Bathtub liners are thin materials made from PVC plastic or acrylics that offer a fresh look to unattractive bathtub surfaces. Liners protect vulnerable kids or adults from accidents each time they take a bath. Installing a liner is extremely easy and doesn’t take up much of your time. We researched the best methods available and came up with the following to help you complete this home improvement task with ease.
To install a bathtub liner, follow this simple six-step procedure:
- Clean your bathtub and ensure it dries off completely.
- If your tub has an issue – drainage, cracks, etc. – be sure to fix it before getting started on your installation.
- Detach the knobs and faucets.
- Smear adhesive everywhere inside your bathtub.
- Fit your liner into your tub and set it on the adhesive.
- Clean your bathtub with warm water and a mild cleansing agent.
We understand if you still have questions at the back of your mind – it’s a lot to process. We’ll do our best to answer them all, in addition to clearly outlining the above instructions.
Enough said. Let’s get straight to it, shall we?
How To Install A Bathtub Liner
1. Prepare Your Bathtub
Start by checking for any form of damage and fix it accordingly. Next, get rid of any dirt or particle on your bathtub’s surface to ensure a satisfactory stick.
Clear your bathtub by pouring denatured alcohol on your bathtub’s surface. Use a towel or other clean rug to scrub and rid the surface of any oil or scum.
Click here to view this denatured alcohol on Amazon.
2. Detach the Knobs
Get your bathtub liner in place by removing the knobs from each fixture in your bathtub. Place them together to avoid losing them in the process.
You can use this chance to replace your faucet later when you need to reattach your knobs.
3. Smear Adhesive
Smear some adhesive on the surface of your dry bathtub. Make sure that you spread it out evenly and cover the entire surface.
Click here to view this adhesive on Amazon.
Any space you leave out will affect the overall effectiveness of your liner. Your choice of adhesive matters, as well.
4. Fit Your Liner Into the Bathtub
Gently slide your bathtub liner into your shower unit. Apply a fair amount of pressure to expel all the air and ensure your liner connects to the adhesive.
If possible, place a couple of heavy – but not too heavy – objects to aid in the application of pressure. You can also use a rubber mallet to get rid of the underlying air.
Click here to view this rubber mallet on Amazon.
5. Apply Caulk
Apply silicone caulking over the edge of your bathtub. Doing so helps keep the moisture out, as well as promotes a clean, finished look. Allow the silicone to cure for five to ten minutes.
Click here to view this silicone caulk on Amazon.
Clean your tub and the liner using some warm water and a mild cleansing agent. Steer clear from using scouring powder or liquid abrasives as these can permanently damage your liner.
Your new bathtub is now ready for use. You could opt to wait at least 24 hrs before using it, but there’s no problem in using it right away if you trust that the liner is firmly in place.
How Much Does It Cost to Have A Bathtub Liner Installed?
The professional installation of a single liner costs approximately $1,223 to $1,509. Let’s break down the costs on the lower side, shall we? A single bathtub liner costs $893 – give or take. Add this to the labor costs, which is approximately $306.
Your plumber may also need a couple of job supplies that add up to $24. Add it all up, and you end up parting with $1,223 for the entire installation project. The actual cost will depend on your preferred finish options, job conditions, and job size.
Why spend this much when you can easily accomplish this task on your own? Just ensure that you have everything you need on standby and follow the instructions to the letter. If you doubt your DIY skills, we recommend that you get in touch with a professional plumber.
Are Bathtub Liners Any Good?
If you’ve owned a bathtub before, you may have heard of something known as a bathtub liner. Liners are made from acrylic or PVC (Polyvinyl chloride). Liners are one of the many must-have bathroom items that you simply can’t do without.
Acrylic liners are mostly popular for their attractive outward form, while people like PVCs for their high durability. Whichever bathtub liner you settle for, you can rest assured that it will adequately serve its purpose. Are they any good? Yes, in so many ways.
For starters, liners enhance your bathtub’s reliability and durability. They have impressive features, including:
- High dimensional stability
- UV resistance
- Good molding characteristics
- High resistance to harsh bathroom chemicals
- Stiffness
- High impact resistance
- High scratch resistance
- And anti-microbial resistance
All these features make bathtub liners the perfect replacements for worn-out bathtubs. The installation process is pretty fast and hassle-free.
Can You Buy A Bathtub Liner?
Bathtub liners are standard bathroom accessories that you can purchase in both online and retail stores.
Click here to view this bathtub liner on Amazon.
The best part about these liners is how affordable they are. PVC tub liners can go for as low as $890 and as high as $1000. Mind you; these prices are non-inclusive of installation.
Bathtub liners are the best replacements you can get for a bathtub in poor condition. They can save you a lot if you’re thinking of sprucing up your bathroom.
Provided the measurement of your liner match your bathtub and you can perform the installation the right way, you don’t need to splurge on a full bathroom remodeling.
What Should I Look For In A Bathtub Liner?
First and foremost is the material. High-quality bathtub liners should be made exclusively from a gel coat. For extra reinforcement, they should also be coated with solid fiberglass materials.
Using such liners makes it relatively more manageable for you to install on your own without much stress or hustle. Also, most of these fit perfectly, eliminating the need to replace or make any alterations to your existing tub.
Quality liners have a soft, pliable, and non-slip surface that makes them accident-proof and super comfy.
The warranty of your preferred liner should have an extended usage period. Anywhere between one to three years is reasonable enough.
How Can I Make My Old Bathtub Look New Again?
Materials
- Bleach
- Double-sided caulk tool
- Silicone caulks
- Caulk gun
- Paper towels
Procedure
Step One
Scrape out the old caulk or stubborn stains using the sharp end of the double-sided caulk tool. Sweep away or vacuum the caulk remnants. At this point, it looks clean, but not yet.
Click here to view this double-sided caulk tool on Amazon.
Step Two
Mix up a 50-50 water/bleach solution in the spray bottle. Spray the seams to get rid of all the gross stuff – mildew, mold, etc. Let it sit for about fifteen minutes. Rinse it off later with clean water and allow it to dry overnight.
Step Three
The following day, use the caulk gun to spread the white caulk. Ensure you have a few paper towels nearby to wipe any excesses.
Click here to view this caulk gun on Amazon.
Step Four
Use a paper towel to squeeze the white caulk along the region between the bathtub and the shower walls. Using the end of the double-sided caulk tool smooth the caulk flat until all the brown shades are covered in white.
Click here to view this paper towel on Amazon.
Congratulations! You got your bathtub looking new again. You can keep it that way for the longest time by installing a quality bathtub liner. Cover it up, and you may never have to follow the procedure above ever again.
How Can I Clean and Maintain My Bathtub Liner?
Use liquid detergents such as Top Job, Ajax, or Mr. Clean to keep your tub liner fresh and clean every day. Periodically, you can use dishwashing detergent or gel gloss in place of the soaps mentioned above.
Click here to view Ajax on Amazon.
Use a cloth or sponge to scrub any soap stains or mineral deposits gently. Never use wire brushes, steel wool, or metal scrapers. Even if you don’t apply pressure while cleaning, these rough tools will damage your entire setup.
You can also enhance the luster and finish of your tub and liner by waxing using quality liquid wax.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to replace your worn-down bathtub, look no further than a bathtub liner. We hope you found this post helpful, and you’ve realized just how easy it is to install a bathtub liner. However, it won’t hurt to seek professional assistance if you doubt your plumbing skills.