Did you know that 38 percent of people in the United States of America bathe at least once during the week? It doesn’t matter if you’re moving into a new home or trying to fix up your current one, it is always good to know how to handle bathtub repair.
Some people opt to hire a bathtub repair service but there are many bathtub repair tips that you can learn that will help you save money while getting your bathtub back to looking brand new.
The good news is that you’ve come to the right place for a helpful bathtub repair guide that will have you fixing your tub like a bathtub repair contractor in no time. Continue reading this article for a handful of helpful tips and steps to fix your bathtub today.
Bathtub Repair for Cracks, Chips, and Holes
Finding bathtub repair near me can get pricy but knowing how to fix your own bathtub will help you save tons of money. If you’re not someone that is good at working with tools and fixing things then it is possible that you’ll think that you need help to fix those issues with your tub’s enamel that are keeping you from experiencing that perfect bath.
When it comes to bathtub repair for cracks, chips, and holes there really isn’t much to it. There are tons of benefits that you’ll gain from learning to fix your own bathtub rather than hiring someone to help. You’ll end up getting a bathtub that looks brand new for a fraction of the cost that repairs or a replacement will cost you.
You’ll also prevent water damage that would result from your tub’s issues that could end up costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fix. Holes or cracks in your bathtub allow water to find its way onto your floor and causes severe damage to your home’s floors and structure in addition to allowing mold to grow.
Here is a closer look at the things you’ll need for a proper bathtub repair at your home.
Make Sure You Have the Right Repair Kit
If you discover chips and cracks in your home’s bathtub then you’ll want to make sure that you have an epoxy bathtub repair kit. The most important part of repairing your bathtub is having the right kit and tools to do the job. You should be able to get a quality two-component epoxy bathtub repair kit in your local hardware store.
Some important information to know before you dive into fixing your bathtub is knowing what the construction material is for your bathtub. Is it ceramic, fiberglass, porcelain, or enamel? This is vital to know because each of these materials requires a different type of epoxy in order to fix.
You’ll also want to make sure that you find a color that matches nicely with the color of your home’s bathtub.
Don’t Fail to Prepare
Another important thing to avoid doing when you’re trying to move forward with bathtub repair is to avoid starting the process with inadequate preparation. You’ll want to start by cleaning the entire surface of the bathtub as thoroughly as possible. This will remove any dust and dirt from the surface.
You’ll need to make sure that your bathtub is spotless and clean before applying any epoxy to the tub’s surface. If the only thing you need to repair is a chip or a small crack that is isolated to a small portion of the tub then you don’t need to clean the entire tub. At the very least, you should clean off the area where the repairs are needed.
Get rid of any soap scum and built-up residue on the surface of your tub using an abrasive cleaner for the best results. From there, use rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth to wipe down whatever still remains on the surface. This will give you the best results once you start applying the epoxy to your tub.
If you can’t get the hang of this process then you shouldn’t have a problem finding a qualified company to help, like Miltons Bath Enamel Repair.
Go Easy on the Sandpaper
Another step that you shouldn’t forget when you’re repairing your bathtub is to use sandpaper in order to sand down the area where the crack or chip is. This makes it much easier for the epoxy to gain a foothold on your tub’s surface. If you’re going forward with patching a hole or a crack then be careful not to sand on areas beyond where the damage is.
If you accidentally sand on parts of the tub that are beyond where the crack or chip is then you’ll damage the surface of the tub elsewhere and it will require an additional patch.
Install the Patch
The epoxy kit that you purchase will come with directions on how to mix the epoxy and then applying it. Once you’ve mixed the epoxy you’ll want to apply it using a small spatula or a craft stick. This will help you get the right amount of epoxy in place to create a solid patch.
You’ll gradually fill the area where the damage is applying one layer of epoxy at a time.
Let Your Bathtub Repair Patch Dry
Once the epoxy is applied to your bathtub the only thing left to do is wait for it to dry. You’ll find the recommended amount of time to wait on the packaging of the epoxy kit you purchased. The amount of time varies from kit to kit but some kits require a full 24 hours before the epoxy is dry.
Once it dries, use your sandpaper to sand it down to the point that it is flush and smooth with the rest of your tub. It should feel like there was never a crack or a scratch in your tub in the first place once you’re finished.
Start Your Bathtub Repair Today
There are a number of reasons that you might consider bathtub repair for your home’s bathtub. A bathtub has a big role to play when it comes to the value of your home and keeping it nice will only help. There are other options besides hiring a bathtub repair service if your bathtub only has cracks and chips, though a good bathtub repair contractor can help with any bathtub problems.
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