Cast Iron Bath Repair

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

It's hard to imagine life without a bath these days. The cast iron construction is the most durable, but, unfortunately, over many years of use, the enamel is scratched, thinned, yellow and dark stains appear. Replacing the bathtub is a time-consuming process, as a result of which the tiles, plumbing equipment deteriorate, and costs are required for the purchase, transportation, installation and subsequent repair of the walls

Experts believe that it is not necessary to change the bathtub; there are proven ways to restore a cast-iron bathtub that you can apply yourself.

Types of restoration work

- Bulk bath, with the use of glass, liquid acrylic.

- Enamel, the coating is restored by applying a new layer of enamel.

- Acrylic insert, a cardinal solution using the appropriate insert format in the old structure.

Cast iron bath repair: general recommendations

By observing the rules for carrying out restoration work, you can avoid major mistakes and get high-quality coverage. It is important to choose the right material for the upcoming work. For example, for coating, buy ready-made restoration kits, complete with a brush, spatula and all the components for restoration activities.

The size of the plastic insert must exactly match the parameters of your product. To do this, you need the correct measurements: length (outer, inner), width between the walls at the drain hole and in the opposite side. The depth is measured from the upper horizon to the middle of the drain hole.

Preparation for restoration: necessary tools

Any chosen method requires preparatory work. The holes are freed from overflow and drain equipment. For the application of a new coating, it is recommended to completely remove the old enamel to the iron base by mechanical action.

To work, you will need a detergent, degreaser, an iron brush, a natural bristle flute brush, a plastic spatula, sandpaper, or a sander. To install the acrylic liner, you will need 2K polyurethane foam and sealant.

Bathtub restoration with enamel

On the prepared surface, the enamel is applied in two layers. The working composition is prepared according to the instructions using a thickener, which is included in the purchased bath repair kit. The finished composition is divided into two parts. The left container for finishing must be sealed tightly. Experienced craftsmen say that it is better to apply the coating with a wide brush (70 mm).

The application technique consists of a thorough coating around the perimeter, starting from the upper sides. Particular attention is paid to the bottom and drain hole - in these places you need to rub in the solution, avoiding the creation of thick layers. On the raw composition, a second layer is applied, which is done across the strokes: from the bottom to the top. It is important to remove drips with a soft brush during work and during drying.

Liquid acrylic coating

Polymer stacril material is highly durable, superior to enamel. The advantage is ease of application, viscosity, ductility, which guarantees uniform distribution. Dismantling of overflow and drainage equipment is excluded. These places are simply sealed with masking tape, and to avoid leakage of the composition into the drain, a plastic insert is made. Another way: the drain is dismantled and dishes are placed down to collect excess acrylic.

During installation, one should strive to create a thickness of 4 mm on the upper part, and 6. The course of work consists of uniform pouring from the tiles and over the entire surface of the bath. In places where it is not painted with a spatula, an additional layer is applied. The quality of work is assessed by the thickness of the formed layer: 4-8 mm. It is important to know that acrylic is laid only on a dry surface, free of debris and dust.

Using an acrylic liner

This method of restoration involves careful selection of the model, dismantling of the tile border, drainage equipment. Positive moment: no cleaning of the old coating is required, the bath will have a new look without defects and smudges.

Before installation, the insert is inserted into the bath, marks are made for the holes, and the protruding edges are eliminated. Then cutouts are made for the drain, a second fitting is carried out with the final adjustment and elimination of errors. The old container is covered with a continuous layer of polyurethane foam. After fixing the insert, a siphon is immediately placed, an overflow device, the edges are coated with sealant. For a better fit, the tub is filled to the brim with water. You can use it after 12 hours.