Which is better, a ceramic bathtub or an acrylic bathtub?

A ceramic bathtub is a bathtub made of ceramic. While ceramic bathtubs, with their smooth surface, once held an important place in the bathroom market, the continuous development and application of new materials in bathroom product manufacturing have revealed that ceramic bathtubs are no longer suitable for modern needs and are being phased out, replaced by materials such as acrylic, cast iron enamel, and steel enamel. Ceramic bathtubs are made from ceramic clay and have a high-gloss glaze, enhancing the overall quality of the bathroom. They are also thicker and more durable. However, ceramic bathtubs are heavy, difficult to transport, susceptible to damage from bumps and scratches, and are prone to breakage. Their smooth surface also makes them slippery, and scratches and cracks are often irreparable.

In contrast, acrylic is a malleable polymer chemical material with excellent transparency, chemical stability, and weather resistance. It is easy to dye, process, and has a beautiful appearance. The surface material of an acrylic bathtub is methyl methacrylate (MMA), with fiberglass on the reverse side, and then reinforced with a special resin. The bathtub has a uniform color, a smooth surface, and is free of delamination, bubbles, etc. The surface layer is generally more than 3 mm thick and is firmly bonded to the fiberglass without peeling. Acrylic is soft and easy to process, allowing for a rich variety of shapes and colors. It has high heat retention, providing long-term insulation in winter. It is lightweight, making it easy to transport and install. Surface scratches can be repaired, and the price is relatively inexpensive.

In comparison, acrylic bathtubs have many advantages, which are the reasons why people like them:

1. Acrylic bathtubs have a slow heat transfer rate, so they have excellent heat retention. Even in cold winters, the water temperature will not cool down quickly when you stay in the bathtub for a long time.

2. Compared with cast iron bathtubs, steel bathtubs, and ceramic bathtubs, acrylic bathtubs have lower raw material production costs, making them quite inexpensive and a suitable choice for most people.

3. If there are minor scratches on the acrylic surface, don't worry, acrylic bathtubs have a certain degree of self-healing function.

4. Acrylic bathtubs have a uniform color and a smooth, white surface that will not harm the skin. Soaking in an acrylic bathtub for a long time can even make your skin more supple and elastic. Furthermore, due to the smooth surface, collisions with the bathtub generally do not cause much pain.

5. Acrylic bathtubs will not develop layering or bubbles even after prolonged use, and will not produce a hollow sound when gently tapped.

However, ceramic bathtubs are slippery and pose a risk of falls. The surface of a ceramic bathtub is very smooth, and when water enters the tub, the slipperiness increases, so care should be taken to prevent slipping and accidents. Additionally, ceramic bathtubs are heavy and inconvenient to transport. Made from porcelain clay, they are inherently heavy, making them more cumbersome compared to other types of bathtubs, which is extremely inconvenient for transportation during renovations.

In general, ceramic bathtubs are made from ceramic clay and have a high-gloss glaze, enhancing the overall quality of the bathroom. Advantages include good aesthetics, a sturdy material, and durability. Disadvantages include their weight, making them difficult to transport, susceptibility to bumps and knocks, slippery surfaces that can lead to slips, and irreparable damage from cracks and scratches. Current trends: Acrylic bathtubs have slower heat transfer, resulting in better heat retention and a warmer, softer feel compared to ceramic bathtubs. Ceramic bathtubs feel colder, while acrylic offers better value for money, making them the most commonly used type of bathtub today.

In conclusion, acrylic bathtubs will be more popular in the market compared to ceramic bathtubs.