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How Acrylic Bathtubs Are Made

What Are Bath Tubs Made Of? A Closer Look at Acrylic Bathtubs

When people ask how does a bathtub work or what are bath tubs made of, they’re often surprised by the variety of bathtub materials available today. From cast iron bathtubs to acrylic tubs and fiberglass options, each type has distinct pros and cons.

Among these, acrylic bathtubs have become a budget-friendly, durable, and versatile choice for many homeowners. Here’s how they’re made — and what makes them stand out from other types of bathtub.

Step-by-Step: How Acrylic Bathtubs Are Made

The process begins with assembling the proper bathtub materials — primarily petrochemicals. These are heated and mixed with:

  • Stabilizers

  • Resins

  • Fillers

  • Dyes

  • Other chemical additives

This combination causes a reaction that converts the substance into a polymer composition, which is then dried into large acrylic sheets.

—> Related: A Brief History of the Modern Bathtub

Step 2: Reinforcing the Tub

For added strength, many acrylic tubs are reinforced with glass fibers. Here’s how it works:

  • Short strands of glass are cut and placed on a resin-paste bed atop the acrylic sheet.

  • Another filler layer is added to fully envelope the glass.

  • The entire reinforced sheet is passed through a series of rollers to compress and evenly mix the materials.

Step 3: Molding the Bathtub

Once the sheet has thickened and the protective film is removed, it’s cut into sections to match the size required for the bathtub mold.

  • Giant vacuum molds, with thousands of small holes, suction the soft acrylic sheet into the desired shape.

  • Once cured, the formed bathtub shell is removed from the mold.

—> Related: Should I Refinish or Replace My Bathtub?

Step 4: Finishing and Strengthening

The molded tub is then reinforced to ensure durability and structural integrity:

  • Fiberglass resin coatings are sprayed onto the acrylic surface.

  • A lamination process removes air bubbles and solidifies the shape.

  • The tub is milled to remove rough edges and make fixture openings.

  • Brackets and plumbing accessories are installed.

  • Finally, the finished tub is packaged and sent for shipping.

Should You Refinish or Replace Your Acrylic Bathtub?

Whether you own an acrylic bathtub, a fiberglass bathtub, or another type of bathtub, it’s common for wear and tear to show over time. Chips, cracks, and cosmetic damage don’t necessarily mean you need to replace your tub.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option to restore your bathroom, refinishing may be the way to go. At Seattle Bathtub Guy, we specialize in repairing and resurfacing:

  • Acrylic tubs

  • Fiberglass tubs

  • Cast iron bathtubs

  • Other common bathtub surfaces

And if your tub gets damaged again after our repair, we’ll fix the first blemish free of charge.

Contact Seattle Bathtub Guy

Don’t trust your bathtub repairs to a DIY-solution – call Seattle Bathtub Guy to get the job done right the first time around. Contact us today!