Although baths, basins and shower trays with acrylic finishes are attractive, they are not as tough as the porcelain/steel and enamel/steel fixtures. They result in scratching, chipping and general loss of shine over a much shorter period.
Acrylic fixtures are manufactured by vacuum forming flat acrylic sheet into shape (a bath shape for example) and then backing with several laminations of gel and fibreglass for strength and rigidity.
Apart from the relative softness of the acrylic surface, other problems can develop with surface crazing due to repetitive thermal shock, underside de-lamination due to insufficient gel in the original fibreglass lamination, and surface cracking due to poor underside support or topside impact.
A further issue relates to commonly used ‘fashion’ colours which have always shown a tendency to become ‘dated’ in 5 to 10 years.
Fortunately, worn acrylic surfaces are suited to restoration using on-site resurfacing methods, provided the work is carried out by an experienced applicator using proprietary bathroom resurfacing materials. Worldwide Refinishing Systems (Aust) provide on-site resurfacing services.
Resurfacing, which is sometimes referred to as reglazing, refinishing or re-enamelling involves:
- Specialised cleaning to remove hidden and persistent contaminants
- Chip/crack repairs using waterproof fillers
- Etching by sanding or solvent
- Priming with proprietary bonding agent
- Resurfacing with 3 or more coats of a proprietary bathroom coating system
The new surface will be durable as the original surface. It is easy to clean and have a wear life depending on use and cleaning regime.