Acrylic Vs Fiberglass Tub: Which Is The Better Tub Material?

Acrylic Vs Fiberglass Tub

Last updated on January 9th, 2022 at 01:51 pm

Want to buy a new lightweight, money-worthy, and long-lasting bathtub, but don’t know which bathtub material is the best? In this frustrating situation, a debate between Acrylic vs fiberglass tub will be the right way to choose the preferable one. While both the bathtub material is inexpensive and shine, they have lots of differences as well.

In this guide, we will compare them in plenty of categories and provide a lot of information related to the topic so you can ensure a pleasant and relaxing tub within budget.

Contents

What Is An Acrylic Tub?

Acrylic tubs are decorated sheets of plastic that are consisting of layers of fiberglass. These are highly durable, lightweight, and made through a solid process, making these slightly expensive. It’s a common material use to form headrests, seats, whirlpool jets, and tubs. Allows to install easily, Acrylic bathtubs endure up to 30 years.

Acrylic Tub

How To Make An Acrylic Tub?

Acrylic tubs are made through several steps.

  • Firstly, it needs to heat a solid sheet of Acrylic until it’s pliable. Then it had to stretch over a mold.
  • After curing the plastic material, the shape of the tube had to pull out of the mold.
  • With the first type of acrylic tubs, extra layers of fiberglass had to be sprayed to increase durability, and it must be sealed to ensure shine and protection.
  • The other type of acrylic tub, backing with composite its needs to strengthen and weighty.

What Is A Fiberglass Tub?

Fiberglass reinforced plastic is consisting of tiny strings of interwoven glass. Then it is molded, shaped, and sprayed using a resin gel coat. After considering the price, it’s a budget-friendly material used in tubs and allows for installation the easiest way. Besides, it’s a lightweight material frequently used in two-story homes since it doesn’t need extra support to install. Fiberglass tub can endure up to 15 years.

Fiberglass Tub

How To Make A Fiberglass Tub?

Fiberglass tubs are manufactured using the same material applied for cars and boats. It was squirting a polyester resin over a cast and reinforced with fiberglass fibers, its need to make a Fiberglass tub. One can coat it with either Acrylic or gel to add shine and finish. The tub’s color had to add in the final step.

Difference Between Fiberglass And Acrylic Tubs

Both the materials are different in several following categories:

Weight:

Fiberglass is more lightweight between these two materials, making it easier to install under several conditions. If one had to install a tub upstairs, fiberglass tubs would be ideal since it is easier to transport and put into position.

Conversely, acrylic tubs are made of a thicker layer of materials, making them weighty than fiberglass. However, these are lighter than cast iron but need more care while installing comparing fiberglass units.

Durability:

Usually, fiberglass is thinner and more breakable, resulting in more cracking and chipping than acrylic. Acrylic comes in thicker and more robust, which is less prone to cracking. While acrylic tubs can endure up to 30 years, fiberglass can last about 15 years.

Easy to Repair:

However, fiberglass is more prone to cracking, but it allows it to do so easier when repairing. Minor fiberglass issues can be fixed following some easy steps, including sanding, mixing, and curing. However, dealing with significant scratches is a tougher job since one should pay more attention to match the color of the topcoat.

The process of repairing Acrylic is more complicated, as its cracks may go deeper and cause leaks.

Ease of Cleaning:

Fiberglass tubs shine through a gel coat resin that is softer and thinner than acrylic tub finishes. The more delicate nature of fiberglass tubs makes them more vulnerable to scratching, and their shines isn’t long-lasting. So, it is better to use non-harsh cleaners and keep away from anything that can cause the shiny top layer.

The acrylic tubs are constructed with thicker materials, so they are less tending to abrasion, and their glossy finish lasts long. However, one should use a gentler cleaner and less abrasive to maintain a naturally shiny finish.

Price:

However, both the tubs are available at affordable cost, but acrylic tubs cost more than fiberglass. However, the longevity, easier maintenance, and repairing opportunities make the acrylic tubs buying worthy.

The Similarity Between Fiberglass Vs Acrylic Tub

While comparing acrylic bathtub vs fiberglass, we have found the differences and some similarities as well.

Shine:

Both the material comes in sealed and covered with plastic products, making them shiny and beautiful.

Affordable:

Comparing metallic and stone material, fiberglass and Acrylic are quite budget-friendly options.

Choices:

To offer a satisfying color, shape, and size, both the manufacturer maintains good quality and invest a lot of money.

Easy Cleaning Process Of Tubs

Considering the usage of your tub, you should follow these cleaning instructions once a week to ensure a shine and long-lasting tub.

Remove bathtub clutter:

Bottles and containers can make it tougher to clean the bathtub. So, keep the must-needed product in the bathtub ledge and store other items in a showerhead rack.

Create your bathtub cleaner:

Use something homemade rather than buying expensive bathtub cleaners. Mix white vinegar and dish soap equally and add some essential oil like lavender or tea tree to cover the vinegar smells.

Spray and scrub:

Spray the mixture on the whole bathtub, including the bottom and side. You can apply a wet cloth to wipe away residue. Wait for 15-20 minutes before cleaning if there are tough bathtub stains. Plus, filling the tub with inches of warm water while cleaning; will save some time.

Rinse the bathtub clean:

Carefully rinse the tub with clean water to wash away the remaining cleaning solution. Now wipe the tub with a rag or a towel to boost the shine. It also helps maintain a clean and residue-free bathtub.

Related Post: How to clean bathtub with bleach?

Which Is The Better Tub?

This comparison guide between fiberglass vs acrylic tub has some advantages over the other tubs and some downsides. So, it relies on the user’s requirements and preferences. Whatever we will choose, can maintain properly, both will give years of service.

FAQs:

1. Are Acrylic bathtubs good?

Acrylic is an overall good choice for a bathtub; however, it may lack a high-end appeal for some individuals. After considering the durability, it will be the best option to go there.

2. Do acrylic tubs turn yellow?

Acrylic tubs are made by heating and molding sheets of Acrylic. It’s a non-porous material that doesn’t allow increasing mold and mildew. Thus, the tub doesn’t turn yellow like a fiberglass bathtub.

Final words:

The debates between Acrylic vs Fiberglass tub were a long journey where we have discussed several differences and similarities. Truthfully both are affordable and attractive items to upgrade bathrooms.

Where fiberglass unit is ideal for multi-story homes, the acrylic tub will be suitable for the busy customer. Moreover, comparing the user’s commitment to cleaning, maintenance, and longevity will help weigh both the unit and make the final call.

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