How to Remove a Fiberglass Bathtub

If you see a pro removing the fiberglass bathtub, it may seem straightforward and easy. In fact, it is incredibly easy to remove the fiberglass bathtub and its surroundings as long as you do it correctly. Otherwise, you may end up flooding your home.

So, today I am going to push you with this exciting tutorial on how to remove a fiberglass bathtub with ease and shortly. I will also talk about how to remove paint and rust stains from a fiberglass bathtub. Doesn’t the topic look promising?

So, let’s start without further delay.

How To Remove A Fiberglass Bathtub

Sometimes to remodel a bathroom or replace an old bathtub, you may need to remove the fiberglass bathtub. Luckily, it doesn’t require any rocket science to remove the fiberglass tub.

Follow these steps to know how to remove a fiberglass bathtub and surround, and you should find your job pretty easy. I guarantee it.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

It would help if you were smart while removing the fiberglass bathtub. One way of showing smartness is to turn off the water supply source so that it doesn’t flood your home. Also, if your tub has a door, you need to remove it.

Unscrew it from the wall and place it safely on the wall standby.

Step 2: Analyzing the Bathtub Surroundings

The bathtub surrounding is often secured with extensive adhesive and retaining clips. To avoid damaging the surrounding wall due to the adhesive and clips, you need to be cautious when you remove the fiberglass bathtub.

Now, remove the faucet handles by taking off the screws. Now, remove the screw underneath the tab spout to remove the spout also. Now, remove the showerhead from the arm. You can perform all this unscrewing with the help of a screwdriver and adjustable wrench.

Step 3: Taking Off Unnecessary Drywall Components

To remove the drywall, use a hammer or a power tool to create a hole in the drywall. The holes should be large enough so that you can insert your hand through them. However, before entering your hand into the wall, wear gloves to remain safe from accidental cuts.

Use a sharpened razor knife to cut the horizontal and vertical borders of the drywall to remove it.  As you cut off both the corners, you should be able to pull away from the drywall with your gloved hands.

Now, use a screw gun or nail puller to remove the old fasteners from the fiberglass bathtub. If you see any signs of water leaking at this point, fix it before moving into the next steps.

Step 4: Unfasten the Bathtub Surround

If you can find the correct tool to untighten the screws of the tub surround, you will most likely remove I without any damage- a jackpot!

To safely loosen the screws of the tube, you need to use a saw and pry-bar. At first, take a knife and remove the caulking, paint, grout or mortar from the tiles.  Now insert the pry bar between the pipes and tub and hammer to wiggle the tiles.

This should remove the adhering tiles from the bathtub surround.

Step 5: Removing Pieces of The Fiberglass Tub Surround

Sometimes, the bathtub surround is attached with a rivet. Cut it using a utility knife. Now remove the remaining caulk line and continue the knifing until the bathtub surround is separated.

Congrats bud, you have successfully removed the fiberglass bathtub surround. Didn’t you find the process of how to remove a fiberglass bathtub insert an easy and straightforward way? Put your opinion.

How To Remove Paint From A Fiberglass Bathtub

Sometimes, despite being careful, your fiberglass may catch the drip of colors. At this time, you would like to remove the paint from the fiberglass bathtub. You can follow these step-by-step guidelines to remove the paint.

1. Use a plastic scraper to scrape the paint. Now use a cleaner and water to rinse off the color with a clean piece of cloth. You may also need to repeat the same process if required.

2. If you want to remove latex paint, you may use Dirt-ex with a spraying can. Dirt-ex is available in most hardware shops.

3. Now make a paste of water and baking soda to apply it to the paint. Use a damp sponge to rub the thick paste on the color and let it sit on the paint. After a few moments, rinse the paste with water.

4. You may alternatively use an eraser to rinse off the paint area.

5. Lastly, take a non-abrasive powder and use it to rinse on the paint to remove it.

At this point, you should get a clean fiberglass bathtub.

How To Remove Rust Stains From A Fiberglass Bathtub

Due to hard water, your acrylic or fiberglass bathtub may mar with rust stains. That looks ugly. So, you must remove it, and the process is straightforward also.

1. At first, make a paste of borax and vinegar. You must use full-strength vinegar instead of mild ones since rust stains are hard components made of oxygen and iron.
2. Now apply the paste to the rusted area and wait for few minutes to allow the paste to react with the rust. At this point, most stubborn rust stains should loosen up.
3. Now use an old toothbrush to rinse off the paste.
4. Pour clean water on the area and rinse it again with the toothbrush.
5. Lastly, use a piece of cloth to rinse off the remaining water.
6. Alternatively, you may use hydrogen peroxide in leu of vinegar.

If the stains remain even after it, try using a commercial stain cleaner.

Conclusion

A fiberglass bathtub is quite an investment. So, you need to maintain it properly. The guideline mentioned above on fiberglass bathtub surround removing along with paint and rut stain removing procedure should come handy for the proper maintenance.

None of these processes are hard to follow, so stick to the basics to get the best result.