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A bathtub is one of the most significant instruments for bathing. The bathtub helps to experience your bath with some extra benefits and enjoyment. But, bathtubs need to be taken care of regularly. Otherwise, it gets cracked or dirty with time. A bathtub may require cleaning, replacing, or refinishing which completely depends on the bathtub’s condition. As a result, there are so many processes available for cleaning or taking care of the tubs. Bathtub reglazing is also a process of restoring the bathtubs to a new condition with extra buff and polish.
So, how to get rid of the smell of reglazing tub? Bathtub reglazing involves coating the bathtub with a new layer. Chemicals like methylene chloride, acids, and isocyanates are used in this process. As a result of using these chemicals, a smell or fume is evaporated from the bathtub. If there is no proper ventilation, the fumes or odor can be dangerous. You can get rid of the smell by following some ways like using a dehumidifier, protective equipment, proper ventilation system, using deodorizers, and so on.
What is Bathtub Reglazing?
Bathtub reglazing refers to the process of restoring the bathtubs to a new condition. Bathtub restoration means cleaning the chipped or dated color and making it look new. Bathtub reglazing involves two-step cleaning of the bath surface that helps to remove the soap scum, body oils, and mineral deposits. A bathtub reglazing tub uses materials that help to change the old surface with a new finish.
Bathtub reglazing also involves repairing cracks, chips, and other damages. This is an inexpensive and very quick process to restore the bathtubs and the whole surface. The surfaces including Porcelain, fiberglass, acrylics, and ceramic can be reglazed. When the bathtub reglazing is done, your bathtub will look brand new within a few hours. Your bathtub will look wet, and have a deep gloss with a high light refraction after the process is finally finished. Reglazing a bathtub will provide a good finish with extra buff and polish. When your bathtub is damaged or requires a new condition, a bathtub reglazing can provide a good result. Reglazing helps to fill the cracked and chipped areas and buff the surface. This process repairs the damages with a long-lasting and renewed surface.
Is Bathtub Reglazing Smell Dangerous?
Reglazing your bathtub becomes necessary when your bathtub gets dirty and old. It is completely safe if you follow the precautions and do the process correctly. If done correctly, your bathtub may last 8 to 16 years.
One of the significant problems of bathtub reglazing is, a smell or fume is evaporated from the bathtub. But if you follow the health protocols, this won’t be a great concern. Remove the previous coating from the bathtub before reglazing the bathtub with a new layer. Because the previous coat contains toxic fumes that can cause health problems. Some coatings contain harmful chemicals. So, you can hire a professional to do this task as the fumes can be dangerous. The smell contains methylene chloride which is similar to chloroform. If your area is well-ventilated, it won’t cause any major issues but if there is not enough ventilation process, it may cause breathing issues. While reglazing your bathtub, do not mix up the products together as the intense fume can cause harm to you and your family.
10 Ways to Get Rid of the Bathtub Reglazing Smell
The bathtub’s reglazing smell can be annoying for some people. There are some ways to get rid of the bathtub’s reglazing smell.
1. Preparation
Preparation before entering the process is very important to get rid of the bad smell. You need to make sure that your bathroom is well-ventilated and you can open the windows anytime. Take additional steps to avoid the bad smell and make sure that you have an exhaust fan. Clean the bathroom and the whole surface as a part of the preparation.
2. Ventilation
When you are done with your bathtub reglazing, it is very important to allow proper ventilation in your bathtub. Because the chemicals used in this bathtub have a paint-like odor. The solvents used in this process make the bathtub glossy but this is harmful to your health at the same time.
3. Air Scrubbers
An air scrubber can also help to remove the bad smell from the bathtub. This can be a powerful tool to remove the bad smell from the bathtub. Rinse the tub thoroughly after using the air scrubbers to clean the bathtub.
4. Turn on the Exhaust fan
The bad smell of the reglazing tub may last for some days. So, to get rid of the bad odor and toxic chemicals, you can turn on the bathroom fans. These exhaust fans can circulate the air and make your bathroom or bathtub breathable. Moreover, it is recommended to run the exhaust fan for 10-15 minutes and then turn it off for some time.
5. Protective Equipment
Wear protective clothing and safety equipment before you start reglazing your bathtub. Methylene chloride fumes are dangerous and they can cause respiratory problems. To prevent these dangers, wear proper safety equipment like a face mask. This may not help to reduce the bad smell from the reglazing tub but will help you to reduce the risk
6. Avoid Hair Dye, Colored Bath Oils, or Shower Gels
If you want to avoid the bad smell of the reglazing tub, avoid putting shower oils, hair oils, or colored bath oils into it. These can stain the tub and can spread the smell more. For removing the stains completely, use a bathroom cleaner that contains bleach.
7. Use a Dehumidifier
This is another suitable way to remove the bad smell from the reglazing tub. The fumes sometimes get linger in this place. As a result, it becomes difficult to remove the bad odor in a very short time. Run a dehumidifier for 10-15 minutes and then turn it off for a few minutes. This interval will help you to avoid damage to the machine and its performance.
8. Open the Door and Windows
Ventilation is the easiest way to reduce the bad smell from your bathroom and bathtub. Opening the doors will make it easier for the fumes to get out and fresh air to come inside the bathroom. When the fresh air with oxygen will enter this place, you may find the smell getting reduced.
9. Deodorizers
After the reglazing process, the bad smell can stay in the bathroom for 2-3 days. So, you may use air fresheners or deodorizers to reduce the smell. The deodorizers contain elements that help to minimize the bad smell from the bathtub. You can choose any of the fragrances to refresh the air and reduce the bad odor.
10. Cleaning the Tub After Refinishing
Cleaning is a must after reglazing the bathtub. Avoid using powder cleansers that contain bleach or any other ingredients like this. When you are done with the process, make sure that the coating is dry as wet coating can cause problems to the bathtub. Clean the tub with the recommended cleansers to get rid of the bad smell from reglazing the tub.
Should You Reglaze or Replace Your Tub?
It depends on the condition of the bathtub to decide between reglazing or replacement. When your bathtub is severely damaged, reglazing won’t work. As a result, you need to replace your bathtub.
Bathtub reglazing involves repairing the bathtub and giving it a new outlook. You may apply multiple coats depending on the size and condition of your bathtub. Besides, this can be a good choice when you want to save your money. You can get rid of all the imperfections and can enjoy the smooth surface of your bathtub. If your bathtub has minor cracks or scratches, you can reglaze your bathtub to fill them. If you experience major cracks or damage in your bathtub, it is better not to do reglazing.
When your bathtubs are too damaged and you cannot replace them through reglazing, you should replace your bathtub. Most bathtubs last for 25 years. So, if your tub gets older than this, you should think of replacing your bathtub. Reglazing a bathtub is a complete waste of money when your bathtub is too damaged. If your bathtub gets leaked, go for replacement instead of reglazing. It is better to buy a new tub instead of wasting money on expensive repairs.
FAQs
1. How long does bathtub reglazing smell last?
Bathtub reglazing smells are similar to painting a room. The smell will last for two days after the process is done. The smell contains toxic ingredients that are not good for your health. So, a well-ventilated system is necessary during this process.
2. How long does it take a reglazed tub to cure?
It requires 48 hours to soften the glaze while a full cure takes about six days. So, it is better not to leave any shampoo bottle or any other items in the tub for at least 6 days.
3. What chemicals are used to reglaze a bathtub?
Reglazing a bathtub involves the use of chemicals like methylene chloride, acids, and isocyanates. These chemicals can be harmful to you if there is no proper ventilation.
4. Can I use baking soda on a reglazed tub?
Baking Soda is a good cleaning agent that can be used in bathtubs. But it is recommended not to use abrasive cleaners very often as this can reduce the bathtub gloss.
5. When can you shower after the tub reglazing?
You must let the tub cure for at least 24 to 48 hours. When the surface gets dry, you can use the bathtub anytime and take a shower.
Final Thoughts
Bathtub reglazing is a quick process to restore the bathtubs and the whole surface to a newer condition. When the bathtub is damaged, cracked, or requires cleaning, a bathtub reglazing can be a good choice. This is an inexpensive and quick process to make your bathtub look new and fresh. After the bathtub reglazing, you may experience a bad odor or smell. There are some ways like ventilation, air scrubbers, protective equipment, and deodorizers to get rid of the smell from reglazing tubs. Moreover, you need to make sure whether your bathtub requires reglazing or replacing and then take the decision. Go for reglazing if your bathtub is not that damaged and can be fixed through it.
Key Points
- Bathtub reglazing helps to clean the bath surface and restore it to a new condition.
- This process involves repairing cracks, chips, and other damages and provides a deep gloss with high light refraction.
- The bathtub reglazing smell contains methylene chloride which is similar to chloroform. As a result, a bad odor comes after the process is done.
- There are some ways like ventilation, air scrubbers, exhaust fans, and protective equipment to get rid of this bad smell from reglazing bathtub.
- You can reglaze your bathtub more than once but before this, you must decide between reglazing and replacement.
