As home-remodeling contractors we have seen lots of bathrooms. Once the rage, pink tubs, turquoise toilets and gold-speckled tile are today some of the reasons that a bath remodel is one of the most popular home-improvement projects.
While outdated finishes rank high on the list of reasons why people remodel a bathroom, the list is long. Poor natural light, cramped quarters, and the desire for improved comfort and convenience are almost always on a bath remodeling wish list.
And, we have seen many a bathroom remodel result from the frustration with something as simple as a chipped sink or bathtub. There is something about a chipped tub or sink that doesn't sit right with some people. For them, the condition is a source of embarrassment - like driving a car with a dent in the fender.
Why remodel? Why not just repair the chip? Many people opt not to repair a chip for the very reason the chip got there in the first place _ the quality of the fixture and the promise of future chipping.
First, what is a chip and what causes it? A chip is the condition that results when the enameled or porcelain finish separates from the substrate to which it is bonded. The substrate is almost always steel, sometimes cast iron. Although a chip can result from various accidents, the most prevalent is the dropping of a heavy object such as a shampoo bottle or vile of perfume.
More often than not, a chip in a tub or sink has a direct relationship to the integrity of the material used to construct the item. If you have ever had cause to install both cast iron and steel fixtures, you know exactly what we are talking about. When compared to cast iron, a plumbing fixture constructed of steel is flimsy. The material is thin and will flex more readily. It is this flexing caused by a sudden blow that results in a chip. Although cast iron is significantly stronger, it too can chip.
Unfortunately, not everyone's budget is in keeping with his or her "wish list." Thus, a chipped fixture must often remain that way until the budget allows replacement. Chip repair is a cost-effective alternative to replacement that will make the chip disappear, for a while anyway.
Chip repair can be done by a professional or you can do it yourself. In either case, the appearance of the fixture will be greatly improved and persistent rust will be held at bay.
Do-it-yourself products generally consist of an epoxy paint that can be applied to the surface using a toothpick or small paintbrush. Before applying the material, you must thoroughly clean the area and remove all rust. You will experience a better result if the area is sanded with 400- to 600-grit wet and dry sandpaper. This will provide the necessary tooth for the patch material to adhere.
Deep chips usually require more than one coat. Be sure to allow enough time for the first coat to dry before applying the second. In all cases the surface must be clean and dry.
If you are fed up with the color of the fixture and are up to the challenge, a similar "paint" can be applied to the entire surface transforming your out-of-date olive to a fashionable fawn. Paint runs, brush marks and an uneven surface are sure signs of a do-it-yourself job gone bad.
Accordingly, it might be prudent to consider having a professional perform the work. We are big advocates of do-it-yourself projects to save money, but not when the task could best be performed by a pro armed with the needed tools and expertise.
When shopping for such a professional, be sure he or she offers a five-year warranty on the finish. You might have to do some serious searching, but it could save you having to do the job over again in the too-near future.
When it comes to the bathtub, a worthwhile alternative to chip repair, full refinishing or replacement is a tub liner. Using such a liner is akin to crowning a tooth. The tub and surrounding wall finish remain in place while a one-piece acrylic liner is placed over the entire tub, including the ledge and skirt. Manufacturers of these products have more than 200 molds to fit virtually any tub.
