A client has a tub surround made of Swanstone, a Corian knock-off. Along the tub flange, in 2.5′ sections is a 2″ wide strip of this stuff, I guess to help prevent leaks between tub and surround. Problem is, one end of one of the strips has lifted from the surround, revealing a rough and irregular adhesive which appears to me to be indestructable. She would like the section replaced.
I can make a replacement from a piece of white Corian. My question is, how do I clean up the adhesive that is stuck to the surround? I’m afraid any type of aggressive mechanical device will scratch the surrounding areas, causing more repairs to be made.
Anybody ever run into something similar?
Ideas?
Thanks.
Replies
How 'bout a hand plane? The usual block plane is narrower than the Swanstone you're removing. Put a strip of formica or something like that on the tub flange for the side of the plane to ride on. The plane can probably knock the lumpy adhesive down pretty close to flat, and you can control how high up the wall it goes so that you don't mark up the Swanstone that will remain visible.
And if you don't like that idea, how 'bout a simple sanding block --- y'know, gluing sandpaper to a block of wood and running it back and forth by hand. Again, put a shield on the tub. Make the width of the block the same as the strip you're removing. You should be able to get down to a flat gluable surface pretty quickly.
Edited 7/14/2003 10:53:58 PM ET by JAMIE_BUXTON
Good ideas. I get fixated on power tools sometimes, and overlook the more simple methods. Although the piece dies into a corner, the block plane would get most, and a chisel clean up the rest. And I have several beater planes to waste.
Thanks.
I never met a tool I didn't like!