How To Repair A Cracked Shower Base: Freedom Finishes Refinishing Products, LLC

[@diannewood7389]

After watching this video last year, I followed exactly these instructions and redid the floor of my damaged shower stall floor (and saved thousands of dollars). I'm just reporting in to say that with daily showers, it's holding up fine. Admittedly, I didn't bother to get it nice and smooth (I could have, I should have, and I would have, but I'm impatient and I just called it good enough). I assume the triple expanding foam will eventually break down, but at least I know I can fix it again. Thank you for an absolutely perfect DIY video. This is the best one I've seen.

[@edmundrospigliosi564]

Thank you so much! I was able to fix my tub in 24 hrs time and save lots of money for sure. It took about 24 hrs due to drying time, but your instructions and video worked perfectly. Couple of things, the filler used took longer than anything to solidify... Maybe 8 hrs?... And the paint, no brand was specified but I used Rust-Oleum bath paint on a spray can and it worked great. Again, thank you so much for your video and knowledge.

[@secrestj]

Thank you for your paint tip… did it hold up?

[@tomdonzelli6219]

I know it has been awhile. But what kind of Foam did you use?

[@diannewood7389]

I had a long crack that I tried to repair with just the fiberglass cloth and resin because that is all that was shown in a video I looked up a few years ago. I did several coats thinking it would be stronger. It was...and it took about 8 months before my weight finally made the sponginess of the floor pop the repair loose. Now, thanks to your video, I know why. I needed that first step of the triple-expanding foam. Now I know how to fix it right. (But I can't wait until my brother, who shares my Amazon account, sees me ordering a bucket of Bondo. I can hear it now as he gives me a panic phone call: "What the hell did you do to your car??")

[@adamstime]

This was hilarious 😂

[@zhengling2668]

Same here

[@deadlyshotta2893]

Work at an old hotel. This this a huge issue I’ve had. This is the first no nonsense solution I’ve found. Took it step by step working well. Should be a few more steps before install for these fiberglass shower pans. It’s so common and a pain in in the ass if not caught immediately can cause subfloor damage. Not fun to fix. Especially if time critical. Thank you for this.

[@mrey2010]

Wish I had saw this video the first time I looked on here the first time around. Almost done with it the right way thanks to your video and instructions.Thanks a whole lot man. Awesome video‼️

[@deedeesnow3780]

Hey hey hey! I have to do my tub! I finally get to teach my husband something! He's taught me alot in construction but knows nothing of this particular repair! Fun!!! Good job! Thanks!!

[@randelee3442]

One important area that they skipped on this video is that you need to drill a hole at the end of every crack before you do your repairs.. this will stop the cracks from continuing.

[@Hexauslion]

that is critical information.

[@ocea-mcclean]

The fibreglass cloth which extends several inches past the crack on all sides makes up for that though

[@JacoZawinul]

@@ocea-mcclean That doesn't stop the cracks from continuing, All others reading this comment, follow what rande lee above said.

[@zacharyfair6738]

can this entire job be done in 24hrs? I have tenants in the unit

[@Wavezone304]

@@zacharyfair6738 nope

[@jesstheone231]

Im using this flow chart for all my projects. What a good (obvious in hindsight) idea.

[@kevadder]

Thanks for this video I repaired my tub by following your instruction.

[@stephenprice9635]

So another question would be leakage from the shower. How long would this fix last as I’m sure the floor underneath will be damaged.

[@brianburbach3721]

How long does a repair like this last? Does the foam compress over time ansd cracks can resume?

[@adminos15]

Thank you very much sir. I did all the steps and fixed the shower base, although i messed up the first layer of epoxy. I sandpapered the sticky ruined epoxy layer and 24 hours later mixed up a second layer, this time much better[cured in 3 hours, was ready in 24 hours]. My mistake was that i didn't mix the hardener and the epoxy nice[although it was written on the instructions...]. I used painting sprays[liquid marble stuff[very expensive one] and white color spray]. My paint job also was bad and now it is falling apart [because the liquid marble's cap broke], but i will fix it on the next salary. The important thing is that there are no more leaks. Thanks once again.

[@walterm140]

This is the one video I've seen that was useful at all.

[@michaeljames5014]

Well done. Useful tips. Nicely shot video and narration. Cheers!

[@Cfalcioni09]

Can you let me know what you used to paint after the body filler is sanded and ready to paint. The brand, list or maybe a picture of the paint and slip resistant surface product. Thx so much.

[@joananunoo8717]

This video was very helpful. I saved a lot of money by following your method for a very untimely damage to my shower pan. Thank you

[@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743]

Thank you Joana glad the video helped.

[@La.Islena]

Does anyone know where is the enamel paint and nonslip surfacer from?

[@chuckechiller7675]

Excellent Video, even this old dog learned a new trick. These guys at Freedom Finishes really know their stuff. Thanks.

[@mugz805]

I tried it and has worked for 4 years

[@ralphcalabretta9952]

Is there a product that can be rolled on instead of spraying? GREAT INFO and video. Thanks

[@MissButterella]

Will this work if shower floor is textured?

[@stevenhickey2859]

Great video, will be attempting my first bit of DIY thanks to this. I have a rookie question though: what about any water that's already got in the crack and is sitting beneath the tray? Does the foam absorb it?

[@ivmurk21]

Steven Hickey it has most likely leaked into the ceiling of the floor below you. In my case the hole started so small that I did not even notice it until my gf was taking a bath (our first week in a new townhome) and water started dripping from my kitchen light fixtures. All cabinets and a bunch of the ceiling filled with mold within days, nearly 3 years later and I’m still waiting on my landlord to fix it. This method has done the job, though. I haven’t seen water since.

[@stevenhickey2859]

@@ivmurk21 Thanks for the info, ours is a shower tray but it sounds like the result will be the same. So far nothing is showing in the ceiling but you can't see the damage I suppose. Think we'll have it ripped out and see what damage has been done... once the lockdown is over :( Thanks again!

[@JM-gt8in]

@@stevenhickey2859 Hi Steven, I got the same issue. Did you guys end up ripping it out? Did the cement under it leak?

[@mannyfresh215]

How long does it take for the jb weld to dry before you start sanding and applying all the other stuff?

[@rickguerrero2282]

A really nice video. I have watched quite a few and this is the best and most thorough.

[@craigscott8536]

I have found that hairline cracks even after repair can continue to advance. I saw in the aircraft industry that small cracks in aluminum are repaired but they drill small holes at each end of the crack to stop the advance of the crack. They are called "stop Holes". Do you think this would be ok on the repair of the shower pan?

[@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743]

Hello Craig, "stop holes" drilled at the end of the crack, as you suggest is definitely a technique that is used by many who repair fiberglass cracks. Many of our partners use that approach with long lasting success too. I do not have hard evidence that one approach works better or lasts longer than the other on fiberglass. I do know that for the past 30+ years we've used the approach we've shared with long-lasting success. Hope this helps.

[@craigscott8536]

@@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743 Thanks for the reply. I going to do the stop holes in the repair and finish the project using your video instructions. I will let you know how it turns out and post picture if possible.

[@asgharamirpanah9793]

@@craigscott8536 How did it turn out?

[@ryanroberts5104]

Do these materials work for a fiberglass/plastic type of tub?? I just discovered a big crack at the base of my tub that some idiot did a lousy job to repair before me..I would like to do it this way if it would work!

[@charlottewhitehead6446]

What kind of person do you call for this work.

[@EntrepreneurialSpirit85]

You forgot to explain what you were spraying. I had to waste time rewinding the video to find out that it’s an enamel?? But yeah I found it helpful as I perfect my own process. Thank you kindly.

[@kevinmooney1126]

Where do get finsh coat (paint)???

[@gilbenavides5515]

Thanks a lot very helpful video, Just one question, which grid to sand off body filler bondo ? Thank you

[@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743]

Hello Gil, glad the video helped. The grit sand paper really depends on the situation. In this case you could you 150-220. We used 180 in the video.

[@Eric-vv6ov]

Question - I have always seen videos that show that you need primer paint over body filler. You didn't use primer paint. You used two coats of top coat. What is better, primer and top coat or two coats of top coat ?

[@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743]

It depends on the product you are using. Our product, the product in the video acts as a primer. It is a high build enamel. If you are using an acrylic paint (top coat) you should use an epoxy primer. This will help bonding.

[@Eric-vv6ov]

@@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743 Thank you.

[@WrightTries]

The foam was a good tip... I put some epoxy on a small crack I had but I didn't put any foam under it so it cracked again

[@KavenZheng]

I was about to lift the whole bathtub to fix the hollowness under it, and the video gave me the idea to not do it!

[@xHadesStamps]

What do you do when the foam makes its way into the drain?

[@NuIVIb]

Is the spray gun necessary to do this job? That’s the only thing I don’t have that I think will cost a little more than my budget. Someone help thx

[@mikethomas8339]

What are you spraying with at the end

[@marlenepineda3562]

@ArlingtonPorcelainRefinishing, two questions! What kind of solvent wipes did you use? Also, how long does it take for the fiberglass resin to cure before you can add the body filler?

[@bassinbillRC5300]

I used fiberglass resin and hardener on my boat repair. 3.5 hours it is ready to sand.

[@kenneuts5491]

there are a lot of factors that determine how long it takes to dry. how it is mixed and the amount of hardener used, temperature, thickness of applied material, etc. a good rule of thumb tho - when the color changes lightly scratch a fingernail across it. if it leaves a white scratch- it's done - if the product moves when you touch it - not done

[@bobeckenrode9261]

Is this a high expansion, expansion foam? Or moderate? I don't want to use the wrong kind.

[@erinbsullivan444]

What kind of paint did you use?

[@carlhall1880]

Excellent video

[@magicone9327]

when using fiberglass and resin overlay you should sand/grind the area to make a depression that equals the thickness of the repair fill. Same procedure as in vid with the mesh and resin. Instead of polyester body filler ( Bondo) use a fiberglass in the can called long and strong. This product is fiberglass chopped up with a gel form of resin and is structural as well as a good final filter. Polyester filler has zero structural, only fills. Mix with catalyst and apply as you would bondo. Now here is the trick. You can use wax paper to cover the repaired area then smooth the repair with a rubber squeegee. This will make the repair very smooth. The wax paper will also help the resin to get very hard and not sticky when sanded. After stripping off the wax paper then wipe down the resin with acetone and the surface will not be sticky at all. Behind sanding as in bid.

[@scota.3898]

Thank you for good tips

[@user-lf7en6rf8m]

Fabulous, i have this repair coming up, thank you so much for the detailed info, subcriber 👍

[@paulpedro399]

Does this work for a plastic or fiberglass base?

[@clickryan]

is that double apply of fiberglass?

[@howtodoitdude1662]

Bondo is made for bare metal that is structurally sound. That’s why it’s made for auto repairs.

[@HUGLIFE12]

What you sprayed on in the end , was it in your list of items in the beginning?

[@sebastiangoomer7113]

What paint do they use?

[@rtheriot30]

I have a question for ANYONE, I’m using the form just like video and I’m on my 3can and it still not filling or coming out on the Adjacent holes, how many cans of foam did most people use because this may be costly in the video he didn’t specify an amount?

[@flamboyan27]

We had to use more than 10 cans after fixing under the tub: foam had no where to go and we had to put reinforcement boards underneath, and a barrier. It takes a good while to expand and harden. Give it around 2 hours to expand and stop bubbling out.

[@rtheriot30]

@@flamboyan27 Thank you so much, I just didn’t wanna waste my money.

[@tomdonzelli6219]

what kind of foam did you use?

[@elmingram4267]

Can u add the specs on the paint sprayer? Great Video, Thanks!

[@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743]

Hello Elmer, Thank you for the positive comment and we're very glad you liked our video. In the video we used a Husky gravity fed HVLP spray gun with a 1.3 ml spray cap to spray the Freedom Finishes Ultra-High Gloss White Enamel. Here's a little more about Freedom Finishes Refinishing Products: Our exclusive Freedom Finishes bathtub, shower and ceramic tile refinishing enamels and process have been the cornerstone of Chicago, IL based Arlington Porcelain Refinishing’s longstanding “award winning,” marketplace success. Our incredible formulations and processes were engineered decades ago by APR. They are designed specifically for bathtub, shower and ceramic tile refinishing and have evolved into the most durable and beautiful, high-gloss refinishing coatings in the refinishing industry. If you are a bathtub refinisher and desire to differentiate yourself from your competition, deliver an extraordinary product to your customers, drive process efficiency and increase your profits, we’d be happy to discuss our amazing Freedom Finishes products and advantage with you. Please feel free to call Brian Loeger @ Freedom Finishes Refinishing Products, LLC @ Ph#: 847-636-2478.

[@rubenmv91]

@@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743 This works on a Plastic Base?? Or just on Fiberglass???

[@mikethomas8339]

What kind of paint is that

[@freedom0164]

Good video!!!

[@velascojidon390]

How much is the cost for that repair?

[@raulgutierrez5920]

!! 🤔🤐no body will tell you use your!!🧠🧠🧠

[@velascojidon390]

@@raulgutierrez5920 why not?

[@raulgutierrez5920]

@@velascojidon390!home work?

[@velascojidon390]

@@raulgutierrez5920 what u mean?

[@---wl3bi]

$4000

[@mugz805]

Great video I will try on my shower base

[@dam4274]

I don’t have an air gun to paint with. Can I just use a Krylon paint?

[@stopthecancelculture]

I live in a apartment on the 2nd floor. Will the the drilling cause damage below on to my neighbor?

[@Jalenellis929]

Look into ways to control your depth on Google! Don't start off very deep and see if it seems through it!

[@sijopapachan]

Thank you for the use full information. I am in Qatar. Where to find this product.is it available on Amazon

[@michaelmartinez5025]

What do you paint it with though?

[@lesio333]

Nice job. Thank you for sharing

[@marufatamanna8977]

Where can I get stabilising foam?? Is there any other name of that?? Or any brand name?

[@gloums]

I would recommend using a different type of foam. Closed cell high density foam that is waterproof. Use marine rated bondo for the filler.

[@guy4036]

I used “Evercoat Sealant Foam”, it’s used for boats, so it better be waterproof lol. I got it from an auto parts store

[@cherylbee9899]

Great job. That looks really good

[@bathroommagic7303]

What kind of foam do u reccomend using?

[@adamstampley7207]

BLUE CAN great stuff. Do NOT use the red can. Red can will stiffly expand and will cause more cracks. The blue can is used for windows and doors and simply contours to its surroundings, then hardens.

[@wisewomanhealing]

At 6:36, what is being sprayed?

[@gloums]

Do you recommend Loctite foam or Great stuff?

[@Tilbily]

I'd like to known too, but he's not answering.

[@Tilbily]

And the JB Weld, they make a variety of products. Wish he'd specify which one.

[@gloums]

@@Tilbily This has been a while but after much research I found that neither loctite or great stuff are good. They will end up failing later on because water will eventually penetrate due to the open cell nature of the foam. What you need is closed cell foam like the stuff they use to lift concrete slabs up.

[@darrendovanne1120]

We used a closed cell Foam Spray Dow Froth Pak 12. Does not allow water to penetrate.

[@LT1HILLINGHOE]

Was this plastic? I've gotta repair a plastic garden tub, but, I was going to use the same products and procedures. Except I am brushing on a self leveling bathtub hard white coating as the last step. No spraying.

[@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743]

This was a fiberglass tub.

[@Happy_HIbiscus]

Dude,this is cool

[@HappyLife-vh2ey]

My newly built home October last year now has a crack in the shower base. I'm thinking I want a new base and no patch up . Does anybody agree that's fair. TIA

[@craigscott8536]

Hi, I have another question. 30 years ago we use to cut up the fiberglass cloth so it was just fibers and then mixed it into the resin when we repaired a boat. Would that work for the repair of the small fine cracks?

[@jamesrock4274]

good job good instruction good outcome thanks for sharing

[@orakelgottes]

excellent video ..thanks buddy!

[@rosemunn6918]

I have this same exact situation. But I would never use body filler to top it off, won't it crack under pressure. I am finishing mine with another coating of Fibreglass over the dried first application, with no cloth for the final coat, an it can reach it's own smooth level. I also made cuts or grooves in the original base so the products would seat well, and cleaned all with alcohol before pouring on the fibreglass resin. Hope yours worked. 3m makes a very good fibreglass strand filler as well.

[@igoski1582]

There is fiberglass cloth and fiberglass mesh. They are different from each other and not the same thing. At 4:30 you said to apply fiberglass "mesh netting" then you proceeded to apply cloth. I agree, you should be applying cloth here and not mesh, but you called the cloth, mesh. Do not apply mesh for this job. It would be too thick.

[@hypergirl9266]

So I just moved into a new construction home my shower pan is already cracking.....is this normal

[@bobd.j.5393]

NO‼️ Immediately send a certified letter or an email to the contractor with pics and explanation as to the cracking of the tub. “Certified Mail” or email is setting up the foundational complaint needed in the event the contractor gives you excellent lip service yet never calls you back or never sends over his sub to follow up as promised. Also; if the tub worsens; you have proof had the contractor taken your concern serious when 1st notified; the extent of damage would have been a lot less. I’m having the same problem and learned today the fiberglass tub floor should NOT be flexible or spongy🤷‍♂️. Evidently; this is what had caused the stress cracks. This video appears to be the most professional simply due to the extensive measures taken to resolve the problem (spongy floor) and only then does he repair the hole. Sounds right to me🤷‍♂️👍‼️

[@rafiqsunesara3416]

very informative video just one question what did you mix with body filler look something brown

[@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743]

The body filler is mixed with a hardener (the red product which is mixed into the body filler) which allow the body filler to harden.

[@blkwidow1964]

love the video it helped me save a tub in my bathroom that would have cost $$$ :-]

[@THAGRARMIN]

Thanks. This helps.

[@Bisqcuit]

I love it!!

[@SoLCollectR]

How much would all this end up costing?

[@MsSmellybob]

This was literally art

[@Rabbitat68]

So I need to Mix in a portion of silica sand and steer thoroughly…

[@perlamalagon8550]

I just had this done my bathroom . Does anyone know if it’s safe to be smelling this my whole master bedroom smells .

[@orakelgottes]

No it's not safe to smell gas of epoxy and jb weld all the time..but you will survive to smell it for 1 or 2 days only

[@fabiolaquevedo8711]

How much did the job for your shower cost you?

[@brenn.1757]

nice video! digging the music..

[@queencancwrlynn6892]

Do you travel?

[@Maxitikos]

I am a little perplexed by the foam. I think there is a large shower pan under the shower floor. Where will the water go if the floor cracks. Isn't there supposed to be a pan under the floor? Won't the foam cause issues if the floor crack again?

[@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743]

Generally, when a shower base/pan is installed it is leveled and placed in quick-set cement to secure stabilize and give it the necessary support to prevent failure. The foam, when installed under the shower base/pan, will provide increased structure support and will help to prevent future failure. Hope this helps clarify.

[@nspctor7729]

Overtime the foam will compress, the paint will peel and discolour, Bondo will crack and the pan will eventually leak. How many times have I seen this failed patch attempt. Give your business to a plumber who will replace the fixture properly.

[@rosemunn6918]

@@nspctor7729 No body filler ever.

[@TuanNguyen-ru3qh]

@@rosemunn6918 good job how about 2 part epoxy weld jb weld i donot see you use

[@KavenZheng]

@@TuanNguyen-ru3qh he used it to fill the holes he drilled, and the crack before sanding it

[@NuIVIb]

I applied too much fiberglass resin and it was too big of a lump /:

[@rmf11699]

What's under the pan that caused it to get soft? Concrete? Dirt? Wood? My pan just cracked near the drain and I cut out a 2" by 2" section and dirt is below it. Some of the fiberglass has rotted away and now there is a void in that area. Do you think expansion foam will fill the void and be able to withstand the weight of a person? The house has a slab foundation but also has dirt visible in the drain area. I guess they left that part exposed during the concrete pour.

[@TNGMikey]

Where can I buy all the flooring repair kit. I went to Lowe's but they don't have it.

[@73Tracker73]

Walmart. You are looking for fiberglass repair. It's by the Bondo. Also at any auto parts store.

[@TNGMikey]

@@73Tracker73 thank so much I didn't think I would get a response but you are a heavenly beacon that rained down the knowledge that I required to help my family in a time of need lol.

[@stevo8869]

@@TNGMikey just literally bought all this a hour ago at Lowes.

[@youclogthemweclearthem2394]

I still see the patch

[@jjs777fzr]

Its a shower not the side quarter of a ‘69 Camaro. I wager few folks would recognize it had been repaired once they enter the shower.

[@benjaminhildebrand2220]

My shower is acrylic. Will this technique work?

[@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743]

Hello Benjamin. Same process for Acrylic showers.

[@nspctor7729]

NO

[@narigueta007]

what kind of enamel did you use? i m afraid overtime it will peal off

[@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743]

Thank you for your question. You are absoultly correct. You must use an enamel that is designed specifically for bathtub and tile refinishing. In the video we used our exclusive Freedom Finishes Refinishing Products. Our products are scientifically designed for bathtub and tile refinishing. We manufacture and distribute our products to select refinishers across the U.S.. These products deliver a "freshly baked" porcelain looking finish, have amazing adhesion and will easily last 12-15+ years. arlingtonbathtubs.com/freedom-finishes-coating-system/

[@nspctor7729]

Don't be afraid...overtime it will. If your damage is that extensive, then replace the fixture.

[@nasserbaioumy3062]

great DIY video but need to know the name of the materials and brand, may you add it to the description ?

[@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743]

Thank you for the good feedback. We use our own exclusive Freedom Finishes Refinishing Products. The are available to commercial bathtub and tile refinishers. The products are scientifically designed specifically for bathtub, shower and tile refinishing and extremely durable and look like "freshly baked porcelain when applied. You can learn about our products @ arlingtonbathtubs.com/freedom-finishes-coating-system/

[@plaverdiere]

@@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743 Can I get theses products in Quebec (Canada) ?

[@arlingtonporcelainrefinish4743]

@@plaverdiere Hello Pierre, Thank you for inquiring about Freedom Finishes. We distribute our products throughout the U.S. to professional refinishers. However, we would welcome a discussion to understand your needs and explore how we might be able to help you. Please feel free to call Brian Loeger @ Freedom Finishes Refinishing Products, LLC @ Ph#: 847-636-2478 or email: [e-mail]

[@rosemunn6918]

@@plaverdiere I'm from Ontario, use G-flex Eposy no. 650, should be able to get it at Home Depot or elsewhere. I would not use Body filler over the repair area, that is porous and not flexible. I would just use another layer of clear Resin.

[@ModernDayRenaissanceMan]

In the beginning it says what you need as far as tools and equipment but then later on You're using a sprayer of some sort which is not listed in the tools. Not good. So it comes across something that you can do yourself, but you actually can't because you need specialized equipment.

[@akombalasau4022]

is the stabilizing foam also used in Hulk 2003 to capture hulk in the military base?

[@jenniferchang29]

Anyone can helping me do this if you did yours you must had all kind things you used right my location is Rowland Height California

[@anthonyohare2268]

Isn't there a concern that spraying too much foam will cause a bulge?

[@jaredgreen3231]

Yep. I just made that mistake on mine.

[@tiktokbodypainting3312]

Looks easy but hard at the same time

[@HerrWeberMFT]

In case anyone was wondering about the song... Milavain (Sam Feldt Edit)

[@leighd301]

Who can I pay to do this? A plumber? Who do I call that would know the right way to do this? I don’t want to do it all myself, but I would like it done this way. I bought a house that had a crappy job done and the crack is still there and was poorly fixed.

[@herbgutierrez702]

He"s using the wrong density foam Thats for insulation not for support

[@nspctor7729]

Glad you mentioned it That's a low expansion (low density) foam used around windows and doors (see 2:12). Overtime the foam will compress and the failure will reoccur. Great catch.

[@wk9308]

I’d definitely use a 2lb marine closed cell flotation.

[@dgh5607]

Where would I find that? Do you have any brand names I can reference when shopping for it?

[@Master-11]

That " stabilizing foam" is not going to last long before it breaks down.

[@Pushunguis]

4:28 almost sounds like he said shit

[@---wl3bi]

What a palava, saved lots of money though, it only cost $4000, don't tell the wife