Over time the base of a fiberglass shower can show damage. Fiberglass is a very durable material that you can restore to its original strength using materials you can find at your local marine supply store. If the floor of a shower becomes damaged, repair the fiberglass before you run the water again to avoid water damage underneath the shower
1.Clean the base of the shower using a scrub brush and soap and water to remove the soap scum and buildup. Rinse the shower clean and let it dry.
2.Remove the drain and any other metal fixtures in the base of the shower.
3.Put on a respirator, and using 200 grit sandpaper sand the base of the shower. Scuff the entire surface of the base and up the walls about 1/2 inch all the way around. Remove the dust using a vacuum cleaner.
4.Cut a piece of fiberglass mat that will cover the shower base. Place the mat in the shower base and cut it with scissors so it covers the floor and goes up the walls 1/4 inch. Cut a circle out over the drain hole so the fiberglass mat stays at least 1/4 inch away from the hole all the way around. Use this for a pattern and cut 2 more layers of mat.
5.Fill a small bucket with fiberglass resin and add the hardener following the recommendations on the containers. Use a stir stick to thoroughly mix the resin.
6.Wet out the scuffed area of the shower base with the resin mixture using a felt roller. Place the first layer of mat onto the base and saturate it with resin using the felt roller. Go over the entire layer of mat using an air roller to remove all the air bubbles that will form under the wet mat. Continue this process for the next 2 layers, and then let the fiberglass harden.
7.Sand the fiberglass with 80 grit sandpaper until the fiberglass is completely smooth and all the edges are blended in. Sand the entire surface again using 200 grit sandpaper.
8.Clean the shower base with a rag and acetone. Remove all the dust and other debris from the shower. Let the shower dry.
9.Mix the fiberglass gel coat with the hardener in a small bucket. Add the gel coat mixture to the spray gun and apply it to the fiberglass. Let the first coat begin to harden, and apply a second coat. Clean the spray gun out with acetone, and let the gel coat cure for 24 hours.
10.Replace the drain and any other fixtures.
No comments:
Post a Comment