Cast Acrylic vs. Other surfaces
CAST ACRYLIC |
GEL COAT/FIBERGLASS |
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•Acrylics hardness and high gloss make it very easy to clean |
•Gel coat/fiberglass can show wear and tear, making cleaning more difficult |
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•Acrylic is virtually non-porous, making it less susceptible to mildew, soap scum, and other chemicals |
•Gel coat/fiberglass being more porous may absorb these by-products, causing dulling and discoloration in the long-term |
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•Since acrylic's color goes through the entire material, most scratches can be buffed out easily |
•Because gel coat is a thin veneer of plastic over fiberglass, scratches are more difficult to repair |
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•Acrylic is color fast and weatherable and will retain its high-gloss appearance for many years |
•Gel coat/fiberglass is less weatherable and may fade and dull over time |
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•Acrylic's finished side never touches the tub mold during the molding process, so its finish is protected from the beginning |
•In manufacturing, the gel coat finished side directly contacts the tub mold increasing the chance of surface imperfections and contamination |
CAST ACRYLIC |
ENAMELED STEEL/CAST IRON |
| •Acrylic tub/shower construction is seamless and acrylic is non-porous, making it less susceptible to mildew and soap scum and easier to clean | •The grout of tile surrounding enameled steel/cast iron is porous, allowing milder, soap scum, and chemicals to build up and cause discoloration and odor |
| •Acrylic provides high heat retention for a more comfortable bathing experience | •The enameled steel/cast iron surface is cold and dissipates the heat of the water faster |
| •Since acrylic's color goes through the entire material, most scratches can be buffed out easily and other repairs are often not visible | •the enamel layer over steel or cast iron is a thin veneer easily chipped and difficult to repair, leading to corrosion and rust of the metal underneath |
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