Which Bathtub Material is Best for You? A Comparison of Steel Enamel, Acrylic, and Solid Surface
Are you in the market for a new bathtub but unsure which material is right for you? At BAGNOLUSSO.com, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of the three most popular bathtub materials – steel enamel, acrylic, and solid surface (also called mineral cast, or polymarble) – to help you make an informed decision.
Steel Enamel Bathtubs
Steel enamel has been a trusted choice for bathrooms for decades. This composite material, made of steel and glass-like enamel, offers exceptional durability and longevity. BAGNOLUSSO’s steel enamel bathtubs are crafted with precision, ensuring a flawless finish that resists scratches, stains, and fading.
This is how the steel bathtub is made
As already mentioned, steel enamel consists of two components – steel and enamel. These are only combined in the last step. The production of the tub blank and the enamel is still carried out separately.
Step 1: Shaping the sheet steel
Let’s start with the steel. The steel sheet is formed into the desired shape on special presses with up to 1,200 tons of pressure – the experts call this deep drawing. Drain and overflow holes are then punched and holes for fittings or handles are drilled if necessary. Grounding and transport lugs as well as lugs for the foot attachment are welded on.
Step 2: Making enamel
To produce enamel, you need a glass melt. This is made from borax, feldspar, quartz and soda, among other things, which are melted at around 1,300 degrees Celsius. When quenched with cold water, the melt breaks into fine glass granules. The granules are processed in a mill with the addition of water and color to form a sprayable enamel slip.
Step 3: Connecting steel and enamel
Now it is time to join the formed steel tub and the enamel together. This is done in two steps. First, the so-called base enamel is sprayed onto the tub blank and fired at around 850 degrees Celsius. The tub receives its final optical and tactile properties through the subsequent enameling of the top. Steel and enamel are now so firmly joined together that they can no longer be separated mechanically.
Key features of steel enamel:
- Highly durable and dimensionally stable
- Easy to clean and resistant to bath additives
- Heat-resistant and non-flammable
- UV-resistant to maintain color vibrancy
- Can be finished with anti-slip or pearl effects
Acrylic Bathtubs
Acrylic bathtubs have gained immense popularity in recent years, offering a warm, comfortable surface and a wide range of design possibilities. BAGNOLUSSO’s acrylic tubs are reinforced with glass fibers for added stability, ensuring a safe and enjoyable bathing experience.
This is how the acrylic bathtub is made
As with steel enamel bathtubs, acrylic bathtubs also first need a mold. Here the designer can let his creativity run wild. At least within the limits of what is possible with acrylic. All bathtubs of a model are made using this mold.
Step 1: Molding the acrylic sheet
In the first step, an acrylic plate is heated to around 180 to 200 degrees, which makes it malleable. A robot arm puts the soft plate over the mold. To ensure that it fits perfectly, it is sucked into the mold by thousands of vacuum jets. The shell of a bathtub has been formed. The blank shell is then cooled down and removed from the mold.
Step 2: Reinforce the acrylic tub shells with glass fibers
The acrylic tub shell is not yet stable enough; only glass fibers give it the stability it needs so that you can bathe in it. The fibers are sprayed onto the tub together with liquid synthetic resin. On the back of the bathtub, to be precise.
Step 3: Assemble the inner and outer shell (freestanding)
For most freestanding tub designs, although many call them ‘one-piece tubs,’ they are actually made by joining the inner and outer shells. This is a critical step in determining the quality of the tub. If this step is not carefully controlled, the joint (typically located about 5-10mm below the top edge) might crack, making it difficult for end-users to fix. BAGNOLUSSO’s acrylic tubs are backed by 19 years of expertise in freestanding tub manufacturing, ensuring you can trust their quality and reliability.
Step 4: Cut the tub and drill holes
In the last step, the dry and hardened tub is cut to size. The holes for the drain and overflow are also drilled – and any other openings that are necessary. This is all done fully automatically. It is now ready for use and can be sold.
Advantages of acrylic:
- Warm, pleasant surface
- Lightweight, weighing only 20-30 kg
- Scratches can be polished away
- Completely dyed and UV-stable
- Versatile in terms of shape and size
Solid Surface Bathtubs
The most modern of the three materials, solid surface bathtubs from BAGNOLUSSO offer a unique, velvety-smooth surface and exceptional design flexibility. Crafted by pouring a mixture of minerals, resins, and hardeners into a mold, these tubs are both durable and visually stunning.
This is how the Solid surface bathtub is made
Unlike bathtubs made of steel enamel and acrylic, which are made from panels and deep-drawn, solid surface bathtubs are made by pouring them into a mold.
Step 1: Pour resin and mineral mixed materials into mold
To produce it, minerals, resin, and hardener are mixed together in the right proportions. The liquid product is then poured into a mold, which should be done quickly before the mineral material solidifies. Air bubbles are first knocked out by shaking.
Step 2: Cool down the bathtub
The drying process follows, which can take up to 12 hours. A slight supply of heat helps with this. However, caution is advised here. Too much heat is not good, as it can cause stress cracks. These should of course be avoided.
Step 3: Polishing and drilling holes
Once the material has dried and hardened, the bathtub can be lifted out of the mold. If holes still need to be drilled for a drain or overflow, this can be done without any problem. Mineral cast is very uncomplicated in this respect. This also applies to polishing, which gives the material its typical velvety surface. For more shine or shades, mineral cast can optionally be coated with “gelcoat”, a hard varnish.
Benefits of mineral cast (Solid Surface):
- Velvety, warm surface
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Scratches can be polished out
- Enables intricate, custom designs
- Excellent insulation properties
Direct Comparison
When it comes to choosing the best material for your needs, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Steel enamel offers unparalleled durability and resistance, while acrylic provides a lightweight and customizable option. Mineral cast, on the other hand, excels in terms of design flexibility and a luxurious, velvety finish.
At BAGNOLUSSO, we understand that your bathroom is a reflection of your personal style. That’s why we offer a wide selection of high-quality bathtubs in all three materials, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your space and needs. Browse our collection at BAGNOLUSSO.com and let us help you create your dream bathroom.