How to refurbish an old bath. How to update an old cast iron bath: an overview of restoration and repair work

Over time, even a very high-quality bath coating becomes inappropriate. Unremovable stains, stains, rust, as well as chips, scratches and other damage appear on the surface. And every owner has the idea of ​​​​replacing equipment. But this process is very complicated and expensive. In addition, often the old bathtubs were made of cast iron, which makes it very heavy, therefore, even the removal process will not be the easiest. Therefore, many are trying to restore old bathtubs.

Fortunately, even a very damaged bathtub enamel coating can be restored, because the bathtub retains its performance characteristics completely. Thanks to modern technology, it is possible to restore the old enamel coating. But is it worth it?

Does it make sense to restore old bathtubs?

Before starting the restoration, calculate how much a new bath will cost

To understand whether it makes sense to repair your old bath, you need to estimate how much it will cost to replace old equipment and, accordingly, draw a conclusion about the feasibility. To do this, you will have to add to the cost of the bath the cost of dismantling old equipment and delivering new equipment, as well as going up and down from the floor, in the case of living in an apartment. In addition, installing a new bathtub also costs money, but often, in addition to installing equipment, it is necessary to repair the old wall and floor covering, partially or completely.

Based on the procedures described above, it turns out that the replacement of the bathtub will entail a partial or complete renovation of the bathroom. Therefore, the replacement of the bath makes sense during the renovation of the apartment. Otherwise, it will be much more profitable to reanimate the old bath.

Often, not everyone can afford the impressive replacement costs, so we will consider options for restoring an old bathtub. At the moment, there are only three recovery methods:

• renewal of the enamel coating by manual application;
• applying liquid acrylic (glass);
• installation of the finished acrylic liner.

Before you repair an old bath, you should consider each process separately, because they have their own characteristics. But first you need to understand the cause of enamel wear.

What are the causes of enamel wear?

The cause of enamel wear is considered to be poor water and poor bathroom maintenance.

Over time, the enamel coating is affected by various factors that contribute to premature wear, but the main reasons are:

• poor quality of tap water, the content of aggressive substances and untreated abrasive particles in it;
• the use of abrasive and chlorine-containing substances and materials during the cleaning of the bath;
• if chemical reagents are often used to clean water pipes, this also negatively affects the enamel.

All these conditions, of course, do not act immediately, but over time, the enamel coating becomes thinner, rust appears from under it, and the surface becomes rough and unpleasant to the touch.

From this it is easy to conclude how to delay (alas, inevitable) enamel wear as late as possible.

Restoration methods

When the moment when the bath cover became unusable nevertheless came, and the complete replacement of the font was deemed inappropriate, it's time to choose one of the restoration methods.

Enamel application

Applying enamel to the surface with a brush

Among all the methods of restoration, the application of enamel is the oldest and most used method. This method is very similar to painting, except for the material used, because special enamel is used during the restoration. Among the enamel paints for restoring baths, there are two types:

• professional enamels for industrial application - they are very liquid and are most often applied by spraying in several layers;
• simple enamels for manual application - are used for independent use and have a thicker structure, which allows it to be applied with a roller or brush in 1-2 layers.

Among the advantages of this method of restoring damaged coatings are:

• low cost of application and material;
• during repair, dismantling of equipment, drain and overflow hoses is not required;
• It doesn’t matter which bath is cast iron or steel, the enamel is suitable for both types.

Enamel in cans is used for local restoration

Unfortunately, in this type of restoration there are more disadvantages than advantages, among them are:

• the post-repair period of operation of the renewed coating does not exceed 5-8 years;
• due to the increased fragility of the new coating, it does not withstand impacts that can lead to chipping;
• the drying time of the updated coating of the old bath is 5-7 days;
• over time, yellow spots appear on the coating or the entire surface becomes yellow;
• since the enamel is not applied in thick layers, it is impossible to hide defects such as dents, chips, bumps, etc.

Do-it-yourself repair of an old bathtub with enamel paint is the cheapest and least quality, since the updated coating is much softer than the factory one. Therefore, surface care must be gentle.

Tip: Instead of using abrasive and chemical cleaners, as well as hard sponges, use a mild soap solution. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to hit the surface with any metal objects and fill the bath with very hot water. A set of water should start with cold and gradually add hot.

Restoration with liquid acrylic

Liquid acrylic has a long service life

Restoring an old bathtub with two-component acrylic is the newest and easiest method.

Reference: Stacryl is used as a restoring liquid, which is a two-component acrylic filler used directly for bathtubs. The composition of the liquid includes acrylic and a special hardener, during mixing of which the polymerization of the material occurs.

The application process is quite simple. Diluted stacryl is gradually poured onto the previously prepared surface in an even layer, which forms a reliable coating on the surface. This recovery method has the following advantages:

• Coating durability. If the procedure for applying and operating conditions of a new coating is competent and thorough, then the service life can be 15-20 years;
• Elimination of defects. Due to the application of a new coating with a sufficiently thick layer, which is 4-6 mm, the main part of surface defects is eliminated. For example, chips, dents, pores, etc.;
• Perfectly smooth glossy finish. Since stacryl is inherently a rather thick material, it fills and eliminates various defects when spreading, an almost perfect glossy coating is formed on the surface;
• The speed of the operation. Liquid acrylic is very easily and quickly applied to the surface due to the extreme simplicity of the technology;
• Absolute security. Stakryl does not have sharp unpleasant odors, which allows it to be used even in places with poor ventilation. Using this material, you can not be afraid for the health of relatives, even if there are allergy sufferers, the elderly and children in the house.

The disadvantages of this method of restoration include:

• Finishing an old bath in this way has a long drying time, which is about 3 days. During this period, it is forbidden to touch the bath and, in general, come close so as not to bring various debris to the surface in the form of dust, water, hair, etc.;
• Another disadvantage is the high cost of finishing compared to enamelling. Although these costs are justified by a long service life and a more wear-resistant coating.

Installing the acrylic repair liner

Acrylic liner is stronger than liquid acrylic

Old bathtubs are also repaired according to the “bath to bath” method using a special acrylic insert, which is glued inside the old equipment. For the operation, a special adhesive foam is used, it is applied to the surface of the old bath, after which the liner is installed. If all preparatory and repair procedures are performed correctly, then the service life can be 15 years.

Among the positive qualities of this restoration method are:

• the strength of the acrylic liner is much higher than that of the enamel coating;
• the new surface completely hides all possible coating defects;
• yellow spots do not appear on the acrylic liner over time;
• this method of restoration allows you to combine all the positive qualities of cast iron and acrylic bathtubs.

Despite all the advantages of this method, there are also disadvantages:

• before installing the acrylic insert, you need to disconnect the bathtub from the siphon, which is quite difficult to do with old products;
• in the case when the bath is made of “thin cast iron”, which can bend, the installation of the liner is prohibited, since during the bending of the equipment the integrity of the adhesive composition may be violated and the liner may fall off;

A few words about preparations

In all restoration options, a preliminary cleaning of the surface is necessary.

Although all restoration methods differ from each other, the preliminary preparation of surfaces is almost the same. So how to make an old bath new and what is required for this:

• First of all, before the start of restoration, a complete cleaning of the surface of the bath is carried out, that is, all complex contaminants are removed;
• Then all surface defects are smoothed out, namely scratches, tubercles of the fossa, and the entire surface is polished. This procedure is performed using fine-grained sandpaper;
• Immediately before application, the resulting dust and debris is cleaned, and then everything is degreased.

Important! Grinding and degreasing increases the adhesion of the material to the surface, and, consequently, the quality and durability of the finish.

How to care for the restored surface?

Use non-abrasive detergents

During the care of the bathroom, the use of various materials is strictly prohibited, which include:

• Use of any abrasive substances, such as cleaning powders. After all, scratches form on the surface, and the coating quickly loses its original appearance;
• The ban includes household chemicals, which include: technical alcohol, ammonia, acetone, formaldehydes, solvents and strong acids;
• Cigarette stains and small scratches (up to 2 mm) are removed with “zero” sandpaper, that is, the smallest;
• Cleaning with metal brushes and dry cleaning is also prohibited.
• It is highly undesirable in restored baths to wash pets, dye hair and get mousses and varnishes on the surface.

To the question "How to make a bath new?" we can responsibly say that everything depends on care, restoration is already a consequence of improper cleaning that has been going on for many years. Therefore, in order for the bath to be like new, you need:

• The bath is cleaned only with a soft cloth or sponge, which will help keep the glossy surface perfect for as long as possible;
• Rust stains are removed with a solution of vinegar or lemon juice;
• For cleaning, a mild cleaning agent is used, which is applied for 7-10 minutes, after which it is removed with a soft cloth and a stream of water;
• In hydromassage systems, cleaning is a little different. The bath is filled with water with the addition of a cleaning agent and turned on for 5-10 minutes, after which it is left with liquid for another 10-15 minutes. Then the liquid is drained and everything is washed with a jet of water and with a soft cloth.

We draw conclusions: restoration or replacement?

Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the tub

If you still have doubts about how best to cover the old bath, then you should seek the advice of specialists or study their reports. Of course, the choice is up to the owner. If the repair is required as a cosmetic and for a short period of time in order to make a replacement during the repair, then you should choose the cheapest option, that is, manual enamelling. But when you need a budget, but durable coating, it is best to use stacryl. The latter method is the most expensive and is not suitable for temporary repairs.

So that the question of how to restore an old bathtub does not arise for a very long time, only high-quality and proven materials must be used for repairs and strictly adhere to the processing technology. You can see the nuances of technology in the video.

Like any coating, enamel becomes thinner over time, rust spots, stains, and chips appear on it. When the most effective abrasive chemical cleaners fail to fix the problem, most owners decide to change equipment.

But having assessed the laboriousness of installation work with material costs, they begin to look for alternative options related to updating the old cast-iron bath. Despite the aesthetically unsightly appearance, a design that is quite suitable for performing the main function in accordance with all operational characteristics will last another half a century. It's all about the enamel. This means that a new one is required, and thanks to new technologies, this manipulation is carried out as soon as possible.

Restoration or replacement of a cast-iron bath?

A radical method is the replacement of a sanitary container. First of all, you need to calculate how much this procedure will cost. We sum up the cost of an ordinary classic bathtub with the cost of its delivery, including transportation and loading, taking into account the desired floor. Dismantling of old equipment and installation of new equipment are carried out in accordance with the price list of the company. According to the most conservative estimates, you will need at least 13,000 rubles. This does not take into account damage to the wall and floor covering, which is inevitable in any type of installation work. Partial replacement of cracked fragments and cosmetic repairs will be required. The conclusion is that getting rid of the old and installing a new bathroom is quite troublesome and costly.

Isn't it better to think about restoration, with the good functionality of an old bathtub with a thinned or washed off white surface? Moreover, a large amount does not guarantee an excellent result, since the purchase of the least budget capacity was originally implied. When choosing a higher quality convenient or design project, the costs can increase significantly. If this method does not suit the owners, they think about affordable and effective restoration options. It is important to approach this issue competently, choosing the best solution.

Restoring the old surface layer by "pouring" acrylic is the most popular way. Know-how technology was appreciated by most consumers due to its simplicity and low cost. With this method, a liquid synthetic mass is poured onto the inner lining of the bathroom.

Advantages of bulk acrylic:

• long wear resistance. With proper application, the service life is calculated for a period of 8-15 years;
• Due to the density and plasticity of synthetics, an even, smooth surface structure is formed;
• The fluid mass smooths out all sorts of defects and scratches;
• Acrylic is applied at high speed, a simple application technology allows you to bring the volumetric surface layer up to 6 mm;
• The filling is characterized by the absence of a specific smell, so allergy sufferers, children and the elderly will not need other housing for the duration of the repair.

Significant disadvantages of bulk acrylic are:

• long drying of the composition - 3 days;
• Coating sensitivity. It is unacceptable for dust, dust to get on the drying plane, otherwise it will deteriorate;
• The external apparent simplicity of the technological operation is extremely deceptive. In fact, pouring acrylic requires certain skills in working with a liquid mass;
• Relatively high material costs compared to enameling. But the cost pays off taking into account the increased service life and high quality.

Often, the oldest method of restoration is painting, when a special enamel is applied to a worn coating. The owner should think about how to refresh old equipment? There are two types of enamels: for professional use and for domestic purposes. The structure of the first is the thinnest, you will need to apply at least 3-5 layers. This is a labor intensive procedure. The latter are characterized by a thicker structure and, accordingly, a two-layer styling is easier to apply. The liquid coating is applied with a roller or brush, trying to distribute evenly over the cleaned canvas.

Advantages of the enameling method:

• is the most economical restoration option;
• there is no need to dismantle the drain and the overflow will not require reconstruction;
• this method is intended not only for cast iron products, but also for steel containers.

Enameling has the following disadvantages:

• short service life, less than 5 years;
• drying time is about a week;
• at the exit, the coating is non-glossy, uneven, sensitive to deformations;
• a thin layer of enamel is not able to mask dents, chips, which may show through over time;
• the appearance of a yellow tint during operation, since the original factory epoxy coating is radically different in composition;

Cold enameling is considered the cheapest and easiest way to restore. It can be compared to painting a canvas with a special composition. To prolong the life of the enamel, you need to listen to the following recommendations:

• to wash the renewed cast-iron coating, it is not necessary to use abrasive cleaners that violate the integrity of the coating, but a solution of washing powder or soap;
• a new container must be protected from shock, sharp objects can scratch the acrylic sheet;
• enamel does not tolerate boiling water, it can crack. When filling the bath, before opening the tap with hot water, they first let cold water in, and not vice versa.

Acrylic liner

For option 3, additional equipment is required - an acrylic liner, which is mounted using the "bath to bath" method. Such a two-layer construction will last about 15 years. At the same time, a new acrylic liner is installed inside the old structure, which ideally repeats its outlines. The stability of the additional element is carried out by means of technical adhesive foam.

This method has the following advantages:

• acrylic is a more durable material than enamel;
• due to perfect alignment, all defects and deformations of the cast-iron sheet are smoothed out;
• inert material does not turn yellow until the end of the service;
• the two-layer design successfully combines all the advantages of acrylic and cast iron.

Disadvantages of acrylic liner:

• it will be necessary to dismantle the drain siphon;
• it is forbidden to apply the acrylic structure to areas of lightweight or thin cast iron, otherwise the bath will bend and the adhesive layer will move away from the fixing insert;
• with the "bath to bath" method, the materials must comply with the standards. Low-quality inserts or a composition not intended for gluing metal will nullify all efforts;
• careful measurement of the insert is required, down to the millimeter. The slightest discrepancies with the parameters of the main structure are unacceptable.

All 3 methods of restoration are simple and effective, they provide for preliminary degreasing and removal of dirt and limescale. Grease marks can be removed using oxalic acid or baking soda. Then proceed to a thorough cleaning, eliminating plaque and deformed fragments until a flat plane is obtained. The next stage is grinding, the purpose of which is to obtain a rough surface with the bark. Irregularities of the web in contact with the adhesive will provide the maximum degree of adhesion.

To restore or not - objective conclusions

After weighing all the pros and cons, the owner must decide whether to dismantle or restore much-needed plumbing equipment. But with competent and qualified restoration work using high quality materials, the updated bath will look like new. If possible, you should trust experienced craftsmen who have proven themselves on the good side. Then an excellent result for relatively little money is provided.

Cast iron bath restoration video

16.10.2017 1 9 191 views

Many people are interested in how enamel is restored on a cast-iron bath with their own hands, because after 5-10 years, the initially snow-white container becomes different from when buying. Almost everyone, after a long time of operation, notices the appearance of rusty smudges, non-washable stains, yellowness and cracking enamel. But is it possible to restore the former attractive appearance and make the bath smooth again on its own? It will not be possible to fix defects with household chemicals, so you should resort to the procedure for restoring or replacing the protective surface. Actions are performed at home and without any special financial costs.

Properties of cast iron as a bathroom material

Cast iron baths are popular among consumers today, as they combine a considerable amount of useful qualities and excellent characteristics, and the price is appropriate. However, they also need proper care, but in most cases, enamel restoration will be the only way to return a presentable appearance.

The main features of cast iron bathtubs

1. The indisputable advantage is that the containers are able to withstand a rather long operational period. For more than 50 years, the original strength and quality of the product has been preserved. The enameled coating lends itself to frequent exposure to external negative factors, so it deteriorates much earlier. This can be avoided with timely repairs.
2. The minimum noise level will definitely be an advantage. Due to the fact that the walls of the product reach 8 mm in width, sound is well isolated, and when the container is filled with water, no discomfort is created for the user.
3. Bathtub enamel is easy to restore on your own, without resorting to the help of specialists and the purchase of expensive products or repair devices. Everyone will be able to restore the original look with their own hands, using different techniques, such as the enameling method, acrylic infusion or the installation of an acrylic liner.
4. Cast iron has a minimum level of thermal conductivity, and due to this, the water, which is filled with an enameled container, is in a warm state for a long time.

Causes of enamel damage on a cast-iron bath

Despite the fact that the enameled surface is considered the most durable and reliable for the consumer, over the years it loses its properties due to active use. Even with the observance of the necessary operating recommendations from the manufacturer, it is difficult to leave the appearance of the container without defects.

Enameling the bathtub will be the best option for the complete restoration of the surface cast-iron coating, and the main plus of the procedure is that all actions can be done by yourself.

So what could be the reasons for the appearance of various irregularities and defects?

• due to the fact that the container is in daily contact with water, which contains a large amount of iron, a disgusting yellowness appears. Such interaction has a bad effect on the appearance of the coating .;
• the frequent use of all kinds of chemicals and brushes made of hard bristles leads to the fact that the surface of the bath acquires scuffs that look unattractive and create discomfort for the user;
• even accidental drops of medium-sized objects into the container lead to some damage to the enamel, as a result of which the material gradually peels off from the cast iron;
• due to frequent temperature changes and mechanical loads, cracks appear.

Features of the restoration of a cast iron bath

Most people think about the issue of restoring a bathtub under the following most common circumstances:

1. Financial opportunities. The bathtub has been holding firmly for many years, but it has lost its original snow-white appearance, and buying new plumbing is currently unaffordable.
2. Rented or temporary accommodation. Naturally, under circumstances where a person lives in a rented apartment for a short period of time, it makes no sense to spend money on buying a bath.
3. Complex floor plan. It also happens that the dismantling of old plumbing is simply impossible due to the special plan of the bathroom. Of course, the container can be crushed, but it is still more profitable to carry out repair work.

How to properly prepare a bath for enamel restoration?

Before restoration, it is necessary to properly prepare the surface, since it is impossible to achieve the desired result without preliminary preparation.

Preparatory steps:

• rust removal. Actions are best done with gentle solutions of oxalic or acetic acid. One of the liquids must be applied to the surface, and then kept for half an hour. Make sure that after a thorough washing off there is no rust left, otherwise you will have to carry out mechanical cleaning;
• grinding. Once the rust has been successfully removed, the surface needs to be sanded. This is done using a drill, grinder or sandpaper;
• repair of cracks and deep chips. Damaged areas are rubbed with putty for cars, after which they are additionally polished;
• degreasing. For this process, baking soda or special substances are used, which must be washed off with high temperature water after all actions.

Now you should wait for the bath to dry completely, after which:

• remove the drain and overflow, then place a container under the drain where the paint will ooze;
• remove the remaining dust and sand with a vacuum cleaner;
• glue the surface of the bathtub with adhesive tape;
• apply primer.

Recovery process

There are several effective ways to restore the bath, which can be done at home. But it is worth remembering that the restoration itself can be done by one of the methods only after the repair is completed, in order to save the updated layer. Each technique will require a certain repair kit and patience.

Enamelling

This method is the most affordable and fairly easy to use. For painting, either classic epoxy enamel or more expensive, but effective paint is used.

How the process works:

1. The substance is applied exclusively with a brush made of natural fibers or with a terry roller.
2. Spread the paint evenly and thinly from the sides to the deep part.
3. When the process reaches the deep part, care should be taken that the layer is not too thick. In the case when the paint did not lie quite evenly, the substance should be carefully smeared.
4. The epoxy enamel is applied in three layers. After 15 minutes, be sure to check for smudges and other irregularities.
5. Complete drying of the bath will usually occur after a few days, but it is recommended to wait five days.
6. When the container is dry, polish the surface with a flannel with one drop of polishing paste.

This type of restoration requires little cost and effort for dismantling. But there are also certain disadvantages:

• the renewed enamel after a while will again become covered with yellowness;
• paint will not last more than 5 years;
• you can use the bath after repair only after a week;
• enamel will not hide the bumps that were in the factory coating.

Restoration with liquid acrylic

1. To avoid the reappearance of cracks and chips on the restored surface, they must be puttied immediately before the primer.
2. After opening the bucket with acrylic liquid, the component is thoroughly mixed with a drill with a special nozzle.
3. The drain is covered with a disposable cup and the bucket is placed at the bottom of the tub.
4. The working mixture is poured into an oversized bowl.
5. Next, acrylic is poured over the surface, starting with the sides. Using a spatula, the liquid is evenly distributed.
6. After the mixture has drained to the bottom, the acrylic should be raised with a spatula to the unfilled areas.
7. When the surface part is filled, the drain opens. The remaining acrylic liquid will flow into the previously substituted bucket.
8. It will take no more than one day to dry the bath.

This technology is quite complex, it requires experience and a certain set of skills from a person.

Restoration with acrylic liner

Restoring an aged bathtub with an acrylic insert occurs without removing the old enamel and is not a difficult process. A plastic bowl is glued into the inside, which repeats the shape of the old one. The main feature is also that there is no need to grind and clean the bath.

Over time, the bath loses its attractive appearance. Smudges and traces of rust appear, gloss disappears, it becomes rough to the touch. Everything says that it's time to change the old bath. And these are not small expenses. In addition, when replacing a bathtub, you cannot do without renovating the entire bathroom, and small expenses will turn into medium, or even large ones. But there is an alternative - do-it-yourself bath restoration. There are a large number of materials on the market with which you can independently update your bath with proper quality.

Bath restoration methods

Now there are three methods for restoring old bathtubs:

1. Restoration of the enameled surface of the bath.

2. Restoration with liquid acrylic.

3. Restoration by insertion.

Method 1: ordinary enameling

Cast iron and steel enameled bathtubs are the most common types of bathtubs in our apartments. They are produced in accordance with GOST 18297-96, which has been in force since 1997. According to this GOST, the guarantee for bathtubs is 2 years. But as practice shows, the enamel on them lasts no more than 10 years of use.

Enamel on baths in the factory is applied quite simply. First, the outer surface is red-hot, then the enamel powder is sifted onto the inner surface and held for some time to sinter the powder with the metal. Heat the outer surface again until the powder is melted. The result is a smooth, glossy enamel finish. It is clear that at home this method of restoring a cast-iron bath, as well as a steel one, is not suitable.

Why does enamel usually wear out?

The wear of the enameled surface occurs as a result of two factors:

• The use of cleaning products containing abrasive powders or substances with chlorine inclusions.
• The use of chemical reagents in the cleaning of water supply networks.

As a result of many years of exposure to these factors, the enameled surface of the bath becomes thinner, rougher and begins to rust.

Restoration of the enameled surface

Do-it-yourself enamel restoration is a fairly simple process. It consists of two stages: surface preparation and application of a new layer of enamel.

What will be needed for work?

You will need the following tools and materials:

• electric drill with a nozzle in the form of a grinding wheel;
• abrasive powder;
• sandpaper;
• rust converter (for example, "Tsinkar");
• degreaser (for example, "Nefras");
• lint-free napkin;
• natural bristle brushes or spray;
• respirator and gloves;
• enamel, preferably two-component (enamel plus hardener).

Preliminary step: surface preparation

A very important step. The more thoroughly the surface of the bathtub is cleaned, the better the new enamel layer will be.

1. sprinkle the old enamel with abrasive powder and clean it off with sandpaper or a grinding wheel mounted on an electric drill;
2. treat areas affected by corrosion with a rust converter, hold for half an hour, then clean with sandpaper;
3. wash off the enamel and crumbs with water;
4. thoroughly treat the bath with a degreaser using a lint-free cloth;
5. fill the bath with hot water and let it warm up for 10 minutes;
6. drain the water and wipe dry with a lint-free cloth; make sure that there are no lint or other foreign elements on the surface.

The main stage: applying enamel

1. according to the manufacturer's instructions, mix enamel and hardener in a certain proportion and mix thoroughly;
2. apply the first layer of enamel with a brush or spray;
3. withstand a certain period of time according to the instructions;
4. apply a second layer of enamel.

This completes the process of restoring an enamelled bath with your own hands. It is advisable to withstand at least a week before the start of the operation of the bath. This is how long it takes for the enamel to fully polymerize.

The service life of the new enamel will be about 6-8 years.

Method 2: bathtub restoration with liquid acrylic

This method of bath restoration appeared relatively recently, thanks to the emergence of a special material - glass.

What do we restore?

Glass acrylic is a two-component acrylic material designed specifically for bathroom renovations. It is acrylic itself and a separately supplied hardener. When acrylic and hardener are combined, the polymerization process begins, and when applied to the surface, the composition turns into a high-quality acrylic film with a thickness of 4 to 6 mm.

Advantages of glass

Stakryl has three remarkable properties that help it quickly and effectively restore the bath:

1. Viscosity

Optimally matched coefficient of viscosity of glass helps to make an acrylic coating with a thickness of 4 mm on the walls of the bath and 6 mm on its bottom without much effort.

2. Fluidity

The fluidity effect allows glass to independently envelop the surface of the bath and lay down in an even layer.

3. Delayed polymerization

Thanks to this quality, you can calmly and relatively comfortably carry out work on the restoration of the bath, without fear that the acrylic will harden too quickly.

After curing, the acrylic surface has mechanical and impact strength far superior to the acrylic liner or enamel layer.

Work performance technology

The technology for restoring bathtubs with liquid acrylic is even simpler than the enameling process and is as follows:

1: Surface preparation

This stage does not differ from the restoration of the enameled surface. Repeat the same steps. Then disconnect the siphon and place a container under the bathtub drain, where excess acrylic will drain.

2: Apply liquid acrylic

• prepare the acrylic mixture according to the manufacturer's instructions;
• slowly pour the finished mixture onto the upper edge of the bath, as soon as the jet reaches the middle, we begin to smoothly move the jet of glass along the perimeter of the bath;
• when the circle closes, repeat the procedure, starting from the middle.

The poured restoration process must be continuous, for this you need to take a glass container of a suitable size. It’s not worth saving - it’s better to pour out a little more acrylic than it will be lacking, the excess will go into the container under the drain hole.

Acrylic is polymerized, depending on the type, from one to four days. Choose a glass with a long drying time, in which case the acrylic surface will be of better quality.

The service life of the restored bath will be about 20 years.

Method 3: bathtub restoration with an insert

The simplest, but also the most expensive way of restoration is the installation of an insert. In addition, it is impossible to completely restore the bath with your own hands using this method, since the liner is made in the factory.

There is an option to order the manufacture of an insert for a specific bath at the enterprise, and install it yourself.

Insert installation technology is as follows:

1. thoroughly clean and degrease the surface of the bath;
2. insert the manufactured liner into the bath;
3. check the correctness of the docking of the drain holes;
4. cut the liner along the wall tile line;
5. apply special glue to the inner surface of the bath and the outer side of the liner and dock them;
6. joints are additionally sealed with silicone.

After installing the liner, cold water is poured into the bath and kept for a day. After that, the restored bath is ready for use.

The insert will serve you up to 10 years.

How much will a bathroom renovation cost?

In conclusion, we will conduct a comparative analysis of the cost of bath restoration, based on the methods discussed above.

Bathtub enameling

The cost of high-quality enamel "Reaflex 50" produced by the Finnish company "Tikkurila" is 550 rubles per 1 kg. The Russian set for restoration "Svetlana" costs 750 rubles. As a result, you will have to pay 1300 rubles.

Cast restoration

If you buy a set for restoring a bathtub with liquid acrylic, for example Plastall, it will cost about 2000 rubles. By the way, it has everything you need for independent work, even a CD with a video lesson.

Acrylic liner

The cost of the insert itself and polymer glue ranges from 2800 to 3000 rubles.

The best option is the poured restoration method, in which you get a beautiful and durable coating for little money. Moreover, any of these methods is several times cheaper than buying and installing a new bathtub.

No matter how carefully you treat plumbing, time will still leave an imprint on once new products. The abrasive properties of detergents and the mechanical impact on the surfaces of the baths adversely affect the factory enamel, and make it visually unattractive. Two options come to mind - replacement or restoration of the bath. Which method is better, reviews and the financial component of the issue are described in our article.

Cast iron bath restoration

The appearance of indelible rusty stains on the bathroom indicates that the service life of the factory enamel has come to an end. Complete bathtub replacement? But this procedure is technically difficult and expensive. New materials and technologies will allow refresh the surface of plumbing in the shortest possible time, and this:

• Financial savings. Modern plumbing will cost a new owner a lot of money. Let's add to this list: dismantling of the old bathroom, transportation, installation of new plumbing.
• Minimum terms. The practicing master will hand over the work in a time not exceeding the mark of 5 hours, and after 48 hours you can use the updated equipment.
• Quality. The durability of the product, and this depends on the material used and the method of restoration, is 10-15 years.
• Color variation. Often acrylic enamel is produced in white. At the request of the client, by adding color paste, you can get a shade of the bathroom for every taste.

And of course, it is worth mentioning the most important feature of a cast-iron bath - the ability keep warm for a long time. All of the above reasons point to one thing - " No" replacement, " Yes" restoration.

What methods of restoration of cast-iron bathtubs exist

So, we found out that a complete replacement of plumbing in the bathroom will cost us a considerable amount, and besides, it is a waste of personal time.

Let's consider three options for restoration, which, for the optimal price, will give us excellent result:

1. acrylic coating. A new method by which a liquid acrylic solution (pouring method) is applied to the surface of the bath. Obtained layer characteristics:

• Lifetime. Depending on the thickness of the layer, it is cured from 8 to 15 years.
• Perfect coverage. The composition spreads well, filling all cracks and irregularities.
• Odor free and hygienic. The bath can be taken by both children and allergy sufferers.

1. New layer of enamel. Applying special enamel to the surface of the bath will remind many of the painting process. The cheapness and simplicity of the method lower the physical properties of the updated product:

• Durability. New enamel will last no more than 5 years.
• Coating. The resulting hard coating is sensitive to impacts.
• Appearance. With time , the enamel will definitely turn yellow.

1. Acrylic liner. An acrylic liner is laid on the old surface, which completely repeats its contours. Advantages:

• Life time. The strength of acrylic gives the product a service life of up to 15 years.
• Surface. The "bath-to-bath" design completely hides all defects.
• Aesthetic look. Acrylic will never turn yellow, and the plasticity of the material allows you to add new design elements to the bathroom.

Restoration of bathtubs with liquid acrylic

When using liquid acrylic, even in the most neglected cases, you can get an excellent result, and the surface of the bath will become smooth and glossy. In addition to acrylic, the composition of the mixture includes: epoxy resin, hardener and chemical additives that increase the characteristics of the new surface.

Restoration stages:

1. Surface preparation. Scratches are polished with sandpaper, rust and chips are removed with a grinder. Debris is removed, the surface is treated with baking soda - degreasing.
2. Enamelling. The bathtub can be washed with hot water. A thin layer of the mixture is poured in a small layer onto the side of the structure. Acrylic flows freely along the walls of the bath and joins at the bottom. The resulting voids at the bottom are also filled with liquid until the circle closes.

Do not try to deal with streaks and influxes - this can only damage. When dry (hardening process lasts up to 24 hours), all errors will disappear.

In this video, specialist restorer Artem Babenko will tell and show how he restores a bathtub using liquid acrylic:

Restoration of bathtubs by applying a new layer of enamel

Ideally, enameling takes place in industrial conditions, but special compositions that have recently appeared allow this to be done at home. As a result, you can get a new protective coating without dismantling the bath.

1. Preparatory work. Contaminants that have settled on the surface of the bath must be removed. The container of the restored structure must be thoroughly washed and dried.
2. Enamel application. Enamel tools are chosen to your taste. It can be a roller, brush, etc. During operation, the solution should be carefully rubbed to prevent the appearance of streaks.

After at least two days, the enamel will completely harden, and the bath will be ready for use.

Restoration of bathtubs with acrylic liner

The two restoration methods described above are labor intensive. What to do if you need to get results in a short time? To do this, there is a “bath to bath” method - installing an acrylic liner on an old surface will allow you to enjoy the updated plumbing in two hours.

1. Preparatory work. The dimensions of the old bathroom are carefully carried out, the appropriate frame is selected. The enamel of the old coating is carefully protected with sandpaper - the roughness allows the liner to adhere as accurately as possible to the old bathroom.
2. Installation. A sealant is applied around the perimeter of the bathroom (protection from moisture), the rest is filled with special foam. An acrylic tab is installed, and with it a siphon and screws.

For thorough gluing, water should be drawn into the bath - under the influence of the load, the foam will not be able to lift the liner up. Everything is ready, and after two hours you can take water procedures.

Do-it-yourself bath restoration at home

All the methods described in our article do not require the installation of a bathroom, and the work is done at home. Doing the restoration yourself, or inviting a specialist is everyone's business.

Consider the important points to pay attention to when restoring bathtubs at home:

The best way to get rid of the waste of personal time and considerable financial investments to replace the unattractive appearance of the enamel of sanitary ware is to restore the bathtub. Which way is better, reviews and a great opportunity to save an old cast iron bathroom will allow you to make the right choice.

Video lesson: restoring the coating in the bath

In this video, master Evgeny Pogrebnoy will tell you how to restore an old, rusty bathroom coating with self-leveling acrylic: