Acrylic bathtubs can get scratched with regular use. To fix scratches, clean the tub, then sand and polish the affected area. Use the right materials and methods to avoid damaging the acrylic. Proper technique can reduce scratch visibility and keep the tub looking good.
Handle with care, as harsh methods can harm the surface. Follow these steps to repair scratches on an acrylic bathtub.
Assess the Scratched Surface
Determine the depth of scratches on your acrylic bathtub by running your fingernail across them. If your nail doesn't catch, the scratches are shallow and can be fixed with a light abrasive cleaner suitable for acrylic.
For deeper scratches that snag your fingernail, a more intensive abrasive formulated for acrylic is needed to avoid further damage.
The initial assessment using the fingernail test helps choose the correct restoration approach for the bathtub's surface.
Accurate identification of scratch depth is crucial for effective repair and maintenance of an acrylic bathtub.
Start With Gentle Cleaning
Begin by cleaning the acrylic bathtub to remove contaminants that could hinder scratch repair. Start by wetting a soft cloth with warm water and wiping the tub, especially the scratched area. Apply a small amount of gentle dish soap to the cloth and clean the scratch in a circular motion to remove dirt. Do not use abrasive cleaners or pads that could scratch the acrylic further.
After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the tub to eliminate soap residue, as it can interfere with repair materials or cloud the finish. Dry the area with a lint-free towel before moving on to scratch removal.
Employ Mild Abrasive Techniques
To address minor scratches on a bathtub, create a paste by mixing baking soda with water until it reaches the consistency of toothpaste. Apply the paste to the scratches using a soft cloth and rub in small circular motions to smooth out the imperfections without damaging the acrylic surface.
For more noticeable scratches, wet an 800 grit sandpaper and sand the scratch in a circular motion with consistent pressure to avoid further damage. Sand for 2-3 minutes, then switch to dry sandpaper of the same grit, using the same technique. This helps to lessen the appearance of scratches.
For deeper scratches, start sanding with 600 grit sandpaper and then move to 800 grit and finish with 1200 grit for a finer finish. After each sanding step, clean the area and check the progress. Once smooth, apply an acrylic polish to restore shine and blend the repair with the bathtub's surface.
Graduate to Wet Sanding
Wet sanding is an advanced technique for reducing deeper scratches in an acrylic bathtub. Use wet sandpaper, starting with 800-grit, which is designed for use with water to provide a smoother finish and less dust. Soak the sandpaper in water to soften it and sand the scratched area with circular motions to distribute pressure and prevent new scratches.
Regularly rinse the area and re-wet the sandpaper to clear debris and maintain sandpaper flexibility. If the scratch remains, progressively use finer grits, from 1,000 to 2,000, for more refined smoothing.
After addressing the scratches, clean the surface with a damp cloth. Apply a plastic or metal polish in circular motions to restore the bathtub's shine and add a protective layer.
Finish With Polishing
To complete the scratch removal, apply a thin layer of polishing compound to the acrylic surface to restore its shine. This step is important to achieve a scratch-free and shiny finish. After sanding, polish the area to get a professional look.
Make sure the bathtub is clean and dry before starting. Any leftover moisture or dirt can interfere with the polish. Clean the surface with a damp microfiber cloth to remove sanding dust. This helps the polish work better and ensures an even finish.
Next, put a small amount of polish on a fresh microfiber cloth. Buff the tub in small sections using circular motions. The polish smooths out any flaws and increases the shine. Use light pressure to avoid new scratches. Polish the entire bathtub surface.
