Updating bathtubs allows you to extend the life of a plumbing fixture from any material. This makes it possible not only to improve the exterior of the product, but also to increase the comfort of receiving water procedures. Consider several ways to restore the bath, which will save on the purchase of new equipment.
Main problems
Bath updates may be required in the following cases:
- The appearance of rough patches on enamel.
- The manifestation of rust stains and mud stains.
- Poor water drainage due to improper installation and malfunction.
- The protrusion of peeling spots on a painted surface.
- On steel baths , rapid cooling of the liquid, the formation of rust, and a strong noise during the accumulation of water are noted.
Bath Update: Ways
Restoring bathing equipment, observing the basic requirements, is easy to do on your own. Resuming coverage is done in one of the following ways:
- The acquisition of a new product, which significantly affects the family budget.
- Restoring the coating with an acrylic liner.
- By applying a layer of enamel on a damaged surface.
- Acrylic coating.
Each method of updating old bathtubs has its pros and cons. Note the benefits 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 susceptible to yellowness and perfectly resists rust and mud sediments.
- The price of the lining under consideration is quite affordable for average consumers.
- You can use plumbing the next day after the repair work.
- Updating the bath with acrylic makes it easier to clean with various detergents.
- Excellent thermal and sound insulation properties are noted.
- During maintenance, the complete dismantling of the old structure is not required.
- The service life of the coating is at least 20 years.
Among the disadvantages of the polymer coating, the need for a special order for the liner for containers with non-standard sizes is noted, which significantly increases the cost of repairs.
Enamel restoration: where to start?
For this procedure, quality material is required. It is advisable to buy a spare kit, since the operation will require quite solid handling. Among the other features of updating the enamel bathroom, the following can be noted:
- In the case of a major overhaul, you can choose a shade that matches the updated interior.
- Before processing, degrease the surface using special tools.
- Work 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 thoroughly washed.
- The main work is carried out after the bath has completely dried.
- Drainage elements and gaskets are dismantled.
- Newspapers or paper is placed under the container to prevent paint from leaking onto the floor.
Main process
Further updating the bathtubs with enamel is carried out in several simple steps:
- The paint is diluted to the desired condition in a suitable container.
- The composition with a brush is applied 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.
- Particular attention should be paid to the uniformity of the coating applied.
- At the end of the work, all visible streaks are eliminated.
The restored design can be operated after 3-4 days. According to consumer reviews, the revival of an old bathtub with enamel is an effective, fast and inexpensive way.
The main advantages of this processing:
- low cost of material;
- no need to dismantle, repair or carry out other work with the bathroom and the room;
- the process of creating a new enamel is carried out quickly and on their own;
- in a day, the design can be used for its intended purpose;
- enamel can 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 abrasive products.
- Degreasing, additional washing and thorough drying.
- A tank 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 runoff. 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 neatly aligned.
Benefits:
- Acrylic coating is even and smooth.
- Durability.
- Processing does not require special skills and complex operations.
- The product is ready for use in three days.
- It is not necessary to dismantle the connections and the structure itself.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
- During the hardening of acrylic, it is necessary to avoid extraneous influences on the solution, otherwise it will be necessary to update the joints in the bathroom or to do all the work again (in case of deformation of the coating).
Acrylic liner
This restoration method consists in installing a special structure made of acrylic, which completely repeats the contours of the inside of the bath. Mounted liner with construction foam.
Work algorithm:
- Surface cleaning.
- Carrying out the marking of the geometric conformity of the sizes of the used parts
- Align the liner and trim along the wall.
- Special adhesive treatment.
- Mounting the liner and then filling it with water for better bonding.
Pros:
- Long service life (at least 15 years).
- High durability and protection against mechanical influences.
- The smoothness of the surface of the structure, allowing you to hide even the most noticeable effects.
- The surface does not turn yellow and retains decorative properties.
- A similar 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 inability to install the liner in thin-walled baths.
What do consumers advise?
Updating the bathtubs (reviews confirm this) makes it possible to significantly save. Plumbing can be restored 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 purchasing a new bath. Another feature - all restoration work can be done independently.
Users and experts note that when operating an acrylic coating, certain rules must be followed. These include: the exclusion from processing of solvents that lead to turbidity and streaks. In addition, the surface is subject to scratching.
When applying a new layer of enamel, you will also need to follow certain precautions. Among them:
- Prohibition of the use of abrasive cleaners.
- Use of liquid detergents.
- Elimination of mechanical impacts and impacts on the renewed surface.
- Excessively hot water also negatively affects the enamel, and it is recommended that you first fill the container with cold liquid, and then turn on the hot stream.
Total
After analyzing the degree of deterioration of the bath, taking into account the material of its manufacture, it is possible to choose the restoration method without problems. 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 period of plumbing service yourself, while significantly improving its appearance.