Alexei Volkov
Plastic, acrylic, and fiberglass tubs and showers are common fixtures in many homes. While they may look similar, there are some key differences between them. Acrylic showers are often more durable and expensive than fiberglass, which is more susceptible to damage and discoloration. Fiberglass is a porous material, so water can infiltrate the shower and cause warping over time. Acrylic is also easier to maintain and repair, while fiberglass is more affordable and can be easily patched. Deciding between these materials depends on your needs, budget, and style preferences. Both are low-cost alternatives to ceramic or stone tiles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic, acrylic or fiberglass |
| Cost | Plastic and fiberglass are low-cost alternatives to other materials. Acrylic is slightly more expensive than fiberglass. |
| Durability | Acrylic is more durable than fiberglass. It is less susceptible to wear and damage. |
| Design | Fiberglass tubs are often more basic with fewer design options. Acrylic tubs often come with more custom features. |
| Colour | Fiberglass tubs are often basic white. Acrylic tubs come in many different colours. |
| Texture | Acrylic tubs come in many different textures. Fiberglass tubs have little texture. |
| Maintenance | Fiberglass tubs are more susceptible to damage and may need to be replaced. Acrylic tubs require fewer repairs and typically last longer. |
| Flexibility | Both acrylic and fiberglass tubs have a little give to them. |
| Repair | Acrylic repairs are complicated and costly. Fiberglass can be easily patched or repaired. |
| Porosity | Fiberglass is porous and can absorb water. Acrylic is non-porous. |
| Odour | Fiberglass has a particular odour. |
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What You'll Learn
Press on the material to check for flexibility
If you want to find out whether your shower is made of plastic, acrylic, or fiberglass, one way to do so is to press on the material to check for flexibility. Both acrylic and fiberglass tubs have a little give to them, so when you press on them, you might be able to feel the slight flexibility. This is because they are both lightweight materials. On the other hand, an enamel-coated steel tub will not have the same give and flexibility. Steel or cast iron will not have any give when pressed on.
Acrylic showers are made by heating, stretching, and pulling a plastic acrylic sheet over a large mold, usually made of aluminum. A resin/glass fiber material is then applied to strengthen it. Fiberglass tubs, on the other hand, are made with polyester resin mixed with woven glass fibers and are often sprayed with a gel coating to prevent fading. The material is then poured into a mold to create one unit without seams.
Acrylic is harder to scratch or puncture than fiberglass and therefore requires fewer repairs and has a longer life expectancy. Acrylic is also non-porous, so it retains heat better than fiberglass. Fiberglass tubs are porous, so they let bathwater cool down quicker.
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Check for signs of damage, like cracks or scratches
Checking for signs of damage, such as cracks or scratches, can help you determine whether your shower is made of plastic or fiberglass. Over time, both plastic and fiberglass showers can become susceptible to cracking, chipping, and scratching due to heavy use or impact. However, there are some key differences in the types of damage that occur more frequently in each material.
Fiberglass tubs are more likely to show signs of wear and tear over time, including scratches from routine use. They are also more prone to cracking if something heavy is dropped on them. Fiberglass is a porous material, so water infiltration can cause the shower to warp and change shape over time, leading to misshapen areas. Discoloration and fading are also common issues with fiberglass tubs, often noticeable on the bottom of the tub or on the shower walls.
On the other hand, acrylic showers, which are made of plastic, tend to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear. They are less likely to crack or scratch but can still be damaged by heavy impacts or dropping objects. Acrylic showers may also discolour or develop dull surfaces over time.
To identify the type of damage and determine the appropriate repair method, start by assessing the extent and location of the cracks, scratches, or other signs of damage. Small, superficial chips, cracks, and scratches may only require simple filling and refinishing, while larger cracks or holes may need extra support and reinforcement.
Additionally, pay attention to the design and colour of your shower. Fiberglass tubs often have simpler designs with minimal detailing, texture, or colour variation, while acrylic showers often feature custom mouldings, such as shelves or seats, and are available in various colours and textures.
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Look for lots of detailing, texturing or colour
If your shower has lots of detailing, texturing, or colour, it is likely made of acrylic rather than fiberglass. Acrylic tubs and showers are known for their versatility in style, offering a wide range of colours and textures for customisation. They can be moulded into various designs, such as shelves and seats, and can be tailored to individual preferences.
On the other hand, fiberglass showers are typically more basic with fewer design options. They are often manufactured in a simple white colour with minimal texture or decorative detailing. This is because of the manufacturing process, which involves spraying a gel-coated mixture onto a mould.
To identify whether your shower has lots of detailing, texturing, or colour, look for visible finishes and textures. Acrylic surfaces often have a glossy, reflective, and smooth finish with seamless joints. In contrast, fiberglass tends to have a gritty, bumpy, uneven texture with more pronounced seams between panels.
Another way to distinguish between the two materials is by examining the edges of your tub or shower. Acrylic tubs often have thicker edges, while fiberglass tubs typically have thin edges.
Finally, you can feel the surface of your shower to identify the material. Acrylic is a denser and more solid material, so it will feel heavier and more substantial when pressed. Fiberglass, on the other hand, will have a slight flexibility and will feel hollow behind the panels.
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Inspect the shower for warping or misshapen areas
Inspecting your shower for warping or misshapen areas is a good way to determine whether it is made of fiberglass. Since fiberglass is a porous material, water can infiltrate the shower every time you use it. This moisture can cause the shower to warp over time.
Warping is when an object changes shape, often as a result of exposure to moisture or heat. If your shower has changed shape or has areas that look misshapen, it could be made of fiberglass.
To identify warping, you should carefully examine the shape of your shower. Look for any areas that appear uneven or distorted. These warped areas may be subtle, so take your time and inspect the shower from different angles and distances. Pay close attention to the shower surround, which is the area that surrounds the actual shower space. This could include the walls, doors, or curtains that enclose the shower.
Additionally, you can feel the material of the shower with your hands to detect any variations in texture or shape. Run your hands over the surfaces, feeling for any bumps, ridges, or uneven areas that could indicate warping.
It is important to note that warping can occur in other materials as well, especially if they are older or have been exposed to water damage or extreme temperature changes. However, if you notice warping in a relatively new shower, it may suggest that it is made of fiberglass due to its porous nature.
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Hold a magnet to the shower to check for metal
One way to determine whether your shower is made of plastic or fiberglass is to hold a magnet to it to check for metal. If the magnet sticks to the shower, it is likely made of metal, such as enamel-coated steel, and not plastic or fiberglass.
Fiberglass showers are made with polyester resin mixed with woven glass fibers and are often sprayed with a gel coating to prevent fading. They are typically more affordable than acrylic showers but are less durable and more susceptible to colour loss, scratching, and damage.
Acrylic showers, on the other hand, are usually thicker and stronger than fiberglass, making them more resistant to wear and tear. They also offer more customization options and come in various colours and textures. However, if damaged, acrylic showers require complicated and costly repairs.
Both acrylic and fiberglass showers have some flexibility, so pressing on the material can also help determine which material it is. Enamel-coated steel tubs, on the other hand, will not have the same give and flexibility.
The design of the shower can also provide clues; fiberglass tubs tend to be more basic with fewer design options, while acrylic showers often feature custom elements like shelves and seats.
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Frequently asked questions
Fiberglass showers are made by spraying a layer of polyester gel coat onto an open mold, which is then reinforced with fiberglass resin. They are usually white and have little texture or decorative detailing. Fiberglass also has a distinct smell. Plastic showers, on the other hand, are made by vacuum-forming a sheet of plastic over a mold.
Fiberglass showers are stylish, affordable, and available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are also durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Plastic showers, or acrylic showers, are more durable than fiberglass. They are resistant to fading, cracking, scratching, and chipping. Acrylic showers are also nonporous, which means they retain heat better than fiberglass.
