Living Bathrooms

Products Material knowledge Acrylic

Acrylic was first used in the production of sanitary ware over 30 years ago. Today, it is a prevalent material used in the bathroom to produce tubs, shower trays and whirlpools. The benefits and appeal of acrylic are revealed through a closer look at the material - one that might not necessarily “get under the skin” but at least very close to it.
A warm, smooth and pore-free surface
The skin is a highly specialized sensory organ that acts as a barrier of protection against the external environment. For this reason, people can be quite particular about what they expose their skin to. In the bathroom, the warm, smooth, pore-free surface of acrylic tubs offers a distinctive advantage over other materials. Anyone sitting on the edge of or reclining in the tub while it fills with water will find the material pleasant to the touch. Acrylic feels comfortable against the skin’s surface, creating a sensation that immediately puts the user at ease.

The smooth seamlessness of acrylic’s surface presents another advantage when it comes to cleaning. Because acrylic cannot be penetrated by dirt particles, tubs can simply be cleaned with a soft cloth and water. Stronger deposits can be removed using warm water and a liquid cleaning agent.

Acrylic is also distinguishable by another unique characteristic. With its natural shimmering appearance, it is an adaptable material that ensures design continuity in the bathroom. A perfect complement to its ceramic counterparts and an elegant partner to bath paneling, acrylic creates an exceptional sense of balance in the overall design of the room.

Acrylic is also color proportionate and UV-stable, so users can rest assured that their tub will retain its appearance throughout its lifespan. From a design perspective, sanitary acrylic offers invaluable advantages and maximum versatility thanks to the way in which it is produced. But how exactly is it made?

Boards comprising pure acrylic form the basis for production. These boards are cleaned and heated to approximately 180 degrees. Using a vacuum, the boards are then deep drawn in an aluminum mold and then left to cool. When the boards reach the right temperature, they are removed from the mold and reinforced with a compound made of acrylic, wood and glass fiber. This is followed by finishing work and quality control executed in accordance with DIN EN 198. The finished product is then ready for packaging and dispatch.

The finished acrylic tub usually weighs between 25 and 35 kilograms, making it quite easy to install. Additionally, sanitary acrylic is known for its resistance to almost all conventional cleaning agents.

Just in case: a special repair kit, supplied by Duravit.
Overall, it is a durable, high-performance, high-tech material. Airplane canopies, for example, are made of the same material. So, if a hammer were to fall into the tub while you were hanging a picture, for example, the user-friendly acrylic would be easy to repair. Scratches can be ground out and filled using a special repair kit, supplied by Duravit. The end result: a renewed smooth surface with its inherent gleam.

Acrylic Duravit Products

Material knowledge