Choosing new fittings for the house is an exciting activity and recent trends have shown that when it comes to picking tub and shower units, the fiberglass variety are fast becoming the market leaders. Since fiberglass goods are made of a fused combination of a variety of materials including acrylic particulate matter, they have some impressive advantages as well as some disappointing disadvantages that come from the mix that is created. Before joining in on this market trend, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of fiberglass tub and shower units so you can make an informed decision. Fiberglass has proven to be a customer oriented and style flexible option in terms of the dazzling array of options that are available. Fiberglass tub and shower units are generally available in a wide range of sizes, styles, forms and their accompanying price ranges. For those looking to add a tub and shower unit with the emphasis on aesthetics, the fiberglass kind would be the best option as these are generally more decorative and more eye catching as a result of being more stylized.
Their shiny texture and innovative tones and shades can add a touch of glamor to the bathroom fittings that isn’t always possible to achieve with other kinds of bathroom units. While enamel products tend to chip and acrylic bath units of see tears in the structure and lose their gloss and “new” appearance very quickly, fiberglass tub and shower units are much easier to maintain in terms of appearance in the long run. Some basic regular care and maintenance routines are enough to keep these units looking shiny and new for a long time. It has been found that gentle use of some regular car cleaning and upkeep products on these shower and bath units is the secret to keeping them buffed, polished and shiny. Fiberglass units are inexpensive and if one is working on a budget they are the ideal choice to make. Even if they do get damaged the repairs are usually easy, inexpensive and very effective. Also, as these units are lightweight they are easy to move if needed, repair and reinstall.
Even though these units are cheap to buy, they are not as durable as other products in the market such as those made of cast iron or acrylic. Hence they are more prone to damage and need replacing more often. As a result, while one does not spend much on purchasing the unit, replacement costs can add up. These units are not made for long-term use. While the gel coating protects the surface of the unit, underneath the covering the material is porous. Hence, after a while when the coating begins to peel off in places, water can seep in and damage the unit. Though repairs are cheap and easy, the long run costs can add up in terms of cost and time invested. Overall, fiberglass tub and shower units make for an excellent cheap yet stylish option for your bathroom needs. Though the units need to be replaced on a frequent basis, the versatile variety of options on offer along with attractive designs makes it much more worthwhile than other more expensive alternatives.Is your fiberglass shower or bathtub old and dingy looking?
Here is how to easily make a tub and shower look new again! Your fiberglass bathtub or shower will scratch over time. The small crevices will allow dirt and grime to build up over time. Using the tub daily makes it hard to clean the soap scum and dirt as it gets embedded which causes black stains and water spots. Here is a fairly easy way to completely scrub and buff your fiberglass tub or shower and make it look brand new.Shower/Tub Cleaning Mixture: Use a quart of hot water and mix a large amount of baking soda and a half cup of the dish soap. Once the items are mixed, it will start to form a paste. Add enough baking soda until the mixture is able to stick to the shower or tub walls.How To Apply The Mixture: Use a sponge and apply a large amount of paste to the walls and floor of the shower or tub. (BE CAREFUL AS THE TUB FLOOR SURFACE WILL BE SLIPPERY) Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes and then scrub vigorously. After scrubbing you can rinse the fiberglass with cold water and use a towel to remove any water on the walls or floor.
At that point you can use a Magic Eraser to wipe everything down once again.How To Make Your Shower/Tub Sparkle Like New: Use a marine grade rubbing wax compound that’s made for fiberglass. You will also need an orbital buffer and a good quality auto wax. Apply a small amount of the marine grade rubbing compound and work in small sections. Do not stay in one area too long as it will burn the fiberglass. Then buff the rubbing compound with a terry cloth rag. Repeat the complete process with the auto wax. After you apply the auto wax, use a terry cloth and buff to a shine. Then rinse with cold water to harden it.Marine Polish – Orbital Buffer – Premium Car WaxOnce your tub or shower is completely buffed and clean it is best to buy a bath mat to avoid slipping as the shower/tub will be slippery. Your tub/shower should now look as good as new! Here is a different but effective way to clean your bathtub or showerDo you have a better more effective way to make a fiberglass shower or tub look like new again?
Please leave a comment below.Please Share Our DIY Repair Help and Projects... More "Do It Yourself" Tips, Tricks, Ideas, Repair: APPLIANCE REPLACEMENT PARTS CENTER APPLIANCE PARTS FOR ALL BRANDS AND TYPES One-piece tub and shower units are affordable, sturdy, and easy to install. Before you buy, check out our guide to the pros and cons of these popular products. Share your take on this idea!Upload your photo here. Need a bathtub and a shower but don't have the room for separate pieces in your bathroom? A space-saving combination tub-shower is a smart choice. These two-in-one units make the most of limited space by providing all the benefits of both a shower and a bathtub in a compact footprint, which can be particularly useful in a child's or guest bathroom. When you don't have room or funds for a separate tub and shower, a combo model is also a wise choice for boosting your home's resale value because it serves homeowners who prefer either option. Tub and shower combos are available as prefabricated kits or can be installed as a custom design.
Typically made from fiberglass or acrylic, prefab units are available from very basic and affordable models to pricey versions that include tile-look walls, modern colors, and shelves. Although the design options are limited with prefab units, you can personalize the unit with the fixtures you choose. A glass shower door can also give the illusion of more space than a curtain. A sliding door is installed on a track along the edge of the bathtub, which may require a professional. One-piece kits are the most watertight and perfect for new construction but they may not fit through doorways in existing homes, so many remodelers choose multipiece units. Sectional units increase the risk of moisture seeping between the pieces and causing damage. Prefab stalls require some assembly, but most novice DIYers can tackle the installation. When purchasing a kit, take exact measurements to find an available size that will fit. Also, be certain existing plumbing matches the placement of any predrilled holes in the kit.