The appearance of acrylic bathtubs on the construction market has become a boom in this industry. Today, a huge number of models and manufacturers have appeared, but when buying a bathtub, almost no one is interested in how acrylic bathtubs are produced, but the quality and durability of the product directly depends on the choice of manufacturing material.
In this article we will tell you what acrylic bathtubs are, look at production technology and tell you how to make the right choice.
Cast iron
A classic cast iron bathtub is the heaviest and most durable. A cast iron bathtub weighs from 100 kg and can last more than 30 years. At the factory, a cast iron bathtub is coated with enamel in several layers so that the first layer of enamel adheres well to the metal. But the presence of layers of enamel does not save it from chipping when heavy objects fall. The last (top) layer of enamel is smooth and shiny. To avoid falls in the bathtub due to its slippery bottom, you can use a special coating. The water in a cast iron bath does not make noise and takes a long time to cool down. Cast iron takes a long time to heat up, but does not conduct heat. The water cools to room temperature within an hour and a half. The complex casting process of cast iron offers bathtubs of simple designs and shapes. Bathtubs made from other materials may cost less and have a more interesting shape, but a cast iron bathtub will last the longest.
And if to order?
The result should be spectacular in any case. Of course, a professional specialist will differ from original craftsmen in that before cleaning, he will carefully examine the surface for the necessary cleaning agents. He can carry out the cleaning itself in different and different ways from those indicated. It will take much more time than it would take to do it yourself.
custom restoration
It is even possible that the technician will need to change the plumbing. To do this, he can unscrew the top and bottom of the water drain. With a professional movement, he will begin to water the old surface with a product specially designed for household bathtubs - this is usually done from the top sides and down the wall. The help of a professional will help you get a self-filling 3D bathtub with the effect of a fashionable three-dimensional pattern.
Here they will make sure that the layer thickness is at least 6 mm. The residue must drain into the already unscrewed bottom drain - for this, place a special container under the bathtub.
It is noteworthy that you can choose any color. Liquid acrylic will harden in 1 to 4 days. A specialist will definitely come to tighten the drains. The hardened coating will be resistant to abrasive factors and detergents. They promise that this effect will last up to 15 years.
Steel
The stainless steel bathtub is coated with enamel at high temperatures, so the enamel does not peel off. If the bathtub is covered with quartz enamel, then the bathtub is not in danger of scratches. Under excessive load, a steel bathtub can become deformed and the enamel can crack. The wall thickness of the durable steel bath is 3 mm. Steel bathtub is popular in the market due to its low cost and light weight. Although, it is the lightness of the steel bath that is the main reason for its disadvantages. The water in the steel bathtub fills too noisily and cools too quickly. To eliminate noise, the outer side of the bathtub is covered with penofol, sheet rubber or rubber. Also, as a sound insulator, a layer of polyurethane foam can be applied to the outside of the walls and bottom of a steel bathtub. The weight of a good steel bath varies from 30 to 50 kg. Steel is malleable, which is why there are many different models and shapes of steel bathtubs on the market.
Photo
Thanks to the presented photo gallery, you can get acquainted with other subtleties of making a filling bath:
Acrylic
Acrylic bathtubs appeared in the 90s and filled the market with a wide variety of shapes and models. Acrylic is as light as steel, but the water in an acrylic bath takes much longer to cool down. An acrylic bathtub weighs from 15 to 35 kg. Acrylic bathtubs come in “cheap” and “expensive” varieties. The quality of the bathtub depends on the quality of the acrylic and the number of layers of reinforcement. Acrylic bathtubs not only come in a variety of shapes and models, but also in all colors. Acrylic cools slowly and deforms at high temperatures. Deteriorates from powerful chemicals. Use non-powder products and products without any solvents. Acrylic is not slippery, but is susceptible to scratches. Shallow scratches can be removed with sandpaper. With proper care, an acrylic bathtub can last 12 years or more.
The most famous misconceptions about plastic bathtubs
People have formed many different prejudices and incorrect statements regarding plastic bathtubs, and no one needs to dissuade them of this. Why is this necessary, because everyone likes everything. But even if someone is dissatisfied, they will never guess that if you don’t know the matter, you can purchase plastic products under the guise of an acrylic container. We should not forget that a plastic container is not bad, but when purchasing it, a person overpays. But we should deal with all the formed myths, the main part of which we will debunk:
- A plastic bathtub is a fragile material and breaks easily. Before agreeing with this statement, you should look at things realistically and study all the parameters of the plastics used in the production of such containers. The main raw materials for such baths are fiberglass, polyethylene, polypropylene and polycarbonate. Polypropylene and polycarbonate belong to the group of thermoplastics, the impact strength of which is 250-500 kJ/m2. This, of course, is a lot; even in the smallest values, damage to the plastic can only be done with a powerful targeted blow with a hammer. In principle, the performance of all types of plastics is very high, so the characteristics of the container depend on the thickness of the raw materials used. Also, to enhance the strength of the plastic, manufacturers use fiberglass reinforcement.
- With polyethylene the situation is somewhat better. Have you ever managed to break a plastic bag? Undoubtedly, this will not be possible due to its softness and flexibility. And now we need to imagine the same material, but its thickness will be greater (4-5 mm), so it will also not be damaged by strong impacts. With its flexibility, the issue can be resolved, since the method of “cross-linking polyethylene” is used for this. Cross-links are added to the structure of the molecules of this material and after this its flexibility decreases. After this, the finished container is processed using fiberglass reinforcement.
- The most durable and resistant material among various polymers for making containers is fiberglass. Its physical parameters are very similar to those of steel. The binding component in this material is polycarbonate with polyethylene. Therefore, plastic containers cannot be classified as fragile products and are very difficult to break.
- Plastic structures can only be used for household needs or for washing children. This prejudice arose from the fact that many consumers encounter technical and children's bathtubs, which are varieties of plastic models. But plastic baths have the same parameters and shapes as containers made from other raw materials. This group of sanitary products includes corner and straight models. In addition, shower trays and combined products are produced from innovative materials.
- Repair work cannot be carried out on plastic structures. Here I would like to ask another question - is it possible to repair an acrylic bathtub? Do you also want to throw away an expensive acrylic container if minor damage is detected? All visible errors can be restored without even leaving any traces, since repair kits for plastic containers can be found in any construction company. In addition, the restoration of such bathtubs can be done independently using simple methods. It is important to properly prepare the damaged area and fill it with a 2-component solution, after drying the surface should be sanded.
- The fragility of bathtubs made of plastic, as the color of the polymers gradually changes , they lose their original shine. Such a statement is possible, but you should remember that the plastic bathtubs, photos of which are presented on the site, have a natural acrylic coating. During long-term use, the layer will not fade or fade, since it is enamel for polymer baths.
- The last incorrect statement is that installation work for plastic structures is complex and contains many parts designed to correct their significant shortcomings (instability to mechanical damage and fragility). Refuting this statement, I would like to look at the person who came up with it. The issue of installing a plastic bathtub is solved using the same method as for an acrylic container. For this, the same metal frame and the same fasteners on the wall are used. With the required reinforcement of the bottom of the bath, a brick pillow is installed, which is especially necessary for people with heavy weight.
Plastic baths
Quarilovaya
Compared to others, an expensive bathtub made of a mixture of acrylic and quartz is resistant to mechanical stress. Thanks to modern manufacturing materials: in such a bath the water cools down for a long time; many models are installed without a power frame; there are non-standard bathtub models; In terms of service life, quarryl bathtubs are not inferior to acrylic ones. But a quarryl bathtub is also sensitive to too high a temperature, like an acrylic one. The main disadvantages of a quaril bath are its high cost and heavy weight. It weighs a little lighter than a cast iron bathtub.
Preparing plumbing for restoration
The first step is to make thorough preparation. It is from this stage that the final result will depend. To do this, remove the old layer of enamel from the surface of the bathtub. To complete this job you will need:
- abrasive cleaners;
- devices for grinding (usually a grinder or drill with an emery attachment is used);
- potent agents for removing plaque and greasy stains;
- two-component composition for restoration;
- rubber spatula or soft brush.
First of all, clean the plumbing fixtures from existing plaque and rusty stains. Next, sand the entire surface. As a result of these actions, the product should become matte. Now use an abrasive cleaner.
Between each stage of work it is necessary to rinse the bath with water. After all the preparatory work, the bath should be completely dry. For high-quality setting of liquid acrylic, the surface is degreased.
Fiberglass
A modern approach to creating lightweight and durable bathtubs. Fiberglass bathtubs are silent and non-slippery. They heat up quickly and the water remains warm for a long time. Therefore, fiberglass hot tubs and hot tubs are in great demand in the market. Fiberglass is not inferior in strength to steel and weighs several times lighter. Due to the complex creation process, fiberglass bathtubs are more expensive than previous ones. Thanks to the top protective layer of gelcoat, fiberglass bathtubs are not afraid of high temperatures, scratches and chemicals. The service life of a fiberglass bathtub is 15 years. Rescue boats, yachts, swimming pools, etc. are also made from fiberglass.
Ceramic
Ceramic baths are metal-ceramic and earthenware. Making such a large object from ceramics and firing it in such dimensions requires large costs for the production of ceramic baths. Therefore, a faience bathtub is one of the most expensive types of bathtubs. It is made from the highest grade of white clay. A ceramic-metal bathtub costs much less than a faience bathtub because it consists of a metal frame and a smaller amount of expensive white clay. Ceramic baths are fired and coated with a layer of acrylic glaze to prevent air and steam from being absorbed into the clay. Thanks to glazing, ceramic baths have a perfect glossy and smooth surface. Water in a ceramic bath is drawn without noise and cools down for a long time. Due to the complex creation process, ceramic bathtubs are made in classic oval shapes. Clay baths come in white, blue, milky and turquoise colors. The disadvantages of ceramic baths include their high cost, heavy weight and instability to cracks and chips. With careful use, ceramic bathtubs can last no less than other types of bathtubs.
Marble
Luxurious bathtubs made of natural marble are expensive, but their appearance completely justifies their cost. Beautiful bathtubs are also made from artificial (cast) marble, the cost of which is similar to the price of acrylic or cast iron. Bathtubs made of natural and artificial marble are silent and resistant to different temperatures. Marble retains the heat of water well. Oddly enough, bathtubs made of cast marble have an advantage over bathtubs made of natural marble. Natural marble bathtubs are made by carving a solid stone, which results in cracks and scratches in the surface of the marble. A bathtub made of artificial marble is made by casting a homogeneous material, which results in a bathtub without scratches or cracks. Cast marble bathtubs are coated with gelcoat to protect surfaces from dirt, damage and high temperatures. Bathtubs made of natural light marble become stained or yellow over time due to water or cosmetics and household products. Also, marble baths require constant care and restoration in places where chips and cracks form. A marble bathtub is usually made to order, and its shape depends entirely on your imagination and financial capabilities. When buying a bathtub, do not forget to pay attention to its dimensions and volume: length, width, height. Choose the most comfortable option for you, which can also fit comfortably in your bathroom. And if you need the help of a plumber, then find him for free in the Ustabor.uz catalog of masters.
