Fiberglass or acrylic bathtubs and showers are easy to install and are often less expensive than other options, such as a cast-iron tub or ceramic tile shower stall, making them a favorite for budget-conscious homeowners. Over time, though, the acrylic or fiberglass surfaces can get dented or cracked, often because of flexing of the walls of the fixture over time. Sharp blows can also dent, crack, or punch holes in fiberglass or acrylic. A variety of options are available at this point, including wholesale replacement of the bathtub or shower, or installing a new liner inside the old tub or shower.
But one fix that is much more cost-effective is to fill the crack or hole using a fiberglass/acrylic repair kit. These materials include epoxy-like materials similar to the compounds used as filler in automobile body repairs. In fact, some people use these automotive body fillers to make repairs on tubs and showers, or even sinks and toilets.
Acrylic/Fiberglass Repair Kits
Rather than using automotive body filler, though, a better choice is to buy a repair kit that is factory-matched to your tub or shower. These kits have filler paste already tinted to match the color of your fixture, and will include much of what you need to make the repairs—only a few extra tools and materials are required. A single kit may provide enough material to make several repairs. One manufacturer of fiberglass/acrylic repair kits (but not the only one) is Multitech Products, who makes many of the official repair kits sold by the plumbing fixture manufacturers themselves.
There are many repair and resurfacing products available, so make your choice carefully. For simple cosmetic repairs, most people find that a paste-type fiberglass/acrylic kit is easier to use than a spray product. Paste kits may include:
Aug 23, 2019 Minor cracks can be repaired with a two-part resin designed for fiberglass, acrylic and plastic shower repair. Larger issues may require spray foam insulation and fiberglass mesh. Repairing a Fiberglass Tub. No matter how bad a crack or an indentation may look, the process is the same as if it was a little pit. In either case, it’s surprisingly simple. By using a basic epoxy kit with a few essential items, repairing a fiberglass tub takes as little as one day, with most of that time spent as the compound dries.
Some types of products also include a clear top coat that is sprayed or brushed on.
You Will Need
Warning
This repair uses an epoxy-type filler that has hazardous fumes. Good ventilation is required, as well as the use of an approved ventilator mask. Always follow the kit manufacturer's recommendations for safety measures.
How to Use a Paste-Type Acrylic/Fiberglass Repair Kit
Done patiently and according to instructions, the repair to your fiberglass or acrylic tub or shower should be nearly impossible to distinguish from the rest of the fixture.
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Repairing minor cracks and pits in a fiberglass shower pan can restore the pan to a uniform finish. Creating a game engine. While large cracks often indicate problems that patching may not correct, minor repairs are relatively easy for a do-it-yourselfer. Gelcoat repair kits for marine and other wet fiberglass repairs are available at many home centers and marine stores; many come in a variety of tones that closely match fiberglass shower pans. Similar to most superficial repairs, preparation is the key to a uniform appearance.
1
Clean the shower pan thoroughly with a liquid bathroom cleaner and a bristle brush. Turn on the water and rinse off the residue and cleaner. Dry the pan with fabric towels or rags. Use as many towels or rags as necessary to thoroughly dry the pan.
2
Put on safety gloves and a dust mask. Sand the area at a crack, gouge or pit in the fiberglass with a fine-grit sanding block. Use light pressure on the block to avoid sanding through the surface layer of the fiberglass.
3
Apply a thin layer of gelcoat patch onto a crack from end to end with the provided applicator. Apply a modest amount of gelcoat at a pit or gouge. Software developer requirements. Smooth the gelcoat to a uniform finish with one or two strokes of the applicator.
4
Refer to the instructions and allow the gelcoat to completely cure. Lightly sand any imperfections and apply a thin layer of the coating, if necessary, for a uniform appearance.
Things You Will Need
Tips
Warning
Cracked Plastic Shower Floor RepairReferences (2)About the Author
William Machin began work in construction at the age of 15, while still in high school. In 35 years, he's gained expertise in all phases of residential construction, retrofit and remodeling. His hobbies include horses, motorcycles, road racing and sport fishing. He studied architecture at Taft Junior College.
Photo Credits
Choose Citation StyleRepairing Cracked Fiberglass Shower Base
Machin, William. 'How to Repair a Fiberglass Shower Pan in an Existing Shower.' Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/repair-fiberglass-shower-pan-existing-shower-52786.html. Accessed 01 October 2019.
Machin, William. (n.d.). How to Repair a Fiberglass Shower Pan in an Existing Shower. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/repair-fiberglass-shower-pan-existing-shower-52786.html
How To Fix A Cracked Fiberglass Shower Base
Machin, William. 'How to Repair a Fiberglass Shower Pan in an Existing Shower' accessed October 01, 2019. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/repair-fiberglass-shower-pan-existing-shower-52786.html
Repairing A Cracked Shower Floor
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