Acrylic Vs Porcelain Tub: Comparison Between Acrylic & Porcelain Tub

Comparison Between Acrylic And Porcelain Tub

Both porcelain and acrylic bathtubs have advantages & disadvantages. The porcelain bathtub is occasionally constructed on a base made of steel or iron, glass, or the tile. Generally, the base is the porcelain enamel-coated & then high-temperature fired. Acrylic bathtubs are commonly molded through a thermal process that bonds an acrylic finish over the fiberglass reinforcement. In general, the porcelain tubs are very heavier than the acrylic bathtubs. Here is the comparison betwixt acrylic and porcelain tub:

Heat Retention

The porcelain bathtubs tend to lose heat & feel cold more rapidly than the acrylic tubs. To redress the heat some loss, some of the porcelain bathtub models may be foam insulated. Acrylic, the non-metal tubs tend to retain the heat better than the porcelain bathtub.

Durability

The porcelain bathtub is normally a harder surface than the acrylic & the porcelain coating is resistant to scratching. Nevertheless, any type of hard impact may chip your porcelain bathtub. Acrylic is a type of softer material that is less scratch-resistant as compared to porcelain. At the same time, any minor scratches in the acrylic may respond to buffing with a combination of baking soda paste or toothpaste applied with enough pressure of the heel of your hand.

Cleaning

Acrylic can be both easy & tough to take care of. This is also a common choice for the outdoor spas because of its ability to withstand chemicals, fluctuations in temperature, and the direct sun's ultraviolet rays. An acrylic bathtub normally requires cleaning with the only mild nonabrasive liquid type of cleaners. Similarly, any mild detergent or warm water plus baking soda paste will occasionally get a porcelain bathtub clean. Scouring the powders can leave the scratches that, while they are not visible to your eye, erode your bathtub surface. Once scratched, the surface then will collect the oil, dirt & soapy residues. As time passes, the stains will become more embedded and difficult enough to remove. The use of acids should also be avoided since all these can damage your porcelain finish.

Restoration

In order to restore an acrylic bathtub's high gloss, if the sheen is lost, then it may be possible with a buffer and with the rubbing compound. The fine sanding process could also be required if your finish is damaged. The professional restoration may be desirable. If your porcelain bathtub surface is damaged through improper cleaning proceeding or chipping, it also can be refinished. The procedure will require the application of the porcelain enamel. Kits are on the market and easily available to the consumers. Nevertheless, the results may be more favorable with professional applications. Another advantage of contracting with a professional person is obtaining an exhaustive warranty.

Other Considerations

Before disposing of your discarded bathtub, also check with your local jurisdiction for the trash disposal or recycling. Porcelain, for example, may be disposed of in some city's trash and may not be considered recyclable. Additionally, in an advisory published by the state of Oregon in the year 2011, porcelain bathtubs are also noted as a potential source of environmental vulnerability to lead.