munirardiHow to Resurface Bathtub – Many people consider bathub area as one of the most comfortable spot at their home. The usage of bathtub is shifting lately. If it was used simply for bathing function, now it is also used as relaxation spot. Due to the frequent usage, the surface of the bathtub can fade or cracked. Your bathtub can also experience discoloration which ruins its beautiful surface and the overall look in your bathroom. If your bathtub also experiences the same problem, you are recommended to resurface or refinish the bathtub. Refinishing the bathtub is affordable way to add the new look to your bathtub without replacing the whole fixture. Read these simple tips below on how to resurface bathtub.
The first thing to do on how to resurface bathtub is carving out all old caulk which connects the bathtub to surrounding walls and fixtures. You can perform the task with sharp utility knife. It is necessary for you to replace the old caulk which compliments the new look of your bathtub. Cover the holes for the caulk, faucets, and drains of the bathtub. You can cover the hole with masking tape or protective plastic. By using the masking tape or protective plastic, you are able to give protection from damage or staining caused by cleaning and refinishing products. Take your razor scraper and scrape out the tub. The process has the function to remove the fine layer of soap scum which is accumulated on the surface. Use the flat edge since the sharp corner can scratch the surface.
Next, you need to dampen the rag in alkaline emulsifier. It is usually used to strip old finish off the floors and wipe the whole tub. The alkaline emulsifier has the function to remove any wax or remaining scum accumulated on the surface. You should follow the chemical stripper by washing of citrus based acid cleaner. It will nullify the impact of alkaline stripper. Make sure you rinse out the entire tub with cool water. It will remove the residual from the cleaners. Clean the surface by using denatured alcohol before rinsing it again. The last cleaning process will get rid of remaining surface dirt, dust, and residual cleaners. Tips on how to resurface bathtub recommend you to make inspection on the surface. If you find any scratch, you can fill it with fiberglass filler putty. Fill the damaged areas with putty and let it dry.
When the putty is dry, you should sand the dried filler putty by using 36-grit sandpaper. It helps you to remove any rough spots or areas. Follow the process with 80-grit sandpaper to feather the repair work into surrounding tub surface. Make sure you wipe down the tub surface by using tack cloth to remove the residual sanding dust. Coat the tub surface by using acrylic bonding agent. The main function of the agent is helping the new surface material bond to the old porcelain. After that, you can spray acrylic urethane enamel. Apply the first coat and let it to dry for 15 minutes before applying the second. Wait until the second coat gets dried before moving to the third coat. Next step on how to resurface bathtub is wet sanding the entire surface by using 1,000 grit sandpaper. It helps you to remove rough spot.
You need to buff the surface by using automatic filler compound and foam buffing pad. If you have done, you can polish the surface with handheld polishing cloth and glazed car wax. You can remove the masking tape before filling in the joints between the tub and walls by using silicone caulk. It is important for you to wear safety property during completing the steps on how to resurface bathtub. Safety property is important to protect you from any injury.
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