<p>Wondering if anyone has experience repairing chips and scratches in acrylic tubs. We are having a brutal master bath reno experience and the latest debacle is damage to our newly installed acrylic alcove tub. It has a chip half the size of a pencil eraser that is deep enough to go through the top surface plus, though it is not a hole. We also have several 6 inch long scratches that are just deep enough to see and feel with your finger nails.</p>
<p>As the tub is installed, has been tiled in around its flanged edge and is fully plumbed, we are in the lesser of the evils mode. We are not happy to have a repaired new tub unless the repairs are invisible and there is no chance of problems surfacing at those locations in the future. We also would not want the manufacturer to void the warrantee later on if this could be an problem. The thought of risking a “surgical demo” and prolonging a project that has already doubled in time is also an issue (if DH can’t get a vacation soon…). The floor is tiled, the plumbing accessible, but cumbersome, the room will be painted, etc. </p>
<p>The contractor will do what is right and owns the problem fully. Current plan is to have an acrylic expert weigh in, with replacement an option if our preference. Should we get two opinions, one from a non-contractor recommended person? This is a fairly large bathroom with probably a lower end of high end budget. CCers- thanks for telling me what you would do and what we should be considering.</p>
<p>They usually fill and sand acrylic fixtures like tubs. This isn’t easy to do well because exact color matching is required or the repair looks worse than the damage. One source for color is the tub maker. They may even have a repair kit for it.</p>
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<li><p>Suck it up and have the contractor, who ‘fully owns it’, fix the problem by replacing the tub. Yes, it’ll mean some more delay in your project but look at it this way - maybe it adds a few days or even a couple of weeks, but you’ll be living with this probably for years and years and if it’s not fixed perfectly it may always stick in your craw.</p></li>
<li><p>If you don’t want to do that option, contact the manufacturer and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations making sure that they give you a procedure that won’t void the warranty. There’s a chance they have a procedure that they themselves follow when the tubs come out of forming less than perfect and the factory fix might end up being invisible.</p></li>
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<p>I think you should go with the first option. You’ve already come this far, just go a bit further so the result can at least be perfect. But maybe you should at least check on the second item to see what they say. I’d avoid any other solution since you, in fact, do have a way to make it end up perfect.</p>
<p>First, I can empathize with your frustration. We’re also doing a master bathroom remodel and it’s already gone on twice as long as our builder promised. We might finish most of the work next week, but will be replacing a couple of items that will take 6 to 8 weeks to arrive. The builder tried to get me to accept one item his guys messed up and I gave him a chance to repair it, but the repair did not make the item look as it should. Now I am the evil witch for wanting my very expensive professionally renovated bathroom to look better than a DIY job.</p>
<p>Now for your current problem - get that tub replaced. We had a custom acrylic tub installed in a house built for us about a decade ago that had both a small flaw when installed and subsequent damage done by various trades because the builder failed to protect it. With that build already running way too long, we let ourselves be talked into accepting a repair instead of insisting on replacement. I could always see where the repair work was done and it bugged me until we sold the house. Two other acrylic tubs in that house also sustained scratches from the tile guys, the electrician and others who were careless with their tools and ladders. The builder sent someone to buff those tubs half a dozen times before I gave up and accepted that they would never look like brand new tubs. Unless your tub manufacturer has products made specifically to repair its tubs, and can guaranty the work, I would insist on a replacement. Even then, I’d withhold enough money from your final payment to cover the tub and all material and labor costs associated with replacing it until you’re sure you can live with the repair. Good luck!</p>
<p>This must be a relatively common problem. I know that tubs have exposure during the building process since they sometimes need to be twisted about just to get them in and then there’s still work to do afterwards with drywall (where they’re liable to just plop their ladder in the tub), tile, grout, painting, etc. There’s a lot of opportunity for damaging it. It’s probably not a big problem on a cast iron or steel tub but definitely with a plastic tub.</p>
<p>When I did a bathroom remodel and put in an acrylic tub I went so far as to build a platform I could put over it so I and others wouldn’t damage it. The platform might have cost me < $10 to build yet might have ended up saving a lot of aggravation.</p>
<p>Thanks for all who have weighed in with the wisdom of experience. This is exactly how we were thinking. It is a big time, big dollar item to gut a bath and I know what you mean about something bugging you from day one because it is not quite right. Fair is fair and the material could fail over time or absorb dirt, etc. due to finish problems. </p>
<p>Silpat- Stay the course with your expectations for quality and buy a pointy hat. It’s almost Halloween anyways, contractor time and all… I may have the most well-intended GC around, but all the goodwill in the world couldn’t compensate for a perfect storm of circumstances that I will spare you. I am relieved that he has the integrity to stand up and do right by us. I just hope this doesn’t start a never-ending loop of new problems. We want our house back, as I am sure you do. That said, it will never be a better time to address these problems than while they are around and you are torn up anyways. Good luck! </p>
<p>I appreciate the first hand knowledge that CC provides very much. It will all help us know how to move forward.</p>
<p>GGD- I hear you loud and clear. Best $10 you EVER spent. I was horrified to find that the tub, with only a thin plastic liner from the manufacturer and a piece of flimsy cardboard on the bottom had become a dumpster for ladders, tools, etc. as a task was done. Worse, when I pointed it out to the GC, nothing changed. </p>
<p>Acylic tub repairs are fairly simple to do… I would have him do it with approved repair stuff (stuff the manufacturer approves), with the stipulation that if it doesn’t meet your approval, he will replace the tub. For small repairs, the stuff is fine.</p>
<p>Thanks, anxiousmom. I appreciate that perspective. The scratches are less worrisome to me than the deeper chip, in terms of longevity of repair and result. I wonder how confident one can be about the long term if the initial repair is satisfactory. Could an apparently successful fix fail over time?</p>
<p>A repair may be stronger than the original acrylic if it’s done with the manufacturer’s stuff. The issue is matching the color and getting the repair perfectly smooth, which is more difficult the glossier the surface unless they have a coating product. The manufacturer should know and the company that sold it - if it’s not a warehouse store - should know or should be able to put you in touch with the right people.</p>
<p>Thanks, lergnom. Good point about matching and contacting the manufacturer. As it is brand new and was damaged during the renovation itself, matching might be easier. Concerned as we have no experience with this and wonder if chip repairs may fail over time.</p>
<p>We are continuing to look into all angles and appreciate everyone’s input.</p>
<p>Maybe the manufacturer has people they contract with to do repairs for their own warranty work and will tell you if they use a particular person/company in your area.</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone. The tub did come from a plumbing fixtures place, not a big box place. The manufacturer has people they contract with to do warrantee preserving repairs, apparently at no cost to the negligent builder. Great way to have contractors refer you to that brand when designing, I guess. </p>
<p>No risk to try a fix and see where we land. The contractor will sign off, acknowledging accountability for the tub replacement and all labor/bath materials if anything is not to our satisfaction over a long time frame. </p>
<p>I’ll let you know how the repair goes. This is quite a common dilemma, but totally preventable. </p>