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Want To Refinish Fiberglass Tub

Name: Vicky  City: Kilbourne

Question: My fiberglass tub is terrible.It has what looks like pinholes in several places and finish is dull. Is there a economical way to refinish this tub/shower unit? Replacement would mean taking door and part of wall out to get unit out and new one in.

Name: Lee | Date: October 6, 2005, 1:55
Answer: The fiberglass unit can be refinished to any color you would like. It needs to be totally cleaned and sanded with 320 wet sand paper until every bit of gloss left on the surface is gone. You need to take your time and do this methodically so that every inch is sanded smooth and dull.Also rinse wet sand paper every few strokes and keep sand paper free of build up. Be sure to fill all cracks and holes with a polyester filler and sand to contour. Remove plumbing fixtures if possible if not then mask off. When you think the surface is clean then Clean some more. The Surface must be "totally" free of all surface contaminates. Towel Surface off and let dry. Must be totally dry. Mask surrounding area off with 12 inch paper and tape. Rent an HVLP for Spraying and coat the surface with some type of Two component urethane. No Primer is Necessary. Just before sprayig wipe surface down with cheese cloth and Laquer thinner or whatever you are using to thin the coating for spraying. Then wipe surface with tack cloth. Spray 2 to 3 even coats.

Name: Michael | Date: May 8, 2006, 8:36
Answer: CAUTION: Spraying two part poly can be highly toxic. A self-levelling one-part will look every bit as good and will not kill you. If you are a professional, and have proper breathing equipment (not just a surgical mask), the advice is otherwise sound.