Tub liner an excellent way to recondition a bathtub

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/03/2002 (8622 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Q. Our bathroom, including the old tub, needs some remodeling, and we’d like to keep the cost down. Is a tub liner a good solution?

A. A tub liner is an excellent way to recondition a beat-up cast-iron or steel bathtub. The liners, which have been available for about 20 years, are made of tough acrylic, the same material used for football helmets, and are available in styles and colours to suit virtually any decor.

A liner can be cast from a mold that is an exact duplicate of the tub. The shell-like liner, 1/4-inch thick, fits snugly into the tub, and also covers any exposed sides.

Only minor plumbing changes are needed to install a tub liner. Bathroom walls can be refinished with similar material, without removing old tiles, to give a handsome, unified appearance.

A big advantage of using a tub liner instead of replacing the tub is the relatively low cost. Prices for a liner for a standard, five-foot bathtub start at about $950. Tearing out and installing a new tub, which frequently causes extensive damage to walls and floor, can cost thousands of dollars. Another advantage of using a liner is speed: The work is typically completed in a day, and the tub is ready for use.

When shopping for a liner, be sure to check the warranty carefully. Some installers offer lifetime warranties against cracking, peeling and discoloration. Other warranties might cover five years.

Liner installers are generally franchised businesses. Re-Bath Inc. (1-800-426-4573, www.re-bath.com) has more than 100 franchises throughout the nation. Another leading franchiser with more than 100 associates is Bath Fitter (1-800-892-2847, www.bathfitter.com).

Q. We’re going to replace several large mirrors in our bathroom because some of the silver has come off. Would it be OK to brush varnish or paint on the back of the new mirrors to help protect against moisture?

A. I would definitely not put anything on the backs of the new mirrors — certainly not without discussing it with the dealer. The mirrors should already have a protective coating, and anything you put on them will probably void a warranty.

Q. Our kitchen cabinets are covered with plastic laminate, which has become dull and dirty over the years. How can we clean them and restore the shine?

A. Special cleaner-polishes for plastic laminate are sold at many supermarkets, home centres and hardware stores. One that I’ve had good results with is Gel-Gloss (www.gel-gloss.com), which also cleans fibreglass, ceramic tiles and stainless steel, among other surfaces.

Don’t expect any cleaner to renew the surface of plastic laminate that is badly worn and scuffed. The appearance will be improved, but it will still look worn and scuffed. If cleaning does not work, the best bet is to have the cabinets resurfaced with new plastic laminate. Contractors are listed under “kitchen cabinets and equipment” in the Yellow Pages.

OFTEN-ASKED QUESTION:

Q. I have difficulty removing glued-on labels without damaging the products I buy, especially labels on plastic. Any ideas?

A. If a label can’t be peeled off, try warming it with a hair dryer or a paint-remover heat gun set for low or moderate heat. The heat will often soften the adhesive enough so that the label can be peeled off.

This also works for removing difficult bumper stickers and dried masking tape. Moderate heat will not damage most surfaces, including most plastics, but use caution on any flammable or heat-sensitive materials.

If the label comes off but leaves some adhesive residue, spray a little WD-40 on a clean cloth and rub until the surface is clean. WD-40, a lubricant sold in spray cans at many hardware stores and home centres, will not harm most surfaces, but should be tested on an inconspicuous place if there is any doubt about the reaction.

–Knight Ridder Newspapers