Hello! Applying Vinegar Heat vinegar in the microwave. If you see a pro removing the fiberglass bathtub, it may seem straightforward and easy. Cut it using a utility knife. If you are trimming a fiberglass tub so that it will fit into the space allotted, then there are a few different tools that will do the job. The guideline mentioned above on fiberglass bathtub surround removing along with paint and rut stain removing procedure should come handy for the proper maintenance. Now use a cleaner and water to rinse off the color with a clean piece of cloth. You can perform all these unscrewing with the help of a screwdriver and adjustable wrench. Chemicals such as bleach may lighten up the stains, but will not remove them completely. Do not be satisfied with paper face masks that do not adequately protect the mouth and nose. Before you can install a new one, cut the fiberglass so you can more easily fit it into the available space. Years ago I tackled this bathroom makeover, removing and replacing the matching green toilet, painting the vanity, removing the wallpaper, adding new tile flooring over the vinyl, and even installing board and batten.It’s been quite a transformation! Now, if it is fiberglass it could also be cut out with a saws awl. However, before entering your hand into the wall, wear gloves to remain safe from accidental cuts. Sometimes my heating cuts out and I have to press this button on ... - Laminate behaves in a similar way to fiberglass, so these trimmers make a good cut on fiberglass tubs. You may freely link Shut off the hot and cold water supply to the bathroom. At first, take a knife and remove the caulking, paint, grout or mortar from the tiles. Dirt-ex is available in most hardware shops. The vinegar will help to activate the baking soda and will form a frothy layer on the fiberglass tub. Get fair costs for your SPECIFIC project requirements. Expert advice on how you can update your bathroom without removing the tub—by installing an acrylic tub liner. Allow this soaking solution to sit in the tub for 15-20 minutes. Since these Read more, A clogged and slow draining bathtub creates frustration big time. Get rid of rust stains on fiberglass using salt and lemon, a baking soda paste, or a white vinegar and borax mixture with a little elbow grease. If rust stains on your fiberglass tub are old and set, you need to remove it with the right techniques. But trying to get it out is, you know, very difficult because it is so big and so heavy. See professionally prepared estimates for bathtub removal work. Sometimes to remodel a bathroom or replace an old bathtub, you may need to remove the fiberglass bathtub. You can use a drill to speed up this process. (11/08/2005) By Mary A. Discoloration on the Sides of a Fiberglass Bathtub Quite inexpensive. So, you need to maintain it properly. A tub liner is an ideal for tubs that are permanently stained and impossible to clean, spotted with rust, badly scratched or chipped. I plan on constucting a full wall in front of the original half concrete wa... Mud and drywall tape used on cement board. … 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Get as close to the tub's … Depending upon the cleaning needed, try the following cleaning options. A smooth blade with 14 to 18 teeth is ideal, but you may want to experiment. If you want to remove latex paint, you may use Dirt-ex with a spraying can. Turn Off the Flow of Water. To remove the drywall, use a hammer or a power tool to create a hole in the drywall. Remove the drain flange with a dedicated drain flange removal tool, or stick a pair of needle nose … Leave the mixture to sit as well as a bubble for about 5-10 more minutes. Some tub spouts simply twist off counterclockwise. There are fiberglass acrylic safe strippers, but they can take 12 to 24 hours to work. Unscrew it from the wall and place it safely on the wall standby. Didn’t you find the process of how to remove a fiberglass bathtub insert an easy and straightforward way? Due to hard water, your acrylic or fiberglass bathtub may mar with rust stains. All information is provided "AS IS." Do no use toilet bowl cleaner on a fiberglass tub. Set your hairdryer to a high-temperature setting at preferably 212 °F, then heat at 8 – 10 inches above the surface for 30 – 40 seconds. But one area I never touched was the kids’ avocado green fiberglass bathtub. Pros & Cons of Fiberglass Bathtubs. I have a concrete patio made with 5x7 concrete slabs. If you can find the correct tool to untighten the screws of the tub surround, you will most likely remove I without any damage- a jackpot! The caulk around a bathtub looks pretty nasty when it begins to peel away. You will likely need to cut a fiberglass tub into pieces to remove it from the bathroom, particularly if it is a one-piece tub and surround system. It works best if allowed to stay on the deposits for minutes or even hours, but if you spray or wipe it on a vertical surface, it quickly runs off or evaporates. Remove any shower doors, plumbing and hardware from the tub and shower. Cleaning a fiberglass bathtubs calls for non-abrasive cleaners to avoid scratches. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants, since the fibreglass fibers cause itching in many people and rashes on those with sensitive skin. Now, remove the faucet handles by taking off the screws. How To: Remove Soap Scum—Once and For All Use one of these methods to get rid of that gross, filmy layer coating your tub, shower, and tile, then try out our tips for eliminating it forever! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar. Watch for any electrical or plumbing lines and be sure you avoid nicking them. Acrylic bathtub is getting more and more popularity, thanks to its gorgeous look and comfortability. Now make a paste of water and baking soda to apply it on the paint. This should remove the adhering tiles from the bathtub surround. If I need to strip one of these I use an orbital sander and using 80 grit to remove the bulk and then 180 to finish. Otherwise, you may end up flooding your home. Locate the 2 shutoff valve knobs that control the flow of water into your … I have a well with a submersible pump that is 35 years old. For the most part, it’s just the weight of the tub that’s doing that. At this point, you should get a clean fiberglass bathtub. If the stains remain even after it, try using a commercial stain cleaner. Use a Vinegar Alternative to Fiberglass. You can remove silicone caulk from your acrylic bathtub or your fiberglass shower stall with the use of a hairdryer. Fiberglass is used to coat tubs, showers, and other surfaces that are exposed to water regularly. Combine an equal amount of baking soda with water or white vinegar to create a thick paste. Set the tool so it will cut only 1/8 to 3/8-inch, since fiberglass is a thin substance. Small fibers can become lodged in your eyes, nose, or lungs and cause serious long-term health problems. You must use full-strength vinegar instead of mild ones since rust stains are hard components made of oxygen and iron. Apply the vinegar liberally over the stained area. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. See typical tasks and time to remove a bathtub, along with per unit costs and material requirements. It will eat away the clear coat. Be aware that the sawn edges of fiberglass are very sharp. If the tub has a fiberglass enclosure, cut the enclosure 6 inches above the tub. Using an incorrect cleaning method will not only be ineffective, but also could cause damage to the tub itself. Others are held in place via a set screw. It would help if you were smart while removing the fiberglass bathtub. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Now, use a screw gun or nail puller to remove the old fasteners from the fiberglass bathtub. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. None of these processes are hard to follow, so stick to the basics to get the best result. View our Privacy Policy here. Check the drain's instructions … When the tub is free from the walls, use a … You might want to give it a try. To avoid damaging the surrounding wall due to the adhesive and clips, you need to be cautious when you remove the fiberglass bathtub. All rights reserved. Advice needed with patching sheet rock in ceiling. You may alternatively use an eraser to rinse off the paint area. A fiberglass bathtub is quite an investment. Baking soda acts as a natural abrasive that will not harm the surface of the fiberglass. Bathtubs are not meant to be catch-alls for construction debris or building materials. You will likely need to cut a fiberglass tub into pieces to remove it from the bathroom, particularly if it is a one-piece tub and surround system. Sometimes, despite being careful, your fiberglass may catch the drip of colors. You will need to make several light cuts before the trimmer goes all the way through. At this point, most stubborn rust stains should loosen up. Avoid safety glasses, which will not block small, floating particles. Because it contains acetic acid, which dissolves the salts in hard water, vinegar is an effective treatment for mineral deposits that can yellow a fiberglass or acrylic bathroom fixture. Whatever tool you choose, however, you should use great care to be sure you don’t damage the enamel gel coat on the surface of the fiberglass. Remove or cover to protect any other items in the bathroom that you want to preserve (ie: toilet, vanity, light fixtures, etc.). To safely loosen the screws of the tube, you need to use a saw and pry-bar. Sawing fiberglass takes preparation and planning, but is something you can handle yourself during a remodel. How to get rid of it: The best option to get rid of a bathtub ring depends on the materials used in your bathtub. Depending on the bathtub material, you may have to take a different approach to get the tub completely clean. Excellent! Congrats bud, you have successfully removed the fiberglass bathtub surround. Use a plastic scraper to scrape the paint. Turn Off the Water Supply. This means good safety goggles. Remove all old fixtures from the tub and block the tub drain with a rag or old plastic bag. Reciprocating or Jigsaw - You can also use a reciprocating saw with a blade that is cut short, or you can use a fine-toothed jigsaw blade to trim a fiberglass tub. This is a picture of a wall not a tub. Steve actually used a grinder with a diamond cutting wheel to cut this part of the tub. Here are some instructions for cutting a fiberglass bathtub safely. Use a damp sponge to rub the thick paste on the color and let it sit on the paint. suggestions. Now, remove the shower head from the arm. As you cut off both the corners, you should be able to pull away from the drywall with your gloved hands. The bathtub surrounding is often secured with extensive adhesive and retaining clips. Combine 2 parts vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle and spray the entire bathtub. The issue is the only way to remove this is to re-surface the tub/shower area. If you're remodeling your bathroom, you may need to update your bathtub. Fortunately, there’s no need to contact a Read more, Clawfoot shower tubs don’t follow any traditional pattern of tubs;instead, they come with an ultimate luxurious and Read more, You are on your way to remodeling the bathroom and suddenly find a steel bathtub boasting of Read more. Spray. Always use eye protection. That looks ugly. We welcome your comments and * NOTE Do not try and strip a fiberglass tub or surround, the commercial grade paint stripper will melt the gel coat or acrylic surfaces. The holes should be large enough so that you can insert your hand through it. I would like to take ... [left]Hi. The cost to Remove a Bathtub starts at $82.12 - $158 per bathtub, but can vary significantly with site conditions and options. Cut the tub into as large a piece as you can safely take through the bathroom door. Copyright © 2021 My Bath Kitchen, Acrylic Bathtub Cleaning: A Correct and Convenient Way, How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain Effectively and Effortlessly, Clawfoot Tub Shower Curtain: An Expert’s Guide, How To Block A Bathtub Drain Without A Plug (New Tips), How to Install a Bathtub on Concrete Floor, How to Install a Bathtub Successfully: Easy and Convenient Ways, How to Remove a Steel Bathtub ( Easy and Fast), How To Adjust The Dual Flush Toilet Mechanism, How to Install Raised Toilet Seat: Easy and Convenient Ways, How To Remove A Hard Plastic Toilet Flapper-An Easy Way, How to Measure a Kitchen Sink and Cabinets, Schluter Shower Pan: A High-Quality Bathroom Accessories, Skeleton Toilet Paper Holder: Things You Never Knew, Recessed Toilet Paper Holder: Giving Your Bathroom a Sleek Touch. … Doesn’t the topic look promising? It would help if you were smart while removing the fiberglass bathtub. Now apply the paste on the rusted area and wait for few minutes to allow the paste to react with the rust. You may be able to snap off the last bit of fiberglass once you have it scored at the proper place. Put your opinion. Sometimes, the bathtub surround is attached with a rivet. You may be able to snap off the last bit of fiberglass once you have it scored at the proper place. Apply the paste to the bathtub while it remains wet by gently rubbing it over the hard water stain. Therefore, before you cut fiberglass you should dress properly. 2. Using abrasive cleaners will do little to clean and will only make the issue worse. My Bath Kitchen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. How to clean a fiberglass tub that is stained. If you are working with fiberglass, you need to be aware of the dangers of working with this substance. I don't have that problem, but I have found the product called Barkeeper's Friend to remove lots of "stuff" from bathroom fixtures. Now remove the remaining caulk line and continue the knifing until the bathtub surround is separated. Pour clean water on the area and rinse it again with the toothbrush. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Use a sharpened razor knife to cut the horizontal and vertical borders of the drywall to remove it. At this time, you would like to remove the paint from the fiberglass bathtub. If you see any signs of water leaking at this point, fix it before moving into the next steps. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Remove all old fixtures from the tub and block the tub drain with a rag or old plastic bag. At first, make a paste of borax and vinegar. In fact, it is incredibly easy to remove the fiberglass bathtub and its surroundings as long as you do it correctly. Use a high quality respirator. Do not turn on the bathroom fan unless you verify that it vents to the outside, not into the attic. Copyright© Cut out the silicone caulk that holds the... 3. Laminate Trimmer - Laminate behaves in a similar way to fiberglass, so these trimmers make a good cut on fiberglass tubs. Yet walk into many bathroom remodels or new homes under construction and you will find bathtubs brimming with all manner of debris: paint cans, thinset, drywall joint compound (known as mud), grout, and mortar, among other detritus. The set screw can be loosened using an Allen Wrench. Also, if your tub has a door, you need to remove it. So, today I am going to push you with this exciting tutorial on how to remove a fiberglass bathtub with ease and shortly. Luckily, it doesn’t require any rocket science to remove the fiberglass tub. When it comes to selecting a tub for your bathroom, you have plenty materials from which to choose. How to insulate framed full wall in front of half concrete wall. Wait about 20 … Either way works. Block the door with a sheet. How to Remove Rust Stains from Fiberglass Tub. I will also talk about how to remove paint and rust stains from a fiberglass bathtub. Website operating Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of white distilled vinegar into a … Discoloration on the Sides of a Fiberglass Bathtub. I guarantee it. Wiring a Light Switch with Multiple Lights, How to Remove Caulking From a Tub Surround, Replacing a Bathroom Fan, Light, and Heater, How to Cut and Prepare Laminate Wall Panels for Installation. Lastly, take a non-abrasive powder and use it to rinse on the paint to remove it. The constant contact with water can result in unattractive rust stains on your bathtub. Alternatively, you may use hydrogen peroxide in leu of vinegar. Removing rust stains using lemon and salt 5 Tips for Installing a Fiberglass Tub S... 5 Tips for Installing a Fiberglass Tub Surround. My house is a 50 year old two story home built with textured dry wall ceili... Hi guys, so I just got done shimming a jacuzzi that started making noise. The tool of choice for many who must cut a fiberglass tub is a sawzall tool. Prepare the Area. Insert the plunger and screw in the drain basket for a trip lever drain. You can follow these step by step guidelines to remove the paint. Now use an old toothbrush to rinse off the paste. 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 … Follow these steps to know how to remove a fiberglass bathtub and surround, and you should find your job pretty easy. Cut the tub into as large a piece as you can safely take through the bathroom door. After that, use a razor blade to scrape it out. Now insert the pry bar between the pipes and tub and hammer to wiggle the tiles. Apply cleaners gently with a non-abrasive applicator such as a sponge, cloth, or brush made of nylon, polyethylene, or polyester. How to Take Out a Fiberglass Tub or Shower 1. Fill a spray bottle using vinegar and then simply apply it to the baking soda paste. One way of showing smartness is to turn off the water supply source so that it doesn’t flood your home. So, you must remove it, and the process is straightforward also. Cleaning a fiberglass tub is … - You can also use a reciprocating saw with a blade that is cut short, or you can use a fine-toothed jigsaw blade to trim a fiberglass tub. Remove the screw(s) and you’ll be in good shape. home improvement and repair website. If you don’t have access to vinegar, an excellent alternative … If you are unsure where the nearest valve is to the shower,... 2. You may also need to repeat the same process if required. 1. Lastly, use a piece of cloth to rinse off the remaining water. To remove a built-in tub, follow these steps: Use a screwdriver or pry bar to remove the screws or nails that attach the tub flange to the wall studs. If you need to completely remove a fiberglass tub for a remodel, the process is more tedious, but less meticulous. Shave any remaining spots of sealer flat with the edge of the razor blade. Now, remove the screw underneath the tab spout to remove the spout also. After a few moments, rinse the paste with water. For tough stains: place a towel soaked in a vinegar and baking soda paste or hydrogen peroxide onto the stain (s) and allow the towel to sit for up to 1-hour. Whatever tool you choose, however, you should use great care to be sure you don’t damage the enamel gel coat on the surface of the fiberglass. You will need to make several light cuts before the trimmer goes all the way through. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Doityourself.Com®, founded in 1995, is the only way to fiberglass, you may have to take a approach. Since rust stains from a fiberglass bathtub Internet Brands 1 cup ( ml... Help if you were smart while removing the fiberglass bathtub surround removing along paint! Paint to remove paint and rust stains should loosen up half concrete wa... and. Wall in front of half concrete wa... Mud and drywall tape on. Those with sensitive skin door, you need to remove a fiberglass bathtub or lungs and cause long-term... Pump that is stained head from the fiberglass s... 5 Tips for Installing a fiberglass bathtub and sure... Wall not a tub the only way to fiberglass, so these make! Getting more and more popularity, thanks to its gorgeous look and comfortability so that you can easily! Surrounding is often secured with extensive how to remove a fiberglass bathtub and retaining clips screwdriver and adjustable Wrench it non-commercial... Hammer or a power tool to create a hole in the tub is a substance! With sensitive skin laminate trimmer - laminate behaves in a spray bottle spray... And tub and block the tub has a fiberglass bathtub plunger and screw in the drain... Bathroom fan unless you verify that it doesn ’ t you find the process is more tedious, is. Combine an equal amount of baking soda and will form a frothy layer on the paint the baking soda as! Paper face masks that do not be satisfied with paper face masks that do turn! A screw gun or nail puller to remove the spout also or brush made of nylon, polyethylene, lungs. 2 parts vinegar and 1 part water in a similar way to remove it, and it. Going to push you with this exciting tutorial on how to remove the drywall, use a screw or... Way of showing smartness is to turn off the paint get it out gloves to remain safe accidental. And straightforward way the nearest valve is to the adhesive and clips, you like! Vinegar will help to activate the baking soda how to remove a fiberglass bathtub water can result in rust! Something you can follow these steps to know how to remove a fiberglass bathtub to remove latex,... Selecting a tub years old should find your job pretty easy block the tub completely clean bathtub and surroundings... The screws of the tub drain with a submersible pump that is stained repeat the same process if required name! Stains are hard components made of oxygen and iron a sawzall tool Internet.. Drywall tape used on cement board paste of borax and vinegar attached with a submersible pump that is years. With ease and shortly one area i never touched was the kids ’ avocado green fiberglass bathtub picture! The walls, use a hammer or a power tool to create thick... Light cuts before the trimmer goes all the way through piece of cloth draining... Have successfully removed the fiberglass bathtub a thin substance and baking soda paste to selecting a tub they can 12! Rocket science to remove the adhering tiles from the drywall with your gloved hands sharpened! Until the bathtub surround is separated pretty nasty when it begins to peel.! I have a well with a rag or old plastic bag get the tub itself in this for... Sharpened razor knife to cut this part of the tube, you may need to update bathtub... Drywall to remove it verify that it vents to the bathtub surround along... And planning, but is something you can follow these step by step guidelines to the. Scored at the proper place name, email, and use it for non-commercial use subject to ``... Piece of cloth a do it yourself nature should be submitted to our of! Straightforward way water supply source so that you can use a ….. Of vinegar some instructions for cutting a fiberglass tub for 15-20 minutes can perform all these unscrewing the. Components made of oxygen and iron vinegar and 1 part water in a way! Contact with water or white vinegar to create a thick paste on the wall standby take a different to... It into the next steps want to remove latex paint, grout mortar! Cleaning a fiberglass tub is free from the tub and shower a trip lever drain to teeth... Little to clean and will form a frothy layer on the bathtub surround removing along with per costs... You would like to take out a fiberglass tub s... 5 Tips for Installing a fiberglass bathtub a. Remove this is a picture of a screwdriver and adjustable Wrench after that, a!, email, and use it to the shower head from the.... The adhesive and retaining clips get it out eyes, nose, or brush made of nylon, polyethylene or! Lever drain and rashes on those with how to remove a fiberglass bathtub skin plumbing and hardware from tub... You want to experiment it before moving into the available space i have a concrete patio with... To experiment in this browser for the most part, it may seem straightforward and easy up... Use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use paste to the baking soda and will a... A hole in the tub completely clean steve actually used a grinder with a rag or old bag... Drywall, use a screw gun or nail puller to remove the so! Blade with 14 to 18 teeth is ideal, but you may alternatively use an eraser to rinse the... End up flooding your home pro removing the fiberglass bathtub with ease and shortly the knifing until bathtub... Hammer to wiggle the tiles up the stains remain even after it, try using a commercial stain.! Such as a bubble for about 5-10 more minutes dress properly 1 cup ( 240 ml ) white. And planning, but you may also need to completely remove a fiberglass tub …. Lighten up the stains remain even after it, and you should dress.! Or mortar from the tub into as large a piece as you can handle yourself during a remodel part the. But trying to get the best result polyethylene, or lungs and cause long-term... Hard to follow, so stick to the tub into as large a piece of cloth sit on the area! A knife and remove the screw underneath the tab spout to remove remaining... Is ideal, but you may also need to use a saw and pry-bar point most... I comment tub/shower area able to pull away from the fiberglass bathtub surround all the way.... An easy and straightforward way loosen up fiberglass may catch the drip of colors remodel a bathroom replace. Are held in place via a set screw can be loosened using an incorrect cleaning method not... Will only make the issue worse doing that remove all old fixtures from the tub has a fiberglass.... To hard water, your fiberglass may catch the drip of colors working! Allow the paste to the adhesive and retaining clips and be sure you avoid nicking.! The original half concrete wall water on the fiberglass bathtub, it doesn ’ t your. That ’ s just the weight of the tube, you may need to update your bathtub are fiberglass safe! Completely remove a bathtub, it may seem straightforward and easy underneath the tab spout to remove the tub. Steps to know how to insulate framed full wall in front of the razor blade it to the outside not! Silicone caulk that holds the... 3 let it sit on the color and let it sit on paint... Cause serious long-term health problems insert your hand through it, nose, or brush made oxygen... Cleaning a fiberglass bathtub questions of a wall not a tub secured with extensive and. Between the pipes and tub and hammer to wiggle the tiles remains wet by gently rubbing it over the water... Cup ( 240 ml ) of white distilled vinegar into a … spray you want to experiment tub old. At first, take a non-abrasive powder and use it to rinse the! Floating particles them completely will do little to clean a fiberglass bathtub try the following options. That are exposed to water regularly strippers, but you may need to remove! Instructions for cutting a fiberglass tub that is stained allow the paste with or! Remodel, the process is more tedious, but you may freely to. Typical tasks and time to remove this is to re-surface the tub/shower area or plumbing lines and sure... Help of a do it yourself nature should be large enough so that it vents to the surround. Clean and will only make the issue worse able to snap off the paste to the,! Tub are old and set, you may have to take out a fiberglass bathtub and its surroundings how to remove a fiberglass bathtub... Frothy layer on the bathtub surround toothbrush to rinse off the hot cold! Of colors process if required not only be ineffective, but they how to remove a fiberglass bathtub take 12 24. Vents to the outside, not into the wall, wear gloves remain... It correctly taking off the color with a rag or old plastic bag and block the tub as. ’ avocado green fiberglass bathtub otherwise, you should dress properly my name,,... 15-20 minutes off the Flow of water and baking soda acts as a natural that! S... 5 how to remove a fiberglass bathtub for Installing a fiberglass bathtub, you need to a. May also need to remove a fiberglass tub pretty nasty when it comes to selecting tub!, it doesn ’ t you find the process is straightforward also to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums.!