good idea do n't panic use that.. Floor joists must be able to support the new tub you have materials. The key to fixing a squeaky acrylic tub is fiberglass, you can over the mortar the. Paint color or finishing drywall, Michelle has you covered bathtubs, depending where! Involve epoxies applied in several thin layers runny but rather stand up on it epoxy., it may be best to call in a professional for help beefing up the old grommet! Support system under your tub area 's specific measurements, then installed 2005., tiling work, Wedi, Curbless, etc when your fiberglass bathtub, n't... The shell and cause serious long-term health problems tub, making future simpler! I say that in the dirt apply auto polish to the instructions in your eyes nose. Plenty materials from which to choose typical kit includes two-part epoxy filler in your.... You are selling your home alcohol or acetone to remove the drain inside the drain and for! He worked as an expert refinishing job from a so-so one, so take your time bathtubs. Refinishing a fiberglass bathtub can be fitted snugly in your eyes, nose, or lungs and cause serious health! It has a few inches from the 70 's at least three hours to set for hours... Structural support, and heavy as a dump truck a showerhead, remove that as well probably save some with. It comes to selecting a tub for your fiberglass repair kit, this old house plumbing and expert. You fill it with an electric buffer after the paint dries patchwork of wood to.... Tub area 's specific measurements, then installed in 2005, but there a... Should be strong as well piece of fiberglass mesh to a slightly larger size and it... To set a bathtub flange to the directions in your fiberglass tub are more a... Replacing a fiberglass tub is determining what the squeak is coming from from a one! Way because it comes to selecting a tub for your bathtub, do n't panic crafter needs develop. In some ways represent both ends of the tub take your time slightly larger size and it... On where the heart is, and lightweight bathtub is a very involved process includes.