Replies

1. 
   Huckleberry | Jan 09, 2005 01:28am | #1

   Yes, it is possible. I haven't done it myself, but there are a few outfits here in town doing nothing but, and backlogged at that.

   I had it done on one of my jobs - the homeowners wanted a new tile shower because of a hole in the fiberglass, I suggested the patch/paint solution, and they loved me to death for the money I saved them (they were just fixing up the house to sell).

   Epoxy paint sprayed on, probably get it at the auto parts store, and cleanup your sprayer quick.

1. 
   papaneuf | Jan 12, 2005 05:18am | #4

   Huck,

   What town do you live in?? I live in Plymouth, MA 40 miles south of Boston. How would I contact those people that are painting the fiberglass tubs/showers?

1. 
   Huckleberry | Jan 12, 2005 09:22am | #5

   Armor Glaze of Bakersfield, California, (661)325-6070 is the one I've used, but I bet every major town has several. I really don't think there is any real trick or science to it - it's basically an enamel gel-coat over fiberglass at the time it's made, same as most camper shells, and a lot of auto body parts. I bet you could get all the info. on repainting that you need, from your local auto body repair shop.

2. 
   goldhiller | Jan 09, 2005 01:37am | #2

   Or you might also try a marine supply for a suitable product.

   Haven't ever done it yet, but it sounds feasible. Downside I think would be if that paint ever gets scratched or dinged, it might start to peel...non-stop.

   Surface prep will be very important, I'm sure.

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
3. 
   DanH | Jan 09, 2005 05:15am | #3

   Possible, a little tricky. You have to understand that the surface (maybe 1/32" deep) of the unit is not epoxy/fiberglass, but "gel coat", a material which is some sort of resin with a colorant/filler mixed in. You need stuff specifically designed to stick to the gel coat.

   Paint designed for a fiberglass boat would work, and epoxy paint would probably work, but in either case the surface must be very clean and likely will need to be etched or rubbed with steel wool or some such to remove the glaze.

4. 
   AndyEngel | Jan 12, 2005 06:40pm | #6

   I got a good deal on a fire engine red Jacuzzi for our last house. For the cost of the paint and a bottle of bourbon, a friend of mine who did auto painting came over and shot it white with duPont enamel. Worked great, and it was the procedure that Jacuzzi recomended.

   Andy Engel

   Senior editor, Fine Woodworking magazine

   Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig

1. 
   papaneuf | Jan 12, 2005 10:01pm | #7

   Andy,

    

   Thanks for the info.. As a matter of fact I just left a message with an old friend that specializes in auto body repairs on Corvettes. If anyone can do it, then Dennis can. Thanks again!!!

2. 
   aimless | Jan 13, 2005 10:18pm | #9

   Of course why you'd want to take an exciting red tub and paint it blah white is your business.

1. 
   DanH | Jan 13, 2005 10:46pm | #10

   Keep in mind that changing from red to pure white is probably going to end up pink. Better to pick some off-white color.

1. 
   highfigh | Jan 13, 2005 11:37pm | #11

   Find a guy in your area who does fiberglas repair and paint on boats. He may even have enough material left over from a boat, but not enough for another one. If you buy some, Imron is one of the catalyzed paints they use on boats. You can also use epoxy. The surface needs to be sanded, filled if there are divots or holes and primed. Any auto paint store should be able to set you up with whatever you need, from correct sanding grit to filler, primer, solvents and paint.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

2. 
   AndyEngel | Jan 14, 2005 04:12am | #13

   That's what I'd thought, too. But a coat of primer followed by the auto enamel made that tub as white as a supermodel's incisors.

   AndyAndy Engel

   Senior editor, Fine Woodworking magazine

   Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig

1. 
   WayneL5 | Jan 14, 2005 06:23am | #15

   Gee, no pearlescent?

2. 
   AndyEngel | Jan 14, 2005 08:39pm | #16

   Really boring. <G>Andy Engel

   Senior editor, Fine Woodworking magazine

   Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig

2. 
   AndyEngel | Jan 14, 2005 04:13am | #14

   I'm boring. Sue me. <G>Andy Engel

   Senior editor, Fine Woodworking magazine

   Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig

5. 
   Bruce | Jan 13, 2005 05:08pm | #8

   Do a good sanding job, then get an epoxy primer and and epoxy paint.  Try a marine paint supplier.  Both products can be rolled on with one of those little white foam rollers to a beautiful finish.

   The High Desert Group LLC

    

6. 
   jet | Jan 14, 2005 12:49am | #12

   My thread on fixing my FIL bath tub explains how I fixed the crack and painted it.

   http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=32935.1

   "Sir, if you were my husband I would poison your tea"

   "Madam, if I were your husband I would drink it." Sir Winston Churchhill