[Yodaman]

Prepping this house for sale. We have a older one pc tub/shower unit that might be worth saving. It has no cracks, scratches or chips. Just looks like crap. Looks dirty actually, but it has been scrubbed clean as it is going to get. I assume the gel-coat is worn off in places. Anyone tried any off the shelf products to restore?

 

[ChuckF.]

I wish mine looked that good. Buy a nice shower curtain. Put lower wattage bulbs in the bathroom.

 

[Yodaman]

I wish mine looked that good. Buy a nice shower curtain. Put lower wattage bulbs in the bathroom.

If possible I would like to whiten it in lieu of hide it

 

[oh'mike]

That might be iron stains--try some CLR--the acid might pull out some of the iron.

 

[Yodaman]

That might be iron stains--try some CLR--the acid might pull out some of the iron.

Thanks Mike, I like the sounds of that. I will try it tomorrow and let you know how it works.

 

[oh'mike]

I have a well and Iron stains are a constant battle.

I actually use a stronger acid---but it can damage the chrome trims--

 

[Yodaman]

The CLR didn't touch it. I let it sit for about 10 mins. and tried scrubbing it. Also tried bleach again. It doesn't appear to be stained, just faded or discolored. The house is on municipal water and doesn't have a iron rich problem, but the CLR was a good shot!

 

[dd57chevy]

I've heard of guys using this (never have , myself) The stuff isn't cheap , but :
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ole...ub-and-Tile-Refinishing-Kit-7860519/202246270

 

[ChuckF.]

The Rustoleum product in dd57chevy's post is a real two-part epoxy which is the only thing I would attempt for DIY. One-part epoxy is a fraud. Not cheap, and for your setup you would probably need three kits. Downside, because it's two-part, it's indended to be brushed or rolled on. Downside, you should wear a real charcoal-filter mask with it. Upside, it probably sticks to fiberglass better than porcelain, and the fiberglass would be easy to rough up. In your case, white on white, coverage should not be a major issue.

 

[Yodaman]

I am going to consider this product. It seems the product reviews are mostly on one extreme or the other. The users either love it or hate it for various reasons. Lack of proper prep I would guess on the failures.

 

[ChiTownPro]

Don't refinish it yourself. While a good portion will look nice, it's hard to get even, it's darn dangerous and if you've never done it before you will be frustrated with the process and results. Hire a professional to refinish. Around here you can get them refinished for under $500.

 

[Yodaman]

Don't refinish it yourself. While a good portion will look nice, it's hard to get even, it's darn dangerous and if you've never done it before you will be frustrated with the process and results. Hire a professional to refinish. Around here you can get them refinished for under $500.

That doesn't sound like a bad idea. It would cost that or more just to buy another one piece unit. And then when you consider time to tear out and replace.
Any idea how durable the finish would be from a pro? Or what the life expectancy would be?

 

[gma2rjc]

I have city water and I know what you mean as far as getting that 'dirty' look on the surface of the tub and shower. Mine was brand new in about 2007.

I tried every single product available in the stores - some of them a couple times. What finally worked for me, and I use it regularly now, is:

*32 oz. plastic sprayer bottle. Buy it in the garden dept. at the hardware store as they seem to work better than one from the dollar store.
*1.5 cup blue Dawn dish detergent (Original, not diluted)
*1.5 cup white vinegar

You can use any amount, as long as it's 1/2 Dawn and 1/2 vinegar.

First pour the vinegar into the bottle, using a funnel and then pour the Dawn in or the vinegar will cause the Dawn to foam-up.

Put the lid on the bottle and gently swirl it until it's all mixed up. Shaking it will cause a lot of foam.

After spraying it on the tub and shower, let it set for 2 hours. After the 2 hours, use a scrub brush on the entire surface, but you don't need to scrub hard at all.

Rinse well.




.

 

[ChiTownPro]

That doesn't sound like a bad idea. It would cost that or more just to buy another one piece unit. And then when you consider time to tear out and replace.
Any idea how durable the finish would be from a pro? Or what the life expectancy would be?

It's not bulletproof, but I have had clients who we've done it for more than 5 years ago and haven't heard a peep out of them since. A good contractor will stand behind their work. Check Yelp and AngiesList for reviews.

 

[Yodaman]

I have city water and I know what you mean as far as getting that 'dirty' look on the surface of the tub and shower. Mine was brand new in about 2007.

I tried every single product available in the stores - some of them a couple times. What finally worked for me, and I use it regularly now, is:

*32 oz. plastic sprayer bottle. Buy it in the garden dept. at the hardware store as they seem to work better than one from the dollar store.
*1.5 cup blue Dawn dish detergent (Original, not diluted)
*1.5 cup white vinegar

You can use any amount, as long as it's 1/2 Dawn and 1/2 vinegar.

First pour the vinegar into the bottle, using a funnel and then pour the Dawn in or the vinegar will cause the Dawn to foam-up.

Put the lid on the bottle and gently swirl it until it's all mixed up. Shaking it will cause a lot of foam.

After spraying it on the tub and shower, let it set for 2 hours. After the 2 hours, use a scrub brush on the entire surface, but you don't need to scrub hard at all.

Rinse well.




.

I think the wife uses that same mixture for cleaning, but I am sure she didn't let is set for 2 hrs. Definitely worth trying. TY

 

[Yodaman]

I have city water and I know what you mean as far as getting that 'dirty' look on the surface of the tub and shower. Mine was brand new in about 2007.

I tried every single product available in the stores - some of them a couple times. What finally worked for me, and I use it regularly now, is:

*32 oz. plastic sprayer bottle. Buy it in the garden dept. at the hardware store as they seem to work better than one from the dollar store.
*1.5 cup blue Dawn dish detergent (Original, not diluted)
*1.5 cup white vinegar

You can use any amount, as long as it's 1/2 Dawn and 1/2 vinegar.

First pour the vinegar into the bottle, using a funnel and then pour the Dawn in or the vinegar will cause the Dawn to foam-up.

Put the lid on the bottle and gently swirl it until it's all mixed up. Shaking it will cause a lot of foam.

After spraying it on the tub and shower, let it set for 2 hours. After the 2 hours, use a scrub brush on the entire surface, but you don't need to scrub hard at all.

Rinse well.




.

I did give the Dawn and vinegar a good test the other day to no avail. This discoloration appears to be coming from within the fiberglass itself.
I am not even sure it is the gelcoat coming off. When I run my fingernail across a light to dark area there isn't a detectable difference in the finish.

But thanks again.

 

[langit]

interesting thread, I also have the same question