Acrylic bathtub used in a bathroom remodeling project
When most people look at a fiberglass or acrylic tub it may be hard at first glance to tell the difference between the two – or to know which one may be the better choice for a bath remodeling project. In the article below you’ll get a brief description of how both tub types are made and the advantages and disadvantages of both product types.
Fiberglass Tub – A fiberglass gelcoat tub is polyester resin that is sprayed into a mold and then reinforced with fine glass particles. The material is then hardened to the desired shape.
Advantages
Low price – since fiberglass tubs are made in large quantities with relatively low cost materials they are usually the cheapest priced tubs available.
Easy to clean.
Lightweight material makes them easier to install.
Widely available.
Disadvantages
If the top gelcoat is damaged the fibers of the fiberglass can show through.
This type of tub doesn’t last as long as acrylic and its removal can lead to an expensive bathroom remodeling project.
Since this material is porous it can absorb moisture, grime and lead to mildew problems.
Since the topcoat finish doesn’t last as long the tub can discolor and turn yellow.
Acrylic tub – These tubs are created by heating and molding (vacuum forming) sheets of acrylic which are reinforced underneath with fiberglass.
Advantages
Since the material is non-porous it will not allow mold and mildew to build up.
Color is solid through the acrylic so it won’t yellow like a fiberglass bathtub.
This long lasting material will minimize the need for frequent replacements.
Acrylic retains its gloss and shine over the life span of the material.
The material is warm to the touch.
Disadvantages
More expensive than a fiberglass tub.
You can’t use abrasive cleaner on the bathtub because they will cause scratches.
Tubs can bend or flex if not properly installed.
After looking at the advantages and disadvantages of both of these products they both have their uses. Which of these 2 options do you think is best? Do you have any experience with either a fiberglass or acrylic bathtub you’d like to share?
President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels
Julie – the problem your facing is one which has frustrated SO many people in the past. I’ve heard about all sorts of ‘remedies’ including a mixture of tartar and hydrogen peroxide and I’ve also see articles like the one I’ll link to below. You should certainly try these various ‘brews’ but unfortunately I won’t be surprised if you still aren’t happy with the results. Its for this reason I’d look at ditching the fiberglass tub (when the budget allows) and replacing it with an acrylic unit. I hope this helps – Mike (and here’s the article link – https://www.hunker.com/13421638/how-to-whiten-plastic-or-fiberglass-tubs-showers
Julie
Our tub is yellow, so I’m assuming it’s fiberglass. How can I remove at least some of the yellow?
Mary – solid surface is an engineered (man-made) stone – kind of like Corian’s product. No – I’m not a fan of refinished tubs. In our remodeling business we’ve had to pull out a number of refinished tubs where the coating has come off in a short span of time. Hope this helps. Mike
Mary Pollard
Thank you for your quick response. I’m not sure what you meant by “solid surface”? So ,you don’t recommend refinishing ? Thanks, Mary
Mary – I’m sorry to hear about the yellowing of your tub and shower. I am not aware of any effective solutions to get the ‘yellow’ out of these units. I would guess you have a fiberglass unit because acrylic usually won’t yellow like fiberglass. If you do end up replacing them at some point I would recommend solid surface – they are built very strong and don’t fade.
Mary
I had a house built 4 years ago in a development by what was suppose to be a quality buider. The jetted tub has been used 3 times. The shower is used daily. I’m not sure if they are fiberglass or acrylic. The whole shower has yellowed. The tub has slightly yellowed except where I had a few decorative items . Underneath the decorative items on the edge of tub the finish was very yellow as well as the front side of tub. Is there any way to whiten without professional refinishing them?
Mike Foti
Julie – the problem your facing is one which has frustrated SO many people in the past. I’ve heard about all sorts of ‘remedies’ including a mixture of tartar and hydrogen peroxide and I’ve also see articles like the one I’ll link to below. You should certainly try these various ‘brews’ but unfortunately I won’t be surprised if you still aren’t happy with the results. Its for this reason I’d look at ditching the fiberglass tub (when the budget allows) and replacing it with an acrylic unit. I hope this helps – Mike (and here’s the article link – https://www.hunker.com/13421638/how-to-whiten-plastic-or-fiberglass-tubs-showers
Julie
Our tub is yellow, so I’m assuming it’s fiberglass. How can I remove at least some of the yellow?
Mike Foti
Mary – solid surface is an engineered (man-made) stone – kind of like Corian’s product. No – I’m not a fan of refinished tubs. In our remodeling business we’ve had to pull out a number of refinished tubs where the coating has come off in a short span of time. Hope this helps. Mike
Mary Pollard
Thank you for your quick response. I’m not sure what you meant by “solid surface”? So ,you don’t recommend refinishing ? Thanks, Mary
Mike Foti
Mary – I’m sorry to hear about the yellowing of your tub and shower. I am not aware of any effective solutions to get the ‘yellow’ out of these units. I would guess you have a fiberglass unit because acrylic usually won’t yellow like fiberglass. If you do end up replacing them at some point I would recommend solid surface – they are built very strong and don’t fade.
Mary
I had a house built 4 years ago in a development by what was suppose to be a quality buider. The jetted tub has been used 3 times. The shower is used daily. I’m not sure if they are fiberglass or acrylic. The whole shower has yellowed. The tub has slightly yellowed except where I had a few decorative items . Underneath the decorative items on the edge of tub the finish was very yellow as well as the front side of tub. Is there any way to whiten without professional refinishing them?