Repair a chip in an enamel or acrylic bath

Clean, fill, sand and colour-match a chipped bath yourself, using the right repair kit for enamel or acrylic.

RB-01Work out what your bath is made ofEnamel baths (steel or cast iron) feel cold to the touch, sound like a dull knock when tapped, and a fridge magnet will stick lightly to the rim. Acrylic baths feel warmer, flex slightly under pressure, and a magnet won't stick. Buy a repair kit matched to your material — enamel and acrylic kits use different resins and won't bond properly to the wrong surface.

RB-02Set up and ventilate the roomOpen a window, as filler resins give off fumes. Wear disposable gloves and a dust mask for the sanding stages. Lay an old towel under the work area to catch drips and dust.

1 each · Bath repair kit (enamel or acrylic, as identified)

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1 pack · Disposable nitrile gloves

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1 each · Dust mask (FFP2)

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RB-03Clean and degrease the chipWipe the chip and surrounding area with isopropyl alcohol or the cleaner supplied in the kit. Remove all soap scum, limescale and old sealant. Let the area dry completely — any trace of moisture will stop the filler bonding.

1 each · Isopropyl alcohol wipes or bottle

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RB-04Sand the chip and a small borderLightly sand the chip and about 20-30mm around it with 400-grit wet-and-dry paper. This roughens the surface so the filler grips. Wipe away the dust with a damp cloth, then dry the area fully.

1 sheet · Wet and dry sandpaper, 400 grit

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1 each · Soft cloth

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RB-05Mask around the chipRun masking tape around the repair area, leaving a small margin, to protect the surrounding enamel or acrylic from smears while you apply the filler.

1 roll · Masking tape

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RB-06Mix and apply the fillerMix the two-part filler exactly to the kit's ratio — too much hardener and it sets before you can use it, too little and it never cures properly. Apply with the spatula or a cocktail stick, slightly overfilling the chip since it shrinks a little as it cures. Work quickly, as most kits start setting within 5-10 minutes.

1 each · Mixing stick or spatula

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RB-07Leave the filler to cureLeave the repair completely undisturbed for the time stated on the kit, usually 30 minutes to a few hours. Don't touch it or let it get wet during this time.

RB-08Sand the repair flushOnce hard, sand with 800-grit then 1200-grit wet-and-dry paper, working outwards from the centre. Check with a fingertip until the repair feels flush with the surrounding bath surface.

1 sheet · Wet and dry sandpaper, 800 grit

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1 sheet · Wet and dry sandpaper, 1200 grit

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RB-09Apply the colour-matched topcoatMix and apply the colour compound from the kit in thin coats, matched to your bath's shade. Let each coat dry fully and lightly buff between coats with the finest grit paper for a glossy finish.

1 each · Colour-matched topcoat (included in kit)

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RB-10Let the repair cure fully before useLeave the bath for 24-48 hours, or as stated on the kit, before running any water. Avoid abrasive cleaners on the repaired patch for the first couple of weeks while it fully hardens.

RB-11Tidy upPeel off the masking tape once the repair has cured. Bin used mixing sticks and gloves, and clean any tools with the solvent recommended on the kit packaging. Give the room a final airing to clear any lingering fumes.

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