Fibreglass (GRP — glass reinforced plastic) baths were common in UK homes from the 1970s through to the 1990s, and many are still in use today. Older GRP baths can suffer from crazing (a network of fine surface cracks), single chips, or more significant cracks. Whether they can be repaired depends on the extent and nature of the damage.
What Is a Fibreglass Bath?
A GRP bath consists of a fibreglass composite structure with a gel coat — a smooth resin finish layer — applied to the surface. The gel coat provides the colour (usually white or off-white) and the smooth, glossy appearance. Over time, the gel coat can degrade through UV exposure, chemical attack from cleaning products, and the general stresses of daily use.
Common Problems with GRP Baths
- Crazing — a network of fine cracks across the gel coat surface, typically age-related. Usually cosmetic but the cracks can trap dirt.
- Single chips — where a piece of gel coat is missing, exposing the fibreglass beneath (which is typically grey or yellow).
- Through-cracks — cracks penetrating the full thickness of the bath; more serious and require structural repair.
- Yellowing and discolouration — UV and chemical degradation causing the white surface to yellow over time.
- Soft or flex areas — where the fibreglass substrate has degraded and the bath flexes when stood in. Usually means inadequate support underneath.
What Can Be Repaired on a GRP Bath?
Chips and small cracks — yes. Gel coat repair uses a colour-matched filler to rebuild the damaged area and restore a smooth finish. Professional results are very good on white or off-white gel coat.
Crazing — full resurfacing of the entire bath is the appropriate treatment for widespread crazing, covering the crazed gel coat with a fresh finish.
Through-cracks — structural repair is possible but complex; the crack must be repaired from the underside as well as the surface. Only worthwhile if the bath is otherwise in good condition.
Yellowing — a full resurface can restore a yellowed GRP bath to white, typically lasting 10+ years with proper care.
Shazam Repairs carries out fibreglass bath chip repair and resurfacing across the UK. Get a free photo quote →
