Acrylic bath inserts: specifications and installation features

The bathroom should be a territory of comfort. However, it happens that there is no money to replace the old cast-iron plumbing, or there is no technical ability to do this without damaging the walls, since major repairs were not planned. In this case, manufacturers suggest resorting to restoration by installing an acrylic liner.

The restoration by inserting a new surface inside the bathtub was developed by Austrian engineers over forty years ago. The method was patented only in 1996. He allowed such work to be done at home. The acrylic bath liner is designed to quickly restore the appearance of plumbing fixtures. The main function is not only to improve aesthetic properties, but also to block damage to the enamel coating.

To increase the service life of the liner, you need to carefully approach its selection. Material is an important criterion. The insert should not be made of ordinary plastic or technical acrylic, such a product will become unusable a few months after installation. Most often, medical acrylic or two-layer ABS acrylic is used as raw material. The technological process of making acrylic liners is not easy, it is impossible to carry out it without special equipment in artisanal conditions. Quality products can only be produced in the factory.

In production, a thin acrylic sheet is bent into the desired shape at high temperature and under the influence of vacuum. The thickness of the initial blank starts from 6 mm. Restoring old bathtubs with an insert allows you to obtain a smooth and pleasant to the touch surface with certain advantages at no special cost.

Among the main advantages that influence the choice between buying a new bathtub and restoring an old one, there are several.

• Low level of financial costs. Cheap acrylic earbuds are more profitable.
• Short installation times. Professional installation time is 2 to 3 hours. In the case of do-it-yourself installation, it can increase to 5.
• Bath renovation without major repairs. During the installation of the liner, the dismantling of the old bath is not required.
• Good sound insulation, which is especially important when installed in a steel bath.

• Excellent thermal insulation allows you to keep hot water in the bowl for a long time.
• Self-installation is possible.
• High impact resistance, scratch resistance.
• The ductility allows deformation to be tolerated, especially in a thin material bath such as steel.

• Long service life. Proven manufacturers guarantee up to 20 years of operation. In fact, with proper use, an acrylic insert can last ten years longer.
• Hygiene. Since the medical polymer has no pores, it is easy to care for and does not harbor bacteria and fungi. It is also called ecoacrylic. He is not afraid of household chemicals without abrasives, he is able to clean himself even with soap. Also, thanks to the non-porous structure, acrylic does not turn yellow, dirt and rust does not eat into it.
• The choice of colors expands the boundaries of the usual bathroom design. Shades do not fade and do not wear off throughout the entire service life.
• Acrylic is not an allergenic material, therefore it is safe for health.

There are also disadvantages to consider before proceeding with the installation.

• The acrylic liner reduces the internal volume of the bath. However, experts assure that in fact acrylic has a small thickness, so the decrease is difficult to notice visually. Rather, it is a psychological sensation.
• If there is a tile finish that goes directly to the sides of the bathroom, then they will need to be dismantled.
• An illiterate installation significantly reduces the service life of the product.

• Poor support of the liner inside the old bowl can cause mold and mildew to form if water gets between the two surfaces.
• If you do not follow the rules of operation, then the restoration coating will quickly become unusable.
• It is not recommended to bathe animals in a bathtub with a liner, as they can damage the coating with their claws.
• Do not install the acrylic liner if the owner has a weight of more than 100 kg, as the product will crack under this weight.

There are two types of acrylic earbuds:

• Cast. Such products are made of sheet sanitary acrylic by pressing. During the production process, the sheet is placed on an aluminum or synthetic matrix, heated to the required temperature and pressed under vacuum. During the heating and forming phase, the acrylic is stretched, which leads to a decrease in the thickness of the original blank. If the manufacturer uses thinner sheets as an economy, then the walls of the resulting insert may turn out to be so thin that they cannot guarantee the integrity of the product.

• Composite. It is based on ABS plastic, which is covered with an acrylic layer on top. The products are characterized by a short service life. The manufacturing process allows you to obtain a monolithic connection between the layers. However, the acrylic layer does not exceed 0.3 millimeters, which cannot provide high-quality protection against mechanical damage. Since plastic is easier to mold, the cost of composite liners is significantly lower than that of pure acrylic.

Sometimes buyers ask about the availability of vinyl restoration products. The professionals warn that vinyl bathroom liners don't exist. Since polyvinyl chloride is not a plumbing material, only windows, fabric, building decoration products and other things that are not related to plumbing are made from it.

As a rule, the restoration surface is placed in an old cast iron bath. This plumbing product is a classic, unparalleled, but requires some effort to maintain and install. To date, manufacturers cannot offer liners for any bowl model, only for the most common ones. Standard sizes in centimeters are usually 150X70 and 160X70. However, there are models with a length of 170, 180 and a width of up to 80 cm. The most common acrylic version in a seated font has dimensions of 120X70.

The acrylic material makes it possible to experiment with the shade of the bowl. The colored insert will become a design element of the bathroom, on which you can make the main accent, dream up with lighting and color schemes of the surrounding space. The most common shade according to customer reviews is white and blue, but other colors look no less impressive.

The price of an acrylic bath insert is lower than the cost of a new product, but not enough to change it regularly. Therefore, the choice should be approached carefully.Before buying an acrylic insert, first of all, you need to correctly take measurements from the base.

Five basic measurements are recommended:

• the length of the bath is determined from the outer edge;
• the length of the inner bowl is measured from the inside, excluding the width of the sides;
• inner width between the sidewalls above the drain;
• inner width of the most extended part of the bowl in the back area without taking into account the width of the sides;
• the depth is determined near the drain hole. Experts advise to put a flat rail on the sides of the bath, from which to measure perpendicularly downward.

It is recommended to take measurements even if the sanitary ware has standard dimensions. This will help you more accurately select the insert. It is worth considering not only the length and depth of the bowl, but also the different widths in the drain area and near the back. It is not recommended to buy a product of a smaller size, even if the shape of the bath is non-standard. The acrylic cover must sit like a "second skin", otherwise it will sag, deform and, as a result, crack.

Products must be certified. Verified manufacturers give a guarantee for several years. Also, the product must be accompanied by instructions with recommendations for proper use and proper care. If the price of the product is low, but the seller refuses to provide a quality certificate or the warranty period is less than a year, it is better not to buy such an insert. In this case, there is a risk of getting yourself a headache when, after a short time, the product becomes unusable.

The optimum thickness of the acrylic liner varies from 5 to 6 mm. If it is less, then during operation the layer will swell and crack. This criterion can be checked visually. The product should not show through if you look at the light through it. In addition, a high-quality liner should not bend when pressed. When buying, you should pay attention to the fact that the surface is smooth to the touch, there are no defects in the form of sagging, thickening, cracks, its color is even.

It should be remembered that products from foreign manufacturers may not be suitable for domestic baths. It is better to choose Russian firms that have large dealer networks throughout the country. The brands listed below have proven themselves. They usually use German and Austrian raw materials and equipment for production. These are the companies:

• LLC "ISKomp". The company has been manufacturing similar products since 1997. The products are certified and have all the necessary certificates. The activity is licensed in the territory of the Russian Federation. The patent for the production of bathtubs was obtained by the management in 1994. The manufacturer offers options for acrylic products in various colors and sizes. An extensive dealer network allows delivery to customers in all regions of the country. Any set of the product must contain all supporting documents along with recommendations. Users highly appreciate the products of this company.

• Plastall. The company specializes in the production of materials for the restoration of cast iron and steel bathtubs. Its branches are located in several cities of Russia: Togliatti, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk. And also in neighboring countries (Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan) and in the western market. In addition to manufacturing, the company provides sales and installation services. The brand offers a first free sample as a guarantee, as well as a complete package of all documentation. In addition to the inserts themselves, the company sells components and liquid acrylic.

• Seven Lux. The production facilities are located in the city of Togliatti. The company specializes in the production of acrylic bathtubs, liners, shower trays and panels.The products are manufactured on high-tech German equipment. It has all the necessary quality certificates and documents that confirm the originality of the technologies used. Products can compete with European counterparts.

• "Multiplast" Is a large industrial and commercial holding that specializes in the sale of household goods. The company's products are certified and comply with the accepted technical standards and GOST of the Russian Federation. A well-developed dealer network allows for an individual approach to each client.

If the base does not have such dimensions, then in this case there are two ways out:

• placing an order according to individual sizes;
• the "pouring bath" method.

The second method involves coating the bath surface with liquid acrylic. The quality characteristics of artificial enamel - glass, are several times better than epoxy paint. The main difference between this process and enameling is that the enamel is applied with a brush or roller, and acrylic is poured onto the surface of the bowl.

The main advantages of the bulk method include the following factors:

• Suitable for baths of any shape, unlike the liner. It is especially relevant for the restoration of specialized bowls, for example, a jacuzzi.
• The internal volume decreases significantly less.
• During restoration work, there is no need to remove tiles or other decorative coatings from the sides. For their safety, it is enough to use construction tape.
• If there are minor defects, liquid acrylic will fix them.

Before proceeding with the restoration with glass, you should first familiarize yourself with the negative aspects of the method:

• acrylic fumes are harmful to health, therefore, until completely dry, you should not be in the bathroom without protective devices;
• it is recommended to remove the siphon, since it can become clogged during repairs;
• significant defects: deep scratches and chips, it will not be possible to fill;
• The cost can be significant as the acrylic is poured rather than brushed.

Installing an acrylic liner with your own hands does not take much time. Before installing the insert into the bathtub, it is necessary to carry out all the preparatory work: take measurements, prepare the bowl itself.

After all the necessary measurements have been made and the insert is selected, proceed to the next stage related to the preparation of the bath itself. The first step is to find out if the trim covers the rim of the bowl. Many owners hide cast iron products under tiles or paneling. In addition, the boards are often protected from water leakage onto the floor with plastic corners. Such parts located directly on the bathroom must be dismantled to free access. If the edges of the bowl are built into the walls, all restoration options will have to be carefully analyzed. In the presence of expensive tiles or other finishing material, if the repair of the walls was not planned in the near future, respectively, there is no way to free the sides, you will have to postpone the installation of the acrylic liner. When restoration is nevertheless necessary, it is recommended to apply the method using bulk acrylic or applying enamel.

The next step is cleaning the old enamel. To improve adhesion when gluing surfaces, it is necessary to remove the smooth enamel coating, clean up traces of rust and limescale. To do this, use coarse sandpaper. The process can be performed both manually and using special mechanical devices, for example, a grinder with an abrasive nozzle.Next, you should clean the bath from debris, remove the debris, wash and wipe it thoroughly. It is better to degrease the surface before further actions. You can use a less "dirty" way. In this case, the bath is washed using any cleaning agent. Then rub with baking soda to degrease the surface, rinse and dry. However, with this treatment, the adhesion will be much worse.

Initially, you need to try on the purchased insert. If he “sat down” perfectly, then replacing the old plumbing product will take a little time. In the case when the overhead surface does not fit perfectly, it is adjusted to the dimensions of a particular bath. For this, an acrylic insert is placed inside the bowl, the edge of the sides and the location of the drain hole are marked with a marker or a simple pencil. Professionals advise to facilitate this process with a simple lead. With a pencil, outline the contours of the holes on the old coating with a thick layer, after installing the liner and slightly pressing it, a contour trace will remain on its surface.

Next, you need a silicone sealant or glue, as well as a two-component assembly foam. Silicone is pre-applied to all drain holes and side edges. The procedure will protect the bath from the ingress of liquid between the layers, therefore, will protect against destruction and the formation of fungus. The inner surface of the bowl is evenly covered with special foam. The thickness of the applied layer should correspond to the distance between the insert and the old bathtub. Do not leave large gaps between foam strips.

The next step is to install the siphon. It is recommended to determine in advance, even at the fitting stage, whether the old siphon will fit the new bath, the thickness of which will increase due to the liner. The hole should be sealed with a waterproof sealant during installation. When installing the drain, it is important not to overtighten the bolt, as this can lead to deformation of the acrylic. If the liner cracks, then a void will form between the surfaces, into which water will enter, which will first lead to the appearance of an unpleasant odor, and then to the destruction of the acrylic layer.

Upon completion of all installation work, it is necessary to fill the bath with water almost to the brim. This load will ensure uniform adhesion and polymerization of the polyurethane foam. Better to leave her like this overnight. Then you can start decorating the edges. To do this, either restore the tile covering, or stick a plastic protective border. At the same time, do not forget about the waterproof treatment of seams of decorative and protective parts with a sealant. After a day, the product can be used.

In order for a new refurbished bathtub to serve for a long time, certain rules must be followed.

Initial application.

• After installation work, you can use the bath only after a day. During this time, the silicone sealant acquires its technical characteristics.
• After installation, the insert should be filled with water in order to press it more strongly against the base, which will allow the parts to be glued evenly. It is not recommended to drain the water for 24 hours.
• You should first wash the bowl with laundry soap.

The best way to clean the acrylic liner is with laundry soap. It copes well with pollution, is inexpensive and additionally disinfects. For the procedure, it is enough to lather a soft sponge and rub the surface with it, then rinse with warm water. Afterwards, it is recommended to wipe the bath with a dry, not hard cloth. Cleaning after each use will prevent limescale and soap streaks. If contamination does occur, then the desired area is cleaned with a soft sponge with a suitable chemical non-abrasive solution.

Experts do not recommend using a plunger if the pipes are clogged. In this case, it is worth choosing special household cleaning products. An important requirement for cleaning is accuracy, the solution should not get on the acrylic, it is better to use funnels for pouring or pouring directly into the pipe. Since the polymer is not absolutely resistant to mechanical stress, its surface should be protected from falling objects and strong impacts.

Chlorine first causes acrylic to darken, and then to deformation and the appearance of holes. Solutions based on acetone, ammonia and similar solvents will corrode the acrylic material. Formaldehyde in the detergent makes it unsuitable for cleaning the bathroom.

In difficult situations and with heavy pollution, experts advise to rub the stubborn stains with toothpaste. If this does not help, then it is better to restore the surface. To do this, you need to purchase liquid acrylic at a hardware store. Sometimes manufacturers offer a plumbing repair kit specially designed for such cases. The acrylic composition is applied to the stains, after drying it is polished with a soft flannel cloth. This method is used to remove scratches and cracks that form during operation.

Experts assure that a lot depends on a competent and correct choice. The durability of the acrylic liner is 70 percent dependent on its quality and only 30 percent on installation and maintenance. However, an illiterate installation may entail additional costs for repairing the coating. If a crack forms somewhere during installation, water will accumulate under the liner. This will cause fungus and a foul odor. In this case, restoration of acrylic is necessary. If everything is done on time, then its service life can be extended.

Acrylic material is afraid of fire, it melts. If you put candles on the sides, then hot wax can burn a hole, so it is better not to experiment. For the same reason, in no case should you pour boiling water into an acrylic bath. If the bathroom is to be renovated, it is better to pre-cover the surface with a soft cloth so that fragments of tiles do not damage the coating. To restore the acrylic surface to its original shine, it should be rubbed with toothpaste.

If the acrylic insert is completely damaged or requires repair, then you can remove it, but this will take some effort.

This is done like this:

• First, remove the siphon.
• Then the insert is cut with a grinder and very carefully across. Making an incision, gradually drain the water in case it accumulates between the surfaces.
• Next, the cut pieces of the acrylic layer are removed.
• If there was water between the bathtub and the inlay, then the polyurethane foam was saturated with rotten liquid. It needs to be cleaned. In order to remove it from the surface of the bath, use a spatula. Then they are cleaned with sandpaper.

• This is followed by garbage collection, wet cleaning and drying.
• Before the next stage of the restoration, the surface is degreased.
• Then you can insert a new tab or apply liquid acrylic evenly.

If you still have doubts about your choice, experts advise you to pay attention to the following reasons before choosing between buying a new bathtub and a liner.

• Modern cast-iron bathtubs differ from the products of the Soviet period in the lower quality of the enamel. In order for the coating to be durable, it is necessary to choose expensive models, the price of which starts from 15 thousand rubles.

• If the apartment has a plumbing fixture of the Soviet period, then it is already many years old, and, depending on the accuracy of the operation, it most likely has lost its appearance. As a rule, old products are built into the floor and walls, which aggravates the possibility of quick replacement. In addition, sometimes the doorway needs to be widened to take out the bathtub. If major repairs are not planned, then it is difficult to replace the plumbing.

• Even expensive models with an enamel coating are difficult to wash from yellowness and rust.
• An acrylic insert is on average three times cheaper than a bath.
• Even if after a certain time something happened and the liner was damaged, it is easy to dismantle it and install a new one or restore it using liquid acrylic.

For information on how to install acrylic liners in the bath, see the following video.