My Experience with Liquid Marble Bathtub Restoration: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

I recently embarked on a renovation project in my apartment, trying to do it on a shoestring budget. Luckily, the bathroom tile was still in decent shape, but the cast-iron bathtub was a different story. It looked rough, to be honest, with a dull enamel coating that required frequent washing.

Before the renovationBathtub before renovationReplacing the bathtub was a daunting and expensive task, and I was worried about damaging the surrounding tile. After weighing the pros and cons, I decided to restore the bathtub using liquid acrylic. However, I was offered a choice between that and liquid marble, with prices ranging from 5000 to 7000 rubles.

Liquid, or liquid marble, is a new material that contains marble powder or quartz sand, as well as polyether or acrylic resin.

I opted for the liquid marble restoration, which I was assured was more durable than liquid acrylic, but required careful handling. The technician arrived with a contract outlining the price, warranty obligations, and conditions for providing warranty repairs.

Contract for bathtub restorationThe technician brought a bucket labeled: 'Liquid marble with microcalcite'. The label on the lid provided detailed information about the material and the application process.

Liquid Marble EUROVANNALabel on the lidInformation from EUROVANNA manufacturer Produced by LLC 'Progress' in St. Petersburg under a Finnish license.Stages of bathtub restorationPropertiesRecommendations for use.The coating consists of two components - liquid marble and hardener, which are carefully mixed before application. The ready-to-use mixture is left to stand for about 10 minutes.

The key to a successful renovation is following the technology and the correct order of operations. I made sure to control this process as much as possible. The master was courteous, answered all my questions, and worked according to the technology.

Stages of bathtub restoration

I removed everything from the bathroom, which had two main reasons: first, to avoid getting dust everywhere when stripping the old coating, and second, to prevent accidents when handling the still-wet acrylic (marmor) layer.I wrapped the faucets and mixers in strong plastic bags, securing them with duct tape.I covered the floor with newspapers or plastic sheeting.I used a grinder on low speed or sandpaper to remove the old enamel from the bathtub.I applied baking soda or Pemoulex to the entire surface of the bathtub.I rinsed everything with water.I dried the bathtub with a towel and used a hairdryer to speed up the process.I applied a degreaser.I removed the drain and the surrounding piping.I placed a plastic cup under the drain outlet.I poured the prepared liquid marmor into the bathtub, starting from the edges and working my way around the perimeter. I used a rubber spatula to smooth it out.I let it sit for 24 hours.I removed the cup from underneath, used sandpaper to even out the edges of the drain if there were any uneven spots, and reinstalled the siphon.Completion of workThe bathtub was dry within a day, and I barely noticed any unpleasant odors during that time.

In the accompanying contract, I received a care guide for the acrylic-coated bathtub. Although liquid marmor is stronger than acrylic, it's recommended to follow the same rules for maintenance.

Care guideI also received a sheet showing what can and cannot be used to clean the bathtub.

Bathtub cleaning productsThe main rule is to avoid using stiff brushes and powdered, as well as chlorine-based cleaning products.Results after a year and a half

I've had my renovated bathtub for about a year and a half now, and I'm still pretty happy with the results. The finish is smooth and even, with no cracks or bubbles. It holds heat well, too, and the water takes longer to cool down.

Next to my new tub, my old sink looked pretty dated, so I went ahead and bought a new sink with a vanity. But now my tub looks a little dull compared to the sink.

My renovated tubI use a universal liquid cleanser from FixPrice to clean my tub, and I wash it with a soft sponge. I'd love to get it sparkling white, but I'm afraid to experiment. I'd love to hear from anyone who's got tips on how to get it clean - I've even been told I can use dish soap!

I try to be gentle with it, but lately I've noticed some fine lines on the bottom of the tub that aren't really scratches. They're only visible up close, and they don't feel rough to the touch. I'm guessing it might be due to the bath salts, even though I dissolve them in a separate container first. Sometimes there are still tiny particles left behind. I'll keep an eye on it and update this review if anything changes.

I also found a cleaner specifically designed for acrylic tubs that does a better job of whitening the finish and getting rid of mineral deposits.

My takeaway:

If you're installing a new tub, I'd recommend going with cast iron. And if you're looking to renovate an existing cast iron tub, I'd say go with a liquid marble finish.

My tub after a year and a half with the liquid marble finishI'm adding this update on November 10, 2024.

It's been almost 3.5 years since I restored this bathroom, and I'd be lying if I said nothing's changed. There are some minor signs of wear and tear, but my phone's camera can't even pick them up.

I wouldn't call this bathroom pristine, but it's never been a pure white either.

When I use blue-colored soap, it looks blue for a little while, but that fades quickly.

So, here's how my liquid marble-covered bathtub looks after 3.5 years:

My bathtub after 3.5 yearsI made sure to include a timestamp on the photo.

It's worth noting that I live alone, use the bathroom every day, and follow all recommended maintenance instructions.

I never leave colored soap on the surface.I only use soap for 10 minutes or less.When I color my hair, I rinse it off in the sink, not the bathtub.I only use recommended cleaners for acrylic bathtubs or dish soap for cleaning.Many people wonder how to save on renovations. Modern materials make it possible. I've shared my experience with renovating my kitchen with MDF panels. Check it out and see how it turned out.

I've added another review on budget-friendly renovations:

How to renovate bathroom walls with tile in two evenings. Take a look at the result.

And finally, one more update to this review: due to personal circumstances, I've moved to a different city, so I won't be able to assess the condition of the bathtub's coating anymore. However, I can share my experience with choosing a bathtub for my new apartment. Read why I ultimately chose not to go with a cast-iron bathtub.