A 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, we learn from this article.
pros
Cast iron has been used for the manufacture of bathtubs for a long time. Material is appreciated for its positive properties. Of the advantages distinguish:
- Strength, durability, resistance to sudden changes in temperature. The cast-iron product maintains temperature for a long time, so the water slowly cools, no hot water needs to be added.
- Preservation of shape and lack of deflection. This is due to the stiffness of the metal and thick walls. Since the baths are quite heavy, they do not need additional supports, as they are securely fixed to the legs. In addition, subsidence and a change in position are excluded.
- Corrosion-resistant coating of the product - therefore, it retains its appearance for a long time. Enamel lays in an even, smooth layer, glistens for a long time and does not scratch.
- Easy care and cleaning. Since the enamel lays smoothly and evenly, dirt almost does not accumulate on it. The coating is resistant to damage - it is cleaned with almost all detergents.
- Great soundproofing. When bathing in the shower or when drawing water, there is practically no noise.
- Unlimited service life. If the bath is properly operated, it will last much longer than other bathtubs.
- The presence of hydromassage, handles and other accessories. But they are only in modern models.
Many have cast-iron bathtubs at home, and most like them for their high quality. And if damage has appeared on the product, then they can be repaired independently.
disadvantages
Nevertheless, the presence and disadvantages should be taken into account:
- A lot of weight. Since the bath weighs over 120 kg, physical strength is required for its delivery and installation. Hiring loaders is required, which leads to additional costs.
- High cost. When the product is of excellent quality from a trusted manufacturer, the price will be noticeably greater than the rest. You can buy a model cheaper, but then there is no guarantee of product quality.
- On the basis of cast iron create only standard forms of bathtubs.
The disadvantages of such a product are specific. As can be seen from the above, there are much more advantages than disadvantages, so there should be no doubt about the choice when buying. And how to repair an old cast-iron bath, we learn from the following sections.
Why does damage appear?
Although the enameled surface is the most durable and reliable, over time its properties are lost 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 familiarize yourself with how to repair a cast-iron bath, you should find out what causes the damage. The reasons for this phenomenon are as follows:
- Since the product is in contact with water every day, which contains a lot of iron, yellowing occurs. This interaction has a bad effect on the appearance of the coating.
- Frequent use of chemicals and brushes with hard bristles becomes the cause of scuffs that look unattractive, create discomfort.
- Drops in the container of small objects can cause damage to the enamel, so the material will gradually peel off of cast iron.
- Frequent temperature changes and mechanical stresses lead to cracks.
Chips in the bath are common. Often they occur when any objects fall into the product. But just use one of the restoration methods to update the design.
Training
How to repair a cast iron bath depends on the type of damage. In any case, when cracks, chips, scuffs appear, repair is required. But for the long-term preservation of the result of restoration and withstanding mechanical loads, contact with water, preparation of the surface 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 a normal alkaline detergent, and then rinse with running water.
- If there is rust in the bathroom, then it must be eliminated. Yellow smudges near cracks and chips are removed with a rust converter.
- Then the top layer of enamel is removed. Cracks or chips are ground using fine-grained sandpaper to make the coating smooth and even. If the damage area is extensive, use a grinder with a polished disk.
- It is necessary to perform degreasing. Fat is removed from the bath by 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 is also used with a building hairdryer.
Before work, it is necessary to evaluate the feasibility of such a procedure. In case of single damage, repairs can be done by yourself. For extensive damage and through holes, it is advisable to seek help from a specialist.
Chipping
A small chip with a diameter of up to 2 cm or a crack, as a rule, appears from mechanical stresses or point impacts. They are considered common damage that can be easily repaired. It is advisable to eliminate such defects immediately after detection with special putty and enamel. The procedure for sealing chips is as follows:
- The area near the chip is cleaned of contaminants with a detergent. It is advisable not to choose abrasive products, since enamel destruction is aggravated with them.
- If the metal in the cleaved area corrodes, it is wiped with a rust converter.
- The surface is leveled with fine sandpaper.
- Chipped putty moisture-resistant putty, using a spatula.
- After drying of the top layer, grinding is carried out with the same fine sandpaper.
- Putty is treated with epoxy enamel using a brush, roller or spray in several layers.
This is an easy way to repair your own cast iron bath. It should be noted that local repair of chips on enamel provides a temporary effect, postponing 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 bath? To do this, use the painting method. If there are a lot of chips and cracks on the surface, and there is also a rusty, calcareous coating, repair with a “patch” will fail. To restore the appearance of a severely damaged product, use painting. Before applying the coloring matter, the bowl is cleaned of dirt, the enamel coating is removed, degreased, and then dried. The following agents are used for processing:
- Liquid acrylic. The product includes 2 components - liquid acrylic and hardener. It is applied to the inside of the bowl by filling or with a roller. Coating 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. The layer will be even, smooth, glossy. Such a coating lasts at least 8-15 years, not turning yellow, since the thickness is at least 6 mm. The coating of the cast-iron acrylic bathtub is of high quality and has a neat appearance.
- Epoxy Enamel. It contains a base, hardener and plasticizer. The mixture is thick, viscous, quickly sets, therefore, it must be processed quickly, accurately. Apply enamel with a soft roller, natural brush or spray. Polymerization is carried out within 7 days. You cannot use the bath at this time. The coating will be thin, hard, brittle, so it lasts no more than 5 years.
For the repair of a cast-iron bath, it is advisable to choose liquid acrylic, since it is applied much easier and more evenly compared to 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 popular methods.
Using acrylic
Acrylic processing is performed as follows:
- It is necessary to prepare a bath.
- Then acrylic is diluted with a hardener, as described in the instructions on the package.
- It is necessary to remove the siphon from the bath and put the container in there - excess acrylic is poured into it, which will then be used.
- Pour acrylic on the top edge of the product. After the jet reaches the middle of the wall, it is necessary to move the jar with acrylic around the perimeter until the entire circle is 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 acrylic in some places may seize, and there will be stains. Drying takes 1-4 days. Typically, instructions for applying paints are indicated on the packaging. 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.
Liner
If the product has a lot of cracks, chips and deformations, then the repair of the cast-iron bath should be done using a special acrylic insert. In shape, it repeats the geometry of the old bowl, it is inserted inside it, and then fixed with an adhesive mounting foam and sealant.
The minus of the liner in the bath is:
- High price. A high-quality product is expensive, the cost is more than half the price of a cast-iron bath.
- A small assortment. It is sometimes difficult to pick up an insert in a bathtub, especially if it is non-standard.
- Do not use in repairing 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 the restoration with an acrylic liner is the effectiveness of the method, since it restores the cups even with through holes. A similar insert has been used for at least 15 years.
Cost
The price of the repair depends on the method chosen. How much does enameling cost? The cost of Tikkurila Reaflex 50 enamel is 550 rubles per 1 kg. The price of the Russian Svetlana restoration kit 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 independent work, even a CD with a video lesson.
The price of an acrylic liner is 2800-3000 rubles. The best will be the method of bulk restoration, when you get a beautiful, durable coating for little money. In addition, all of the above methods are much cheaper than acquiring and installing a new product.
Care
In order for the bathtub to remain as new for a long time, it is necessary to properly care for it. To do this, use the tips:
- After use, the product must be washed with a sponge and a non-abrasive detergent.
- Many people think that you need to rinse with running water. This must be done, but it is necessary to wipe dry.
Fresh contaminants are easily removed with regular soap suds. And old spots are removed with baking soda, vinegar, bleach or laundry soap. The listed products are ideal for a modern bathtub that has persistent and non-porous enamel.
Do not use abrasive products and compositions that include concentrated acids. Do not use metal brushes, blades. Strong dirt, limescale, rust is removed by special means that are sold in hardware stores.
Recommendations
To eliminate corrosion and stubborn stains, oxalic acid is used during the first cleaning. 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. To check the quality of the enamel application, light is used. When the surface is qualitatively processed, the product does not cast a glare when a flashlight shines on it.
Nuances
If bath enameling is performed, it is advisable to apply 2 layers with a brush or roller, and the final layer with a spray bottle. Then the coating will be smooth, and the quality remains for 5 years. When using toxic or flammable substances, rubber gloves and a respiratory dressing should be used. Even if the bathroom is being repaired, it should be properly maintained. Then the product can last for many years. Therefore, the next repair will be carried out not because of unsuitability of plumbing, but because of the desire to update the situation.
Conclusion
The article presents ways of repairing a bursting cast-iron bathtub. They are effective and safe. The main thing is to follow the rules of procedure and safety precautions.