Should You Cut Out the Front of Your Bathtub When Refinishing? 

If you are thinking about refinishing your bathtub, you may be wondering whether or not you should cut out the front wall. Before you go about cutting out the front wall, consider some of the following considerations: Adding a door insert, applying an anti-slip treatment, and using a bathtub refinishing kit. 

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Cutting out the front wall of a bathtub 

You can refinish your bathtub yourself by cutting out the front wall and the sides, but you must ensure that you are using a safe, effective method. The refinishing process involves the use of chemicals, which are hazardous to your health. You must be sure to wear protective gear and gloves, as well as a full-face respirator for the protection of your eyes. 

The tub’s surround is usually made of drywall, tile, or fiberglass. To remove the surround, remove the flange holding the surround onto the studs. Wearing safety glasses and gloves, cut out a section of wall above the tub. Once you’ve cut out the section, measure the distance from the top of the tub to the top of the wall. 

Adding a door insert to a tub 

When you decide to add a door insert to your bathtub, you will need to remove the old bathtub. You will need to measure and take photos of the existing bathtub. Once you have these measurements, you can send them to a manufacturing facility. The manufacturing facility will design and create the insert you need. Then, it will be delivered and installed in a matter of weeks. 

To remove the old tub, disconnect the waste and overflow spouts. Some tubs may still have set screws holding the drain assembly in place. If you’re refinishing an older tub, you may wish to replace the drain assembly as well. 

Adding an anti-slip treatment to a tub 

Adding an anti-slip treatment to your bathtub during refinishing is a simple way to increase safety and reduce slips. Anti-slip coatings are available in many different types and can improve the overall safety and aesthetics of your tub. They are designed to mimic the texture of the original texture applied by bathtub manufacturers. You can have the treatment applied alone or as part of a complete refinish. In either case, it is applied prior to applying a topcoat, which will then become part of the final refinish. 

Adding an anti-slip coating to your tub can make it safer for you and your guests. The anti-slip treatment will help ensure that your guests don’t slip and fall while bathing, which can result in a costly insurance claim. The process is simple and requires no downtime, and you’ll be able to use the tub immediately afterward. The coating will withstand daily use and be easy to maintain. 

Using a refinishing kit 

A bathtub refinishing kit contains all of the supplies you need to repair your bathtub. This includes paint, brushes, sandpaper, and protective gear. A paint sprayer is also helpful for giving your tub a more professional finish. Most bathtub refinishing kits also contain the necessary tools for cleaning your bathtub and surround. 

To begin, remove any caulk or fixtures from the tub. If needed, use a razor blade to scrape away the old finish. Next, wipe on an alkaline emulsifier. This is similar to what you would use to remove wax from floors. When the emulsifier dries, wipe on an acid-based citric cleanser to neutralize it.