Problems With Refinishing Fiberglass

Adherence Problems

• The right products adhere firmly to the fiberglass, completely covering the old material and providing a new appearance to the piece. When you use the wrong type of covering, it will not fully adhere to the fiberglass. Paint is especially harmful to fiberglass surfaces that get wet, including your bathtub and shower. You might also experience problems with the material not sticking because you did not properly clean the surface. Any debris left on the fiberglass creates a pocket under the refinishing material. The pockets leave air behind that lets the material peel off.

Previous Damage

• When refinishing a fiberglass surface, you must repair any damage to the piece. Scratches, chips and small dents ruin the finished look. If you buy a refinishing kit, it should include a repair compound. You apply the compound, let it dry and sand the area, which might create a problem. After sanding, the repaired area should sit flush with the surrounding fiberglass. When you apply the covering material, you risk having sanding marks appear in the finished coating.

Durability Issues

• The covering mixture comes in two forms: a lightweight thin paint or a thicker epoxy. Gel stains are a type of paint used on fiberglass surfaces, but paints and gels are best for doors. When you use a gel or paint on a bathtub, you risk having the constant motion of water peel off the new color. Epoxies are better suited for tubs and showers, but even in those situations, the products are not a permanent fix. With regular use, you might notice the color peeling or flaking off the fiberglass.

Potential Scams

• Beware of amateurs offering cheap refinishing jobs for bathtubs and showers. The scammers operate by going door-to-door or advertising with fliers. They use inferior materials and accept payment before finishing the job, leaving you with a tub still in need of restoration. In some cases, the scammer covers the bathtub, but does not apply a sealant or uses the wrong materials. By the time you realize the problem, you have already lost your money.