The bath is the most important element any bathroom that particularly attracts attention and therefore influences the perception of the entire room. If you believe consumer reviews, then it is the acrylic insert in the bathtub (or liner, as it is also called) that is considered the most effective method repair, thanks to which you can get a practically new plumbing fixture with minimal financial investment.

Products made of steel and cast iron, which were installed in city apartments during Soviet Union, did not have much variety in size and shape. They weighed a lot and had thick walls, so they were very durable (much stronger than some modern models). But, unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, so years of use have affected the condition of these plumbing fixtures. The enamel wears off and takes on an uncharacteristic color due to ingrained dirt, and acrylic inserts allow you to return the bathtub to its original properties and extend its service life by another 10-20 years.

The technology for reconstructing bathtubs using methyl methacrylate (or, more simply, acrylic) was created in the 60s of the last century. This repair method is extremely simple and consists in the fact that new bath installed on top of the old one and fixed with a special adhesive composition. Excellent results with minimal labor and financial costs. Thanks to the special properties of acrylic, the bathtub liner allows you to copy the shape of the original product as accurately as possible, and also gives the entire structure additional useful qualities.

1. There are no pores on the polymer surface, therefore, it does not absorb dirt and bacteria do not multiply on it. As a result, the bathtub is very hygienic and does not need to be treated with aggressive cleaning agents.
2. Acrylic acid derivatives are characterized by chemical inertness, so there is no need to worry too much when choosing a cleaning agent (you cannot use only abrasive preparations).
3. Acrylic perfectly tolerates minor plastic deformations, which is why it is successfully used in unusual situations (for example, the bottom of an old steel bathtub bends slightly).

Acrylic inserts today are manufactured only in industrial conditions and only with the use of specialized equipment capable of providing the required technological parameters. If we deviate even slightly from technology, then mechanical properties products will be reduced without any change in appearance.

Note! An insert made from low-quality material or in violation of technology will be fragile and may develop cracks within a few months after the start of use. This may lead to a complete replacement of the product or at least expensive repairs.

Main types of acrylic inserts

There are many methods for producing methyl methacrylate products, but in most cases only two are used. We will look at them in this article.

Method one. Molded insert

We are talking about a cast production method, in which a sheet of acrylic is heated to the required temperature (vacuum forming is used for heating), after which an insert is “cast” from it, extremely accurately copying the shape of the original product. A polished aluminum matrix is ​​used for molding, which ensures glossy surface final product. By the way, molding can also be performed using a matrix made of a heat-resistant synthetic composite, which is used instead of aluminum in order to save money and reduce labor costs.

It is not possible to visually distinguish inserts made on different matrices, and the relative cheapness of composite forms is reflected in the final price of the product, which is beneficial for both buyers and manufacturers.

But if an unscrupulous manufacturer made an insert using a thinner material than required by the standards, then ready product may hide a number of dangers. So, when the heated polymer is stretched in shape, the wall thickness decreases. And if the material is thinner than necessary, then the walls may turn out to be so thin that they cannot even withstand the loads that arise when filled with water. Therefore, when purchasing an insert, be sure to inquire about the thickness of the acrylic used in manufacturing. If the seller does not want to answer the question, then you can look at the approximate thickness on the sides, although it is better to refuse such a purchase altogether. Despite the arguments that the insert will rest on the steel/cast iron walls of the bath.

Method two. ABS + acrylic

This method, which is also popular among manufacturers, is to use less expensive ABS plastic. This material serves as the basis for the finished insert and is covered with a thin layer of acrylic. Thanks to a special technology for applying acrylic, a fairly dense monolithic product is obtained, since the connected materials cannot be torn apart from each other without destroying them.

Despite their solidity, such liners have one significant drawback - the thickness of acrylic in most cases does not exceed 0.3 mm, therefore, if even the most small scratch, will require complex renovation work. Such models are cheaper than those made entirely of acrylic, but they also last much less, even if at first they look almost the same. The low cost is due not only to the cheapness of the materials, but also to the fact that the ABS-based insert is easier to mold, which greatly simplifies the entire production process.

Vinyl insert - is it available?

Many consumers are looking for vinyl bath liners in the store. Let us immediately make a reservation that this is not an entirely correct understanding of structural materials, which exists among non-professionals. The term “vinyl” refers to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), i.e., a material that differs from acrylic and is widely used in production.

In particular, we're talking about about production:

• windows;
• building materials;
• clothes;
• leatherette;
• awning fabric, etc.

However, polyvinyl chloride has nothing to do with plumbing fixtures.

Note! The great popularity of acrylic inserts as a method of restoring old bathtubs is explained, first of all, by the widest range of products. In specialized stores you can find up to 12 types of inserts.

Such products can be selected for almost any metal bath, and this includes not only Soviet, but also individual modern products. Difficulties can only be encountered in apartment building Stalinist buildings. You can hardly find a “seated” insert for installation in the bathtub of a small one-room “Stalinka” bathtub, because at that time products with non-standard dimensions were used.

And if the liner doesn't fit, you can resort to one of two possible options solutions to the problem:

• restore the bathtub using liquid acrylic;
• purchase a new plumbing fixture.

About the advantages and disadvantages

There are many both strong and weaknesses similar products. For the convenience of visitors, the information is presented in table form.

Table No. 1. Comparison of advantages and disadvantages

pros	Minuses
Acrylic insert - the most cheap way reconstruction of an old bath. The only exception is painting with waterproof enamel.	Installation may require additional dismantling work– for example, removing tiles in a room.
These liners look great, while hiding all visible defects.	In mass production, standard shapes are used, which means that if the bathtub is non-standard, then you are unlikely to be able to find an insert for it.
The acrylic surface is very smooth, but not slippery (you will be surprised, but it is very difficult to slip with your bare foot on a perfectly smooth surface), so lying in the updated bathtub is extremely pleasant.	Acrylic is instantly damaged upon contact (even the slightest) with chemicals made using acidic compounds.
The material retains heat well - the water will cool at a rate of approximately 1°C per half hour.	For the money you spend on the insert, you can easily buy cheap bath of steel.
Caring for the acrylic insert is extremely simple: for cleaning you can use either soap and warm water or regular detergents(but not abrasive).	Upon completion of installation, gaps may remain between the old surface and the insert - they need to be filled with foam.
Service life of an acrylic liner – subject to proper care– can reach 20 years.	It is quite difficult to install the liner with your own hands, especially alone, so people often resort to the help of specialists.
Acrylic is also an excellent soundproofing material. You will no longer be disturbed by the characteristic noise of flowing water.	In case of careless installation, air bubbles may remain under the insert.

Everyone must decide for themselves whether to install an acrylic insert in an old bathtub or not. The advantages and disadvantages described above will help you make the right decision. And if you decide that installing a liner is quite advisable, then first take measurements.

Prices for acrylic bathtubs from the best manufacturers

Acrylic bathtubs

Determining the dimensions of the insert

So, first, decide on the required dimensions of the acrylic insert. And the dimensions will obviously depend on the dimensions of the bath itself, so it needs to be measured. There are two ways to do this.

Method one. Paid metering

You can contact a company engaged in the production and installation of acrylic liners. Similar organizations exist in every city. A specialist will come to you, take measurements and notify you of all the parameters.

Method two. Self-measuring

If you wish, you can measure the old bathtub yourself; to do this, arm yourself with a tape measure and measure the following parameters:

• internal width (you only need to measure the top of the product under the side; to make the indicator more accurate, measure the bathtub from both sides at once);
• depth (near the drain hole);
• internal length (also measure it from above and in two places);
• outer length (measure in the same way).

Also pay attention to the shape (oval, rectangle). Write down all the information and go buy a new acrylic insert.

Features of choice

So, after doing all necessary measurements All that remains is to purchase/order an acrylic insert. Here you must remember that there are certain standard bathtubs (120x70 cm, 130x70 cm, 140x70 cm, 150x70 cm, 170x70 cm, 185x85 cm, etc.), and manufacturers take all these parameters into account when making liners. Moreover, upon completion of installation, all excess material can be cut off using a grinder.

Note! If the bathtub has non-standard dimensions/shape, then the only solution is to contact specialists who will take measurements (if you have not done this before) and make a liner.

This will serve as a kind of guarantee that it will be perfect for your particular bath. There are also a few other important things to keep in mind.

1. It is necessary that the quality of acrylic be confirmed by an appropriate certificate.
2. If the product is made correctly, it will have an absolutely smooth surface. And if you take proper care of it, it will remain so for many years.
3. Finally, you should not secure the insert with polyurethane foam (as a last resort, you can use two-component foam). It is better to use a special adhesive composition, thanks to which the base will be connected to the liner as efficiently as possible.

We also note that it is preferable to contact a company that provides a guarantee for the work performed.

Video - Acrylic insert and liquid acrylic

A few words about the manufacturers

Acrylic linings are in considerable demand due to the possibility of cheaply repairing an old, worn-out bathtub and improving its performance. And demand, as far as we know, creates supply. Products from foreign manufacturers are often not suitable for Soviet-made plumbing equipment, because it was manufactured in compliance with GOST requirements and had clearly defined dimensions. And, as we have already found out, the durability of the structure as a whole depends on the correspondence of the insert and the base.

Russian companies, using the experience and materials of British, German and Dutch colleagues, have established the production of high-quality products adapted to domestic sizes of plumbing fixtures. Our acrylic inserts are in no way inferior in quality to imported ones, but at the same time they are noticeably cheaper.

• ISComp LLC (Moscow);
• Plastall, Seven Lux (Tolyatti);
• "Multiplast" (Cherepovets);
• "Grand Plast" (St. Petersburg) and others.

All of them produce high-quality products (not only white, but also colored) designed for the restoration of old bathtubs. These enterprises have wide dealer networks, they actively cooperate with a large number of leading construction companies countries. The insert options are shown in the photo, and the factory warranty will serve as an additional bonus.

Price issue

If you decide to update an old bathtub, then an acrylic insert is the most best option. This will cost less than buying a new container (if you do not take into account cheap steel baths), by about 2/3. The earbuds themselves are highly functional and practical. With a bathroom restored using this technology, you can certainly forget about such unpleasant moments as corrosion and stains. Even after 20 years (with proper care) the surface will be the same smooth and white.

Give preference well-known manufacturers, which have already proven themselves in the market. This way you can be confident in the quality of the products. As for the cost of the acrylic liner, it depends, first of all, on the size of the bathtub. For example, if the length of the bowl is 150 cm, then the price of the insert will vary between 2700-4500 rubles, although a thin insert 4 mm thick can be purchased even for 1800 rubles. With a bathtub length of 170 cm, the cost of the liner will increase by 200-500 rubles. The installation, as noted earlier, is preferable to be entrusted to specialists, which will cost another 5,500 rubles (excluding the old coating or installation of a new siphon).

Although, if you have the appropriate knowledge and skills, you can do the work yourself, which will require:

• two-component polyurethane foam(or special adhesive mixture);
• silicone sealant;
• new siphon.

All this will cost another 1000 rubles.

Instructions for installing acrylic insert

To get started, buy everything you need and read the instructions below. The procedure will take no more than 2 hours and will be carried out using the “bath in bath” technology. You will install the liner into the old container, lining up the holes, and secure it in place. The algorithm of necessary actions is given below.

Step 1. First, clear the edges of the old bathtub from any adjacent baseboards. This way the connection will be as reliable as possible.

Clean the edges very carefully to avoid causing damage.

Step 2. Free up space around, dismantle the screen (if there is one).

The most difficult procedure will be removing the drain/overflow.

Step 3. To adjust the insert, cut off the side tabs (also called shipping flanges) before installation.

As you work, try on the liner to an existing bathtub. Take the cutting of holes for piping very seriously: they must completely coincide with similar holes on the old container.

Before final installation, the cleaned surface of the bowl is once again degreased, wiped dry and dried.

Step 4. To new system drain/overflow was as strong and durable as possible, reassemble it immediately using silicone sealant.

Using silicone sealant

Step 6. Apply two-component polyurethane foam (or special glue) to the inner surfaces of the bowl.

Step 7 Place the insert inside the container and press it as tightly as possible.

Bath border. DIY installation

Step 11 Remove construction garbage, clean the product from any dirt remaining after installation.

Note! The installation is almost complete, all you have to do is wait for the adhesive to completely harden. This usually takes 30-60 minutes.

Video - Installation of acrylic insert

Siphon installation features

The siphon plays very well important role, because with its help water is removed from the bowl into sewer system. The siphon consists of the following structural elements.

1. Drain pipe. Attach it to the bowl using a mesh and a special bolt. Place the pipe from below and the fixing parts from the inside of the bathtub.
2. Overflow hose. Install this hose a few centimeters from the top of the container. Overflow, as is known, is necessary in order to prevent water from overflowing over the sides due to overflow. Carry out the installation as in the case of the drain pipe, connecting the overflow to the pipe using a plastic hose. Also attach a drain plug to the overflow.
3. A drain pipe . Necessary for connecting the siphon to the sewer pipe and is made in the form of a ribbed tube. There is a threaded ring (for connection to the siphon) at one end, and a blind pipe (for connection to the sewer) at the other.

Bath drain and overflow device with siphon

The final stage of work is to fill the bowl with water in order to check the tightness of the connections. If there is no water under the bowl, then the siphon is most likely installed correctly.

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• Finishing
• Repair
• Installation
• Device
• Cleaning

Mounting the liner in the bathroom

One of the most effective ways Bathroom restoration involves installing acrylic liners. This will allow you to restore the inner surface of the bathtub in a short time and return it to its original whiteness. Installing an acrylic liner in a bathroom with your own hands is a fairly simple task, so any owner of an apartment or private house can handle it.

The advantage of an acrylic bathtub is that it is highly durable, light weight and easy to install.

Installation of liners in the bathroom is carried out quite quickly. All installation work, including preparatory work, will take no more than 3 hours. In this case, you will be able to use the bathroom for its intended purpose within a day.

High-quality restoration of a bathtub can be done with your own hands without any problems.

Choosing a bath liner

To carry out restoration work we will need the following tools and materials:

Acrylic bathtub size chart.

• roulette;
• coarse sandpaper;
• marker, simple pencil;
• electric jigsaw;
• drill with a crown attachment;
• silicone sealant;
• special polyurethane foam;
• acrylic liner.

Restoration in this way is most often used for cast iron products, since they have almost inexhaustible body strength.

Choosing a liner is a very important task, since the further use of the bathtub for its intended purpose depends on how correctly it is made.

When choosing a liner, you should measure the dimensions of the bath (height, width and length) and, based on the obtained values, select the appropriate liner. In this case, the depth is measured in the deepest place of the bathtub (in the area of ​​the drain hole), and the length and width are measured along the inner walls in the upper part.

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Preparing the bathtub for restoration

Installation diagram for an acrylic bathtub.

Before installing the acrylic liner with your own hands, you need to carry out some preparatory work that won't take more than an hour time, but the final result will depend on their implementation.

The first step is to dismantle plastic panels or old tiles that are adjacent to the bathtub. This is necessary in order to gain access to all its edges. After this, we begin to clean the old enamel using coarse sandpaper.

After the enamel is evenly sanded, you can begin washing the bathtub. In this case, you need to carefully remove all the fragments and dirt that formed during the previous operation. At the final stage, we dismantle the siphon.

By installing an acrylic liner in the bathtub with your own hands, you will save yourself from buying a new and expensive product. And replacing a bathtub requires complex preparation. But here everything is simple! Let's learn together how to carry out the work.

Installing an acrylic liner is not the only way to restore an old bathtub. We will analyze all restoration options to know exactly which method is right for you. The first option is to enamel the bathtub. The advantages of this method include the affordable cost of enamel, the possibility of carrying out restoration without removing borders, as well as the long service life of the new coating - about 12 years. But there are also many shortcomings. For example, if enameling is carried out in violation of technology, the service life can be reduced to 5 years.

The second option is to use . The guarantee is about 20 years, the surface after treatment will be smooth and without smudges, in addition, to carry out the restoration you do not need to remove the sides, which eliminates the risk of damage to the tiles. True, you need to remember about the disadvantages self-filling bath. For example, this material is very capricious, and applying it correctly requires dexterity and experience.

Filling bath

The last option is to install an acrylic insert. The most important advantages of this restoration method are accessibility and ease of installation - you can quickly carry out the work yourself, even without being a specialist. To install the liner, you do not need to dismantle the drain, since you just need to remove the cover. But even here there were some drawbacks. For example, you will have to remove the curb, which can damage the tiles. The second disadvantage is that acrylic inserts may not always fit exactly in size, which means you will have to use foam correction.

The acrylic liner has other important features. For example, the product is not afraid of rust. Caring for the updated product is also easy - wipe the coating with a damp cloth and try not to soak clothes made from highly dyeable fabrics in the bath for a long time. If you're considering installing an acrylic liner to upgrade your metal bathtub, there are a number of other benefits. Eg, water treatments will become much more comfortable, since acrylic is a material with low level thermal conductivity. The water in such a bath will cool much more slowly.

First you need to accurately select the liner in size, so as not to make adjustments later. You can take measurements yourself, there is nothing complicated here - you only need to know three parameters:

• total length of the bath, including the length of the sides;
• bathtub depth - place the bar across the bathtub in the center and measure the distance from it to the bottom;
• the internal width of the bathtub, while the distance between the sides should be measured twice - at the location of the drain and from the opposite edge.

Acrylic bath liner

After this, we begin preparation. The first thing we need to do is remove the tiles and borders adjacent to the bathtub. This is necessary to have access to the edges around the entire perimeter of the bath. After this, we clean off the old coating. You can use coarse grain sandpaper: For convenience, attach it to the plastic holder. Cleaning old enamel with sandpaper will help you improve adhesion. old surface with acrylic liner. Rinse the bath thoroughly, removing dust, dirt, and fragments of the old coating.

And only after this can you dismantle the siphon, not forgetting to cover the resulting hole with masking tape so that during installation of the acrylic liner the foam does not leak onto the floor.

How to properly install an acrylic liner with your own hands?

Installing the liner takes a few hours at most, if you have it on hand step by step plan performance of work. Just follow our tips to get good results.

How to install an acrylic liner with your own hands - step-by-step diagram

After this, we mount the liner itself, pressing it tightly to the bathtub. For greater efficiency, secure the product with clamps, placing thin boards under them to avoid damaging the fragile acrylic. You can do the work yourself, but it’s better to call an assistant. Last step– installation of a siphon, which should also be coated with sealant.

Step 3: Checking the quality of work

Close the drain with a stopper and fill the bathtub with water. Moreover, you need to fill it so that the water does not reach the edge by about 3 cm. Such a load on the liner is needed to ensure better fixation of products and rapid polymerization of the foam. The water can be drained after about 6 hours, and you can use the updated bathroom a day after the work is completed.

No matter how much we want it, nothing lasts forever. This applies to any plumbing equipment, including bathtubs. Even the most reliable and durable cast iron bathtubs deteriorate over time and lose their former attractiveness due to the appearance of chips in the enamel, its yellowing and destruction.

Replacing old plumbing equipment with new ones is the simplest solution to the problem. But it is also the most expensive, both from a financial and time point of view.

When there is no money for a major bathtub renovation, an acrylic bathtub liner will help save the situation. Masters offer many options for restoring enamel, but each of them is very labor-intensive and also takes a lot of time. Getting a quick and high-quality result can be achieved by using an acrylic liner in the bathroom. Restoring a bathtub with an acrylic liner is an excellent alternative to restoring enamel, which will allow you to enjoy the renovation of your bathtub in just a few hours.

Restoring a bathtub with an acrylic liner: what is an acrylic liner?

Installation of an acrylic liner in a bathtub as a technology for restoring bathtubs appeared in the late sixties of the 20th century. The attractiveness of the technology lies in its relatively simple solution Problems overhaul plumbing fixture. A new polymer bowl is laid on top of the old one using an adhesive composition - minimal costs and the best result.

Photo 1. The acrylic liner is placed and secured in the bathtub itself.

The production of acrylic inserts is carried out strictly in industrial conditions; there are certain standards for sizes and shapes. Their diversity allows you to choose the most the best option to renovate your bath.

The design has a two-layer structure. For the top one, acrylic is used directly, and the bottom layer is made of durable plastic that can withstand decent bending loads.

Finished designs have a thickness of 4 - 6 mm and can be made in almost any color scheme, which maximizes the possibilities for choosing a design. But the main advantages of the acrylic liner are practicality and ease of care. To keep the product clean, it is enough to periodically wash it with soap. And any scratches that appear can be easily removed with special polishing agents.

Installation of an acrylic liner in a bathtub: advantages of technology

Photo 2. Installing an acrylic liner is an easy task.

According to statistics, bathroom renovation using polymer inserts is very popular. Which is not surprising, because:

• the operation will take no more than two hours, and after a day you can already fully use the bathroom for hygiene procedures;
• a bathtub with a liner is much stronger than its acrylic counterpart, as it has metal walls that act as a reliable frame;
• you will not need to spend money on purchasing a new bathtub, dismantling old plumbing equipment and installing new ones;
• you get all the advantages of an acrylic bathtub, which include good impact resistance, heat resistance, antibacterial effect, aesthetic appearance throughout its entire service life and the water in it cools down for a long time (on average by one degree per half hour);
• if you install an acrylic liner in a cast-iron bathtub, it will serve you for at least 20 years;
• Affordable prices are offered for all products, and you can easily carry out the repair work on plumbing equipment yourself. The main thing is to choose the right insert.

How to install a liner in a bathtub: product selection

When deciding to restore your bathtub by installing an acrylic liner, it is important correct selection this product. Because it depends on it appearance and service life of repaired equipment.

Photo 3. Parameters that you need to pay attention to when choosing an insert.

For the most part, bathtubs that were installed back in Soviet time, and these are cast iron products, unified in size and shape. For them, choosing the right liner is quite simple. Measure the dimensions: width, depth and length. And, based on the results obtained, select the appropriate product.

The length and width measurements must be taken from the top of the bathtub, only the length is measured from outside structure, and the internal width (from wall to wall). If the width of the head and legs are different, you will need both parameters to select an insert. The depth of the bowl is determined in the area of ​​the drain hole.

How to install an acrylic liner yourself

Photo 4. Installing an acrylic bathtub liner.

It is quite simple to install an acrylic liner in a bathtub, but the procedure requires preliminary preparation of plumbing equipment. As a rule, it does not take more than an hour, but the final result depends on the quality of its implementation.

An old bathtub in need of restoration should be prepared according to the following scheme:

• dismantle the plastic panels or tiles adjacent to the equipment. This operation is necessary to gain access to the edges of the bowl along the entire perimeter;
• We clean the old enamel with coarse sandpaper; it can be fixed on a special holder made of plastic or wood. This is necessary to create a rough surface in order to increase its adhesive properties;
• After thorough sanding, we proceed to washing the bowl. We try to remove all, even the smallest fragments, dust and dirt resulting from the previous operation;
• dismantle the siphon and overflow; if a faucet was installed in the bathroom, we also remove it (by the way, an excellent reason to replace the old faulty faucet with new equipment).

Liner installation diagram

Specialists involved in the restoration of bathtubs at a professional level pay special attention to the issue of fitting the new bowl to the old bath. To do this, the insert is inserted into the equipment bowl, outlined around the perimeter with a pencil, and then removed. Then the excess plastic is cut off with a jigsaw.

For the purpose of unification, inserts are produced without drain holes, so you will have to make them yourself. To do this, in old equipment, the overflow and drain holes are well rubbed with a simple pencil. The insert is then applied and pressed firmly against the drainage areas to obtain impressions. The liner is removed, and holes of the appropriate diameters are drilled along the marks.

Photo 5. Bathtub after restoration using an acrylic insert.

Now the fitted liner can be installed and fixed. For this:

• apply sealant or two-component foam (it does not expand) around the perimeter of the overflow and drain holes to eliminate the possibility of leaks;
• Next, we cover the inner surface of the bowl of the old equipment with two-component foam. Important! Apply foam without breaks, in continuous lines and without voids. Otherwise, under the weight of water and your body in such places, the liner will sag, which can lead to premature wear of the product. The volume of foam (thickness of layers) directly depends on the accuracy of selecting the configuration of the acrylic insert;
• After the foam has been applied, you can begin to directly insert the liner into place. We press it as tightly as possible to the bathtub;
• We fix the installed product around the perimeter with clamps, having previously placed it under the pressure levers wooden slats or boards;
• we install the mixer in place;
• without waiting for the foam to dry, install the bathtub drain, then close the drain hole with a plug, open the tap and draw water until the overflow drain. In this case, water acts as a uniform load, which will ensure strong fixation of the insert to the base.

The bath should be kept in this state for approximately 24 hours, only after which it can be used as usual.

Replacing the old acrylic liner with a new one

With all the advantages of acrylic, it is still not sufficiently resistant to mechanical stress. If you used abrasive products when cleaning the bathtub or dropped something heavy into the bowl, you could easily damage the liner to such an extent that it would need to be replaced. In addition, if you are a pet lover and often wash them in your bathtub, then after some time you may find various damage on its surface that is incompatible with aesthetics. In both cases, restoration can also be done by using an acrylic liner. But in order to install new element, the old one needs to be removed.

To do this you will need a grinder, a knife, and a spatula. Using a grinder, we saw the old coating into several segments, being careful not to touch the metal base. Using a spatula, carefully remove the cut off elements, remove the siphon, and clean the bathtub with a knife from any remaining foam. Then he prepares the bathtub bowl for the new liner, adjusts it and installs it according to the already familiar pattern.

The technology for installing an acrylic liner can be done even by non-professionals. The main thing is to follow the instructions exactly, then everything will work out.

Video: Acrylic bath liner

You can repair an old or damaged bathtub in many ways: by painting, coating it with a restorative composition, or, as a last resort, replacing it entirely.

Meanwhile, there is more rational way not only resurrect the bathtub's former appearance, but give it completely new consumer qualities.

We are talking about installing acrylic liners in an old bathtub which has fallen into disrepair. This liner is an almost complete copy of the bathtub itself, only slightly smaller in size, which allows it to be tightly installed inside.

The acrylic insert is firmly fixed and becomes a structural element of a metal bathtub, which, due to such modernization, acquires the qualities of acrylic bathtubs.

Advantages, features and benefits

Structurally, the liners consist of two layers: acrylic itself and ABS plastic. They are made two-layer for the following reasons:

• saves expensive acrylic, which makes the liner cheaper;
• thanks to the high strength of ABS plastic the whole structure is very durable. In addition, the plastic is selected to be similar in color to the acrylic color. This means that if you do manage to somehow break off part of the acrylic layer, the damage will be completely invisible to the eye.

Concerning advantages this method restoration of bathtubs, then they can be distinguished so many:

• Firstly, installation of the liner is more attractive in terms of labor costs than even simple painting. If you familiarize yourself with all the installation features in advance and stock up necessary materials, then the entire repair may well take a couple of hours.
• Secondly, a metal bathtub with an acrylic liner is much quieter than without it. Water falling from the tap will fall on the elastic acrylic and the annoying sound will simply have nowhere to be born.
• Third, water treatments will become more enjoyable due to the extremely low thermal conductivity of acrylic, i.e. The bath will become warm to the touch. In addition, acrylic will retain heat when poured. hot water, for a long time not allowing it to cool down.
• Fourth, the appearance of bathtubs with an acrylic liner is not only good in itself, but also fits perfectly into any modern interior bathroom. Accordingly, there is no need to change the bathtub to a new one that looks more suitable.
• Fifthly, acrylic is not afraid of water with a high concentration of iron. Therefore, if rust appears, it will only appear on the surface of the acrylic, from where, along with any other contaminants, it can be easily wiped off with a simple soft sponge.
• Finally, the cost of an acrylic liner is several times less than a new bathtub made of this material. Moreover, additional savings are achieved by eliminating the need to dismantle the old bathtub and install a new one.

The extremely rich assortment of plumbing stores makes it easier to buy an acrylic liner. You can buy an insert almost anywhere both for bathtubs 150 cm and for models 170 cm long.

Wherein internal form the liner can also be either ellipsoidal or straight, which allows you to choose the right option for absolutely any metal bathtub with different side heights.

Prices

Acrylic liner cost directly depends on the size of the bath for which it is purchased. If it's a short bath length 150 cm, then in Moscow an insert for it will cost from 2600 to 4000 rubles, depending on the manufacturer. For baths length 170 cm prices will be higher by 200-500 rubles.

In addition, for self-installation liner will be required and Additional materials : silicone sealant, two-component polyurethane foam and a new drainage system, that in total will not cost more than a thousand rubles.

Buy acrylic liner there are two ways: or purchase in a traditional plumbing store, or use the services online store.

Purchase in a regular store interesting because what will happen in this case it is possible to evaluate the appearance and quality acrylic with my own eyes and fingers. However prices in such stores will be quite high.

Where the purchase option looks more attractive acrylic liner in the online store. First of all, in a few minutes and without getting up from your chair, you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the offer of a very large number of Moscow plumbing stores.

The next pleasant moment - prices. In any online store they will always be much lower than in traditional retail outlets.

Moreover, the cheapness is explained not by the poor quality of the inserts offered, but by the peculiarities of online trading itself.

Such sellers most often do not incur significant costs for maintaining retail space; they rent inexpensive premises, and due to the resulting savings, they gain the opportunity to set low price tags.

The optimal sequence of actions when purchasing an acrylic liner in an online store can be considered the following:

1. Find time and go to a regular store just see what the acrylic liner is like, evaluate its appearance and quality of finish.

   An even better option is visit someone you know, who have already installed a similar liner. At the same time, you can find out the details and installation features, and also see what it looks like ready-made solution in a real interior.

2. Order an acrylic liner in the online store the model you are interested in and wait for it to be delivered. At the same time, delivery within Moscow in the vast majority of online stores will be free. For the region, the cost of services must be found out directly on the seller’s website.

In addition, even before the stage of direct selection one or another model of bath liner, you will need to make some measurements. You will need three of these measurements:

This information will be needed by store consultants to precise selection liner of the required size.

Advantages in reviews

Dry listing of the advantages of acrylic liners cannot give a complete picture all the benefits that their owners acquire.

The best thing read people's reviews who have already installed the liners and have the opportunity to give an objective assessment of their choice.

For example, it is interesting review from girl Zhenya Kazan faced with the need cosmetic repairs in the entire apartment, but at that time did not have enough free money.

She says she bought it for her old one cast iron bath acrylic liner and ended up with a complete analogue of a high-quality acrylic bathtub. Her Small child never ceases to enjoy the warmth and comfort while bathing.

Andrey from Saratov writes that he was also limited in funds, and old bath came into almost complete disrepair. He notes with pleasure that even his initial skills home handyman It was quite enough for self-installation of the liner. Now the whole family has the opportunity to take baths with previously unattainable comfort.

Moskvich Anton shared his impressions of purchasing an acrylic liner in an online store.

According to him, the liner was much cheaper than what he saw in a nearby plumbing store. Plus, he used the services of an online consultant, finding out all the installation features of the liner model he was interested in. The information received was enough for him to quickly cope with the installation himself and now continues to enjoy the new appearance of the bathtub.

And quite it makes sense to trust reviews posted on the Internet.

The psychology of people is such that they will not say a single word of approval if something does not suit them. In the meantime, you can only find online responses of positive emotions possessed by those who purchased and installed an acrylic liner in the bathtub.

How to install it yourself?

Before starting installation, you will need to acquire the following set of tools:

• chisel with hammer, or hammer drill or hammer drill;
• sandpaper and grinder;
• drill with a crown attachment;
• jigsaw, its electric version;
• mounting gun for foam and sealant;
• sealant and polyurethane foam;
• clamps.

First of all you should prepare the old bathtub to install the liner in it.

To do this, use a hammer drill gets lost old tiles , adjacent to the bathtub, from the sides all skirting boards are removed and other fixtures, including a drain and overflow system.

As a result, you need to get clean and free from foreign objects sides of the bathtub.

Then sand with a grinder the entire inner surface of the bathtub is treated.

This is done to eliminate any remaining gloss so that the adhesion to the polyurethane foam is as strong and uniform as possible.

Now the acrylic liner needs to be placed inside the bathtub and on its back side draw the boundaries of the sides and drain. Next, follow the resulting markings with a jigsaw excess is cut off.

Using a drill with a 54 mm diameter bit in the previously marked areas holes are cut for drainage and overflow.

The next stage of bathtub renovation is directly installation of the liner. It begins by applying a continuous layer of sealant around the drain and overflow holes. It is extremely undesirable to save money here; this layer should be at least several centimeters wide and as uniform as possible.

Then on the side of the bathtub, as well as on the entire inner surface a continuous layer of polyurethane foam is applied.

In this case, it should be used exclusively two-component polyurethane foam, which does not shrink as it hardens.

After this you need take a short break necessary for the foam to achieve the required properties. The time of this pause can be found on the foam bottle.

Finally, you can finally install acrylic liner in bathtub. Follows immediately screw on the drain and overflow system. This will help fix the liner more tightly while the foam hardens and improve the adhesion of the liner to it.

Additional fixation can be achieved by evenly tightening small clamps around the perimeter of the side.

To prevent the metal of the clamps from damaging the acrylic surface, it is recommended Place either pieces of plastic or thin wooden slats at the contact points.

Having completed all the work, the bathtub should be filled cold water and leave her like that for a period of at least one day.

During this time, the sealant will completely dry and the polyurethane foam will finally harden. The bath is now ready for use.

The technology of installing an acrylic liner in a bathtub is a completely reasonable solution and an excellent alternative to an expensive replacement.

Absolutely solid, warm and at the same time great-looking acrylic will give an old bathtub new life, and its owners will enjoy an unprecedented level of comfort. Moreover The service life of acrylic liners can reach 10 years or more, it is enough just to protect them from exposure to chemically aggressive substances and abrasive cleaning agents.

We invite you to watch a video on how to install an acrylic liner in a cast iron bathtub: