13/11/2024

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Fixing Bathtub Chips and Scratches

Fixing Bathtub Chips and Scratches

There’s nothing quite like being able to ease back into a hot bath at the end of a long and exhausting day. You might like to read a book or listen to some relaxing music, or you might just like to do nothing at all and let your mind forget the worries of the day. The bath is not only a wonderful place in which to relax, it is also an attractive fixture in your bathroom and so it is good to know that it is easy to fix most chips and scratches that may ruin its appearance.

You may have a beautiful old acrylic bath, one that you have treasured for years, and that you thoroughly enjoy. Now if it gets a scratch, it will be the same as if your car got a scratch. It is an obvious flaw that will eat away at your patience with every glance you take. So, just like a car, you can apply car polish and gently apply it to the surface using a soft cloth.

This is great news, but if you get a small chip, this can look a lot more serious, and you may be worried that this is the end of your beautiful bath’s appearance. But no, again just like a car, you can fix it with a two-part car repair filler. This may seem very odd, but it works a treat and is a lot cheaper than having a specialist come and fix the bath. Mix the filler as per the instructions, just as if you were applying to a car, and mix in a small amount of acrylic paint so that it is the same color as the bath tub. Apply the filler and leave it to harden, then use a very fine wet and dry sandpaper, keeping it wet while you sand. Just make sure that you do this very carefully as you don’t want to scratch another part of your bath.

Sadly, if a big piece is missing from the tub, a professional is needed. When they come, make sure that you get a quote for the repair as this can be quite expensive.

The answer for tiny scratches in a traditional bathtub is more intriguing. You can use nail polish. Yes, it’s true, everyday nail polish. Even though enamel is very hard and has a surface like glass, you’ll find that if it is hit, it can chip. If this results in a larger chip, then you’ll need to use an epoxy resin repair kit, but make sure that there is no rust first as you will need to get rid of this using a rust remover. Then after applying and wiping away any excess, you’ll need to leave the bath for an hour before smoothing with a fine sandpaper, again taking great care not to damage other areas of the bath tub. You can then use enamel paint, sanding in between each application until you have achieved the same color as the rest of the bath tub.

If your tub requires a new surface, it is possible to do it alone. However if you are new to plumbing, it is suggested that a professional handle the problem. Make sure that you talk about whether the contractors will work on site or if they will take the tub away with them. If you decide to do the job alone, be sure to have on appropriate clothing and use sealing material on every air opening in the room to prevent bugs and dirt from ruining all of your hard work.