Updating bathtubs allows you to extend the life of sanitary fixtures from any material. This makes it possible not only to improve the exterior of the product, but also to increase the comfort of taking water procedures. Consider several ways to restore bathtubs that will save on the purchase of new equipment.
Main issues
Bathtub refurbishment may be required in the following cases:
- The appearance of rough areas on the enamel.
- The appearance of rust spots and mud runs.
- Poor water drainage due to improper installation and abuse.
- Protrusion of peeling spots on the painted surface.
- Steel tubs show rapid cooling of the liquid, rust formation and loud noise when taking in water.
Updating bathtubs: ways
Restoration of bathing devices, observing the basic requirements, is easy to do on your own. Renewal of coverage is done in one of the following ways:
- The purchase of a new product, which significantly affects the family budget.
- Restoration of the coating with an acrylic liner.
- Applying a layer of enamel ondamaged surface.
- Acrylic coating.
Each method of renovating old bathtubs has its pros and cons. Note the advantages of acrylic processing. The advantages of reconstruction include the following aspects:
- Processing can be used to renew various materials, regardless of configuration and size.
- The created coating is not subject to yellowness and perfectly resists rust and mud deposits.
- The price of the lining in question is quite affordable for average consumers.
- Plumbing can be used the very next day after the repair.
- Updating the bathtub with acrylic makes it easier to clean with a variety of detergents.
- Excellent thermal and sound insulation properties.
- Maintenance does not require complete dismantling of the old structure.
- The service life of the coating is at least 20 years.
Among the disadvantages of the polymer coating is the need for a special order of the liner for containers with non-standard sizes, which significantly increases the cost of repairs.
Restoration with enamel: where to start?
This procedure requires quality material. It is advisable to buy a spare set, since the operation will require quite a solid processing. Other highlights of bathroom refurbishment include:
- In case of a major overhaul, you can choose a shade that matches the updatedinterior.
- Before processing, degrease the surface with special tools.
- Working parts must be sanded with abrasive tools. This will improve the adhesion of the new coating.
- All cracks and crevices are removed with a cord brush and suitable materials.
- Plumbing is washed thoroughly.
- Main work is carried out after the bath is completely dry.
- Drain elements and gaskets are dismantled.
- Newspaper or paper is placed under the container to prevent paint from leaking onto the floor.
Main process
Further renovation of bathtubs with enamel is done in a few simple steps:
- The paint is diluted to the desired condition in a suitable container.
- The composition is applied with a brush in a thin layer from the edges to the bottom with alternating horizontal and vertical movements.
- The next layer is applied 15 minutes after the previous one.
- Especial attention should be paid to the uniformity of the applied coating.
- At the end of the work, all visible streaks are eliminated.
You can use the restored structure in 3-4 days. According to consumer reviews, the revival of an old bath with enamel is an effective, fast and inexpensive way.
The main advantages of this processing:
- low material cost;
- no need to dismantle, repair or carry out other work with the bathroom and the room;
- processcreating a new enamel is carried out quickly and on our own;
- in a day you can apply the design for its intended purpose;
- enamel may have different colors.
Restoration of cast iron models
In addition to updating the cast-iron bath by applying new enamel, the operation can be performed using acrylic. The process consists of the following steps:
- Cleaning the coating from dirt and lime deposits.
- Surface treatment with abrasives.
- Degreasing, additional washing and thorough drying.
- A reservoir is placed in the drain to collect excess mixture.
The solution is filled around the perimeter with a layer of about 50 millimeters with the possibility of free flow. Manipulation is divided into two stages: processing from the upper parts of the sides and from the middle. The thickened layer on the bottom is carefully aligned.
Benefits:
- The acrylic finish is even and smooth.
- Durability.
- Processing does not require special skills and complex operations.
- The product is ready for use in three days.
- No dismantling of the connections and the structure itself is required.
Flaws:
- High cost.
- During the acrylic hardening period, it is necessary to avoid extraneous influences on the solution, otherwise you will have to update the seams in the bathroom or do all the work again (in case of deformation of the coating).
Acrylic liner
This method of restoration consists ininstallation of a special construction made of acrylic, which completely repeats the contours of the inside of the bath. The liner is mounted using construction foam.
Work algorithm:
- Surface cleaning.
- Marking the geometric correspondence of the sizes of the parts used.
- Aligning the liner and cutting along the wall.
- Processing with a special adhesive.
- Installing the liner and then filling it with water for better adhesion.
Pros:
- Long service life (at least 15 years).
- High strength and mechanical protection.
- Smoothness of the structure's surface to hide even the most visible effects.
- The surface does not turn yellow and retains decorative properties.
- This solution combines all the advantages of cast iron and acrylic.
The disadvantages of users include the need to maintain perfect geometric accuracy, as well as the impossibility of mounting the liner in thin-walled bathtubs.
What do consumers say?
Updating bathtubs (reviews confirm this) makes it possible to save a lot. You can restore plumbing from various materials. The most effective and most practical is the installation of an acrylic liner. Applying a new coat of enamel is cheaper, but requires special attention and does not last too long. In any case, updating the product is much more profitable than buying a new bathtub. Another feature - all restoration workyou can do it yourself.
Users and experts note that certain rules must be observed when using an acrylic coating. These include: exclusion from the processing of solvents that lead to turbidity and stains. In addition, the surface is susceptible to scratching.
When applying a new layer of enamel, certain precautions will also need to be observed. Among them:
- No abrasive cleaners.
- Using liquid detergents.
- Exclusion of mechanical impacts and impacts on the updated surface.
- Excessively hot water also has a negative effect on the enamel, and it is recommended to first fill the container with cold liquid, and then turn on the hot stream.
Result
After analyzing the degree of deterioration of the bath, taking into account the material of its manufacture, you can easily choose the method of restoration. In addition, it is necessary to take into account all the positive and negative aspects of each method. By strictly following the instructions and recommendations for a particular treatment, you can extend the service life of plumbing on your own, while significantly improving its appearance.