Fiberglass Tub Bottom Rebuilding

STEP-3

BOTTOM REBUILD

HIGH STRENGTH, LOW ODOR RESIN

Glass Mat & Finishing Cloth

 Soft or Cracked Fiberglass Tub or Shower Bottoms

1. IMPORTANT: If there is water in a crack or hole use wet dry vacuum to remove all water, Drill holes in tub bottom within the repair area (if necessary) then vacuum water out.

2.  Use masking tape to outline the area of the tub or shower bottom that will be covered with the Slip-Grip coating.

3. The Slip-Grip should go as close to the curve of the side walls as possible.

4. Use 80 grit sandpaper to scuff up the tub bottom within the taped area (only), Vacuum thoroughly and wipe with  KF-7. 

5. Place a strip of 3/4" masking tape around the inside perimeter of the existing tape, this keeps resin from getting to close to the edge.

6. If there is a depression or low place in the bottom fill it with KF-43 filler and sand level. Vacuum thoroughly. 

7. Wipe the bottom area thoroughly with KF-7 before any resin is applied. 

8. Lay a strip of cloth (thinner glass cloth material) one inch larger than the crack over the crack before placing the large piece of matting on the bottom.

9. Lay the matting (smaller size with thicker heavier fiberglass piece) in the center of the prepared area. Fold the mat back one-half left to right. 

10. Ventilate the room to remove fumes and vapors (Use e-z Vent System)

11. Mixing: Pour HARDENER #2 into Low Odor RESIN BOTTLE #1 and shake thoroughly, Pour 1/4 of the resin in the middle of the exposed area where you have folded the mat back, Distribute the resin over the area with a bristle brush (in kit), (MOVE QUICKLY) then unfold the mat back over the resin. Now fold the mat back the other way and do the same thing to that side. Pour the remainder of the resin over the glass matting. 

12. MOVE QUICKLY. Use the bristle brush to pat out the air bubbles that are trapped in the fiber mat, You may also use a fiberglass roller. Make sure the mat is wet with resin. Do not allow the resin to go beyond the taped area, Use acetone and paper towels to clean up any mess immediately. Pat do not brush over the glass with the brush to make it as smooth as possible. All air bubbles must be removed. The resin looks clear when air bubbles are gone.

13. Mix the next batch of resin the same as the first and pour 1/2 of it over the matting and smooth out with a brush. Now lay the fiberglass cloth (the larger lighter weight fiberglass) over the already wet matting and use the brush to pat out the air bubbles. Pour the remainder over the cloth and spread with the bristle brush. Keep the cloth as smooth as possible. Pat and brush the resin as needed to create a smooth surface.

14. IMPORTANT: Clean up all resin spills or drips while the material is still wet, use acetone, KF-1. Clean all tools immediately after each use with acetone.

15. YOU ONLY HAVE ONE CHANCE TO CLEAN UP. AFTER THAT YOU REPLACE YOUR TOOLS AND REPAIR THE PLACES WHERE TILE RESIN IS LEFT ON THE TUB, ETC.

16. Practice good house keeping at all times.

17. DISPOSE OF EMPTY CONTAINERS PROPERLY 

18. TO SPEED HARDENING: The tub bottom can be heated with a heat gun or infrared heater prior to and after applying the resin.

19. After hardening remove the inside strip of tape and allow the tub to cool. SAND the entire treated area within the taped area with 80 grit abrasive paper to smooth any rough edges. Vacuum and clean entire bottom with KF-7 cleaner, alcohol.

20. Repair any pits or extremely  areas with with KF-43.

21. Vacuum and wipe thoroughly with reusable tack cloth.

22. Clean entire bottom with KF-7.

After the resin hardens sand the surface to insure there are no sharp pieces of glass. Vacuum thoroughly wipe with acetone to remove any dust that may prevent the tub mat from sticking to tub bottom.

BEFORE                                                                             AFTER