Cast-iron bathtub is a high-quality plumbing fixture that is durable. If a small crack or chip has formed on its surface, then it is not necessary to purchase a new product, since repairs can be made. In addition, a new product will be expensive - at least 10-12 thousand rubles. How to repair a cast-iron bath, learn from this article.
Pros
Cast iron has been used to make bathtubs for a long time. The material is valued for its positive properties. Benefits include:
- Fortress, durability, resistance to sudden changes in temperature. The cast iron product retains temperature for a long time, so the water cools slowly, hot water does not need to be topped up.
- Shape retention and no flex. This is due to the rigidity of the metal and thick walls. Since the bathtubs are quite heavy, they do not need additional supports, as they are securely fixed to the legs. In addition, subsidence and change of position are excluded.
- Anti-corrosionproduct coating - so it retains its appearance for a long time. The enamel lays down in an even, smooth layer, shines for a long time and does not scratch.
- Easy care and cleaning. Since the enamel lays down smoothly and evenly, dirt almost does not accumulate on it. The coating is resistant to damage - it can be cleaned with almost all detergents.
- Excellent soundproofing. When bathing in the shower or when taking in water, there is almost no noise.
- Unlimited service life. If properly maintained, a bathtub will last much longer than other bathtubs.
- The presence of hydromassage, handles and other extras. But they are only in modern models.
Many people have cast-iron bathtubs at home, and most of them like them for their high quality. And if there is damage on the product, then they can be repaired by yourself.
Flaws
Still, the presence of shortcomings should be taken into account:
- Big weight. Since the bathtub weighs over 120 kg, it requires physical strength to transport and install it. Requires hiring movers, which results in additional costs.
- High cost. When a product of excellent quality from a trusted manufacturer, the price will be noticeably higher than the rest. You can buy a cheaper model, but then there is no guarantee of product quality.
- Only standard bath shapes are created on the basis of cast iron.
The disadvantages of such a product are specific. As can be seen from the above, the advantages are much greater than the disadvantages, therefore, when buying, there should be no doubt aboutabout the choice. And how to repair an old cast-iron bath, we will learn from the following sections.
Why does damage appear?
Although the enameled surface is the most durable and reliable, its properties are lost over time due to active use. Even with the observance of the operating rules, it is difficult to prevent the appearance of defects. You can fix the shortcomings yourself.
Before you learn how to repair a cast-iron bathtub, you should find out why damage occurs. The reasons for this phenomenon are as follows:
- Because the product is in contact with water every day, which contains a lot of iron, yellowness occurs. Such interaction is bad for the appearance of the coating.
- The frequent use of chemicals and brushes with hard bristles causes scuffs that look unattractive, create discomfort.
- Falling small objects into the container can cause damage to the enamel, so the material will gradually peel off from the cast iron.
- Frequent temperature changes and mechanical stress cause cracks.
Bathtub chips are common. Often they occur when any objects fall into the product. But it is enough to use one of the restoration methods to update the structure.
Preparation
How to repair a cast iron bath depends on the type of damage. In any case, if cracks, chips, scuffs appear, repair is required. But forlong-term preservation of the result of restoration and exposure to mechanical stress, contact with water, surface preparation for processing is required. It involves the following work:
- It is necessary to clean the product from contamination. It is necessary to remove dust, dirt with an ordinary alkaline detergent, and then rinse with running water.
- If there is rust in the bathroom, then it must be removed. Remove yellow smudges near cracks and chips with a rust converter.
- Then the top layer of enamel is removed. Cracks or chips are sanded with fine-grained sandpaper so that the coating is smooth and even. If the area of damage is extensive, use a grinder with a polished disc.
- Degreasing required. Fat is removed from the bath with any solvent - alcohol, acetone, gasoline or acid.
- At the end, the product is dried. To do this, it must be left for 24-48 hours. Drying with a building dryer is also used.
Before work, it is necessary to assess the feasibility of such a procedure. In case of single damage, repairs can be done by hand. In case of extensive damage and through holes, it is advisable to seek help from a specialist.
Elimination of chips
A small chip with a diameter of up to 2 cm or a crack, as a rule, appear from mechanical impacts or point impacts. They are considered common damage that can be easily repaired. It is advisable to eliminate such defects immediately after identifying a specialputty and enamel. The procedure for sealing chips is as follows:
- The area near the chip is cleaned of dirt with a detergent. It is advisable not to choose abrasive products, as the destruction of enamel is aggravated with them.
- If the metal in the cleavage area corrodes, it is wiped with a rust converter.
- The surface is leveled with fine sandpaper.
- The chip is covered with moisture-resistant putty using a spatula.
- After the top layer has dried, sanding is performed with the same fine sandpaper.
- Putty is treated with epoxy enamel with a brush, roller or spray in several layers.
This is an easy way to renovate a cast iron bathtub with your own hands. It should be borne in mind that local repair of chips on enamel provides a temporary effect, pushing back the time of global processing. Aerosol enamels do not hold well, but they are easier to use.
Painting
So, how to repair a cast-iron bathtub? For this, the painting method is used. If there are a lot of chips and cracks on the surface, and there is also a rusty, limescale coating, the “patch” repair will not work. To restore the appearance of a badly damaged product, painting is used. Before applying dyes, the bowl is cleaned of dirt, the enamel coating is removed, degreased, and then dried. The following tools are used for processing:
- Liquid acrylic. The tool includes 2 components - liquid acrylic and hardener. It is applied to the insidepart of the bowl pouring or rolling. Covering a cast-iron bathtub with acrylic is a simple process. The coloring composition dries out within 3-5 days, during which it is forbidden to wet the surface with water and touch it. The layer will be even, smooth, glossy. Such a coating serves at least 8-15 years without turning yellow, since the thickness is at least 6 mm. The cast iron acrylic bathtub finish is of good quality and has a neat appearance.
- Epoxy enamel. It contains a base, a hardener and a plasticizer. The mixture is thick, viscous, sets quickly, so it must be processed quickly and carefully. Enamel should be applied with a soft roller, natural brush or aerosol. Polymerization is carried out within 7 days. During this time, you can not use the bath. The coating will be thin, hard, brittle, so it will last no more than 5 years.
To repair a cast-iron bath, it is advisable to choose liquid acrylic, since it is applied much easier and smoother than epoxy enamel. The disadvantage of this method is the high price and long drying time. Repairing a cast iron bathtub with acrylic is one of the most popular methods.
Using acrylic
Acrylic processing is done as follows:
- We need to prepare the bath.
- Then the acrylic is thinned with a hardener, as described in the instructions on the package.
- You should remove the siphon from the bath and put a container in it - excess acrylic is poured into it, which will then be used.
- It is necessary to water the top edge of the product with acrylic. Afterreaching the middle of the wall with a jet, you need to move the jar of acrylic along the perimeter until the entire circle has been completed.
The bath should be watered around the perimeter. It is important that the jet hits the middle of the walls. It is necessary to work continuously, otherwise the acrylic may seize in some places, and there will be stains. Drying takes 1-4 days. Usually instructions for applying paints are indicated on the package. Although such a procedure is always carried out according to the same scheme, each manufacturer may have some nuances that should be considered when working.
Insert
If the product has a lot of cracks, chips and deformations, then the repair of the cast-iron bathtub must be carried out using a special acrylic insert. In shape, it repeats the geometry of the old bowl, it is inserted inside it, and then fixed with adhesive mounting foam and sealant.
The downside of the bath insert is:
- High price. A quality product is expensive, the cost is more than half the price of a cast-iron bathtub.
- Small assortment. Picking up an insert for a bath is sometimes difficult, especially if it is non-standard.
- Cannot be used to repair thin-walled bowls. If the product is made of thin cast iron, then repair with an acrylic insert is not possible, since the walls are deformed under mechanical stress.
The main advantage of restoration with an acrylic liner is the efficiency of the method, since bowls are restored with it even if there are through holes. Such an insert serves notless than 15 years old.
Cost
Repair price depends on the chosen method. How much does enameling cost? The cost of Reaflex 50 enamel from Tikkurila is 550 rubles per 1 kg. The price of the Russian set for restoration "Svetlana" is 750 rubles. As a result, you will have to pay 1300 rubles. If you choose a set for restoration with liquid acrylic, for example Plastall, then it will cost 2000 rubles. It includes everything you need for self-study, even a CD with a video tutorial.
The price of an acrylic liner is 2800-3000 rubles. The best method is poured restoration, when a beautiful, durable coating is obtained for little money. In addition, all of these methods are much cheaper than purchasing and installing a new product.
Care
In order for the bathtub to stay like new for a long time, it is necessary to properly care for it. To do this, use the tips:
- After use, the product should be washed with a sponge and non-abrasive detergent.
- Many believe that you need to rinse with running water. This must be done, but it must also be wiped dry.
Fresh dirt is easily removed with ordinary soap suds. And old stains are removed with baking soda, vinegar, bleach or laundry soap. These products are ideal for a modern bath that has a durable and non-porous enamel.
Do not use abrasives or products containing concentrated acids. Do not use metal brushes or blades. strong dirt,limescale, rust is removed with special tools that are sold in hardware stores.
Recommendations
Oxalic acid is used in the first cleaning to eliminate corrosion and stubborn stains. The cleaner is not the most effective among the rest, but it does not damage large areas of the product. After the solution, you can not wash the container for a long time. Light is used to check the quality of enamel application. When the surface is well processed, the product does not cast a glare when a flashlight shines on it.
Nuances
If bath enameling is being performed, it is advisable to apply 2 layers with a brush or roller, and the final layer with a spray gun. Then the coating will be smooth, and the quality will last for 5 years. When using toxic or flammable substances, rubber gloves and a respiratory bandage should be used. Even if the bathroom is renovated, you should properly care for it. Then the product can last for many years. Therefore, the next repair will be carried out not because of the unsuitability of plumbing, but because of the desire to update the situation.
Conclusion
The article presents ways to repair a broken cast-iron bathtub. They are effective and safe. The main thing is to follow the rules of procedure and safety precautions.
