What Is Used to Repair Cracks in an Acrylic Bathtub?

Scratches and Cracks

• The color of an acrylic bathtub goes all the way through the product and is not a coating layer. Matching the color to achieve an invisible repair to the crack or scratch is not always possible. A gentle liquid polisher can be used to rub away the crack. Use a soft, clean cloth and rub in a gentle circular motion with a small amount of polish. Rinse off and repeat as necessary until the crack disappears.

Deeper Marks

• It is possible to use a very fine grade of sandpaper, such as 1500 grit, for deeper cracks. Wet the area first to gain some lubrication and avoid further scratches, and then rub gently with the sandpaper. Follow up with the liquid polisher as described previously, and then buff the area with a soft, clean, dry cloth. Use the sandpaper method to bring the deeper crack up to a level that can be handled easily with the gentle liquid abrasive to avoid causing harm rather than fixing it.

Badly Damaged Acrylic Tubs

• At times an acrylic bathtub will age to the extent that it may be less expensive to replace it rather than to repair it. Another option is to consider a bathtub liner. Liners are constructed of acrylic and are molded to fit the old tub. It’s the same principle as reupholstering your couch. It is stable and durable and gives you a less costly option for remodeling your bathroom.

Maintenance of Acrylic

• An acrylic bathtub is nonporous and easy to clean. Normal dirt, soap deposits and scum wash off fairly well with warm, clean water and ordinary liquid dishwashing soap. For stubborn stains use ammonia-based cleaners. Do not use acetones, paint removers or thinners on acrylic bathtubs, as these will damage the acrylic.