Crack in Bath Panel Help - Update Pics

grumbler

Anoneemoose said:

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!

Yes, solvent-free 'instant-nails'-like adhesives are easier to work with, but less predictable in terms of sticking to plastic. That's why for a solvent-free one I advised to try it on some other place first.

The main advantage of epoxy is that it doesn't shrink when setting, but in terms of sticking power it's bad IMO. Again, you can try a drop of it and check, how easy/difficult it will be to remove the drop after it sets.

Murmansk

I think you should stop removing the panel to clean it - unless it fits quite loosely it's inevitable you'll get the damage like you have experienced 

Anoneemoose

@grumbler thanks again. I’ll try the solvent free stuff first, and as you say, test it on the back in another area first. At least my experiments won’t be seen.

Anoneemoose

Murmansk said:

I think you should stop removing the panel to clean it - unless it fits quite loosely it's inevitable you'll get the damage like you have experienced 

I wish I could. To be fair, it is quite loose and often pops off anyway. But, as explained before, the way it was fitted in conjunction with floor, means water puddles under the panel and makes it go that funny bacterial orange colour. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a lot of water. Mainly drips from opening and closing the door, but it does build up eventually. I have tried an extra bath mat to catch the drips but it gets moved by the kids. That said, they’re older now so maybe it would stay put if I tried that again now. I’ll try not to do it as much though!

Anoneemoose

It’s done! It’s by no means perfect. I also had mishaps along the way but it’s clean, reinforced and tidy so it will do for now!

FreeBear

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

Bit late in the day as Anoneemoose has found something that works... Also have a cracked acrylic bath panel here. Solvent waste pipe adhesive doesn't work - Tried it, and it failed to seal the crack. Duct tape will cover the crack until I get the time & inclination to replace the panel.

Anoneemoose

FreeBear said:

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

Bit late in the day as Anoneemoose has found something that works... Also have a cracked acrylic bath panel here. Solvent waste pipe adhesive doesn't work - Tried it, and it failed to seal the crack. Duct tape will cover the crack until I get the time & inclination to replace the panel.

I used a grab adhesive and strips of fabric on the back. It’s worked well. The only thing is the crack in the top left keeps opening up because of the awkward way it fits in. It won’t actually snap though because of the adhesive and fabric on the back and it’s hardly noticeable when it’s in situ. 

The mishaps I had were with the painting. I bought a spray gun which was utterly useless. I’ve used one before a few times that worked really well so I was really disappointed with this one. It ended up leaving speckles on the panel no matter the settings. In the end I bought a can of spray paint which worked much better! 

grumbler

FreeBear said:

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

Bit late in the day as Anoneemoose has found something that works... Also have a cracked acrylic bath panel here. Solvent waste pipe adhesive doesn't work - Tried it, and it failed to seal the crack. Duct tape will cover the crack until I get the time & inclination to replace the panel.

How did it fail? Did it not stick? I meant using it in combination with fabric - instead of grab adhesive.