Cracking Bathtub

[RenoF250]

I have a Eljer cermaic lined steel bathtub I installed about 2.5 years ago and now it appears the ceramic coating is getting little cracks in it and rust is coming through it. I installed a marble surround so changing it is a last resort. I was thinking of neutralizing the rust with naval jelly and then coating it with paint-on bed liner. It should make it water proof and grippy. Has anyone tried this? Any better ideas?

 

[ISurvivedNMU]

What about cleaning the rust up with an acid, and filling the cracks with a bondo, them painting the tub with a gloss of your choice, you could even clear it.

That would create a nice look for ya. I cannot imagine getting soap scum out of a material like a bedliner......

 

[95_stroker]

Do a search for "bathtub refinishing" on your favorite search engine. There are alot of products out there available for the home user.

 

[RenoF250]

Do a search for "bathtub refinishing" on your favorite search engine. There are alot of products out there available for the home user.

I checked that out but this link makes me nervous:
HGTV

$200-$500 is alot of cheese (the tub was only $100) and it says it only lasts 10 years with care. I figure since the factory finish only lasted 2.5 years the tub is flexing and that will cause the life of the new finish to be shorter also.

Soapscum could be a problem but I think some of the good cleaners and a stiff brush would clean it. The tub was coated with grit in the bottom and it was prety bad to clean also. The bedliner solution seems like a relatively cheap, easy and durable solution.

Had I know I would have spent more on a fancier tub but I did not think it would be an issue and I did not want to have to deal with a heavy cast iron tub. A good thick acrylic tub probably would have been best. IF I have to replace this tub it will be ugly.

 

[95_stroker]

Had I know I would have spent more on a fancier tub but I did not think it would be an issue and I did not want to have to deal with a heavy cast iron tub. A good thick acrylic tub probably would have been best. IF I have to replace this tub it will be ugly.

The old adage rings true again........ you get what you pay for.

 

[JOE M]

I used to install only fiberglass and castiron tubs for that reason.$100 more and there is no problem.There are comlanies that make drop on shells that will solve your problem,I think it is called Bathfitter's.