How Bathtub Refinishing Can Turn Your Baths Into Something Wonderful
Since a new bathtub costs only about a few hundred dollars, and since most people are able to afford that, you would think that most would readily decide to replace their worn out tub rather than repair it. However, replacement costs involve more than just the price of the new tub. There is the cost of demolition, the cost of removing and disposing the old tub, not to mention the cost of the plumbing, the cost of the tile work, and on and on. Soon your $200 new tub is costing you several thousand dollars instead. It turns out that in most cases, repairing the tub is much less expensive after all.
bath tub restoration If the bathtub is white, and the bathtub surround is shabby, or the enclosure doors are in bad shape, you might be better served by installing a new surround and new shower doors. this can give a bathtub a stunning new appearance.
Also having your own painting vehicle helps but it is not necessary when first starting out. When I first started painting I worked out of my beater Oldsmobile that was a big old boat. A 1979 98 Regency. People didn't seem to care or even notice what I drove. They just wanted painting done and my prices back then were cheaper which they loved.
bathtub refinishing tampa The first thing you have to do is by cleaning and removing any loose caulking or gaskets. There are chemicals that you can use to remove soap stains, and hard water mineral deposits. After cleaning your bath tub thoroughly, the next step is by applying the primer to prepare it for refinishing. Cover the areas where you don't want to refinish with a masking tape and paper.
You may want a very large vanity put into your bathroom to keep all of your items neat and organized. Being organized is definitely one way to have peace of mind. With a very large vanity you can keep all of your washcloths, towels, make-up, hairdryer, toilet paper, bubble bath, extra shampoo and conditioner you find on sale, etc., all neatly stored in your bathroom vanity. It is wise to hire a professional to place the very large vanity filled with cabinets in your bathroom. If you try to install the vanity you may not measure correctly and you will end up having to take the large vanity back to the store you bought it from. When trying to place the vanity you may damage it. When at shower bath renovation hire someone who has experience.
reglazing tub Next, you want to get off the old primer by using primer reducer. Apply it vigorously with a paper towel or sponge. After you get the old primer off, fill in all visible cracks with putty. Let the putty dry for 30 minutes.
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.
If sandpaper wasn't working sufficiently, and there is still a gloss to the surface of your tub, then you'll need to use an acid to etch it. Check your local hardware store or home improvement store for hydrofluoric or muriatic acid'. You'll want to be careful with this, follow all directions and be sure to ventilate the room.