Diluted bleach is particularly effective at combating mold and mildew growth in your tub. If you have dirty tiles around the tub, ordinary hydrogen peroxide is an effective tile and grout cleaner, and white vinegar is good for cleaning bathtub fixtures. Never use all of these chemicals at once, though.
Get the gunk off old enameled bathtubs and sinks by applying a paste of 2 parts baking soda and 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Let the paste set for about half an hour. Then give it a good scrubbing and rinse well; the paste will also sweeten your drain as it washes down.
To clean an acrylic tub with natural products, start by filling the tub with hot water and vinegar. After 15 minutes, drain the tub and sprinkle it with baking soda while it's still wet. Let the baking soda sit for a few minutes, then use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the tub.
This bathtub renovation option goes by many names — resurfacing, recoating, refinishing or reglazing — but has a pretty straightforward process. An expert starts by sanding down the tub's surface, fills in cracks and worn areas, then applies several coats of primer and paint before doing a final buffing.
Product Description. Rust-Oleum Specialty Tub & Tile Spray provides a one-step solution to refinish tubs, sinks and showers in just minutes. This unique one-step acrylic epoxy finish bonds to porcelain and ceramic providing outstanding adhesion, durability and color retention in high moisture areas.
Look around the tub's edges and see if it appears thinner; this could be an indication that it is acrylic. Acrylic tubs usually come in more colors than fiberglass tubs, as fiberglass tubs are commonly white. Acrylic also feels warmer to the touch than fiberglass, and tubs made of acrylic have smoother finishes.
White vinegar
If you have a fiberglass tub in your bathroom, it may appear dirty and dingy. However, a simple mixture of two parts white vinegar and two part water is all that's needed to remove the discoloration. Mix them in equal volume and pour the mixture into the bathtub.
To use it, apply a thin layer of wax to the bathtub with a clean cloth. Work until the entire bathtub is covered in the wax. Buff excess wax off with a clean cloth in circular motions, or use a buffing accessory on a rotary tool.
Cleaning tips:
When cleaning a porcelain bathtub, avoid using abrasive cleaners as they can chip the surface of the bathtub. Also stay away from scouring powder, white vinegar, and steel wool as they can damage the finish of the bathtub.
Although made up of different materials, acrylic tubs can be refinished just as easily as fiberglass tubs. Acrylic bathtub refinishing is a great option if your bathtub's surface is dull, damaged, or if you just want to change the color.
Looking closely at the edges of your tub, thin edges could mean fiberglass, while thicker edges could indicate acrylic. Another tip to rule out cast iron as a material, hold a magnet to the side and see if it sticks. If it does not stick, you most likely have either fiberglass or acrylic.
Fiberglass Bathtub Refinishing Cost
The cost to refinish a fiberglass bathtub is $250 to $600, depending on the size and amount of surface damage. Reglazing a fiberglass tub and shower surround costs $800 to $1,200 depending on if it's a one-piece unit or with an enclosed ceiling.
To keep the fiberglass tub looking new, towel dry the tub after each use to prevent water spots and mold. Spray the tub with an after-shower cleaner after each use. This will prevent scum build-up. To make your own spray, add 1/3-cup of white vinegar to a 32 ounce spray bottle and then fill with water.
Helps Fights Mildew and Shines Bathtubs and Showers
Polishing shower doors and tub walls with a thin layer of car wax will help repel daily grime, which will also help in the prevention of mildew.
Just spray and go (but rinse the floor of the shower first)! Any other liquid wax can also be used such as Turtle Wax or any automotive wax. Of course, the best wax for a fiberglass shower is going to depend on personal preference.
The short answer is that a professional reglaze will last 10-15 years. The long answer is that there are other factors in prolonging the glaze and finish of your bathtub. Refinishing helps protect the integrity of your bathtub.
Regular and low-quality latex paints might not be able to withstand the high moisture levels in a bathroom, and the results will not last long. The paint you should choose depends on your type of tub. For cast iron tubs, use oil-based paint and primer, and for an acrylic tub, use an acrylic polymer paint.
Unlike your standard interior paint options, which will crack and peel at the amount of heat and moisture tubs are exposed to daily, epoxy boasts great adhesion and long-lasting durability once cured. A one-quart kit should be enough to cover the bathtub, but pick up two if you also plan to paint the surrounding tile.
So the main difference between the "bathtub refinishing” and “bathtub reglazing” is that the former refers to the entire restoration project and the latter refers to the commercial coating applied at the end of the process.
One or two-part epoxy paints are a good place to start when it comes to painting an acrylic bath. For a cast iron tub, the bath paint needed must be suitable for both metal and wood. An oil-based bath paint is the best choice, as well as an oil-based primer. Ensure the bath is clean and free of rust before you begin.
Bathtub refinishing is worth the money if your tub is in good working condition. The reglazing process can remove surface imperfections, like scratches, shallow cracks, and stains. But if your tub is old, leaking, or full of mold, reglazing is just a waste of money.