It s one of the most affordable materials for tubs and one of the easiest to install.
Gelcoat vs acrylic tub.
Gel coat vs acrylic solid surface the two most popular materials and manufacturing methods for bathtubs and sinks aregel coat and acrylic solid surface both of which vary in price appearance and overall quality.
The acrylic will look newer and cleaner longer.
The two most popular cost effective bath tub and shower options are acrylic and gelcoat fiberglass.
Tile shower enclosures compared to acrylic or fiberglass ones aside from being much less.
Acrylic tubs are colored sheets of clear plastic reinforced with layers of fiberglass.
This adds strength to the unit and eliminates post installation damage no seams to caulk and gather mold and mildew dome eliminates ceiling maintenance.
To help you decide on which is best for your project let s go over the advantages and disadvantages of each.
You will be using your shower tub daily and it takes up a significant portion of many bathrooms.
Both are easy to install and maintain but differ on price durability and lifespan.
Various aspects need careful consideration.
One of the major issues with a bathroom remodel is your tub and shower.
Manufactures can give a much longer legitimate warranty on a acrylic cleaning surface.
In fiberglass tubs the manufacturing process does not include a vacuum.
Gelcoat fiberglass is practically non existant in the regular bathtub tub industry although still available for shower stalls it is fast being replaced with acrylic.
While the gelcoat units have a strong durable finish the acrylic units are less porous glossier and easier to clean.
Manufacturers vacuum acrylic into the final tub form.
The differences between gel coated and acrylic solid surface bath ware are compared here.
Differences between acrylic and fiberglass tubs.
Before you make your final decision.
Gel coat in a shower unit.
The primary difference between acrylic and fiberglass tubs is the formation process.
Then it s molded shaped and sprayed with a resin gelcoat.
Gel coat fiberglass acrylic one piece construction with dome.
Acrylic tubs are slightly more expensive due to the manufacturing process.
Remodeling your bathroom is a big task.
You ll typically have the choice of acrylic or gel coat when you re remodeling or designing your bathroom s shower unit.