Over time, fiberglass and acrylic surfaces can get dented or cracked, often because of the flexing of the walls or of impact that can dent, crack, or punch holes. A variety of options are available at this point, including outright replacement of the bathtub or shower or installing a new liner inside the old tub or shower. But one fast and cost-effective fix is to fill the crack or hole using a fiberglass/acrylic repair kit. These materials include epoxy-like materials similar to the compounds used as filler in automobile body repairs. You can even use an automotive body filler to make repairs on tubs and showers, sinks, or toilets.
Before You Begin
Rather than using automotive body filler, though, a better choice is to buy a repair kit that is factory-matched to your tub or shower. These kits have filler paste already tinted to match the color of your fixture and will include much of what you need to make the repairs—only a few extra tools and materials are required. A single kit may provide enough material to make several repairs. The color will be close to that of your shower or tub but rarely will it be an exact match. There are many repair and resurfacing products available, so make your choice carefully. For simple cosmetic repairs, most people find that a paste-type fiberglass/acrylic kit is easier to use than a spray product. Paste kits typically include:
Base coat paste and catalystLightening and darkening tonersRubbing compound or buffing barWet/dry sandpapersClear top coat that is sprayed or brushed on at the end
Safety Considerations
This repair uses an epoxy-type filler that has hazardous fumes. Good ventilation is required, as well as the use of an approved ventilator mask. Always follow the kit manufacturer’s recommendations for safety measures.
You Will Need
Materials
Acrylic/fiberglass paste-type repair kit, color-matched to your fixtureNail polish remover or acetone
Tools
Utility knifeUtility knife bladesPower drill with small drum sander or grinding disks or a car bufferWet/dry sandpapers (220-, 320-, 400-, and 600-grit)Scouring padsClean cloths or paper towelsHeat gunBuffing clothProtective glovesVentilator mask
Instructions
When to Call a Professional
Do-it-yourself repairs to fiberglass showers and tubs can be quite effective from a functional standpoint. Aesthetically, though, it’s difficult to color-match the repair to the rest of the shower unless you have a large set of dyes to work with. Add the catalyst agent to the paste in the ratio recommended by the manufacturer. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly to form the activated filler paste. High-speed buffing will give the best results—a buffing bonnet mounted to a drill or an automotive buffing tool is a good choice. If you have a car polisher, this will work better because it is ergonomically designed for polishing. Keep the speed low, though, to avoid melting the plastic. Use 600-grit paper. You can even cut out a kitchen scouring pad and attach it to the buffer. Be careful not to let the edges of the buffer head touch the tub/shower surface. You’ll even find that one type of white in the repair kit may not match the white of the shower or tub. This issue is compounded by the fact that shower and tub surfaces change colors over time, sometimes lightening and sometimes darkening. Call a professional for expert color-matching of filler to tub/shower surface. You’ll also want to call a professional for any large cracks or holes that extend several inches or more.
