Painting bathtubs or replacing bathtubs? This is a dilemma for many who find their bathtubs damaged. Chips, gouges, scratches, cracks and burns are ways your bathtub could get marred. Bathtubs are made of materials like porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass or cultured marble. Restore your damaged, stained, or worn bathtubs, to their original state, by repainting, refinishing, re-glazing, or resurfacing. Kits to paint bathtubs are available for the DIY-ers, but it is best left to a professional. Restoring and painting bathtubs made from porcelain require extensive knowledge of chemicals, necessary for preparation and application.

Paint Your Bathtub - Don't Replace It

Do you want to spend money on a new bathtub, when you can make your old tub look new and that too at a fraction of the cost? Surely, you do not. Bathtub paint differs from other categories of paint as it is applied on a surface that is in constant touch with water.

Two advantages of refinishing / repainting your old bathtub:

• Saving money. When refinishing / repainting your old tub you spend a fraction of the cost of the new one. Consider the cost of the tub along with the cost of ripping out the old one, replacing the broken tiles, and repairing the floor, when you choose to replace with a new one.
• Saving time. Painting bathtubs and refinishing would keep you out of your tub for a day. Replacing with a new one could take weeks, considering the time taken to rip out the old one, install the new one, readjust, or replace plumbing. This would not be convenient for one-bathtub homes.

Even if your current bathtubs were not damaged, painting bathtubs just for aesthetics would not put a big hole in your pocket.

Bathtub caulking is a process by which you render the gaps between the bathtub and walls, and floor, watertight. Caulking stops water from entering the gaps and affecting the walls and floor behind and underneath the bathtub. Caulk, a putty-like substance, when applied properly seals these gaps.

Over years of use, the caulk around your bathtub may start to peel off. Moisture invites mildew. The black spots you notice on the caulking around the tub is mildew feeding off the caulking.

Caulking the Bathtub

When installing a new bathtub you need to carry out caulking. Old bathtubs may require re-caulking. For durability it is essential that a good quality mildew-resistant caulk be selected. Cheap quality caulks are not durable and may easily be affected by mildew. Within a short time you may require to redo bathtub caulking. There are various types of Silicon-based and Acrylic or Latex-based caulks.

Some Tips On How To Caulk Your Tub

 

• Manually scrape out the old caulk. Razor blades and scraping tools can be used. Take care that bathtub surfaces are not scratched.
• Remove all traces of soap scum, body oils etc from the surface. Rubbing alcohol is ideal as it leaves the surface spotlessly clean.
• Ensure the surface to be caulked is perfectly dry.
• Fill around half the bathtub with water. Failure to do this is a serious error.
• Get into the bathtub. Apply masking tape to both the surfaces leaving a gap for filling. Fill the mildew-resistant caulk you have selected, around the joint.
• Smoothen the caulk with a wet finger tip or a rubber spatula. The masking tape can be peeled away leaving an elegantly neat bathtub caulking job.
• After allowing a minimum of 24 hours for curing, your bathtub is ready for use.

Bathtub inserts are an excellent option for upgrading your bathtub. Since tubs are made of a variety of materials like porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass, or cultured marble, years of use could leave your bathtub chipped, gouged, scratched, or cracked. Inserts are one way of restoring your tub back to its pristine state. Bathtub repairs using inserts has an edge over other restoration methods.

Depending on the material used, porcelain, fiberglass and acrylic surfaces all can be restored by refinishing, resurfacing, or repainting. This may give an appearance of being new, but will not last long as the new one. These renovated bathtub surfaces can be re-chipped, re-gouged, re-scratched, or re-cracked.

The option of replacing your old tub with a new one has one major disadvantage. The cost can be prohibitive, as it will involve removal of the old tub, breaking of existing tiles and floor area, putting in the new bathtub, re-tiling and re-flooring.

A Bathtub Insert - Precise Fit At Affordable Prices

Inserts are typically made of acrylic, PVC or plastic and fit perfectly right over your existing tub involving no changes in plumbing or other repairs. Inserts cost a faction of the cost of replacement. Tub inserts are strong and durable without fading, cracking or getting affected by mildew. The surface has a beautiful high gloss finish that is easy to clean. Installation of inserts usually takes one day and in some cases, bathtubs can be used the same day.

Bath tub inserts for the physically challenged are available in different models. The contoured insert model is easily installed over most bathtubs without modification. It is for wheel chair transfer or access from a standing position. The contour allows for proper drainage of water. Easily installable inserts, required for therapeutic bathing in a horizontal position, are also available.

Also, consider bathtub resurfacing and tub repair kits as options for extending your tub's life.

Fiberglass bath tubs are quite durable but they do tend to scratch easily. Sometimes, your tub may have a few scratches and cracks which may look unattractive to the eye. However, it is not practical to replace the bathtub for just a few minor problems, is it? If your fiberglass bathtub gets damaged in any way; for instance it gets cracked, scratched, dented, or perhaps the paint is peeling off, you can try these easy to do fiberglass bathtub repair tricks to get your bath tub looking like new again.

Regular cleaning of your fiberglass bathtub will ensure that it does not lose its shine and does not get scratched or soiled. Use a very mild detergent to wash your fiberglass bath tub and avoid harsh and abrasive cleaners, including aerosol bathtub cleaning supplies as these are very tough on the fiberglass coating and can damage it.

Small and minor scratches and abrasions on the surface of your fiberglass bathtub can be repaired easily with the help of a white automotive polishing compound. Make sure the compound is water based and simply apply the compound to the abrasions in a gentle circular motion with a soft clean cloth. Simply wipe away any residue and once you have applied a finishing coat of wax, your fiberglass bathtub will look practically new.

Sometimes, flakes of drywall or the ceiling can fall on your fiberglass bathtub and damage it. To remove these from the tub, you should simply wash the tub thoroughly with water. If water does not do the desired trick, you may have to resort to something stronger such as acetone. However, make sure you use acetone only if your fiberglass bath tub is gel coated. After using acetone, fill the tub with warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly for a clean and repaired bathtub.

Repairing fiberglass bathtubs is possible even if the tub has large cracks in it. Most cracks develop because the fiberglass is not supported properly from underneath. Thus, if you provide the right support, you can ensure that your tub does not crack. As for existing cracks, you will need a fiberglass repair kit to get rid of the problem. These kits have all the necessary tools that you need to deal with cracks, dents, and even holes in your fiberglass bath tub. The bathtub repair kit comes with complete instructions and most of them also have perfect color matching supplies to help repair your bathtub right down to the right color.

Thus, not only is it quite easy to do the fiberglass bathtub repairs at home, but you will save a lot of money that would have otherwise been spent on buying a new bathtub or on professional bathtub repairers.

A great alternative to calling a professional bathtub repairman when your bathtub breaks is to get a bathtub repair kit and do your own repairs. If the problem is minor you should try to getting your bathtub fixed on your own before calling the professionals. Many DIY bathtub repair kits are available in the market with full instructions. For example, Mobile Home Repair, Bath Wizard, Surface Repair and Refinishing Online are a few of the many companies that sell such kits.

Costing a mere $9.95, the Quick Fix Bathtub Repair Kit is an 8 inches by 12 inches white piece of waterproof material used to seal in cracks in plastic or fiberglass bathtubs. Simply cut the material to fit the crack, sandpaper the area and apply the material onto the tub. This is very convenient as the kit comes with material, sandpaper and a full set of instructions. Most importantly, this works to keep the crack sealed-in without disintegrating over time.

Another option would be Bath Wizard's all-in-one repair kit which costs a mere $29 and allows you to obtain professional results when fixing your tub. This bathtub repair kit repairs around 5-10 quarter-sized repairs. The Bath Wizard kit is different from others in that it provides color-matching materials so your repairs are invisible "“ no one will be able to notice your tub's flaws!

The Professional Repair System bathtub repair kit costs only $29.95 and is well worth your buck because the kit can be used to make about 10 to 12 repairs. What's more, this kit contains tools (filler, hardener, spatula), sandpaper, color spray and instructions on how to do everything.

Finally, the DIY Fiberglass Bathtub Shower Repair Kit allows you to get professional results. The company claims that even major damage and 10-inch long cracks can be easily taken care of using these bathtub repair kits. This fiberglass bathtub repair kit comes with everything from colored tints to a pair of gloves and costs $29.95. Nevertheless, this is enough for not one, but several bathtub repairs to be done from just one kit.

Bathtub surrounds are a simple, economical and great way to upgrade your tub and bath and give it a new look. A bathtub surround, also known as a wall kit or tub wall, is a kind of a wall that is installed from the tub end to the ceiling. As the name suggests, surrounds encircle the tub from three sides, leaving one side from which to enter the tub.

Benefits of Bathtub Surrounds

• They provide a good way to make your bathroom look new.
• A bathtub surround provides a watertight barrier around your tub which protects your walls from water seepage.
• Bathtub surrounds are easy to maintain.
• They can be installed over most surfaces such as cement, plaster, drywall, bathtub tile, etc.

Installing Bath Tub Surrounds

It is important that it is installed properly so that it provides adequate water proofing and does not come loose. Here are the basics involved in putting up bathtub surrounds:

• Get the walls ready by removing all the fixtures such as taps, showers, soap dish, etc, from the walls.
• Repair the surface if need be to make it flat and solid.
• Measure the size and location of the fixtures and cut out the appropriate holes in the wall surround panels.
• Fix the panels on the wall temporarily and see that the holes for the fixtures are in the correct place and that the panels are aligned properly.
• Once the placement is absolutely perfect, attach the bathtub surround with the use of adhesive. Use enough adhesive but not too much. Some panels also have peel-and-stick tape that you can use to attach the panels of the bath tub surround to the wall. Let the adhesive take hold, which may take up to 24 hours.
• After that fix the fittings, and you are done!

Most bathtub surrounds come with specific instructions for installation. Refer to these and follow the guidelines for proper installation.

 Bathtub liners are an easy way to remodel and beautify your bathroom, and you can even save money in the process. Putting in a bathtub liner can be a very cost-effective alternative to bathtub refinishing or replacement.The bathroom has become a safe haven in which to relax and get away from the outside world. This has led to a sharp rise in bathroom remodeling. While a coat of paint and new wallpaper are simple ways to get started , eventually you will probably be faced with the question: "What do we do with the old bathtub?"

As bathtubs age, the finish dulls and it may develop cracks or nicks in the finish, or maybe you want a new color to go with your bathtub remodeling project. Whatever the reason, a bathtub liner can cover all the imperfections in your existing tub at a fraction of the cost of some models of bathtubs. In fact, the lack of a new tub may very well diminish the overall effect of your new bathroom.

Benefits of Bathtub Liners

• Replacing a bathtub can be very costly. The old one must be removed by tearing out some of the walls, and many times the wood must be repaired before a new tub can be installed. In addition, you must factor in the cost to replace floor and wall tiles that are damaged. The extra expense involved in tearing out and replacing wood can wreck a remodeling budget. Costs of up to $10,000 are not unheard of. Bathtub liners are a fraction of this cost, often under $2,000.
• Installation of tub liners is quick and can usually be done within a few hours. The tub can be used the same day.
• Most bathtub liners are made from acrylic and fit perfectly over the old bathtub.
• The finish will keep its shine for years and will not chip, rust or peel.
• Acrylic bathtub liners are easy to clean and maintain - just wipe them with a damp cloth.
• The watertight seal ensures that they are leak-proof.

Choosing the Bath Tub Liner

• One-piece liners cover the tub in one piece, and are easily ordered and installed. However, they may not be an exact fit.
• Two-piece bathtub liners can be custom-made for your tub. It can take a month or more for manufacture, but the fit will be exact, which will prevent leaks.

Bathtub Liner Installation

• Make sure that the bathtub area is not damaged, mildewed or rotting
• The contractor you use for the tub liner installation should be a reputable company with professionals trained in plumbing. Ask for warranties, post-installation support and references

Bathtub Liner Resources

Re-Bath Bathtub Liners and Bathroom Remodeling : Re-Bath is a franchise offering bathtub liners for over 700 models of bathtubs. They have completed over 1 million installations across the United States.

With a little bit of care, your bathtub can last for many years. Here is a collection of useful tips for maintaining, cleaning and fixing your tub.

Bathtub replacement involves removing the existing tub totally and, possibly, part of the existing bathtub walls and surrounding tiles. This is certainly a very costly proposition. So why should you go for this option? One simple reason could be that you have a completely washed out bathtub that cannot be salvaged or that the area around your bathtub is showing severe wall rot.

Consider another scenario. You may decide to replace a scuffed-up shallow tub with a larger, wider, deeper soaking or hydrotherapy tub. In this case, refinishing or restoring your bathtub will not help and the only option is replacing it. You may want to get rid of your old fiberglass tub and replace it with a porcelain one. While you are indulging, why not go the whole hog and replace with a traditional or an antique clawfoot tub? These tubs will last a long time and add to the aesthetics of your bathroom.

Replacing Your Bathtub? Get Professional Help

Bath tub replacement is not something recommended for a DIY-er, especially if you are changing the type and size of the tub. Tubs, generally, are set in an alcove or corner, and tied down in at least two places by plumbing. A certain amount of experience is required to get the tub out, the new one put in, and connecting the bathtub drain, all without causing major damage to the existing walls and surrounding.

Bathrooms, today, are bigger than what they were a generation ago. If you are going in for a full-scale bathroom remodeling, then replacing your tub makes sense. Bathtubs with different sizes, shapes, configurations are available. Replacement allows you a wider selection of tubs, including whirlpool and air massage units. Considering today's hectic lifestyle, bathtubs are a haven of relaxation. Tubs with a water jet or a hot air jet would be ideal to indulge in.

Replacing bathtubs involves:

• Detaching all faucets, spouts, showerhead etc. from the tub.
• Detaching drain assembly and drain overflow.
• Cutting away as much wall and tiles required, revealing tub flanges.
• Prying loose the tub and replacing with the new one.
• Re-attaching the drain, faucets, spouts etc.
• Repairing the broken walls, and tiles etc.

Bathtub replacement is a durable, long-term solution to your worn-out or out-dated bathtubs.

Bathtubs are fixtures that can be used for years on end. Even if your bath tub develops nasty cracks or is completely stained, you can still save a great deal of money by replacing your tub instead of buying a new one. However, if you have decided to change your bathtub, here's what you need to know about bathtub removal.

Removing a bathtub is something that can be done on your own. But, you will need another helper to assist you during bathtub removal and sometimes you may have to hire a plumber to attach the drain lines and faucets after you have finished removing the bathtub.

The first thing you need to remember before removing bathtubs is to shut off the water supply to that particular bath. Once that is done, you have to then move on to bathtub faucet removal, bathtub drain removal, and removing any other accessories your bath tub may have.

Bathtub Faucet Removal

If your bathtub is the free standing type, the faucets can be removed very easily. All you have to do is unscrew the faucets and remove the entire tap along with the hot and cold mixers if any. For built-in bathtubs, you have to first remove the water connections that run behind the faucets. Simply remove the screws holding the water pipes in place. After that, unscrew all the nuts and bolts on the faucet from the front and simply pull the faucet out. Make sure to remove the faucet spout and stem as well so that they do not protrude and hamper bathtub removal.

Bathtub Drain Removal

Once again for freestanding bathtubs, you simply disconnect the drain lines and lift the entire drain out. Since you have easy access to these, drain removal is an extremely quick job. For built-in tubs, you have to uncover the drain pipes that run either below or to the side of the tub. Unscrew these pipes to get the drain out. Make sure you remove the drain pipes as well as the overflow pipes (if any). Once the pipes are unscrewed, you can easily remove the bathtub drain.

At this point, free standing tubs can be removed from the bathroom. For built-in tubs, after you have removed all the bathtub accessories, you should remove the bathtub surround (if any) and unscrew the tub. The bathtub should now be free from all attachments and can be removed from the bathroom.

While removing certain bathtubs, you may have to cut some sections of the wall out in order to remove the tub properly. If this is the case, it is best to get professional help with bathtub removal so that the tub is removed properly without damaging the site for the new bathtub.

Bathtub refinishing can save you a a lot of money. If you are thinking of replacing your bathroom fixtures, you probably have realized that the costs involved in remodeling can easily run into thousands of dollars. The cost of a new bathtub can reach as high as $6000 and up.

You can get the beautiful new bathroom you want and save money by refinishing your existing bathtub. The process, which is also referred to as bathtub resurfacing or bathtub reglazing, is quick and easy and provides exceptional durability and quality. The cost of refinishing is a fraction of bathtub replacement costs and will save the hassle and disarray of removing your old bathtub. Keep your money in you wallet where it belongs by taking advantage of bathtub resurfacing.

Bathtub reglazing saves time and allows you to use your bathtub as soon as the very next day. Replacing your bathtub can take weeks when you consider that you have to rip out your existing tub, install the new tub, wait for caulking to dry, and possibly readjust or replace plumbing. Some homes have only one bathtub, making long delays inconvenient, impractical, and unaffordable. Refinishing your tub or tile walls can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance. While a new porcelain tub could last a few years longer, the costs involved are almost three times that of resurfacing. Not only is bathtub refinishing cost effective, but you have many choices as to color and non-slip surfaces.

Bath tub refinishing is a specialized trade that requires practice, training, and craftsmanship. Most reputable companies guarantee their work, so your satisfaction is ensured. Bathtub reglazing can create a brand new look for your bathroom that will leave your tub dazzling with color and shine. The products used in bathtub resurfacing and tile wall reglazing are exceptionally strong and durable. With simple maintenance, your refinished tub or tile will last for many years, giving you a sparkling bathtub that will be a source of pride for you and your family.

Since bathtub resurfacing can match almost any color, you can finally get rid of the avocado green bathtub you've used for years and change to any color you want, even white. Your bathtub will not only look great but the surface will be smooth and shiny. Since no demolition is required, the bathtub refinishing process can take as little as one day. Professional refinishers use only the highest quality products designed to create a strong bond to your original bathtub surface. Chips, cracks, and scratches will be a thing of the past when you choose to reglaze tile walls and resurface your bathtub. Your entire bathroom will take on a completely new appearance at a portion of the cost of replacing your old fixtures with new fixtures.

Research the bathtub refinishing professional you choose, ask questions, and be sure you understand the time involved, the costs, and the benefits. You'll soon have a gorgeous refinished bathtub that you'll enjoy for many years to come.

Ceramic tile, sinks, and bathtubs are refinished right in the place they currently occupy. Even your authentic claw foot bathtub or pedestal sink can be resurfaced to match your bathroom decor perfectly. Tough, acrylic materials free you from worry about chips, cracks, or peeling. Bathtub resurfacing is the obvious choice for those who want a new look in the bathroom but do not want to spend thousands of dollars on over-priced new fixtures.

Contact a professional bathtub refinishing professional and within days you'll be delighted with your bathtub and still have money in your pocket. So don't remodel - refinish instead and save a bundle!

Another option you may want to look at is bathtub inserts.

Bathtub Refinishing Resources

ReliableRemodeler.com - Helping You Find Bathtubs Refinishing Experts
ReliableRemodeler will match you with a contractor in your area and get you a free estimate.

Bathtub Doctor - Specialists in Bathtub Refinishing and Restoration
If you live in the New York metro area, we recommend Bathtub Doctor. They specialize in bathtub refinishing and clawfoot tub restoration.

Integrity Bathtub Refinishing Coatings
Integrity Coatings has a wide range of refinishing products, DIY kits and educational products.

Removing bathtubs for whatever reasons will involve the need to use professional contractors. Bathtub removal involves, along with the tub, possibly, part of the existing tub walls and surrounding tiles. This is certainly a very costly proposition and may be out of the scope of an average DIY-er. You may be able to remove your tub with a minimal of damage to the surrounding walls and tiles, but it still involves a lot of work.

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How to Remove a Bathtub

There are many things to consider before removing bathtubs. Your bathtub could be a freestanding type. Or it could be in an alcove, surrounded by walls on three sides or in a corner with walls on two sides. The freestanding bathtub may not be difficult to remove. Disconnect all the cold and hot water plumbing as well as the drain and overflow pipes, and pull the bathtub away.

Steps for removing bathtubs:

• Turn off the water before proceeding.
• To expose the piping, remove the access panel, which is probably on the backside of the plumbing wall of the bathtub.
• Disconnect the tub drain and the overflow pipe.
• If hot and cold water faucets are inside the bathtub, remove these fixtures.
• If the bathtub surround is tiled, removing one course of tiles around the tub should be enough.
• If the surrounding is not tiled, removing about 4 inches of material should expose the clips holding the tub. Remove or disengage the fasteners.
• With a pry-bar gently pry the tub away from the wall. Go completely around the bathtub. Any resistance probably means the tub is not completely disconnected from the water supply and/or the drainage system. Go back and recheck this.
• Try to move the tub straight out from the wall. Put down some skids under the bathtub so that the tub won't damage the floor as it is pulled out. It will also be easier to pull out the tub.
• If the tub cannot be removed straight out, you may need to go through the side wall. It may be a load bearing wall and you must shore up the framing - before making cuts. In such cases it is prudent to consult a house contractor or an architect.

Once the bathtub is out, you can lift and carry it with the help of others.

Bathtub restoration or replacement? There comes a time when you need to decide. Bathtubs are made of a variety of materials like porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass or cultured marble. Years of use could leave your tub scarred with chips, gouges, scratches, cracks etc. Restoration of bathtubs is a process of refinishing, re-glazing, or resurfacing that could restore your bathtub to its original immaculate condition.

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Restoring Bathtubs To Look Like New

This is a very cost effective way of revitalizing your battle-scarred bathtubs. Restoration cuts down the need to replace your current tub. Replacement is a very costly proposition.

Restoration needs to be performed with the right materials and procedures. Professionals with a track record of performance, using advanced, hi-tech materials would be the answer. This process cost around 25 percent of the cost of replacement and in less time too!

Porcelain and fiberglass bathtubs can be restored to look like 'new' and if required the color changed to match with your current bathroom décor. Porcelain tubs are first cleaned, by sanding and other procedures, to remove soap and oil films. Chips, scratches, cracks and other damages are filled and repaired. The new finish is chemically bonded onto the old porcelain surface.

Fiberglass bathtubs become worn and dull after about 10 "“ 15 years of use. Fiberglass bottoms can weaken and develop cracks. These bathtubs are restored giving a new and glossy finish.

Bathtub restoration of antique and vintage tubs involves professional care to restore them to their original shine and feel. The interior and exterior of the freestanding antique bathtubs can be refinished along with metal plating the claw feet.

With the incredible results of bathtub restoration, most people cannot tell the difference between a new bathtub and a restored one.

A bathtub is a necessary part of most bathrooms. There are many types of tubs available, such as free-standing, built-ins, soaking and whirlpool bathtubs, to suit the needs of individuals and their homes. But whichever tub you choose to go in for, you will be faced with one very important question, "How do I install a bathtub?"

Issues Related To Bathtub Installation

Most people would think that bathtub installation begins when you actually get down to installing the tub in your bathroom, but this is not correct. Bath tub installation should be considered at the time of buying the bathtub itself. Here is what you have to keep in mind:

• If you want to install bathtubs that are the regular 30 inches wide and 5 feet long, then these can be carried up by the stairs.
• For tubs such as whirlpool tubs and soaking tubs, stairs might be a problem and you may need to remove a window to heave the tub through. So if such bathtub installation is not possible, you should reconsider buying such tubs.
• To install bathtub enclosures, the stairs may be a problem and so you should think of getting a bathtub with multi-pieces which can be installed separately.
• Installation of units that have a left side or right side apron, is done according to which side you need facing the wall. If you are undecided, then go with a bathtub which can be installed either way.
• If you have a deep tub, then you should think of installing ¾ inch water supply pipes instead of the regular ½ inch ones with the bathtub installation. These will make it easier and faster to fill the deeper bathtub.
• Install bathtubs that have a capacity of more than 80 gallons of water with a 50-75 gallon hot water heater; else you will get only tepid water and not hot water.

How To Install Bathtubs

Bathtub installation, although not a very difficult task, involves knowledge about the installation process as well as the necessary expertise. If you do decide to undertake this yourself, make sure you have somebody to help you. But it is always a better idea to get your bathtub installed by a qualified person who is a professional so that your bathtub is installed exactly as it should be.

Bathtub Installation Resources

ReliableRemodeler.com - Local Contractor Referrals ReliableRemodeler.com can help you find a contractor to install bathtubs.

Cleaning bathtubs can be a pain - it would seem that bathtubs would stay clean since soap and water are used in them everyday. Unfortunately, dirt and soap scum make them grimy and a chore to clean. As with any job, the right tools are required to produce the desired results. A little preparation will save you time, energy, and make cleaning bathtubs very simple.

A good pair of gloves is necessary to protect your hands from harsh bathroom cleaners and damaging chemicals. The inexpensive yellow gloves you find in grocery and discount stores are fine for this purpose, although when used vigorously they may develop those annoying little holes and rips and will have to be replaced frequently. You could save money in the long run by purchasing a pair of heavy-duty gloves that will give your hands full protection from bathroom cleaning products and germs as well.

A good scrub brush will save you a lot of effort while cleaning your bathtub. Choose a scrub brush that will let you comfortably clean your bathtub without a lot of twisting and reaching. A brush that fits comfortably in your hand will mean less effort on your part and save time as well. Remember, while scrubbing the bathtub don't apply too much pressure. Let the bathtub cleaning products do the job they were designed to do. Over time, repeated vigorous scrubbing could scratch and damage the finish of your bathtub. Cleaning your bathtub should leave it shiny and clean, not filled with minute scratches and a dull finish.

Before you start, be sure to open a window or turn on your bathroom exhaust fan. Chemicals in bathroom cleaners can be dangerous, so plenty of fresh air is necessary to avoid breathing harmful fumes. You should clean the walls above the tub first to avoid dirt and germs from the bathtub walls being rinsed down into an already clean tub. Apply cleaner to the walls and let it sit for a few minutes. If you have tile walls around your bathtub, bathroom cleaners made especially for tile can be used to restore grout to its original color and remove the mildew that seems to thrive there. Gently scrub the entire surface of the walls and rinse.

Now, go on to the final step of cleaning bathtubs. Apply a good bathroom cleaner to the entire tub and around the edges. Scrub the edges first to remove any dirt or soap scum hiding in the corners. Look for a noticeable bathtub ring, which may need extra scrubbing or a heavy-duty bathroom cleaner. Gently scrub the entire bathtub, paying special attention to the drain. Drains tend to collect more dirt and germs than other areas of your bathtub. If your tub is acrylic or fiberglass, be sure to use a nonabrasive bathroom cleaner to protect the finish. Rinse the entire bathtub until all dirt and residue are completely gone.

With a few protective measures and the right tools, cleaning bathtubs does not have to be a dismal chore. The use of the proper type of bathroom cleaner will make the job quick and painless. There are also cleaners that can be applied each time you use your bathtub to help keep it sparking clean between scrubbings. Nothing feels better than stepping into a clean, shiny bathtub. Protect, organize, and use specially formulated bathroom cleaners to make your tub beautiful and inviting. And that's really all there is to cleaning bathtubs…

Bathtub Cleaning Resources

Antibacterial Soft Scrub
Soft Scrub is an effective bathtub cleaner.

Bathtub repair or bathtub replacement? That is the question. Bathtubs are made of a variety of materials like porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass or cultured marble. Years of use could leave your tub battle-scarred. Chips, gouges, scratches, cracks and burns may appear. Refinishing, re-glazing, or resurfacing could restore your bathtub to its pristine condition. Instead of installing bathtub liners, damaged, stained, or worn bathtubs can be restored to their original state.

Very few people are aware that their old and drab tubs can be renovated into having smooth and bright finish. Most of these repair jobs do not take more than 24 hours unless you have to remove the bathtub for repairs.

Repairing Bathtubs - You Get What You Pay For

Some DIY-ers may feel that they could do a good job of repairing. And why not, where filling cracks or so is involved? To get the best results, however, restoration needs to be performed with the right materials and procedures. Professionals with a track record of performance, using advanced, hi-tech materials would be the ticket. Repairing bath tubs would cost around 25 percent of the cost of replacement and in less time too!

Porcelain bathtubs can be restored to look like 'new' and if required the color changed without removing it from its position. They are first cleaned, by sanding and other procedures, to remove soap and oil films and other minerals. Chips, scratches, cracks and other damages are filled and repaired. The new finish is chemically bonded onto the old porcelain surface.

Fiberglass bathtubs become worn and dull after about 10 "“ 15 years of use. Fiberglass bottoms can weaken and develop cracks. These tubs can be restored giving a new and glossy finish and, if needed, color can be changed to match with your current bathroom decor.

Your antique bathtub, over the years, could wear out and develop scratches and chips. Repair of antique and vintage tubs involve professional care to restore them to their original shine and feel. The interior and exterior of the freestanding antique bathtubs can be refinished along with metal plating the claw feet.

While you are restoring your tub you may as well give it a slip-resistant coating, to reduce the likelihood of slipping and injury.

With the incredible results of bath tub repair and restoration, most people cannot tell the difference between a new bathtub and a refinished one.