Resin Bathtubs and Washbasins

February 17, 2020

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Contents
What Is a Resin Bathtub or Washbasin?
What Is The Resin?
What Are Resin Bathtubs and Washbasins Made Of?
Advantages of Solid Surface - Seamless Design & Manufacturing
Elegant, Low Maintenance & Hygienic Solution for Commercial Washrooms

What Is a Resin Bathtub or Washbasin?

The truth is that technically speaking, there is no such thing as resin bathtub or washbasin.

What Is The Resin?

Resin is just a general reference for the binding agent, which is only one of the many parts in the composition of the final product, like a bathtub or a washbasin. Moreover, not all resins are made equal - there are different types of resins like acrylic resins, unsaturated polyester resins, and acrylic modified unsaturated polyester resins. A particular part made with one kind of resin might have completely different characteristics than the same part made of another type of resin.

What Are Resin Bathtubs and Washbasins Made Of?

In addition to resin, the matrix (a mixture used to make a bathtub or a basin) requires a filler, pigments, and other essential additives. Along with resin, a filler is the most critical second element that determines the characteristics of the final part. For example, some cheaper bathtubs are made of calcium carbonate filler with a gelcoat top layer that is sprayed to the mold before the casting. These bathtubs and basins are typically referred to as cast stone tubs. Usually, low-cost manufacturers would prefer to manufacture cast stone bathtubs and washbasins because the raw materials are cheaper, the machinery requirements are very basic, the manufacturing does not require vacuum technology, and the process is easier to control and forgiving to mistakes made by the operator.

Aquatica is betting our future on the solid surface. Our top-of-the-line materials AquateX™ and NeroX™ are both proprietary formulations of solid surface.

Solid surface manufacturing uses aluminum hydroxide as the filler - the same material that is widely used as a filler in pills. High purity Aluminum hydroxide is also used as an antacid to treat heartburn, upset stomach, sour stomach, or acid indigestion. It is environmentally friendly and neutral material that does not react with most other chemicals and acts as a natural fire extinguisher by emitting water upon ignition. Articles made of the solid surface can be recycled or safely disposed of in a general use landfill like any other construction debris.

Why Should I Bother About The Differences? Isn’t It All The Same?

The sanitary ware market today is dominated by various me-too importers, rebranders, and other middlemen who have little or no technical knowledge and who typically import shoddy “me too” goods from various Asian sweatshops, often shipping products made of toxic chemicals and without proper curing. Some suppliers in Italy and Poland aren’t much better and would cut corners to save a few cents here and there with predictable consequences.

The writer of this article has been in the industry for over 16 years and recalls conversations with multiple clients of other brands who have contacted him asking for bathtubs that wouldn’t stink of toxic chemicals when filled with hot water or baths that would turn yellow after just very short use of few months.

Advantages of Solid Surface - Seamless Design & Manufacturing

One of the main benefits of solid surface is the ability to fabricate an entire, continuous surface incorporating bathtubs, washbasins, bowls or decorative furniture tops. Seamless manufacturing of bathtubs and washbasins integrated with countertops eliminate rims that trap dirt and water, minimizing cleaning and maintenance.

Elegant, Low Maintenance & Hygienic Solution for Commercial Washrooms

AquateX™ solid surface washbasins and lavatories provide for a luxurious, low-maintenance solution for high-traffic commercial washrooms. Our commercial sinks are engineered to be easily cleanable and with optional NanoGuard™ antigraffiti and antimicrobial protection.