How To Fix A Chipped Bathtub

How to Fix a Chipped Bathtub

A chipped bathtub can be an eyesore. It can also be a tripping hazard if the chips are large enough. The good news is, it is relatively easy to repair a chipped bathtub yourself. With a few simple tools and materials, you can have your bathtub looking like new again in no time.

Materials you will need:

Sandpaper (80-grit and 220-grit)
Epoxy resin
Hardener
Plastic spreader
Rubbing alcohol
Cloth

Steps:

1. Clean the area around the chip. Use rubbing alcohol and a cloth to clean the area around the chip. This will remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the adhesion of the epoxy resin.

2. Sand the area around the chip. Use 80-grit sandpaper to sand the area around the chip. This will create a rough surface that will help the epoxy resin adhere. Be sure to sand only the area around the chip, not the entire bathtub.

3. Mix the epoxy resin. Mix the epoxy resin and hardener according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to mix the two parts thoroughly. Once the epoxy resin is mixed, you will have about 5 minutes to work with it before it starts to set.

4. Apply the epoxy resin to the chip. Use a plastic spreader to apply the epoxy resin to the chip. Be sure to fill the chip completely and smooth out the surface. The reason using a plastic spreader is to not contaminate the epoxy resin.

5. Let the epoxy resin dry. Allow the epoxy resin to dry for at least 24 hours. Once the epoxy resin is dry, you can sand it with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. Be sure to sand only the area around the chip, not the entire bathtub.

6. Clean the bathtub. Once the epoxy resin is sanded smooth, clean the bathtub with rubbing alcohol and a cloth. This will remove any dust or debris from the surface of the bathtub.

Tips:

If the chip is large, you may need to use a two-part epoxy putty to fill it in. Epoxy putty is a thick, paste-like material that can be molded to fill in large chips.
If you are repairing a chip in a porcelain bathtub, you will need to use a special porcelain repair kit. Porcelain repair kits are available at most hardware stores.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using epoxy resin or epoxy putty.
Allow the epoxy resin or epoxy putty to dry completely before using the bathtub.