Chloe Zhang
Refinishing a plastic shower stall is a cost-effective way to revitalise the look of your shower without the need for a complete replacement. The process involves cleaning, sanding, repairing, and applying a refinishing product designed for plastic surfaces. This DIY project can save you thousands of dollars in renovations and is a more environmentally friendly option than replacing the entire unit, as it reduces waste and lowers your carbon footprint. The first step is to thoroughly clean the surface of the shower stall to remove any dirt, mould, mildew, soap scum, or other deposits. Next, you'll need to sand the surface to create a smooth, even base for the refinishing coating to adhere to. After sanding, you'll repair any cracks or chips using a filler designed for fiberglass. Finally, you'll apply a thin, even coat of the refinishing product, following the manufacturer's instructions for drying time and ventilation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To restore the appearance of a plastic shower stall, removing stains, cracks, and dullness |
| Benefits | Cost-effective, time-efficient, environmentally sustainable, reduces waste |
| Materials | Sandpaper, refinishing kit (epoxy, hardener, application tools, cleaning supplies, primer), repair kit (epoxy filler, fiberglass mesh cloth), painter's tape, plastic sheeting, degreaser, lint-free cloth |
| Process | Clean and degrease the surface, sand the surface, mask off the surrounding area, apply primer, mix paint and hardener, apply paint, add a topcoat |
| Cost | $400 to $700 for a professional service, with additional costs for repairs |
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What You'll Learn
- Cost-effectiveness: Refinishing is a wallet-friendly alternative to replacement
- Eco-friendliness: Refinishing reduces waste and cuts down on resources
- Time-efficiency: Refinishing takes a fraction of the time compared to replacement
- Surface preparation: Deep clean, sand, and repair the surface before refinishing
- Applying the finish: Use a spray gun or roller for an even coat
Cost-effectiveness: Refinishing is a wallet-friendly alternative to replacement
Refinishing a plastic shower stall is a cost-effective alternative to replacement. The national average cost of a shower remodel is around $8,000, and replacement can be even more expensive. In contrast, refinishing a plastic shower stall can be done at a fraction of the cost, saving you thousands of dollars.
Refinishing kits for plastic shower stalls are readily available and relatively inexpensive. These kits typically include epoxy and hardener, application tools, cleaning supplies, and sometimes a special primer. The Rust-Oleum tub and tile refinishing kit, for example, is one of the least expensive options and covers 110 square feet, providing ample coverage for a shower stall.
In addition to the cost savings, refinishing is a time-efficient option. It can be completed in a fraction of the time it takes to remove and replace a shower stall, resulting in less disruption to your daily routine.
The process of refinishing a plastic shower stall is also straightforward and can be done as a DIY project, further reducing costs. It involves sanding, repairing cracks or chips, and applying a fresh coat of specialized refinishing products. By following the proper preparation steps and techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking and long-lasting result.
Overall, refinishing a plastic shower stall is a wallet-friendly alternative to replacement, allowing you to save money, time, and effort while still achieving a fresh and modern look for your bathroom.
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Eco-friendliness: Refinishing reduces waste and cuts down on resources
Refinishing a plastic shower stall is a great way to give your bathroom a fresh, modern look at a much lower cost. It is also an eco-friendly option that reduces waste and cuts down on resources.
When you refinish a plastic shower stall, you are extending its life and reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Instead of throwing away the entire stall and contributing to landfill waste, you are choosing to refresh and revitalise what you already have. This not only saves money but also reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing and transporting new materials.
The refinishing process typically involves sanding, repairing cracks or chips, and applying a fresh coat of specialised refinishing products. By repairing and restoring the existing shower stall, you are reducing the demand for new materials and the resources required to produce them. This includes the resources needed to extract, process, and transport raw materials, as well as the energy and emissions associated with manufacturing.
Additionally, refinishing a plastic shower stall can help reduce water consumption. By repairing cracks and chips, you can prevent water leakage, leading to reduced water usage and conservation of this precious resource.
Refinishing is a time-efficient option as well. It can be completed in a fraction of the time it takes to remove and replace a shower stall, resulting in less disruption to your daily routine. The process starts with a deep clean using strong degreasers and cleaners to remove mould, mildew, soap build-up, and other substances. The surface is then sanded down to create a smooth, even base for the new coating. Any cracks or chips are repaired, and a primer is applied to prepare the surface for painting. Finally, a topcoat is applied in thin, even layers, giving your shower stall a brand-new look.
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Time-efficiency: Refinishing takes a fraction of the time compared to replacement
If your plastic shower stall is looking a bit sad with stains, cracks, or overall dullness, refinishing it can be a great option. Not only is it a more cost-effective solution, but it is also highly time-efficient compared to replacement.
Refinishing a plastic shower stall can be completed in a fraction of the time it takes to remove and replace one. This means you'll experience less disruption to your daily routine and can enjoy your refreshed bathroom sooner. The process of refinishing typically involves sanding, repairing any cracks or chips, and applying a fresh coat of specialised refinishing products.
The first step is to sand the surface of the shower stall using an orbital sander or palm sander with varying grit sandpaper, starting from coarse to fine. This creates a smooth, even surface for the refinishing coating to adhere to. Next, you'll need to clean and degrease the surface to remove any dust or debris from the sanding process. After that, you can start applying the refinishing coating.
By choosing to refinish your plastic shower stall instead of replacing it, you'll not only save time but also money, as refinishing is considerably less expensive than replacing the entire unit. Additionally, refinishing supports environmental sustainability by reducing waste and lowering your carbon footprint. So, if you're looking for a quick, affordable, and eco-friendly way to refresh your bathroom, refinishing your plastic shower stall is a great option.
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Surface preparation: Deep clean, sand, and repair the surface before refinishing
Before refinishing a plastic shower stall, it is important to prepare the surface by deep cleaning, sanding, and repairing any damage. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Deep Clean
Keeping your plastic shower stall clean is essential not only for aesthetics but also to prevent the growth of mould, mildew, and hard water stains. Start by choosing an appropriate cleaning solution. Commercial options like Lysol Multi-Purpose Cleaner and ECOS Shower Cleaner are effective and eco-friendly. Alternatively, a homemade mixture of white vinegar and baking soda in a spray bottle can be used to dissolve mineral deposits and prevent mould growth. Remember to keep the area well-ventilated and protect your skin and eyes when handling cleaning products.
Sand
Sanding is the next crucial step in surface preparation. Use 220-grit sandpaper to scuff the entire shower stall, dulling the finish. Ensure that no shiny spots remain, as these areas will need to be sanded further. Sanding creates a rough surface for the paint to adhere to, improving the overall durability of the refinishing job.
Repair
If your plastic shower stall has cracks or holes, it is important to repair them before refinishing. Assess the location of the cracks, especially if they are on the shower base or near door hinges, as these areas are subject to stress and may continue to spread even after patching. To prevent this, you can drill a stop-drill hole at each end of the crack using a 1/4-inch drill bit. Fill these holes with epoxy paste, and lay a small piece of fiberglass cloth over them before recoating with more paste. Once the paste is dry, sand and polish the area for a smooth finish. Additionally, you can provide extra support by drilling a series of holes around the crack and injecting spray foam, tile grout, or mortar to solidify and prevent further flexing.
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Applying the finish: Use a spray gun or roller for an even coat
Once you have prepared the surface of your plastic shower stall, you can start applying the finish. The best way to apply an even coat is to use a spray gun or roller. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the shower stall with a thin, even coat of the topcoat included in your refinishing kit. If your kit does not include a topcoat, you can purchase one separately. Polyurethane, epoxy, and acrylic polymers are among the topcoats used by reputable professional refinishers. Some manufacturers even use a combination of these products to achieve better results.
Before applying the topcoat, make sure the primer is completely dry. Lightly sand the surface with 400-grit sandpaper to create a smooth base for the topcoat. This will help you achieve a professional-looking, long-lasting finish. Then, thoroughly clean the primed surface with a degreasing cleaner to remove any dust or debris. After that, wipe it down with a clean, lint-free cloth.
When using a spray gun or roller, apply the topcoat in thin, even layers, following the manufacturer's recommended drying time between coats. Once you've applied the final topcoat, allow the entire surface to cure for the recommended amount of time, which is typically 24 to 48 hours. During this time, avoid using the shower and keep the area well-ventilated.
After the curing process, carefully remove the painter's tape and plastic sheeting from the surrounding areas. Your shower stall should now have a fresh, modern look at a much lower cost than replacing it. Enjoy your newly refreshed bathroom!
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Frequently asked questions
Refinishing your plastic shower stall is a cost-effective way to make your shower look brand new. It's also a time-efficient option, as it can be completed in a fraction of the time it takes to replace a shower stall. Additionally, refinishing is better for the environment, as it reduces waste and lowers your carbon footprint.
You can use a bathtub refinishing kit for your shower stall. Most kits contain epoxy and hardener, application tools, cleaning supplies, and sometimes a special primer. If you need to repair holes or cracks, you will need a separate repair kit that includes epoxy filler, application tools, and possibly fiberglass mesh cloth for patching large holes.
First, you need to clean and degrease the surface of your shower stall to remove any mold, mildew, soap scum, or other substances. Then, use an orbital sander or palm sander to sand the entire surface, starting with coarser sandpaper and gradually moving to finer grits. After sanding, mask off the surrounding area to protect it from the refinishing coating. Next, apply a thin, even coat of primer and let it dry completely. Once the primer is dry, lightly sand the surface again and clean it with a degreasing cleaner. Finally, apply the topcoat in thin, even layers, following the manufacturer's instructions for drying time between coats. Allow the surface to cure for 24-48 hours before using the shower again.
The cost of refinishing a plastic shower stall can vary depending on factors such as location, condition, and the extent of the repairs needed. On average, you can expect to pay between $400 and $700 for a standard-sized shower stall. If repairs are necessary, it could add an additional $100 to $350 to the total cost.
