Q: Will ammonia damage an acrylic tub?

• <div><p>Ammonia is a powerful household cleaner, but don&rsquo;t use it for your acrylic tub. Ammonia or cleaners containing this ingredient can break down the surface of the acrylic bathtub and leave it with permanent damage. Instead, try a gentler store-bought acrylic tub cleaner, or a homemade baking soda cleaner.</p></div>

Question 1

How often should you refinish your refinished bathtub?

Accepted Answer

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Refinished bathtubs typically need to be refinished every five years or so. Frequent cleaning and use will break down the finish and make cracks and chips appear more readily. Cracks and chips tend to grow once they begin unless they are repaired immediately. Ideally, you should refinish your bathtub before it gets old enough that refinishing isn’t worth the hassle.

Question 2

How long does it take the tub resurfacing smell to go away?

Accepted Answer

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It takes about 24 hours for the tub resurfacing smell to go away or the total dry time, although you will notice it the most during the first couple of hours. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or ask your bathtub resurfacing pro how long it takes for the smell to dissipate.

Question 3

What causes holes in a bathtub?

Accepted Answer

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While tubs are fairly sturdy, you may notice cracks or holes. This kind of damage can happen from someone accidentally dropping something heavy into the tub. You might also see damage if you drop something heavy into the tub over and over again (like your extra large bottle of body wash). While you might only notice a small dent at first, this can later turn into a crack or a hole.

Also, certain cleaners that are harmful to your tub can cause damage. And if you have a fiberglass tub, you might see cracks if it was not installed properly with the right support.

Question 4

Will ammonia damage an acrylic tub?

Accepted Answer

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Ammonia is a powerful household cleaner, but don’t use it for your acrylic tub. Ammonia or cleaners containing this ingredient can break down the surface of the acrylic bathtub and leave it with permanent damage. Instead, try a gentler store-bought acrylic tub cleaner, or a homemade baking soda cleaner.

Question 5

When should I wear a respirator?

Accepted Answer

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It is best to wear a respirator during the sanding, painting, and sealing process. It can filter particles, vapors, and fumes that can be toxic to breathe. So it’s better to be safe and protect your lungs during this project.