After a while, it’s only natural for your shower wall to start getting cracks, gouges or holes due to constant use or at times abuse. This hole, if not fixed, will allow water to get behind the surrounding material that’ll cause deterioration to the entire bathroom such as weakening studs or even mold.
Press and smooth as much filler into the hole on the wall to fill and level then hole with the area around it. Ensure you overlap some of the filler on the area surrounding the hole. Let the filler dry up until it’s solid when you touch it. A two-part epoxy compound strengthens the area.
The type of shower wall in question also determines the materials and method you will be using for this exercise.
How to fix a hole in a shower wall
While this method of patching a hole in a shwoer wall may be quite visible, it’s cost-effective and extends the life of your wall until you can replace it. You need 600-grit wet-dry sand paper, putty knife,bucket, sponge, nonabrasive powdered cleaner, tub and a tile refinishing kit. This procedure is very much similar to that of repairing a crack in a fiberglass tub.
Repair the hole on the shower wall as follows:
1. Clean the area
The first step is to trim away any loose pieces then thoroughly clean the damaged area with a non-abrasive powdered cleanser.
2. Rinse the cleaner residue
After cleaning the area, completely rinse off any remnants the non-abrasive powdered cleaner on the surface. Any residue or remnants on the surface will have your fix compromised, weakening and shortening its life span.
3. Reinforce the tile (optional)
According to the kit you are using (and if directed), apply the reinforcement tape to the hole on your shower wall as reinforcement.
4. Mix the resin and hardener
Combine the resin with the hardener and coloring agent in a disposable tin as per the package directions.
5. Spread the mixture on Spot
Using a putty knife, scoop the mixture and spread it over the tape or damaged area until it’s at the same level as the walls. Smoothen out the edges and surface.
6. Let the mixture harden
After you are done feathering the edges, let the entire fix harden and cure completely as per the instructions of the package. It should be solid and stable when you touch or feel it.
7. Sand until smooth
Using a sand paper not anymore coarse than 600-grit, sand down the area lightly until the surface feels the same as the surrounding area.
8. Paint over (optional)
After you are done with everything, the area can be painted over to match the color of the rest of the bathroom wall. Allow the paint to dry overnight before using the shower. The pros and cons of painting tiles and other shower wall materials will determine if you paint it or not.
Be sure to provide plenty of ventilation when working with epoxy as some of them contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and use a respirator if you are sensitive to them.
How to repair plastic shower wall
Repairing a crack in a plastic shower stall is not a complex procedure especially when using a tub and shower repair kit. However, before starting, you have to make an assessment of the likelihood of the crack spreading after the repair is done and if extra support is needed to prevent it from happening. The danger of a crack spreading is minimal especially if it hasn’t penetrated across the wall.
You need isopropyl alcohol, tub and shower repair kit, 400-grit Sandpaper, spray foam or grout or mortar (optional), putty knife, sponge, bucket, paint and automobile wax (optional).
Follow these steps:
1. Clean the area
Using isopropyl alcohol and a sponge, clean the area around the crack thoroughly.
2. Check the extent of the crack
Check if your cracks have penetrated across the wall. If not, skip this part. If so, drill a series of ¼ inch holes around the crack. The holes are meant to stop the crack from extending further outwards.
3. Inject the holes with spray foam
You then inject the holes with spray foam that expands and solidifies to support the base and prevent flexing. Be sure to use high-density, non-expanding foam and wear disposable fabric as foam is impossible to remove from fabric.
You can also provide a more professional support for your wall by injecting tile grout or mortar with the use of a manual cement caulking pump. The right mortar for your shower pan, wall and curb helps prevent leaks and maintain the structure of your bathroom.
4. Mix the epoxy paste with the hardener
When the material sets or if your crack is only on the surface mix the epoxy paste in the kit with the hardener as per the instructions on the package.
5. Apply the paste to the cracks
Using a putty knife, trowel the paste into the cracks or holes until it’s even with the wall smoothening it around the edges and surface.
6. Let it dry
Let the entire fix set and dry until it fully cures and hardens then using sand paper not more than 400 grit to smooth out the surface to match the rest of the wall.
7. Paitn over the crack
Restore its previous glow by painting over it to match the rest of the wall then applying automobile wax cautiously and buffing it up using a buffing cloth.
Some epoxy products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in high concentrations so be sure to provide plenty of ventilation. If you are particularly sensitive to them, wear a respirator.
How to fix a hole in a bathtub
Do you have a crack, chip or even hole in your bathtub? Don’t fret, as a full bathroom remodel isn’t needed in order to fix it. With the use of a simple repair kit, you can fix cracks, chips, and holes in fiberglass, acrylic, and porcelain tubs yourself saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Repairing cracks as they form helps prevent water damage and mold growth from occurring.
You need a nonabrasive powdered cleaner, sponge, container for mixing, putty knife, tile and tub repair kit, sandpaper, paint and automobile wax (optional)
1: Prepare the work area
Remove all hardware close to the damaged area and cover the surrounding area to protect it from the epoxy.
2: Prepare the tub surface
Sand the area around the hole with sand paper to remove any residue on the surface, clear at least inch border around it. Clean it thoroughly with a nonabrasive powdered cleaner. Be sure to completely rinse off the cleanser as it may compromise the quality of the fix.
3: Reinforce the surface
If directed, apply the tape for reinforcement to the hole on your bathtub.
4: Mix and apply the epoxy
Mix the resin and hardener in a clean container then apply it to the hole using a putty knife smoothening out the edges until the surface is level with the rest of the tub. When working with epoxy, be sure to provide plenty of ventilation as some have high concentration levels of Volatile Organic compounds (VOCs) or respirator if you are allergic.
5: Let the mixture harden
Let the mixture sit over night to allow it harden and curate until it becomes solid and stable.
6: Sand until smooth
Using sand paper, smoothen the surface until it feels the same as the rest of the tub.
7: Paint over
Paint it over a color to match the rest of your tub and then cover finish with the automobile wax to give it the extra sheen.
8: Test the fix
Once you are done with everything, fill the tub with water and check for any signs of a leak. If there are no leaks, you have successfully repaired your tub.
Repairing a hole on a bathroom wall or tub is not complex as long as you have the right repair kit for the type of wall or tub you are working with. The methods above have been proven to be the most efficient and cost effective, saving you a lot of time and money.