what is the best way to repair a crack in a fiberglass bath tub?

Question

The crack is about 8 inches long and I would like to be able to repair it without replacing it. If that's not possible, does anyone know of a good place to buy a new shower/tub cheaply?

Answer 1

I have replaced and refinished many of these tubs, there are litterly no to little fumes. I think people get the idea that there Fiberglass so, it's stinky but, it's just not so.
Lets got on with it.

Go to Home Depot. They have the refinishing kits, in different colors now. They cost $35.00 with tax. You'll need a fiberglass repair kit also, this comes with sandpaper and other goodies.

Get a particle mask. Take your time and be patient. This is where your going to make your mistakes, rushing the job. This is where the job is going to go down to tubes.

Take your time, mix everything as you use it, fill the gaps properly, make sure you sand everything well and get the cracks. Then fill over the crack and then resand and refill. make sure you let it dry before you fill in over. Let everything dry.
For a very nice, smooth finish, sand everything very good. If you can get a palm sander with a 220 grit and being very careful, without to much pressure sand evernly and all over carefully. Then apply the coating gently, like making love.
The most important thing, let it dry, air out the area your working it, get a fan, wear a mask. Have someone with you or check up on you, at all times.

I've done dozens of these from the very worst to the nicest just for the color, they all come out beautiful. Granted, it's work but, worth it.

Carter has the Shower tub Memorial week-end special I believe starting at about $365.00 going up to about four fifty.
Good luck, by the way, that's not installed.

Answer 2

They have people in the phone book which can fix your tub pretty cheap, try looking under fiberglass. Good luck

Answer 3

If you are the "handyman do it yourself" type you can purchase kits with fiberglass resin and pigments that are mixed to suit color match type stuff. If you do, follow all safety instructions. the fumes are caustic and horrible.