How to choose enamel for bath restoration: a comparative overview of popular products

All home remedies

There are several different methods that allow you to return the bath to a pleasant appearance.

Restoration with bulk acrylic

Restoration using bulk acrylic is becoming increasingly popular, as this material is very affordable and easy to use. Enamel restoration in this way includes several stages. Necessary:

1. Prepare the surface.
2. Pour the composition into the bath with a thin stream (it is distributed by itself, so no additional manipulations are necessary).
3. Wait until the bath is completely dry (this will take about 2 days, while it is not advisable to open the windows, so the composition will dry faster).

Do-it-yourself restoration of bathtubs with liquid acrylic is quite budgetary (although the cost of the material is slightly higher than that of enamel compositions) and at the same time the simplest and most affordable way that does not require much effort. For such a restoration, you do not need to purchase any additional tools, you only need a small container from which you can pour the composition.

Restoration with bulk acrylic is the easiest and most affordable way

Video: bathtub restoration with liquid acrylic

How to restore a cast iron bath with enamel

Of all the methods for restoring a cast-iron bathtub, enamel painting is most suitable, although the method can also be used for acrylic structures. In order to restore the surface of the product, you must:

1. Prepare a bath.
2. Prepare the enamel composition in accordance with the instructions, mix it thoroughly to get rid of lumps and achieve a uniform consistency.
3. Using a brush, apply the first layer, carefully and carefully painting over all areas.
4. Dry the bath thoroughly, and then proceed with applying the next layer (a total of 3 or more will be needed, depending on the initial state of the structure). Each layer dries for about 24 hours at room temperature.

This method of restoration is the most budgetary, but it requires a lot of time and effort.

For the restoration of the surface, the application of an enamel composition in several layers is required.

Restoration with acrylic inlay

To restore the bathtub with an acrylic liner, it must be chosen correctly. To do this, evaluate parameters such as the shape, dimensions of the structure (they must ideally match the size and shape of the bath), its thickness and color.

Work is carried out in the following sequence:

1. Preparation of the liner (it is tried on to the structure, after which the protruding parts are removed with a jigsaw, a hole for the drain is marked and drilled).
2. Sealant treatment of the drain area and the edge of the structure.
3. Applying a special foam to the entire surface of the bath, its careful distribution.
4. Installation of the prepared liner in the bath by pressing it firmly against the surface.
5. Replacing the siphon (optional, so that the bath really looks like new).

This method of restoration is expensive and time-consuming, but it is most suitable for acrylic bathtubs with severe damage (chips and deep cracks).

Installing an acrylic liner is a laborious process

What you need to know when painting a bath with your own hands

Quite often you can find many different warnings. If you have some skills in painting and know the safety precautions when working with aggressive substances, then you can do everything on your own.

Well, in the event that you have experience in repairing a boat or yacht, then the bath restoration technology is exactly the same.

Let's take a look at some of the protections.

• Season. Any painting work should be carried out in well-ventilated areas with windows wide open. And for everyone at home, it will be the best option to leave home for a week. Therefore, it is better to carry out such work in the summer.
• A respirator is required. To paint the bath, you need not just a “petal”, but a specialized respirator that will have an organic absorber cartridge, MZ. Perfect for a civilian or military gas mask.
• Rubber gloves, rubberized or oilcloth apron. Also, household gloves made of latex are suitable for use, but they must be two-layer. White inside, yellow outside, but you should stock up on at least two or three pairs.

In order to choose the best option for you, consider all the options in more detail. Before starting the restoration, you need to prepare the bathroom.

Substances that are used when updating bathtubs, as a rule, contain aggressive components that differ in volatile properties. It is better, before proceeding with the restoration, to remove everything from the room except for the bathtub and faience products.

The washing machine must be well packed in a plastic film, all the cracks in the package must be sealed with adhesive tape. The shower with a hose can be removed, nickel taps also need to be protected.

Enamel bath

This method can be safely called the oldest, the technology resembles the usual surface painting. Good enamel will last you five or six years. Not much, but this method is the most inexpensive and there is no need to remove the tile, siphon or anything else. It is enough just to close the drain hole and taps.

After coating with enamel, you must adhere to the following rules:

• Do not place metal items in the bathtub, and certainly do not drop them into it.
• Clean plumbing only with soapy water or gel, do not use abrasive powders.
• Do not leave collected dirty water.Dirt particles will accumulate in the spongy structure of the enamel.
• Since the cost of such a coating is low, in which case it can be re-made.

So, how to cover the bath with enamel?

1. First you need to remove the old coating. Wash it all off with water.
2. Degrease the surface, clean all the bumps.
3. Fill the tub with hot water and leave for 10 minutes. Then drain the water and wipe the surface dry.
4. Apply a coat of primer or base coat of enamel. Dry properly.
5. Apply a second layer of enamel and also dry well. As a rule, it takes four to seven days for complete drying.

Tips for Enameling a Bathtub

1. Protective uniform required: rubber gloves and a respirator.
2. Do not speed up the drying process of the layer, follow the instructions.
3. Carefully measure the dosage of hardener when adding.
4. Read the instructions carefully. The two-component mixture, when the compound and hardener are combined, remains liquid for a short time - 30-45 minutes, although 1 hour can be written in the instructions. The thickened composition will not lie flat. Therefore, it is better to prepare the mixture immediately before enameling, when the bath is already fully prepared.
5. The drying time of the enameled bath is 7 days. In this case, there should be at least 3 layers. During the drying period, water should not get in so that swelling does not occur.

Application of epoxy enamel:

• The hardener is introduced.
• The side is painted with a flat brush.
• A vertical stroke is carried out with a brush from top to bottom. Further, the enamel is smeared horizontally.
• The edge is repainted.
• The application process is repeated.
• The drying process is 70 minutes.
• You can use the bathroom after 7 days.

Important points when applying:

• before enamelling, the surface must be dry and clean;
• the surface must be rough;
• the composition does not fit well on a cold surface, so the room must be heated; before work, the bathroom can be warmed with warm water;
• prevent water ingress;
• install a drain with overflow after the surface has hardened, cutting off excess enamel with a knife;
• avoid mechanical and chemical impact;
• follow the instructions.

Summing up, it should be noted that bathtub enameling allows you to choose colors to your taste among a wide range of shades, and this is not possible with a complete replacement of the bathtub. With a quality approach and technical equipment, you will get the desired effect and result. If you feel the strength to transform your bath and are filled with desire, then everything is in your hands, because the process, although difficult, is feasible.

Comparison of coatings

To figure out which is better for a bath: acrylic or enamel, let's make a comparison. In this case, we will choose as criteria:

• the cost of work, because for Russians, this factor is one of the main, and in most cases the only one;
• lifetime. The efficiency of investments in bath repair depends on the characteristics. Unfortunately, due to limited funds, the choice is largely determined by money: what is cheaper is bought;
• the complexity of the repair;
• resistance to external factors. generalizing criterion. This includes resistance to high temperatures, detergents and mechanical stress;
• ease of use;
• complexity of care;
• variety of design.

What is cheaper

You can restore the bath with an acrylic composition for 3000 rubles. and more. To buy enamel paint, you need only 2200 rubles.

Conclusion: with limited funds, it is cheaper to restore the bathtub with enamel.

Lifetime

The acrylic coating of a cast-iron bathtub can last from 10 to 15 years - it all depends on the intensity of use. Epoxy enamel lasts 2 times less: from 5 to 10 years.

Conclusion: acrylic coating will help to avoid frequent repairs.

The complexity of the repair

The opinions of experts on the issue of the complexity of the repair differ. Some people think that it is easier to paint a bowl with acrylic: neither a brush nor a roller is needed. Others, on the contrary, attribute the long period of its hardening to the difficulties of restoring the surface with acrylic.

Same with enamel. The advent of sprayable epoxy resin has made the repair process simple. But many do not like the pungent smell and the need to work in protective equipment.

Conclusion: both methods of font restoration are simple methods available for independent implementation.

Resistance to external factors

Acrylic refers to more “gentle” types of materials than enamel: it is afraid of hot water, sharp objects and aggressive detergents containing alcohols, acids, alkalis or chlorine. Enamel in this regard is more resistant, although it does not reach the characteristics of the factory coating.

Conclusion: if there are children under the age of 10-12 in the family, it is better to refrain from using acrylic - there is a high risk of damage to the coating, as a result of which repairs will have to be carried out again.

Ease of use

The bath, covered with acrylic, warms up quickly, it is pleasant to lie in it, you do not often need to add hot water. Another advantage according to the criterion: the coating is not slippery.

Conclusion: according to all indicators of the criterion, acrylic coatings have an undoubted advantage.

Complexity of care

The second criterion where enamel leads in comparison is the complexity of care. For enamel, you do not need to buy special, expensive care products. Enough liquid soap and a foam sponge.

Conclusion: washing an enamel bath is much easier and faster.

Design

Cast iron enamel bath can only be white. But with acrylic in this regard, the choice is not limited to anything. You can choose any shade that will enliven the standard design of the room.

Conclusion: The use of acrylic allows the designer to come up with the most fantastic bathroom design ideas.

Criteria for choosing paintwork materials

The construction and finishing industry offers a huge selection of universal and specialized coatings. The question of where to buy the necessary goods, as a rule, does not arise. But not everyone understands how to choose the right tool

There are several important points to pay attention to

First of all, it is useful to find out which company's products have proven themselves better than others in the consumer environment. To do this, you need to study the rating of quality products from different manufacturers and their detailed description, read tips, reviews and recommendations on the Internet.

When choosing, it is necessary to take into account the properties and features of the material from which the thing is made.

Chipboard, MDF, natural wood

For chipboard and MDF, high adhesion compounds should be purchased, otherwise detachment from the laminated surface will occur. For these materials, specialized chalk, acrylic and alkyd mixtures are suitable.

Almost all types of coatings on the modern market are suitable for painting natural wood structures.Experts advise making a choice, guided by the location of the product and the task:

• To repaint furniture in a different color or create an artistic painting, you should choose products that have a high hiding power. The best option is chalk coatings. They lie on any surface and allow you to experiment with various staining techniques.
• For wooden furniture that is subjected to repeated mechanical stress, it is worth purchasing acrylic-latex compounds with enhanced wear resistance. They are used for doors and products located in rooms with high traffic, for example, in hallways, corridors.
• Things located in kitchens and bathrooms are negatively affected by high humidity. Latex-based silicone or water-based stamps will help to cope with this problem.
• For painting wooden furniture located on the street, it is necessary to choose coatings that can save wood material from adverse factors. Polyurethane and alkyd enamels are suitable for these purposes.
• In children's rooms, odorless products, combustible substances and harmful chemical impurities are used. The brand must be wear-resistant, because the room requires frequent cleaning.

Metal

The popularity of metal models is due to their aesthetic appearance and long service life, but they have a significant drawback - susceptibility to corrosion. Therefore, for working with metal things, you should choose compositions with a rust protection function. Alkyd-urethane enamels and specialized acrylic compounds with anti-corrosion properties will help to cope with this task.Hammer coatings are also suitable for metal surfaces, they hide flaws well and give the structures an aesthetic appearance.

Plastic

Acrylic enamels in cylinders are good for coloring plastic objects. They are easy to apply, do not require mixing and dilution. The specific characteristics of the selected brand depend on the goals. You can achieve the effect of roughness with the help of structural paints, to obtain a glossy saturated color, monad enamels are suitable.

Leather

For leather products, the best manufacturers offer modern specialized brands for leather. Popular varieties: acrylic water-soluble mixtures, cream pastes in tubes, aerosols. It is most convenient to distribute the composition over the surface with a foam swab or sponge. Significant damage can be repaired with liquid skin. This is an effective agent, which is an aqueous or alcoholic mixture of polymers, rubber resins and dyes. It is not difficult to use it, the main thing is to follow the sequence of stages during the repair: cleaning and degreasing the surface, applying a thin layer with a brush, drying and applying the second layer.

Restoration with liquid acrylic

As the name implies, the main component of the restoration in this case is liquid acrylic. Since it is not applied to the surface of the bath with a brush, but in fact acrylic is poured over the walls, this method is also known as the "fill bath".

Technology

As in the previous case, the restoration process with liquid acrylic consists of two stages: preparing the bath and applying acrylic.

If the preparation stage practically does not differ from the process described above, then the application of acrylic itself has certain features.

After the binder is added to liquid acrylic (it comes with the material itself), acrylic is applied to the walls of the bath not with a brush, but in bulk. Simply put, the solution is simply poured from a small container around the edges of the bath, allowing it to drain inward. After that, acrylic is evenly distributed over the entire surface using a special rubber spatula.

Advantages and disadvantages

Restoration of a bathtub with bulk acrylic is relatively inexpensive, which, undoubtedly, can be considered one of the advantages of this method. But unlike painting, bulk acrylic stays on the surface of the bath much longer, moreover, in case of scratches or chips on it, they can be easily removed using inexpensive “repair kits”.

And another undoubted advantage of liquid acrylic is a wide selection of colors.

The disadvantages of this method can be considered a rather specific technology for applying acrylic, which, for all its seeming simplicity, a person without experience may not be able to cope with. In addition, acrylic dries for a rather long time, so after application it will be possible to use the bath not earlier than in 3-4 days.

Conclusion: restoration with bulk acrylic can be called the "golden mean". On the one hand, it is relatively inexpensive, and on the other hand, it allows you to get quite acceptable results. In addition, in some cases, for example, when it comes to "non-standard" bathtubs, self-leveling acrylic is the only way to restore.

Video: bathtub restoration with liquid acrylic

In order to visually get acquainted with the technology of "bulk bath", we bring to your attention a short video.

Some Helpful Tips

After reading this article, every home master will have complete information about the do-it-yourself bathtub enamel restoration technology. On this basis, he will be able to weigh all the pros and cons, and then decide whether he is capable of doing this work or inviting specialists.

Perhaps some do not want to waste their own precious time and decide to turn to professionals. Here it is necessary to clarify that calling a specialist also has certain pros and cons. First of all, do not forget that the master will require payment for the work performed. In addition, the technology he uses will absolutely not differ from that described in this article. So, if you are completely confident in your own abilities, you can safely proceed with restoration work!

Among the materials of domestic production, pay attention to "Aqua-color" and "Svetlana". If you belong to the category of adherents of Western products, the best choice would be Tikkurila Reaflex 50 restoration enamel, which also contains epoxy resin and hardener in the initial composition.

By the way, the latter composition is very often used during the restoration of the inner surface of pools.

After all restoration work is completed, it is required to follow the necessary recommendations for caring for the surface of the restored bathtub. During operation, do not clean the bath with hard abrasive or acid-containing products. For example, familiar to everyone, widely advertised on TV screens "Cillit Bang", "Pemolux" or "Comet" are not suitable. To clean the surface of a restored bathtub, it is best to use laundry soap, regular laundry detergent, and diluted lemon juice.

Also, it should be borne in mind that detergents must be applied only to sponges based on soft foam rubber. In no case should the use of metal brushes or their analogues made of coarse synthetic materials be allowed. In addition, you should not soak the laundry for a very long time before washing, as in this case mild detergents can damage the enamel layer.

During the operation of the reanimated enamel coating, it is necessary to ensure that various metal objects do not accidentally fall into the bathtub and do not form cracks or chips on its surface. Those who like to wash in the bathroom with a high chair should equip their favorite attribute with foot pads made of rubber or soft plastic.

Refurbished bath surface has good strength characteristics and an attractive appearance, which makes it possible to further use it for at least ten, and maybe more years.

How to prepare material for restoration

In fact, it is not difficult to prepare liquid acrylic. First you need to pour the hardener into the container with the base and mix thoroughly for 10 minutes.If the two ingredients are mixed poorly, then uncured spots will appear on the restored surface. It is better not to use a mixer for this purpose, because the device will not cope with mixing acrylic, which has settled on the walls of the bucket.

The resulting mixture should be poured in a small stream on the edge of the bathtub rim. When the material reaches half of the bowl, it is necessary to move the container with acrylic further along the perimeter and evenly pour it into the bath. There is no need to stop until the entire area of ​​​​the bowl is covered with acrylic.

There is no point in correcting sagging and smudges during the procedure, they will even out themselves. But the use of a brush can only harm the smoothness and evenness of the surface of the bath.

Also, users who are engaged in the restoration of plumbing of this type are concerned about the question, when can a bath be used? A hard surface will become in about 24 hours, but to dry completely, acrylic needs 2-4 days. This time directly depends on the air temperature in the room, and on the material itself. Experts say that a material that dries very quickly may not be entirely durable.

Popular bath restoration kits ↑

Restoration of bathtub enamel can be done in various ways. Means should be selected only suitable for this technology. The most common is the method of cold enameling of the surface. It involves applying the solution with a roller or brush on a specially prepared surface. For this method, you can use the following compositions.

Epoxin-51C or Epoxin-51 ↑

Epoksin-51Especially thick two-component enamels. These bath repair materials are applied with a brush.They rub well and evenly cover the restored surface. The result is a smooth surface without streaks. The density of the composition allows you to fill minor defects in equipment without prior puttying. The solution dries completely no earlier than two days after application. The manufacturer guarantees that with proper installation, the coating will be used for at least nine years. When working with enamels, a certain skill is required, since their special density makes the application process difficult.

Random house sets ↑

The set "Svetlana" from "Random House" includes tinting pastes that allow you to give the enamel any shade

The manufacturer offers two options: "Svetlana" and "Fantasy", differing in configuration. They consist of two-component certified enamels of medium density, which are quite easy to apply. It is very convenient to work with these compositions with a brush. In addition to enamel, the kit includes a means for preparing the surface of the bath. And also in the composition of "Svetlana" you can find tinting pastes to give the desired shade to the equipment.

Reflex-50 ↑

Reaflex-50The product is produced by the Finnish company Tikkurila and is one of the professional formulations. The main feature of the material is that it is very liquid. Multi-layer application is required to obtain the desired result. In addition, each previous layer must dry completely before laying the next. In general, the restoration takes about a week. However, the result is a surface of excellent quality. It should be noted that only an experienced master can correctly apply such enamel.

Composition Stacryl ↑

StakrylMeans is a liquid acrylic. It is not intended for application by roller or brush.Glass is applied to the surface by pouring, that is, it is gently poured around the circumference of the bath and flows down, leaving a flat, smooth surface. This technology requires certain skills. The composition is very sensitive to humidity and the quality of the restored surface. Even minor defects in the base must be carefully puttied.

The filling method for which Stakryl is used requires the performer to have certain skills