The more you use your bath the more it's going to show signs of wear and tear. Scuff marks and surface scratches are all part of using a bath. But if you learn how to remove scratches from a bathtub you can help stop the signs of wear and tear and keep it looking like new.
Look after your bathtub properly and it can still be part of any smart new bathroom remodel ideas you might have in mind. But how you look after your bathtub will depend on what type of bath you have. Here the experts reveal the methods and cleaning solutions you need to know to help get rid of those scratches.
Georgina Shepherd
Georgina is a home cleaning expert at Housekeep. She's interviewed thousands of the UK’s best cleaners and tradespeople, along the way learning the top tricks of the trade.
How to buff out scratches from your bathtub
Scratches in a bathtub can be removed with a little elbow grease, but how you do it will depend on what type of bath you have i.e. acrylic, porcelain etc. However, before you start the process Georgina Shepherd, home cleaning expert at Housekeep recommends that you clean before you start, “Before you start buffing, it’s important to clean the area thoroughly.”
She adds, “Sometimes, scratches look worse than they actually are because of built-up dirt or residue. Cleaning first also ensures you’re not rubbing any grime deeper into the surface.”
Once you’ve cleaned the bath out you can think about buffing out any scratches, but different bath surfaces need a different approach as Shepherd lists out below.
Acrylic baths
Acrylic baths are a common and popular option due to their lightweight nature and affordability. They are typically easy to maintain, but when you need to buff scratches Shepherd says, “Use fine-grit sandpaper, but make sure it’s damp – dry sandpaper can cause more damage.”
She adds, “Gently buff the area in small circular motions. Once the scratch is smoothed out, apply a few drops of acrylic polish with a soft cloth and buff again.”
Fibreglass bathtubs
Fibreglass bathtubs are similar to acrylic baths – especially in appearance – but can need different methods to get rid of scratches as Shepherd explains, “Fiberglass tubs have a protective gel coat on the surface, which can be buffed to remove scratches.”
To get rid of minor scratches Shepherd says, “You’ll want to use a polishing compound that’s safe for fibreglass and buff the area with a polishing cloth.”
However, if you have deeper scratches it's sandpaper that you’ll need, says Shepherd. “For deeper or more stubborn scratches, you can buff them with damp fine-grit sandpaper instead.”
If neither of these methods are getting rid of the scratches Shepherds, says, “If the scratches are really tough, a fibreglass repair kit is probably your best bet.” She adds, “These kits usually come with a filler compound, a seal coat, and rubbing wax. Stick to the instructions on the box for the best results.”
Porcelain baths
Porcelain bathtubs are not as common as acrylic and are more expensive, so buffing out scratches can save a costly replacement. To get your bath back to its best Shepherd says, “ Use a porcelain safe polish and a polishing cloth to gently buff over the scratches.”
She adds, “You can even use a non-gel toothpaste to buff out shallow scratches in porcelain if you’re in a pinch.” Both these options will deal with surface scratches.
For deeper scratches, Shepherd says, “You can use a super-fine grit sandpaper – 600 grit is good – but make sure it's damp.” She adds, “Alternatively, use a damp fine pumice stone.”
Try these to remove scratches from a bathtub
Lotfancy 320 Grit Sandpaper
Dampen this super fine 300 grit sandpaper and scratches will slowly disappear. Forty-five pieces mean you have more than enough to get your bath scratch-free.
Tile and Tub Repair Kit
This kit offers a waterproof and heat resistant formula for most types of bathtub, along with the tools and equipment needed to apply and finish.
Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser & Polish
A recommended all-round cleaner that works well in bathrooms. A non-abrasive powder that you sprinkle on and wipe away with a clean cloth.
Thomas Oldham
Thomas Oldham has spent the past four years using his expertise of working in the engineering and construction industry for over a decade to develop the UK Construction Blog - a leading online platform dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses in the construction industry.
What to use to remove scratches
To get rid of scratches on a bathtub you typically need the assistance of a specialist cleaner or tool to get rid of them. Fine grade wet and dry sandpaper - around 300-600 grit is a good choice for certain bathtub types.
But a cleaner is a good choice for minor scratches, Thomas Oldham, Co-founder of UK Construction Blog shares a few suggestions, “For minor scratches, a paste made from baking soda or non-gel white toothpaste can work wonders. These are gentle abrasives and surprisingly effective.”
Alternatively, you can choose a specialist cleaner, shares Oldham, “Bar Keeper's Friend (available from Amazon) is another solid choice for light blemishes, while car polishing compounds are great for acrylic tubs.”
Some options may seem like a good choice, but won’t alway do a good job. If you do choose a specialist cleaner, make sure it's suitable for your bathtub type. Oldham recommends that you avoid some of the following, “Steel wool and metal scrubbers can scratch even more and make the problem worse.”
He adds, “Abrasive cleaners like Comet, bleach-based products, or car polish can do more harm than good. Power tools and acidic cleaners can cause irreversible damage, so it's best to steer clear of those."
Can you repaint/reglaze a bathtub?
If you’ve tried removing the scratches on your bathtub with little success then it could be time to try something else as Oldham shares, “If the scratches are still bothering you, repainting or reglazing could be an option, especially if the bathtub itself is in good shape.”
He adds, “Reglazing involves stripping the old finish, making repairs, and applying a fresh coat. It’s a great solution for tubs with a lot of surface scratches but no serious structural issues.” But if this isn’t going to work for you he says, “Replacing the tub might be the next step – if it fits within your budget.”
Removing scratches from a bathtub is a cost effective way to save money on a family bathroom design,or any other type of bathroom. But, if you can’t get rid of the scratches you need to be looking at a replacement. Check out our cheap bathroom suites and bathroom cost guide if you decide to go one step further.
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Steve Jenkins is a freelance content creator with over two decades of experience working in digital and print and was previously the DIY content editor for Homebuilding & Renovating.
He is a keen DIYer with over 20 years of experience in transforming and renovating the many homes he has lived in. He specialises in painting and decorating, but has a wide range of skills gleaned from working in the building trade for around 10 years and spending time at night school learning how to plaster and plumb.
He has fitted kitchens, tiled bathrooms and kitchens, laid many floors, built partition walls, plastered walls, plumbed in bathrooms, worked on loft conversions and much more. And when he's not sure how to tackle a DIY project he has a wide network of friends – including plumbers, gas engineers, tilers, carpenters, painters and decorators, electricians and builders – in the trade to call upon.
