Repairing GelCoat Tubs and Showers

Repairing Fiberglass Tubs and Showers

For many people, the bathroom is one of the most frequented rooms in the house. It is a room where they can relax and be alone, and it is a place that needs to be kept in the best possible condition at all times.  Gelcoated fiberglass is arguably the most popular material used in the bathroom industry as it is durable, simple to install, lightweight, and easy to mold. Gelcoat is a fiberglass form of resin with a particular color pigment added into it. Often it is used as a finish, although it can add a protective layer on top of the fiberglass itself. Over time, however, the gelcoat can potentially become cracked and damaged, which is why you need to know how to repair them. Here we’ll be taking a look at gel-coat repairs and at what you can do to ensure your bathtubs and showers remain in the best possible condition. Check out our new Burlington bathtub and shower repair page to learn more.
Examine the tub/shower – First up, you need to ensure you have easy access to the tub/shower, and that you can locate where the cracks are.
Sand down the cracks – When it comes to gel coat repairs, one of the first things you need to do is gather some good quality sandpaper and sand down the cracks. Sand thoroughly until all of the edges are smooth.

Not JUST A Temporary Solution

Remove any debris – Next up, once you are satisfied that you have sanded down the cracks and left the edges nice and smooth, the next thing you should do is take an old rag and some acetone and wipe the sanded area to remove any debris left over from the sanding. The entire surrounding area should be left smooth, clean, and free from dirt, dust, grime, and debris.
Tape around the cracks – In the next step, you will need to take some masking tape and tape around the cracks to ensure you don’t get any gel coat mixture anywhere else in your bathtub or shower where it is not needed.
Use a gel coat repair kit and hardener – Regarding gelcoat repairs, gelcoat repair kits and hardeners are very easy to come by and are vital. Simply mix the repair kit with the hardener, and, using a roller, apply the mixture to the cracks carefully, making sure to be as neat as you possibly can. Ensure the cracks are fully covered, and if applying another layer later, allow the first layer to harden slightly.
Finish off – Once dry, sand down the gel coat resin and remove the masking tape before giving the surface a buffing to leave it nice, smooth and uniform finish.

Contact Our Gelcoat Repair Specialists Today!

Gelcoat repair is a job for an experienced handyman.  Professional refinishers are a better choice for less experienced Do-It-Yourselfers. For a more professional and longer lasting finish contact [link id=10]Specialized Refinishing[/link] at 919-747-4800 or fill out the form below. Fiberglass shower repair can save you tons of money and give you the same results as a total replacement!
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