Our best overall pick, the HomeTinker Tub & Shower Repair Kit, can be used on several tubs and shower types, comes in three color series to match with dozens of shades and is non-toxic and odor-free. Here are the best tub repair kits. For a tub repair that is effective and spot-on in terms of color matching, consider this popular tub repair kit from HomeTinker. Their Tub & Shower Repair Kit can be used on a wide variety of tub types, including acrylic, fiberglass, ceramic, porcelain, enameled steel or cast iron, and gel-coated. While many tub repair kits are available in standard color selections like white, bone, or almond, the reality is that tubs come in a wide range of shades, and these colors aren’t always a perfect—or even close—match. If you’re afraid of your tub touch-up sticking out like a sore thumb, then this refinishing kit, which allows you to mix your own custom color product, is a great match. A stark white base formula can be tinted using one of two different dyes to match tubs that range from black to milky white. While it may sound daunting, the Home Tinker Tub & Shower Kit is a great DIY tub repair kit. It also stands out for its odorless formula. Price at time of publish: $30 Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile Refinishing 2-Part Kit covers up to 110 square feet and can also be used for sinks and tile surrounds. It’s worth noting that once you mix the included jars of the product together, it should be used within six hours. Since two coats are recommended and you can re-apply after an hour or two of dry time, you should be able to easily complete this process within the timeframe. The key to success is to do proper prep work on your tub and follow the directions. Price at time of publish: $42 The formula is available in white or bone color options, though it may not be an exact match for your tub. Even still, this fiberglass tub repair kit provides a smooth finish and an easy way to mask imperfections and extend the life of your tub. Price at time of publish: $17 The chip filler compound and its cream hardener work together to cover up to a dozen chips, and it hardens within minutes—though full curing time will vary. Following the manufacturer’s directions, use the topcoat paint to cover the repaired spot. It dries to a glossy finish, making this tub repair kit a good pick for porcelain tubs—although it can be used on fiberglass or ceramic materials as well. Price at time of publish: $39 Each kit includes a PVC inlay that measures 16 x 36 inches, along with the adhesive, sandpaper, and other accessories you’ll need to complete your tub repair. You can use this tub repair kit with practically all types of common tub materials, including porcelain, fiberglass, enameled steel, and acrylic. Price at time of publish: $96 This epoxy acrylic formula dries on the surface in just 15 minutes, which is among the shortest drying times of tub repair kits. However, it still requires three days of curing time before being exposed to water. Keep in mind that each can only cover about 15 square feet. It’s ideal for limited areas of touch-up or small fixtures (like a sink), but for larger applications, you’ll need multiple cans—up to seven cans to cover an entire bathtub. Price at time of publish: $23 The two-part formula requires mixing before application and becomes thick quickly. Once cured, it offers water resistance and durability—even for wet environments. No color options are available, but you can add acrylic paint to blend the repair. Price at time of publish: $17 It cures quickly when compared to some other tub repair kits on the market; 18 to 24 hours is the recommended cure time, depending on the air temperature. This product is an affordable but effective way to correct flaws in the surface of your tub, sink, or tile, but keep in mind that it’s only available in a bright, white formula that matches glossy porcelain tubs or tiles best. Price at time of publish: $20 Cast-iron tubs are probably the easiest to spot because a magnet can be used to identify whether the tub is made of metal or not. Porcelain over metal tubs will also attract the magnet, but porcelain tends to chip more than the enamel covering a cast-iron tub. Porcelain bathtubs consist of a steel tub covered in a thick coating of porcelain. Due to this design, many people refer to these tubs as porcelain over metal bathtubs. Fiberglass bathtubs are great if chips are a concern because fiberglass is chip-resistant. However, this non-metallic material will still crack and fade over time, requiring repairs. Acrylic tubs look and feel similar to fiberglass, with a flexible shell that gives when the sides of the tub are pressed in, unlike a rigid, cast-iron tub. Acrylic is easy to repair, but it’s also susceptible to fading and cracking.
Coverage
Not every bathtub is the same size or requires the same amount of product to repair the tub and give it that like-new appearance. This means that it’s necessary for you to pay attention to the coverage that the product requires in order to ensure that there aren’t any spots that are too thin, showing the old tub finish underneath. Typically, a bathtub repair kit will provide enough epoxy or enamel refinishing product to apply two coats to the average bathtub. However, if the tub has been significantly damaged or experienced a high level of wear over the years, it may require three coats to renew its appearance. Inspect your tub beforehand and determine how much epoxy or enamel you will need to make the repairs.
Application
The application method is another factor that needs to be taken into consideration. Most bathtub repair kits include an epoxy or enamel product that can be applied with a paintbrush or roller. This allows the user to quickly and effectively apply the refinishing product as easily as if they were painting. You can also find bathtub repair kits that have a spray-on refinishing product that is even easier to use than a paintbrush and roller. Just make sure to tape off or otherwise cover the areas of the bathroom that you don’t want to be coated in refinisher, including the floor and walls.
Drying and Curing
Each bathtub repair kit will have individual instructions indicating how long it will take for the treatment to dry. When the surface is dry, it can be lightly touched or brushed up against without damaging the epoxy or enamel. However, it is not durable enough for someone to take a bath or shower. Refer to the product instructions to find out how long until the repair fully cures. On average, it will take about 2 to 4 hours for the epoxy to dry, though some spray-on products may only take 20 minutes. Most bathtub repair treatments can then take up to 48 hours for the treatment to fully cure. Do not use the bathtub during this time to avoid damaging the repair.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Researching the latest products and trends to make the most of your home, Erica Puisis has been writing for The Spruce since 2017. A regular wanderer at big box home improvement stores and an official helper to her handyman husband, Erica is no stranger to DIY projects and enjoys researching and recommending the right products to help you get the job done. Additional reporting and research for this article was done by Timothy Dale, a long-time home improvement expert specializing in plumbing, construction, and product recommendations, among other topics.
