The bathtub in our homes often plays an important part of our daily lives. We watch our children as they play and splash in the bathtub. Sometimes we get a chance to leisurely read our favorite book as we relax and soak among mounds of bubbles. Yes the bathtub is a fundamental part of our homes. Unfortunately the surface of our bathtubs deteriorates over time. Dripping faucets, clogged drains backing up and general ware and tear all contribute to this problem. Even if you have had regular plumbing inspections, there still may come a time when you will decide your tub needs to be resurfaced.
Plumbing Contractor: The Type of Finish of Your Tub
Whether you can actually resurface your bathtub depends on the kind of tub you have installed in your home. Some tubs are made with a fiber glass shell. If you have this kind of bathtub you may find that it easier to just replace the tub with a new tub. Chances are that it will also cost less to do so. However if you have a porcelain bathtub, refinishing is an ideal solution. With a little help from your local plumbing service, you should be able to determine the best options for your bathtub.
First Inspect Your Tub
The first thing you need to do is to completely clean your bathtub before you can begin working on it. As you clean your tub it is also necessary to look for any visible plumbing problems and get them fixed. Repair all broken pipes and fix clogged drains. Replace leaky faucets and repair any other plumbing problems you find. Call your plumbing contractor and get a thorough inspection. He will be able to give you a quote for the needed repairs.
Preparing the Tub for Resurfacing
- Using the cleaning solution you use regularly, thoroughly scrub and clean the bathtub surface.
- Now make sure to completely get all traces of cleaner rinsed away and dry with a towel.
- Using 120-grit sandpaper, the entire tub surface needs to be sanded down. Particular attention needs to be given to the edges. Sand away all stains and discolored areas caused from rust or leaky faucets. This sanding will get rid of any traces of cleaning solution and roughens the surface of your tub, allowing the new finish to properly adhere to the tub surface.
- Now vacuum up all the dust caused from the sanding. This will save you the cost of a plumber to unclog your drain of all the sanding dust.
- Rinse the bathtub using warm water and let the tub dry completely for a few hours.
- Use an epoxy filler to fill any cracks, chips, hollows, and dents. You can use a damp sponge to get a smooth and even look.
- The first row of tiles above the tub needs to be taped off with masking tape. This will prevent the accidental painting of the tiles.
Time to Add the New Surface
Now that your tub is all prepared it is time to apply the new surface.
- First mix the bath resurfacing product or epoxy paint you have chosen.
- Using a paint brush, paint around the faucets, the corners and the sides of the bathtub.
- Now the wider section of tubs floor and sides can be painted. Use light strokes, applying in one direction only, to apply a thin coat of paint.
- After the paint has dried for the recommended time apply a second coat, maybe even a third coat.
- When the final coat has completely dried, the tub should be glazed or given a UV finish to give it a hard surface and a high shine.
A resurfaced tub can transform your bathroom and bring you pleasure for many years to come. Don’t let a stained tub, leaky faucet or clogged drain spoil bath time for your family. If you are not particularly handy, speak with your Plumbing Contractor to discuss the options for resurfacing your bath and resolving your other plumbing problems. Contact us at Black Mountain Plumbing today at (858) 536-4161 for a free consultation and an estimate for the help you need.
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How to Refinish a Bathtub http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-refinish-a-bathtub/index.html