DEAR TIM: I am really fed up with the constant care that my ceramic tile bathtub and shower surround requires. I would love to have a single piece of marble on each wall. Since I have not yet won the lottery, do you think the cultured marble products will suffice? Will these synthetic products loose their shine over time? Is it possible for the average person to install cultured marble products? Can you repair pieces that are damaged? Mack T., Liberty, IN DEAR MACK: Let's set the record straight before we go any further. Cultured marble is really not a totally synthetic product. Real natural marble dust is used to make cultured marble. This ground up marble dust accounts for over 75 percent of the volume of a typical cultured marble product. When mixed with a liquid polyester resin, the marble dust forms an attractive and durable bathroom and kitchen product. Real marble can be a nightmare in a bathroom or kitchen environment. It is naturally porous and as such can stain easily.

Hair coloring products, chemically reactive shampoos and conditioners, and many colored liquids can cause staining problems with natural marble. Because the resin coats all of the marble dust particles making them impervious, high quality cultured marble can withstand stains that might otherwise harm natural marble. The cultured marble industry is quite young and very interesting. It got its start in the late 1960's as a "garage" business. Gun Dog Puppies For Sale In KentSmall volume local fabricators sold their products to plumbing and building supply houses. Savannah Cat For Sale Washington StateThe industry continues to be quite fragmented and there are hundreds, if not thousands, of small companies who produce cultured marble all over the United States. Teacup Puppies For Sale In Hawaii

Unfortunately, the quality of the finished product can vary widely from one manufacturer to another. Several years ago, many of the leaders in the industry founded the International Cast Polymer Association. This group has created a certification process that allows consumers to purchase high quality cultured marble, granite, onyx and solid surface products with confidence. If you buy your cultured marble from a certified manufacturer, you should get a product that will maintain its brilliance for many, many years. Cultured marble can be used to create many bathroom and kitchen products. Sinks with integral tops, bathtubs, whirlpool baths, shower basins, back splashes, wall panels, etc. are all possible. Since it is a molded product, manufacturers can create an infinite amount of designs tinted to any color. The clear finish can be ordered high gloss or satin from many manufacturers. It is possible to repair scratches, chips, and minor blemishes. A certified repair person can re-buff the surface with a special mixed gel-coat compound.

Cracks and broken pieces are virtually impossible to repair. It is not possible to apply a complete new clear finish to a cultured marble product once it has left the factory. Installation of cultured marble tub and shower surrounds is really simple. The process goes quickly if the wall surfaces are plumb, square, and flat. The walls behind the cultured marble should be flat white. Colored drywall or gray cement board can show through some light colored marble products. Dry fit each piece to make sure they are sized correctly. Remove dust from the back of each piece with rubbing alcohol before you apply clear 100 percent clear silicone caulk adhesive. I prefer to start my installations with the piece that goes on the wall I face as I enter the tub or shower. If you install the side wall pieces first, your cuts on the final piece have to be perfect. That can be tough for a beginner. Caulk all seams with a colored 100 percent silicone caulk that will closely match the cultured marble.

Cultured marble is easy to care for once installed. Avoid any cleaning product that contains abrasives. Use a squeegee after each shower to quickly remove water drops from walls. If hard water deposits accumulate on shower or bath walls, they can be dissolved easily with vinegar applied from a spray bottle. Apply the vinegar and wait for 45 minutes to an hour. Rinse the softened deposits with clear water and a sponge or cleaning rag. Heavy hard water deposits may require multiple vinegar spray applications. Cultured marble that has lost its shine can be restored by using Gel-Gloss or Counter Top Magic once a year. Your local fabricator can sell these products to you. Home & Garden > Bathrooms > Acrylic vs Fiberglass Shower Compare Acrylic vs Fiberglass Shower Costs Acrylic is a very durable type of manmade plastic that is one of the most common materials for showers. The material is so durable, in fact, that it’s used to make airplane windshields. Acrylic has a naturally shiny finish, much like glass, but it is stronger and lighter in weight than glass.

Acrylic showers are available in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Often, acrylic showers have fiberglass reinforcements. One-piece acrylic shower units begin at about $800 and can cost upwards of $3,500, depending on factors like size, features and brand name. If you’re looking to purchase just a base, budget about $250 to $700. Acrylic bathtubs usually run $500 to $1,000. Durable - Acrylic is a tougher than fiberglass, so it will last longer. Because the color goes all the way through the surface, scratches aren’t as obvious. And any scratches that do appear can be buffed out with polish. Easy to clean - Acrylic is a nonporous material that naturally resists mold, soap scum and hard-water buildup. Many design options - Acrylic is available in a wider selection of color and design options than fiberglass. More expensive - Acrylic showers are considerably more expensive than fiberglass, although the material is still relatively affordable compared to other types of showers.

Prone to chemical damage - Certain types of cleaners will damage an acrylic shower, and that damage is difficult or impossible to repair. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions to find out which chemicals are safe. Fiberglass is a lightweight and attractive material that is also very popular for showers. Fiberglass showers are made by applying a gel coating over a molded fiberglass base. They are less expensive than acrylic showers but they don’t last as long. One-piece fiberglass shower units usually cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000. Fiberglass shower bases typically cost $150 to $400. Less expensive - Fiberglass showers are the least expensive of all the shower materials on the market. They’re a good choice if you’re on a very limited budget. Easy to install - Because fiberglass showers are so lightweight, they’re easy to install. Many homeowners decide to tackle installation as a do-it-yourself project. Difficult to clean - Fiberglass showers are porous, allowing stains to seep below the surface.