Contents
Choosing an acrylic bathtub: what you need to know? Video
The modern plumbing market offers its customers a huge assortment of bathtubs for every taste. At the same time, acrylic baths are very popular. But in order not to buy a plastic fake instead of an acrylic bathtub, you need to be competent in choosing this piece of furniture and the accessories that come with it.
Choosing an acrylic bathtub
These baths are made of extruded or cast acrylic. Despite the fact that these materials have a similar chemical composition, cast acrylic is more durable than extruded acrylic. Also, the latter has a lower thermal conductivity.
Extruded acrylic bathtubs are best used where they will be used from time to time, for example, in the country. But if the chosen bathtub is planned to be used daily, it is better to purchase a model made of cast acrylic. Thus, before buying an acrylic bathtub, take an interest in the material from which this bathroom piece is made.
Examine the bath rim, feel it, this will allow you to determine the thickness of the material. As a rule, baths are made of acrylic sheet, the thickness of which can vary from 2 to 6 mm. Remember, the thicker the acrylic layer, the better. A flashlight will help to determine the thickness and quality of the material: attach this lighting element to the inside of the bath and shine, and then do the same outside. If the walls of the product transmit light, this indicates a low quality of the bath.
Also, don’t believe the compelling stories that a grooved bathtub prevents slipping. Everything is just the opposite: on a smooth surface, the feet literally stick to the bath, but on a bumpy one this does not happen. And besides, in most cases, the corrugated layer is an excellent disguise for the defect allowed in the production of an acrylic bathtub.
Buying certified products from a trusted retailer is more likely to avoid surprises
Make sure the color of the product is uniform. Any darkening or yellowing is a sign of problem areas. Tap the surface of the bathtub: a dull sound emitted indicates the high quality of acrylic, and also that during the production of the product there were no gross technological errors or defects.
Method of reinforcing an acrylic bathtub
To give rigidity and strength, all acrylic bathtubs must be reinforced. Before purchasing an acrylic bathtub, be sure to ask what method of reinforcement the manufacturers of the model offered to your attention used.
There are two ways to strengthen such baths. In the first case, a mixture consisting of fiberglass and polyester resin is used as a reinforcing layer. Baths strengthened in this way are not particularly durable, therefore their operational period is short. And besides, the styrene present in the reinforcing composition has a pungent chemical odor, which only intensifies when the bath is heated. Inhalation of styrene “scent” negatively affects human health.
The second method of reinforcing an acrylic bathtub is based on the use of a polyurethane composite. The product strengthened by this method is distinguished by a long service life, environmental friendliness and the absence of an unpleasant and dangerous chemical odor. Additional advantages of such baths also include: – low thermal conductivity, – high noise absorption, – smooth surface, – uniform color.
Acrylic allows you to create real masterpieces, so bathtubs from this material can be either standard corner, round or rectangular, or the most bizarre shape.
Also pleasing to the eye is the color variety of acrylic bathtubs, they can be of various shades. At the same time, no matter what color you choose, you can be sure, no matter how many years the bath will serve you, it will not change its color and will not become faded.
And besides, the acrylic bathtub weighs 18-25 kg, so you will not have any problems with its transportation, installation or replacement.
Frame-frame and panel-screen for acrylic bathtub
A frame frame is used to securely install the bathtub. It is a metal structure with supports at each corner of the bathtub and additional legs and crossbars. A high-quality frame-frame is developed separately for each model.
As for the screen panel, it is made of acrylic, and of the same series as the bathtub. Only in this case, this accessory will match the color of the bathroom, which means it will be in perfect harmony with it.
Acrylic bathroom care rules
The advantages of acrylic bathtubs include their unpretentiousness. Caring for such a product does not require special effort, money and time. It is enough to rinse the bathtub with warm water after each wash. And in order for it to retain its original shine longer, wash the bathtub with a sponge and liquid detergent.
Never use abrasive products to wash the bath.
Features of an acrylic bathtub
If scratches occur on the surface, the bath can be refurbished by yourself. To do this, sand the problem area, and then rub it with a liquid polishing mixture and let it dry.