Crack in Bath Panel Help - Update Pics

Anoneemoose

Hi,

I’ve posted before about my yellowing acrylic bath panel. Due to bereavement, I’m only just getting around to sorting it now - well, I did have a failed attempt at covering it! 

Before I do anything, there is this crack which I want to know if it would be possible to fill/smooth. I’ve looked at Araldite but I’m not sure sure if it would be flexible enough. The crack is in a place that’s usually moved when removing the panel (which I do regularly for cleaning). Would Araldite work or do I need something else please? <It also currently has some clear Gorilla tape on it to keep it from cracking further.> 

Thank you.

CliveOfIndia

You could possibly use some epoxy resin?  If you Google for Bath Panel Repair Kit you'll find loads of products on the market for different materials.

To be honest though, if it's a standard bath panel, not an unusual shape, I'd be tempted to just buy a new panel.  Assuming you're not wanting anything fancy, a plain white panel is not expensive.  I'd hazard a guess that, even if you did manage to repair it successfully, regular removal/flexing of the panel would mean the repair wouldn't last all that long.

Simonon77

The problem with araldite would be getting it smooth as you cant really sand it. If you got to Halfords you can get flexible car filler that is designed for fixing car bumpers etc... This can be sanded and will give a bit of flex as well. 

Anoneemoose

CliveOfIndia said:

You could possibly use some epoxy resin?  If you Google for Bath Panel Repair Kit you'll find loads of products on the market for different materials.

To be honest though, if it's a standard bath panel, not an unusual shape, I'd be tempted to just buy a new panel.  Assuming you're not wanting anything fancy, a plain white panel is not expensive.  I'd hazard a guess that, even if you did manage to repair it successfully, regular removal/flexing of the panel would mean the repair wouldn't last all that long.

I’d LOVE to buy a new one but sadly, although I wouldn’t say it’s an odd shape (P), I have tried for nigh on 2 years to get a replacement and can’t. I tried to cover it with car wrap vinyl but couldn’t get the bubbles out. I got a quote for a car place to do it for me but that was £180 and they didn’t get back to me. Then I’d thought about getting  a flexible ‘universal’ one that can replace it but it’s £300 and would need to be fixed - and fitted by someone competent - me and Mr Anon aren’t. I remove it periodically as, due to the shape of the floor, water sometimes pools - not loads- but enough to make it a bit orange at times. 

I’ve even considered changing the bath to a straight one but then that entails loads of upheaval too. 

We thought we’d done our research when we bought the bathroom but we got it a bit wrong!

Thank you for your input though. 

Anoneemoose

Simonon77 said:

The problem with araldite would be getting it smooth as you cant really sand it. If you got to Halfords you can get flexible car filler that is designed for fixing car bumpers etc... This can be sanded and will give a bit of flex as well. 

That’s a great idea. I’ll look into that, thank you! 

moneysaver1978

Anoneemoose said:

I’d LOVE to buy a new one but sadly, although I wouldn’t say it’s an odd shape (P), I have tried for nigh on 2 years to get a replacement and can’t. I tried to cover it with car wrap vinyl but couldn’t get the bubbles out. I got a quote for a car place to do it for me but that was £180 and they didn’t get back to me. Then I’d thought about getting  a flexible ‘universal’ one that can replace it but it’s £300 and would need to be fixed - and fitted by someone competent - me and Mr Anon aren’t. I remove it periodically as, due to the shape of the floor, water sometimes pools - not loads- but enough to make it a bit orange at times. 

What do you mean by the shape of the floor? There shouldn't be any pools of water. Maybe fixing the leak would avoid the need to remove the bath panel for cleaning.

Anoneemoose

moneysaver1978 said:

Anoneemoose said:

I’d LOVE to buy a new one but sadly, although I wouldn’t say it’s an odd shape (P), I have tried for nigh on 2 years to get a replacement and can’t. I tried to cover it with car wrap vinyl but couldn’t get the bubbles out. I got a quote for a car place to do it for me but that was £180 and they didn’t get back to me. Then I’d thought about getting  a flexible ‘universal’ one that can replace it but it’s £300 and would need to be fixed - and fitted by someone competent - me and Mr Anon aren’t. I remove it periodically as, due to the shape of the floor, water sometimes pools - not loads- but enough to make it a bit orange at times. 

What do you mean by the shape of the floor? There shouldn't be any pools of water. Maybe fixing the leak would avoid the need to remove the bath panel for cleaning.

I thought I’d replied to this but it mustn’t have posted. 

We had to lay board over our original floorboards to ensure the floor was flat/smooth for laying the vinyl flooring. We couldn’t lay it under the bath as then the panel wouldn’t have fitted, so the board was cut to the shape of the bath and the panel could then go on. It means there’s a sort of groove where the water gets in. It settles where the blue line is on this picture. 

We were a bit naive with it all and the fitter wasn’t great. 

grumbler

CliveOfIndia said:

You could possibly use some epoxy resin?  If you Google for Bath Panel Repair Kit you'll find loads of products on the market for different materials.

Don't know about "Bath Panel Repair Kit", but IMO epoxy resin is no good for any non-porous materials in general and plastic in particular.

I'd use some solvent-based glue to reinforce the panel inside with one or more layers of fabric.

Anoneemoose

grumbler said:

CliveOfIndia said:

You could possibly use some epoxy resin?  If you Google for Bath Panel Repair Kit you'll find loads of products on the market for different materials.

Don't know about "Bath Panel Repair Kit", but IMO epoxy resin is no good for any non-porous materials in general and plastic in particular.

I'd use some solvent-based clue to reinforce the panel inside with one or more layers of fabric.

Ooh, I think you suggested that on my original post. Would it be a case of literally sticking layers of fabric with the glue, then drying in between layers? 

grumbler

Anoneemoose said:

grumbler said:

CliveOfIndia said:

You could possibly use some epoxy resin?  If you Google for Bath Panel Repair Kit you'll find loads of products on the market for different materials.

Don't know about "Bath Panel Repair Kit", but IMO epoxy resin is no good for any non-porous materials in general and plastic in particular.

I'd use some solvent-based clue to reinforce the panel inside with one or more layers of fabric.

Ooh, I think you suggested that on my original post. Would it be a case of literally sticking layers of fabric with the glue, then drying in between layers? 

Yes, I remember vaguely. IIRC, for my panel I used some solvent-free grab adhesive (not silicone-like hybrid polymers - they are too flexible). It's more thick than any glue, easier to work with and shrinks less when drying. Try how well it sticks first on some other part of the panel. If it sticks well, then yes, let the first layer dry, then add another one.

ETA: alternatively I'd try some solvent-based cement for plastic waste pipes.

Anoneemoose

grumbler said:

Anoneemoose said:

grumbler said:

CliveOfIndia said:

You could possibly use some epoxy resin?  If you Google for Bath Panel Repair Kit you'll find loads of products on the market for different materials.

Don't know about "Bath Panel Repair Kit", but IMO epoxy resin is no good for any non-porous materials in general and plastic in particular.

I'd use some solvent-based clue to reinforce the panel inside with one or more layers of fabric.

Ooh, I think you suggested that on my original post. Would it be a case of literally sticking layers of fabric with the glue, then drying in between layers? 

Yes, I remember vaguely. IIRC, for my panel I used some solvent-free grab adhesive. It's more thick than any glue, easier to work with and shrinks less when drying. Try how well it sticks first on some other part of the panel.

Thanks grumbler. I’ll give it a try. On your first comment you said solvent-based, but on this you said solvent-free. Could you clarify for me please? Just so I get the right one!