If you happen to be facing the issue of cracks in your plastic bathtub, there’s no need to fret.
We’re here to offer our assistance and guide on how to fix cracks in plastic bathtubs back to their former glory.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to fix those unsightly cracks and enjoy a fully functional and visually appealing bathtub once again.
- Check the severity of the crack
- Purchase the right plastic bathtub crack repair kit
- Clean the plastic bathtub
- Cover, protect the fittings and fixtures
- Create the filler key
- Prepare your crack repair agent
- Apply your fix
- Let the filler dry
- Sand and Polish
- Paint
Table of Contents
- How To Fix Cracks in Plastic Bathtubs
- What Causes Crack on Plastic Bathtubs?
- How To Know Your Bathtub Material
- Fixing a Plastic Bathtub – How Much Does it Cost?
- Conclusion
How To Fix Cracks in Plastic Bathtubs
Wondering how to fix cracks in plastic bathtubs? Here we go. The following steps will help you in doing that by yourself
1. Check The Severity of the Crack
The first thing you do is to be sure that you have thoroughly accessed that level of crack and be sure if it is something you fix yourself, need the help of a professional, or even need a change of bathtub entirely.
If you have done this well and are sure it does not need a professional or outright replacement, move to step two.
2. Purchase the Right Plastic Bathtub Crack Repair Kit
The next step is to go for the right repair kit. You must go for the right repair kit. If not, the repair material won’t bond properly, resulting in a failed repair.
You must go for a complete kit that provides everything you need when repairing the crack in your plastic bathtub.
3. Clean the Plastic Bathtub
Endeavor to clean your bathtub by removing the debris and dirt from the cracked area of the tub. To remove debris and cracks, use 140-grit sandpaper to sand them down.
If you want the epoxy resin to stick, then cleaning is necessary. If possible, try using a rubbing alcohol product, which is very effective in cleaning. After cleaning, let the surface air dry.
4. Cover, Protect the Fittings and Fixtures
To ensure that the repair process doesn’t cause any damage, it’s advisable to cover the drain and any adjacent fixtures with masking or electrical tape if there are any cracks around the drain.
5. Create the Filler Key
To ensure proper adhesion of the repair compound to the surface, creating a 1mm to 2mm groove along the crack using a thin razor blade is recommended. This incision is key for the epoxy resin to adhere to the surface effectively.
6. Prepare Your Crack Repair Agent
You must be cautious at this stage, follow the manufacturer’s instructions strictly, and ensure you don’t waste time at it.
7. Apply Your Fix
Apply the epoxy or filler thoroughly within the key you cut surrounding the crack. Utilize the stick applicators or syringes included in some kits for this purpose. Ensure a seamless finish to facilitate sanding.
8. Let the Filler Dry For At Least 12hours
To achieve maximum yield, it is important to strictly follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for drying and curing times for the resin.
It is important to allow the resin material to dry and harden for at least 12 hours before applying the patch.
9. Sand & Polish
To achieve a polished and smooth finish on the repaired surface, you must use 180-grit sandpaper. Be sure to confirm that the repaired area is flush with its surroundings. If it is not, you must repeat steps 7 and 8 to ensure a seamless and quality repair.
10. Paint, if Applicable
To ensure a seamless repair for your tub, it’s important to match the color of the repair kit with the rest of the tub. If the kit doesn’t come in the exact shade, you can easily blend in a pigment or purchase a specialist bath spray paint to achieve the perfect match.
What Causes Crack on Plastic Bathtubs?
Cracks do not just appear on your bathtubs, especially the plastic bathtubs, but some things or negligence of duties cause these cracks on plastic bathtubs.
There are possible reasons why you may have experienced a crack in your plastic bathtub, and they include the following:
- The inflexibility of materials and lack of support for plastic materials.
- As a result of heavy objects dropping on it
- The handwork of aggressive cleaners weakened the structure.
- As a result of using abrasive household cleaners like bleach to clean the tub, these materials eat away the gloss and the finish of the tub, permitting moisture penetration, loss of strength, and resilience, resulting in the formation of cracks. Alternatively, use a plant-based gentler cleaner like the Better Life Natural Tub and Tile Cleaner.
- General lack of maintenance and care.
Types of Bathtub Cracks
Bathtub cracks can be classified into two categories.
Hairline Cracks
This occurs if it is only the hairline that cracks as a result of constant use and abuse of the tub.
Once these occur, there tends to be a compromise of the strength of the material, causing small, thin cracks and, with time, destroying the whole bathtub.
Stress Cracks
Stress cracks tend to require a good plastic bathtub repair. If not, there are chances that your tub will not function properly.
Stress cracks occur from accidental drops of heavy items; as you know, they are at the surface level, making them easy to repair.
How To Know Your Bathtub Material
Most bathtubs that aren’t made of ceramic or porcelain materials are made from acrylic or fiberglass. If you need clarification on what material you’re using, send a video to your local handyman.
If you don’t feel like calling a handyman, browse DIY repair websites for additional examples of plastic tubs. It’s also recommended to search for “acrylic bathtubs” and “fiberglass bathtubs” since they are similar but slightly differ in their repair processes.
When choosing a bathtub, several options are available such as fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), gel coat or lascoat, and vikrell.
These materials are created through a similar process involving heating, molding, and curing plastic, but they have different coatings and chemical compositions that offer unique benefits.
It’s important to note that all of these alternatives have the same tendency to crack and require the same repairs.
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Fixing a Plastic Bathtub – How Much Does it Cost?
When faced with repairing cracks in your bathtub, it’s important to consider your options carefully. While some may feel confident tackling this project independently, others may be hesitant or need more experience.
In these situations, it’s often best to seek out the assistance of a trusted professional. A skilled expert can provide the knowledge and expertise needed to ensure the job is done right, giving you peace of mind and confidence in the final result.
So if you’re unsure about your ability to repair those bathtub cracks, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for help.
Professional Plastic Bathtub Crack Repair Costs
Hiring a professional handyperson can cost between $80 to $120 per hour if you need to repair and refinish your plastic bathtub.
The job usually takes two to five hours, depending on the level of damage and whether you want a reglazing. Remember that additional costs, such as service fees and taxes, will range from $275 to $600.
Preparing the surface, adding the filler, and then sanding and painting it after the resin dries will probably take two days.
When you hire a handyperson, you can rest assured that you’ll receive a professional and guaranteed finish to the job.
In the unlikely event that any cracks reappear or the tub starts to leak again, they will be responsible for redoing the repair.
Additionally, if they cause any damage to the drain or any other part of the tub, they will be liable for covering all the repair costs, not you.
Ensuring that you hire a trustworthy professional online is crucial. Conduct thorough research by perusing online reviews before finalizing your decision.
DIY Plastic Bathtub Crack Repair Kits
Repairing a plastic bathtub on your own is a breeze if you have some experience as a handyman.
Various repair kits are available for surface and internal repairs, and the cost is typically around $30 to $40. This makes it a much more budget-friendly option compared to hiring a professional.
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Conclusion
Great job! You now know how to fix cracks in plastic bathtubs. You can restore your bathtub to its former glory with a little patience and effort.
The first thing you do is to be sure that you have thoroughly accessed that level of crack and be sure if it is something you fix yourself, need the help of a professional, or even need a change of bathtub entirely.
If you have done this well and you are sure that it is not something that needs the service of a professional or outright replacement, then you move to other steps,
If you have ascertained that it is something that DYI can help you do, get the kits and ensure that the manufacturer’s instructions are strictly followed.
Remember to follow the steps carefully and use the right tools and materials for the job. You got this!