When it comes to old, damaged tubs and showers, many people mistakenly think the only option to get rid of the unsightliness is to accrue the expense of a total replacement. Often unaware that repair is even a considerable option, flawed fixtures such as these are tolerated by homeowners far longer than they need to be.
Renovating an old, damaged shower or tub seems sensible, but is that an available option if your damaged tub or shower is made of fiberglass or acrylic? Let’s find out.
Can I Repair My Damaged Acrylic or Fiberglass Shower or Tub?
Over time, acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs, shower pans, and stalls develop cracks, chips, scrapes, stains, and dull surfaces.
If you look to a reliable, competent and knowledgeable bathtub and shower technician, your acrylic or fiberglass bathtub or shower stall can be refinished and restored to like-new condition.
How Do I Benefit from Repairing My Old Tub or Shower Instead of Replacing?
There are good reasons you should consider refinishing/repairing your acrylic or fiberglass bathtub and shower instead of replacing. A few of the key benefits include:
1. Saves Money
Bathtub refinishing is significantly less expensive than replacing. Even if you’re lucky enough to find an amazing deal or a seemingly low-price tub or shower option online or in your local discount, home improvement, or appliance store, you mustn’t overlook the expenses associated with installation of the new, along with disposal of the old tub or shower.
Tubs and showers are mostly built-ins, so having the old one removed, a new one purchased and then having it installed, replacing any affected floor tiles, making the plumbing connections, and adding new finishes can easily cost several thousand dollars.
2. Saves Time
It takes a lot of time and effort to remove an old bathtub or shower and install a new one. You have to consider both the existing plumbing and the space’s aesthetics.
Some projects can require an entire wall to be knocked down in order to replace the tub, and temporarily uninstalling the toilet or vanity is not unheard of. A lot depends on the size and placement of your bathroom and tub. The process could take weeks if it’s a complex operation.
Conversely, refinishing a bathtub or shower typically takes less than a day, and you may resume using your renovated bathroom immediately. People in or around New York City can benefit from an exclusive faster dry solution offered by Supreme Bath Refinishing that can have you soaking or showering in just four hours!
3. Maintain Your Style
Many vintage tubs have elaborate designs and unique features. Replacing them like-for-like is almost always out of the question since often they’re one-of-a-kind pieces, or out of production. Even if you found one, it would probably cost a fortune because they are desirable and scarce.
You don’t have to get rid of your vintage tub just because it’s discolored, scratched, chipped, or worn; bathtub reglazing and refinishing can bring it back to life within hours.
How is an Acrylic or Fiberglass Shower or Tub Refinished?
First, the tub or shower is thoroughly cleaned, removing any dirt or grime from the surface and scrubbing away the original finish. The new finish binds better to the old surface if the old finish is exposed first.
Any significant cracks or holes are patched or filled. If there are any flaws in the tub’s foundation that are causing the damage, those should be addressed before chip, hole, or crack repair.
After cleaning the surface and making necessary repairs, several layers of acrylic polyurethane are applied. Each coat is uniformly applied and ample drying time is allowed between coats.
Surfaces are scrubbed thoroughly, removing any remaining debris after the coats dry. Lastly, the acrylic is coated with a surface prep solution to help ensure the bathtub finish lasts for years.
Conclusion
Resurfacing your fiberglass or acrylic tub and shower is a valuable alternative to replacement. Bathtub refinishing is cheaper and faster, and if you already have one, also means you get to keep that treasured vintage tub. If you are interested in learning more, or are ready for fast and durable bath reglazing that will have you back in back in your tub in just four short hours, contact the only NYC specialists that can deliver on this promise. Supreme Bath Refinishing is a family operated company which has been renovating bathrooms in the Big Apple for over twenty years. Transform your existing bathroom fixtures into art, request a free quote today!
