If you notice a chip, a hole, or a crack in your soaking tub, you do not have to remodel the entire tub to fix that. You can apply many DIY hacks to repair malfunctioning fiberglass, porcelain, or acrylic soaking tub.

All you need is to buy a repair kit or the proper materials. It will save a considerable amount you would otherwise spend hiring a professional. It is easy; follow the guideline below on repairing your soaking tub without calling an expert.

1. Prepare the Area under Repair

Soak a soft cloth in alcohol and use it to clean any soap residue and water scum on the surface. Similarly, you can use a sponge and a mild detergent. Check out for loose fiberglass fragments as they might hinder repair; use a knife to scrape them off.

In addition, make sure to remove any bump above the crack or hole surface for easy refilling. Moreover, make sure that you are using a suitable kit. Your tub’s material will determine the epoxy you need in repair. If unsure, you can consult an expert on the kit to purchase for fixing fiberglass, porcelain, or acrylic soaking tub.

2. Patch the Cracks or Holes

Many repair kits come with a hardening liquid and resin that you need to mix to create the filler. Similarly, you can consider a two-part epoxy kit; it comes with directions for making the filing substance. Use the applicator to mix the ingredients on disposable cardboard. Next, mark the area under repair using painter’s tape, but you should remove it after applying the epoxy.

Using a spatula, push the epoxy into the hole to fill the gap and smooth it on the surface. However, please use smaller amounts; removing excess can be challenging. Please note that the mixture dries pretty fast, so you must work at a reasonable speed, or you will have to make more filler.

3. Allow the Patch to Dry

While the filler dries quickly, the repair surface might take some time to dry and firm. The extent of the damage determines the time the epoxy takes to dry. Furthermore, read and obey the epoxy manufacturer’s guidelines and timing. Some repairs might take a few hours, while others take a whole day to dry.

However, avoid showering or splashing water on the repair area during this time, as it may tamper with the repair job.

4. Sand the Surface

Once the filler dries up, mark the area with painter’s tape before sanding, as the sandpaper can scratch your tub. Start with coarse sandpaper, then finish with a smooth one to smoothen the surface. Remember, the lower the grit, the rougher the sandpaper.

Use 80-grit dry or wet sandpaper to thoroughly rub the surface and clear all the ridges and bumps. As the compound smoothens, apply 600 or 800-grit dry or wet sandpaper to finish off and smoothen the filler. Pass your fingers over the surface; you know it is complete when you cannot feel the difference between the repaired part and the rest of the tub.

5. Polish the Area

Ensure the repair kit has a finishing polish similar to your soaking tub’s color. Use a roller or paint brush to apply the paint to the surface, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. On the contrary, if you do not use a repair kit, you can buy a can of white paint, which will serve the purpose.

Once you are done with the repair process, allow the surface to dry for another 24 hours, and you will usually be good to use your soaking tub.

Summary

Repairing a soaking tub is straightforward, but you must use the right materials and follow the procedure. However, some substances might be slightly toxic and irritating to the skin. Therefore, ensure that you use proper protective gear and open windows for ventilation while working.