Fix a tiny gouge in fiberglass bathtub

[Por_sha911]

Tub is about 30 years old. Almost never gets used and looks brand new.

Found a tiny gouge (it is NOT a stress or age crack) about 1/4" long and about as thick/wide as a line written with a ballpoint pen. Its on the floor almost to where the tub bends up along the wall.

I thought I should fill it with something like superglue to strengthen the spot or 100% silicone mold free caulk. Any ideas? Will the superglue react with the fiberglass and cause a problem? If nothing else, I figured the caulk will prevent gunk buildup in the spot. Any thoughts?

[rfuerst911sc]

They make/sell small tubes of gelcoat made specifically for this task . Boats get dinged up all the time . Color may not be a perfect match but it's the right goop for the job .

[stevej37]

In the appliance dept of Lowes or HD....they have tubes of filler for cracks or chips on ranges or sinks.
I have used them before...they work great.

[Por_sha911]

Thanks for the replies.

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

They make/sell small tubes of gelcoat made specifically for this task . Boats get dinged up all the time . Color may not be a perfect match but it's the right goop for the job .

Any suggestions where to find it?

Originally Posted by stevej37

In the appliance dept of Lowes or HD....they have tubes of filler for cracks or chips on ranges or sinks.
I have used them before...they work great.

Appliances might be different for fiberglass. Have you used it on a tub?

[cabmandone]

When I did manufactured homes there were companies the home manufacturers would hire to repair cracks in tubs. You might do a search for fiberglass tub repair in your area. The guys who are good at it can make cracks and chips disappear.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

Thanks for the replies.
Appliances might be different for fiberglass. Have you used it on a tub?

No...I have not.

[look 171]

Cabmando is right. Get yourself local a repair guy and they willmake that little thing completely disappear and they will polish the entire tub too. I have dine many over the years and those guys are life savers. Not expensive. Last time I use them was 15 yeqrs ago. That was 75 bucks for a really quick ding but the entire tub didn't get polish because it was brand new.

[rfuerst911sc]

A quick search found this kit with multiple colors . Individual tubes are also available .

https://www.amazon.com/FIBRE-GLASS-EVERCOAT-CO-Coat-Repair/dp/B0000AXTGZ/ref=asc_df_B0000AXTGZ/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312190333361&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5045403887815677299&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011027&hvtargid=pla-570153461478&psc=1

[Por_sha911]

Cool. Thanks. It is so small and never seen so I don't need a polished tub. I'll probably buy some gelcoat just to make it structurally sound. Its less than $25

Has anyone done the gelcoat themselves?

[rfuerst911sc]

Clean the area with acetone to make sure any soap residue and body oils are gone . The small tubes of gelcoat I have purchased in the past came with a small putty knife . Put some gelcoat on the putty knife and push it into the crack/chipped area . As it starts to skin over you can clean excess with acetone being careful not to pull out the filled in area . Let it dry and if the repair is too high you can wet sand with 2000 grit . Clean and polish and you are done 😁

[sc_rufctr]

This is from an Australian company. They sell globally through their web page but I'm sure you have something similar in the US.

https://magicezy.com

https://magicezy.com/collections/household

https://www.youtube.com/c/Magicezy1/videos

[charlesbahn]

Any marine store- West Marine in store or on line, probably Amazon. Good stuff.

Charles

[944 S2]

I had a little more extensive damage to mine. Corner was broken off and missing. Anyway I bought a simple kit from Lowes to repair it perfectly.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Keeney-White-Bathtub-Inlay-Kit/3439156