Two Easy Methods And Items Needed To Repair Large Hole And Crack In Bathtub
Stress cracks or large holes in bathtubs commonly occur when any heavy object is accidentally dropped into your tub. If your fiberglass or acrylic bathtub is cracked then don't worry because you can easily repair it with the help of a bathtub repair kit that is easily available at your local hardware or any home improvement store. If your crack is wider than 1/4 inch then you will have to use a patch to repair your damage. Cracks in the metal bathtubs will have to be welded by a professional person, nevertheless, if you have the porcelain tub then you can fix any small cracks with caulk & porcelain enamel paint. Here are the two easy methods and items needed to fix these problems. Gather the items and start your work:
Things Needed
- Sponge & Bathroom Cleaner
- Soft Cloth & Fiberglass Tub Repair Kit
- Newspaper & Fine-Grit Sandpaper
- Gloves & Paintbrush
- Bathroom Caulk With Nozzle Dispenser
- Porcelain Enamel Paint
- Paper Towel
Method 1: Fiberglass Or Acrylic Bathtub Cracks Or Holes
- Firstly, you need to clean the affected area with your sponge and with the bathroom cleaner. Rinse well & dry comprehensively.
- Now you need to sand the hole, crack and the area around the crack with the help of fine-grit sandpaper. Many repair kits also come with sandpaper, others do not. Wipe off any sanding dust with your soft cloth.
- Next put on your gloves & carefully read the guidance on your repair kit. Most kits require the mixing of filler components. Place the mixing bowl and mixing tool commonly included in your repair kit, onto the newspaper, and mix the components. The components will consist of a hardener or resin & they must be mixed according to the manufacturer's guidance.
- But some kits also come with a color component to add it to the filler, while the other kits also provide paint to camouflage the patch once it has dried properly. If you have a color to mix with your filler then do so now. Very carefully compare your color to that of your tub by smudge a test patch onto your filler surface to assure a good match before proceeding.
- You need to use the applicator to coat the hole & crack and the surrounding area with your filler if you are repairing a small crack then you need to apply a little pressure while coating the crack so that your filler penetrates the crack. If you are using a fiberglass patch in order to repair any larger hole, crack then you need to coat the one side of your patch with filler, simply place it over the hole & crack, and then you need to use the applicator to cover the patch with the filler. Simply spread your filler to the edges of your patch & about a quarter-inch beyond the edges just to be sure that the patch is securely affixed to your tub's surface.
- The next thing is to allow the applied filler to dry for the amount of time suggested by the filler manufacturer, it will take usually overnight. Use your fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the tub surface of your patch. You just need to use the soft cloth in order to remove any dirt & dust from sanding. If the repair kit came with the paint then carefully paint over your filler to hide the patch. Some kits also come with buffing cloths which can be easily rubbed over the surface to improve the feel & look of your patch.
Method 2: Porcelain Bathtub Cracks Or Holes
- You just need to use your sponge & bathroom cleaner to clean the affected area of your tub. Now you need to rinse well and dry with your soft cloth.
- Now you need to place the nozzle of your caulk dispenser over the hole & crack and squeeze caulk into your hole & crack. Be sure that the whole crack is properly filled and then you need to wipe off any extra caulk with your wet paper towel. Leave your applied caulk to dry according to the manufacturer's guidance.
- The next thing is to mix your enamel porcelain paint. Carefully dip the tip of your artist's paintbrush into your paint and paint over your caulk. Fringe the edges of your paint so that the painted areas will blend in with the rest of your bathtub. Leave the applied paint to dry overnight.
Tip & Warnings
- You need to use the gloves that are resistant to chemicals.
- You need to use filler kits & enamel paints in a well-ventilated area.
- Not sure what your tub is made from, then simply tap your tub with a metal object, if it will make a hollow sound then it's probably fiberglass or acrylic and if it makes a metallic sound then it could be made from metal or porcelain.