Why Is My Bathtub Peeling?

Soaking in your tub is one of the best ways to relax after a stressful day. A hot bath is known to lower blood pressure and boost immunity. However, it can be hard to de-stress when you see peeling paint from your bathtub. In fact, it can cause some distress since peeling is a sign of damage.

But why is your tub peeling in the first place? Here are the most common reasons why tubs peel.

Poor Refinishing

One of the reasons why your tub is peeling is due to a poor previous tub refinishing job, which is why we take our time to correctly perform Boynton Beach bathtub resurfacing services. Your tub might have been refinished some time in the past and the refinishers did not finish it properly or they used substandard materials to do the job.

Refinishing is time consuming. It can take up to a whole day to refinish a tub because it is a multi-step process that involves a lot of elbow grease, sanding, buffing and painting. Missing a single step or failing to do it the right way can cause problems over the years.

Aside from the human factor, poor quality refinishing materials can cause it to peel earlier. Colors can also fade more quickly if the refinishers used substandard refinishing chemicals.

Normal Wear and Tear

Bathtubs are tough. In fact, many 100 year old cast iron bathtubs are still in use today. However, just like any other appliance, normal wear and tear can cause it to deteriorate. Years of bathing, showering and cleaning can cause the paint to peel.

Keep in mind that even sturdy and durable clawfoot tubs need to be refinished periodically to maintain its beauty. The same is true for porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass and other tubs.

Age

A t-shirt that has been washed so many times will eventually fade. Decks that are frequently scrubbed peel and fade away. The same is true for bathtubs. Aside from frequent use, age can also cause your bathtub to peel.

Bathtubs, no matter what material they are made of have a protective coating sprayed to them. New bathtubs are sprayed with a topcoat before they are sold in stores. Over the years, the coating wears off and begins to peel. When a tub is refinished, technicians will again spray a protective topcoat on it to extend its lifespan. You can think of it as a cosmetic repair to make your tub look new again.

Neglect

Bathtubs need love too. A well-maintained bathtub can last for many years. Neglected tubs on the other hand deteriorate more faster causing them to become damaged and for them to start peeling.

Other signs of neglect include staining, mold and mildew growth and an outdated look.

Accidents

Accidents in the tub are one of the most common reasons for damage. For example, dropping the showerhead on your tub can cause dings and dents to form. In some instances, it can also cause peeling.

When this happens, it is best to start repairing the tub to prevent water from getting into the cracks or sides of the peeling paint. Taking action immediately can prevent the damage from getting bigger.

How to Repair Peeling Tub

The best way to tackle the problem is to hire a bathtub refinishing company. This is for two reasons. First, refinishing a tub requires a lot of physical labor. It is a multi-step process that takes time and a lot of effort. Aside from doing it correctly, you also need the right equipment to execute the job properly.

The second reason is the chemicals and materials used. A tub that has been refinished properly by a professional using industry grade chemicals and equipment can last at least 10–15 years with normal use. This is a cost-effective reason to hire a professional resurfacing company to refinish your tub compared to buying a kit.

Takeaway

A peeling bathtub is unsightly. Thinking about what to do with it can be stressful. However, the assistance of a professional refinisher can help you relax in your tub as soon as possible.

Original Source: Why Is My Bathtub Peeling?