Several Steps to Repair Fiberglass Shower Enclosures

Unlike those made from metal, fiberglass shower enclosures are durable to damage. An advantage of fiberglass enclosures is that they are much easier to repair. If a hole is 2-centimeters or smaller, you should have no trouble repairing the hole. Small cracks can also be repaired with relative ease.

Step 1 - Prepare for The Repair

Examine the dent, hole, or crack in your enclosure. If the cracks are in a load bearing area of the wall, then repairing the crack may not be the best option. Consider replacing your enclosure. If you are unable to patch a large hole or crack, you risk allowing moisture behind your enclosure, which will result in mold.

Once you have determined that the damage in your enclosure is small enough to repair, begin collecting your materials and tools. Purchase a small tub repair kit with fiberglass color that is compatible with the material around your damaged section.

Step 2 - Clean the Area

Use a sponge or clean rag to apply a non-abrasive cleaner to the area around the damaged section of your fiberglass shower enclosure. Remove grease, grit, or soap scum from the enclosure surface. After using the cleaner, remove any excess cleaner with your rag or sponge, then rinse away the surface with clean water. Dry the surface with a lint-free cloth.

Step 3 - Apply the Repair Putty

Apply a small patch of reinforcement tape to the dry surface surrounding the hole or crack. Mix the resin with the hardener to make a paste. Using a putty knife, spread the paste over the tape. Use the knife to feather the edges in a light scraping motion.

Step 4 - Finish

Refer to the application directions on your repair kit for the correct drying time. Once the resin has fully hardened, use wet-dry 600-grit sandpaper and water to sand the repaired area.