Restoring bathtub

[rogerwa]

Does anyone know what I can use on my bathtub to restore and clean it?? I totally redid my bathroom with new floor and wall tile, fixtures, etc. I did leave the tub however.<br /><br />The tub is white and has some staining from where they had mounted glass doors. This appears to be an adhesive of some type and I have had limited success scraping it off. In the tub itself, I made a good mess of it while using the mortar and grout, but overall it needs a good shine.<br /><br />is it OK to use a rubbing compound on it or wax it? <br /><br />Any suggestions would be most welcome..

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Restoring bathtub

Is this an old cast Iron porcelin tub, or one of the fiberglass tubs?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Restoring bathtub

Do you have access to an autobody polisher. I would test a spot and use compond. Even if it is porcelin or fiberglass take it slow and don't burn it.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Restoring bathtub

If it's a fiberglass tub/shower you can treat like any f/g product. Clean with soap and water, then acetone, wet sand the scuffed and stained areas, buff to desired shine. Chief <br />oh yea, any rust stains will come out with a weak solution of muriatic acid.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Restoring bathtub

AS to what it is made of I do not know. It has a ceramic coating and I do not think it is fiberglass. It was put in in 1969.<br /><br />I just used some cleanser this evening and it worked OK on some of the stuff.<br /><br />It is the adhesive that I am having problems with. It looks like liquid nails and it has been there awhile. I tried to heat it up with a propane torch ot maybe melt it enough to scrape it off, but it did not budge.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Restoring bathtub

Is there any chance it's just silicone? That's pretty popular for a bathtub door adhesive.<br />If so, look for a DAP product, silicone remover. It's almost like axel grease (maybe it is?) and works really well for removing thin remainents of silicone.<br /><br />I'm following this discussion as I was thinking about doing the same with a couple tubs here. Really timely actually!

 

[roscoe]

Re: Restoring bathtub

There are companies that will prep and refinish your tub for you.<br />I think they paint it with an epoxy paint.<br />Looks like new, but shines like a car, not a tub.

 

[Ron G]

Re: Restoring bathtub

I bet the glue is brown and hard as a rock its on our units to,the only thing ive done is hammer and chisel,but be careful not to chip the porselian,like roscoe said if you want it refinished thats the best way for the money without a tear out.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Restoring bathtub

Yup.. Brown and hard like a rock. Not silicone.<br /><br />I guess I will just keep at it with the putty knife. It puts black streaks on it but that seems to come off with cleanser.<br /><br />I bought some other stuff that is a cleaner/polisher that I will apply once it gets clean enough. I am guessing it is like a waxor polish for this type of surface. We'll see. Thanks for the feedback..

 

[Ron G]

Re: Restoring bathtub

it'll take a little while but it will come off,good luck i bet it looks good when your done!