Acrylic baths come in various thicknesses, most commonly 4mm, 5mm, 8mm and 10mm. Double-skinned acrylic baths of at least 8mm thick are very durable and provide you with the most long-lasting option.
As a general rule, it is worth opting for baths with a thickness of 8mm or more to reduce the potential for the bath to crack.
Bath Thickness
Most acrylic baths are 5–10mm thick, but for durability and heat retention, it's best to choose a minimum thickness of 8mm. Double-skinned acrylic offers added strength, prevents cracking, and retains heat longer, making it ideal for everyday use.
According to the American Standard, a leading manufacturer of bathroom fixtures, most of their acrylic tubs are designed to support up to 1000 lbs (454 kg) when properly installed.
Acrylic tubs are lightweight, like fiberglass, but they are more robust and less likely to warp, stain, or be damaged by cracks or chips. However, because acrylic is easily scratched, always clean with a gentle sponge or microfiber towel. On average, the lifespan of an acrylic bathtub is approximately 10-15 years.
Disadvantage: Acrylic is not resistant to heat
Acrylic sheet should never be used for safety applications such as windows in trains and buses. This is because acrylic panels aren't heat resistant. If you need a substitute for standard glass that will withstand high temperatures, opt for clear polycarbonate.
Acrylic Bathtubs are Resistant to Cracking
Crack resistance that reinforced acrylic baths have is an important advantage really worth mentioning. Acrylic bathtubs are highly durable. Plus, they will not develop cracks.
Avoid Abrasives and Pads
Scrubbing pads and abrasive cleaning products — even “soft” scrubs and textured dish sponges — can scratch the acrylic finish. Acrylic tubs need only soft and slippery materials and cleaning products.
There is a possibility that your acrylic tub turns yellow over time, but if you maintain it and clean it properly and frequently, you don't have to worry about yellow stains for some time. Keep in mind that acrylic tubs are prone to discoloration and stains, so make sure to take care of it properly.
Description Black acrylic sheet 4 mm
This coloured acrylic sheet is 30 times stronger than glass and twice as light. Thanks to its good UV-resistant qualities, this material is very suitable for indoor and outdoor use. On delivery, they are provided with protective film on both sides.
4mm Perspex® acrylic sheets have some flexibility, but are generally considered rigid sheets. Thinner sheets like 2mm are more flexible and can be bent into curved shapes. 4mm can only be bent with heat or in gradual, wide arcs.
The standard height for a bath is around 550mm, which includes single-ended and straight baths as well as corner and freestanding baths. A straight, single-ended bath with dimensions of 1700mm x 700mm will have an average height of 545mm, which will result in a rough capacity of 200 litres.
Comparison: Porcelain and Acrylic
Acrylic, being lightweight, is easier to install and doesn't require the same structural support. Also, porcelain is prone to chipping, and repairs can be expensive. Acrylic is less damage-resistant but can be repaired more easily if scratched.
Sanitary grade acrylic sheet. - Akrilit SG is a polymethylmetacrylate based thermoplastic material. As it is produced by the casting method, its surface is very bright and hard. The acrylic sheets that are used for bathtub manufacturing must have a good resistance to chemicals.
Acrylic baths are a modern design and provide a cost-effective, unbreakable fibre glass base which is shockproof and easy to clean. If you want an even tougher tub, you can opt for a lucite acrylic bath which provides unparalleled strength and resistance despite being lightweight.
For acrylic bathtubs
Our 7-step bathtub cleaning guide will work well for acrylic tubs, since baking soda and Dawn Dish Soap are considered to be gentle cleaning solutions.
Acrylic tubs are easier to repair than many other tub materials, but they're still prone to staining and scratching when improperly maintained or cleaned.
4. For stubborn stains, you can use a magic eraser sponge, these are safe to use and will not damage the surface of your tub. 5. Bacteria does not naturally live on the smooth acrylic surfaces, but if you are concerned, a mild anti-bacterial liquid or gel can also be used on a soft cloth.
You'll be happy to know that an acrylic bathtub is well worth the investment. The average lifespan of an acrylic bathtub is 10 to 15 years, making it a long-lasting investment. You can expect your new acrylic bathtub to stand the test of time and provide you with years of enjoyment.
There are several ways that Epsom salts and bath salts can damage your hot tub. 1 - Salt residue is still abrasive even when dissolved. This means the rapid movement of the hot tub water could cause the now abrasive water to scratch the shiny, acrylic surface of your hot tub.
Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they offer numerous benefits over many other bath materials. Not only do acrylic bathtubs provide good heat retention, but they are also more durable than traditional models & require less maintenance.
There are also disadvantages of using acrylic, which mainly come down to its poor wear and abrasion resistance and heat resistance. It's also not great in terms of handling heavy loads and corrosive chemicals, like organic solvents.
Description Clear cast (GS) acrylic sheet 3 mm
These transparent coloured sheets are not only thirty times stronger than glass, but also half the weight.
Disadvantages: because acrylic paints dry quickly they cannot be easily blended to create the 'wet in wet' technique that is popular with oil paints. For this reason, a finished acrylic painting can look harsh compared to a finished oil painting.