Symptoms such as cloudiness, haziness, or excessive foam point to problems in chemical … My house was built in the mid 1980's ... the tub/shower unit is a once piece, seamless unit, and I think it is fiberglass. Average weight of a fiberglass tub is 70 pounds. Rust stains are the result of iron-rich hard water. Also, the weight of a bathtub is an issue when installing it on the upper floors of a building. Glass … Tubs made of these materials are preferred cast iron and silver due to their lower prices and other individual advantages. How to revitalize my my bathroom vanities? How can I repair a scratched patch on my green old bath? Because it’s built off-site, you are somewhat limited with your shape. Acrylic is easier to clean compared to fiberglass owing to the nature of the material. Glass Lamp Shades. Acrylic tubs are comparatively costlier and harder to repair. ... Rinse the tub well to remove any remaining baking soda. If damaged, fiberglass liner colors are hard to imitate, so a portion of your pool could be discolored. Dry the bathroom floor with a mop or clean rags, as needed. Erase those orange and brown streaks and spots on sinks and tubs, porcelain and fiberglass. ... Sprinkle baking soda onto the tub's surfaces and use the wet sponge to scrub it in gently. More than 200 different colors available. Both materials are light (compared to cast iron for example), durable and beautiful when finished properly. At the same thickness, fiberglass tubs are fairly fragile. Fiberglass tubs cost between $300 and $500. However, it is also easily scratched or discolored by abrasive cleaning supplies. Out of Stock ... My only complaint is that there is a small dent on the side of wood trim that is slightly discolored. Stain removal is tougher on fiberglass tubs. Given their differences, they are often mixed together at different stages of the molding process to obtain the desired strength and weight. (I used a different paint of the surround because it is acrylic, the tub is … Zep Commercial Shower Tub & Tile cleaner to scrub. https://www.hunker.com/13421638/how-to-whiten-plastic-or-fiberglass-tubs-showers, Easy Off No Fume Oven Cleaner in the BLUE can. Fiberglass is made up of small strings of glass woven together to create one solid material. Yes, that is what I am living in too. Unfortunately, years of use or neglect can make for one discolored and dingy tub or sink. How can I clean black mold from a bathtub? The main disconnect for the hot tub was improperly located. It also cracks easily compared to acrylic. Its bad enough that that tub up stairs keeps making water stains in the kitchen ceiling. Easy Off Oven Cleaner in the blue can. Between acrylic and a fiberglass bathtub, which one is the best? Thus, keeping your fiberglass pan luxurious requires careful cleaning and maintenance. Along with his two brothers and their experience, he hopes to turn Shower Plus Bath into the ultimate one-stop spot for recommendations on bathroom equipment, remodel supplies, and information on everything from cleaning to maintenance. Fiberglass is easier to repair than acrylic. On the other hand, acrylic is a plastic-like material. Lime-A-Way is one example. It is rare to find a fiberglass bathtub that does not have an acrylic finish. Your email address will not be published. Originally it was white but, over time, has become discolored and now looks almond!!! The problem is that fiberglass is usually a thin layer (1/4 inch) and the color of your tub is usually only on the upper part. Like if the only room above it is a living room. Heavier tubs may also affect the integrity of your floor if you’re on a remodel project. (5 Quick Fixes), 7 Best Rain Shower Heads: Top Combo, Ceiling & Wall-Mounted, How to Increase Toilet Flush Power (Pressure). Acrylic tubs are non-porous even with long-term use except in cases of breakage. Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA, https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=Gel+Gloss+fiberglass+cleaner+whitener&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8, Adrienne Carrie Hubbard | Crafty Little Gnome, 11 Temporary Kitchen Updates That Look Amazing. Put side by side, you will be forgiven for confusing one for the other. The Homax Products Tough as Tile Aerosol Spray Kit is a high-gloss porcelain repair product used to refinish tiles, sinks and bathtubs. The typical lifespan of a fiberglass tub is 15 years while the lifespan of an acrylic tub is about 30 years. Is there a safe and durable way to fix this so it looks white again? You need to consider the weight, size, and durability of the bathtub to make up your mind. How can I make my bathroom more functional and spacious? My ugly discolored tan bathtub is now shiny white. When it comes to deciding between the two, price alone is not the deciding factor. 2019-06-17 16:13:26. If so that might contribute to the color change. The average weight of acrylic tubs is 100lbs while that of fiberglass tubs is 70lbs. When they occur, they may be deep enough to cause leakages. Make sure to steer clear of the pool after a trip to the salon! Here are some methods to help you. So very happy with the results! The Version table provides details related to the release that this issue/RFE will be addressed. Comp shingle roof (fiberglass 3-tab) ... Water in the home was discolored and should be tested for contaminants by a qualified contractor. We specialize in a number of services, including inground fiberglass and vinyl liner pool construction, and above ground pool and portable hot tub sales and installation. How to put in towel rod in wall with gaping hole? Acrylic and fiberglass (gelcoat) materials are among the most popular materials used to make bathtubs. Remove and Replace Grout . With acrylic, scratching or chipping is not easy. Commercially available fiberglass shower units can be used to fix fiberglass materials in your bathroom with ease. This is an electronic version of the print textbook. Both the plastic and porcelain used in washing machine tubs are porous, and the tub surfaces can absorb stains and odors; in time, the interior of porcelain and plastic tubs may become discolored and smelly. On the other hand, acrylic is a plastic-like material. Acrylic Tubs vs. Fiberglass Bathtubs: Differences, Fiberglass vs. Acrylic Tubs: Similarities. https://www.hunker.com/13420724/how-to-clean-showers-with-easy-off-oven-cleaner. Its not the best idea to sheetrock the ceiling. Resolved: Release in which this issue/RFE has been resolved. Remove the shade then dust it inside and out with a damp microfiber cloth. As you can see, the difference in weight is slight unless you’re comparing them to cast iron tubs, which usually average 500-600 pounds for the same size. Acrylic tubs generally do not last as long as enamel or porcelain over metal for this reason. How to remove stubborn soap scum from a shower? Knowing the difference can mean saving money and getting the perfect bathtub for your house. Acrylic bathtubs of the same thickness are stronger. Opinions are 100% my own. Heavier freestanding tubs are better than lighter ones. Given that fiberglass is made of strings of glass, it does not have as clean a finish as acrylic. For acrylic, the cooling process may see some areas stretch and become thin hence less durable. 3 Sure Fixes to Stop It, Why is My Toilet Tank Not Filling? Acrylic and fiberglass bathtubs are similar in many ways. Leaks make a big mess. This is how I clean my hubbies shower. These tubs are, therefore, longer lasting and easier to clean. You should be able to paint it. My house was built in the mid 1980's ... the tub/shower unit is a once piece, seamless unit, and I think it is fiberglass. I didn't fuss with the color, and just used the product straight from the containers. ... For an average cost of $300 to $500, a fraction of the $1,200 to $5,000 expense of installing a new tub, ... if your bathtub was discolored, your only real option was replacement. In terms of weight, fiberglass weighs less than acrylic given that thicker layers of the latter material are required to achieve the same strength. Vinegar and Barkeepers Friend is what I have always used . Fiberglass has a pleasant shine that makes it an attractive building material. At times, fiberglass is added to acrylic for strength. Acrylic bathtubs come in more than 200 colors, so, if you’re looking to choose from the widest array of colors to pick from, you’ll want to consider acrylic tubs. The trick is doing the proper prep work and using the right paint. This means that they are molten then poured into a mold with the desired shape. How Do You Fix a Leaking Toilet Valve & Pipe? Acrylic bathtubs come in more colors than fiberglass ones owing to the nature of the materials and their longevity. How do I remove built up calcium deposits on ceramic bathroom tile? ShowerPlusBath. Is your 1950’s mauve tub clashing with the latest home décor trends? Add white vinegar to the water if the shade is greasy. Fiberglass does not come without its own disadvantages. Maybe it willl help you with your dicolored shower unit. #ad #feesample This pricing clearly shows that acrylic tubs are more expensive of the two. There are a few exceptions. Only thing I know that works is Gel Gloss and then use a carnuba wax product when clean to protect it.... https://www.google.com/search?client=opera&q=Gel+Gloss+fiberglass+cleaner+whitener&sourceid=opera&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8 They have it at True Value Hardware store, Walmart and Amazon. Frank Lewis is a jack-of-all-trades DIY repairman and weekend warrior, equipped with over twenty years of knowledge and experience to help you with your bathroom today. Originally it was white but, over time, has become discolored and now looks almond!!! I've seen where some people have "painted" their shower/tub, but it involves using a very caustic dangerous type of substance. How to Clean a Bathroom (Illustrated Guide for Floors, Tiles, Vents), 8 Best Shower Panels to Buy [2020 Reviews]. I went over it with a white pencil, and it blends in better. Dab a clean sponge in the mixture, rub over the rust stain. How do you make a circular hole in a sink for a soap squirter? Frank remodeled bathrooms and living rooms throughout high school, (alongside his father), and began his own side work throughout college. Plastic tub surrounds usually wipe clean easily because they feature a smooth surface with no grout lines to collect dirt. In my case a mid-80's box. When it comes to appearance, acrylic is the better option. If the crack is deep, it could easily change the appearance of your tub. If your chlorine levels are too high, you may notice that your brand new colorful swimsuit faded to a dull beige after just one dip. How can I store bathmats in the bathroom? Lastly, owing to the malleability of both materials, you can find any shape or size made from either fiberglass or acrylic. Elevated chlorine levels can wreak havoc on colors of all kinds. The product comes in a two-part formula. Stainless steel, in comparison, is much less porous and much less likely to accumulate stains and odors over the life of the machine. you can paint it but once they turn color you can't get that off - mine is 30 yrs old and did the same thing it is light almond now instead of white. Due to electronic rights restrictions, some third party content may Wash it in a sink of warm, soapy water. How can I remove a garden tub in a mobile home? Turn off the pressure washer, and feed the hose back outside. With long-term use, fiberglass tubs begin to become porous. An acrylic tub usually lasts 10 to 15 years before it becomes faded and significantly scratched, while a quality cast iron tub can last more than 100 years with proper care. abs acos acosh addcslashes addslashes aggregate aggregate_info aggregate_methods aggregate_methods_by_list aggregate_methods_by_regexp aggregate_properties aggregate_properties_by Originally it was white but, over time, has become discolored and now looks almond!!! The tub and tile refinishing kit from Magic Tub is a decent, moisture-resistant finishing coat. Our knowledgeable staff will work closely with you to help determine which type of pool or spa will work best in your backyard, ensuring you and your family years of enjoyment. They are not limited like cast iron or other metals. The hard deposits left behind after hard water dries are called lime scales. Whether you installed a glass or ceramic cooktop stove yourself or you’ve purchased a home that includes one, you … How do I clean a new stainless steel kitchen sink? Average weight of acrylic tubs is 100 pounds. I received a free bottle of Kaboom Shower Tub and Tile for the purpose of my review. Acrylic tubs are easier to clean compared to fiberglass tubs. Some specialty cleaners are formulated to remove hard water deposits, soap scum, or rust stains. I finally sprayed my tub with Kaboom and within minutes my tub was clean and I didn't even have to scrub the tub! Forensic Science: Fundamentals and Investigations 2012 Update. Both materials will also likely get discolored over time at the same rate if cleaned frequently with harsh materials. Plastic or Fiberglass Lamp Shades. Why is My Toilet Overflowing? Now with a little effort prepping and painting over one weekend, you can restore your tub or bathroom tiles to look like new. Or a very high basement ceiling. Fiberglass tubs are cheaper and easier to repair. I used the tub and tile repair kit to repair many small damages to my 30-yr old 1-piece resin tub/shower insert. The most thorough and complete solution is to remove the grout and install new, grout in the color of your choice. https://www.sunrisespecialty.com/how-to-clean-fiberglass-shower. © 2020. Opens in a new tab. What could be more inviting than a hot tub with clear, warm, bubbling and soothing water? His shower can look bad and this has worked every time. Pour undiluted white vinegar into a clean, empty spray bottle. Cleaning is more difficult. I'm pretty sure Rustoleum makes a product for this. Fixed: Release in which this issue/RFE has been fixed.The release containing this fix may be available for download as an Early Access Release or a General Availability … You can use abrasive cleaning items on an acrylic tub but not on one made of fiberglass. 7. To create a bathtub or other item from these materials, they are both molten then poured into a mold as stated above. All rights reserved. How do I scrub grime and mildew out of a tub? These two types of material differ in terms of cost, durability, weight, and ease of cleaning. Unresolved: Release in which this issue/RFE will be addressed. Is there a safe and durable way to fix this so it looks white again? Old plastic/resin/fiberglass as it ages turns yellowish. The installation costs are almost similar given that bathtubs from both materials weigh only slightly different from each other. How to Fix a Scratched Glass Cooktop. It has a base that consists of an acrylic base with a hardening agent, and an activator which is an epoxy with a hardening agent. Rather than incurring the hassle and cost of replacing costly bathroom fixtures (not to mention the mess it creates), you can refinish them yourself to a bright white finish that will last for years. How to remove soap scum from shower doors? Is there a safe and durable way to fix this so it looks white again? Just be sure to close the door and turn on your exhaust fan. Cleaning the tub stopped being on my list of things to do. Acrylic, however, has a slight advantage over fiberglass when it comes to lifespan. Fixing them is thus more difficult than when repairing a fiberglass bathtub. Hard water prevents soap from cleaning and dissolving completely. Cleaning both materials is almost similarly easy as normal and frequent cleaning keeps them sparkling. Pro tip: Weight is an important factor when choosing freestanding bathtubs. It is tedious to carry heavier tubs such as cast iron when there’s need to install them on upper floors. With an acrylic finish, you only need frequent cleaning using cleaning agents such as vinegar and soapy water. If you’re looking to buy the cheaper tub, you’d definitely go for a fiberglass tub. Transform your tub, sink or tilework to look like new. Smoother materials are often used to give fiberglass tubs a smoother finish. My tub is white, but slightly discolored with age and use. This is mainly due to fiberglass being thinner and more brittle when compared to acrylic. Clear water, although not the only vital sign, is definitely a key part of healthy water. Works on enamel, porcelain, and fiberglass. How do acrylic bathtubs compare to fiberglass tubs? Cast-iron is traditionally covered with a porcelain enamel that’s fused to the cast-iron in a furnace. Hello, here's some info I located on the web. This comes from the way they are manufactured as both are a result of plastic molding. How do I keep my shower curtain from getting red water stains? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Your email address will not be published. Also remove the grout from any joints that are cracked or discolored by mildew. The average cost of acrylic bathtubs is $500 to $1,200. Similarly, acrylic is added to fiberglass to add shininess and make it easier to clean. Beautiful little stools - perfect for a plant or beside the tub to hold a glass of wine. Victoria, BC. An acrylic tub may become discolored or otherwise damaged from chemicals. Acrylic tubs last approximately 30 years while fiberglass bathtubs last less than 15 years. Instead, the soap bonds with the minerals in the water to form a film or “curd” that sticks to everything and causes a soap scum ring in the bath tub. Sale. The typical lifespan of a fiberglass tub is 15 years while the lifespan of an acrylic tub is about 30 years. Too much chlorine might turn that gorgeous dye into a splotchy, discolored mess. Then use a grout saw to scrape the grout from all joints immediately above the repair (photo 4). Tub, tile, and sink cleaners that remove soup scum and water hardness may contain sequestering agents and acids such as phosphoric, hydrochloric, or hydroxyacetic acids. Fiberglass tubs are cheaper ($300-$500) than acrylic tubs ($500-$1200) but are less durable. All-Purpose Cleaners The differences in cost are due to fiberglass being cheaper and easier to manufacture compared to acrylic tubs. Rinse well and dry. Fiberglass is made up of small strings of glass woven together to create one solid material. The differences exist in the following areas: Acrylic bathtubs cost between $500 and $1,200 while fiberglass bathtubs of the same size cost between $300 and $500.