Cracks and Scratches: How to Prevent Acrylic Shower Damage

You know it’s time to upgrade your tub or shower, but you’re still doing some important research. Acrylic shower walls are touted as waterproof and durable, but does that mean they’re totally damage-resistant? Unfortunately, no shower wall material is 100% impervious to damage, and acrylic can sustain cracks and scratches.

At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, we have over two decades of experience working with acrylic shower wall panels, and we’ve seen it all. We’re here to share information and tips about what causes acrylic shower damage and how to prevent it. As much as we might benefit from selling you another brand-new shower wall system, we want you to enjoy your shower for as long as possible! Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

1. What Causes Acrylic Shower Cracks?
2. What Causes Acrylic Shower Scratches?
3. Can You Repair Acrylic Shower Damage Yourself?
4. How Long Do Acrylic Showers Last?
5. How Do Acrylic Shower Warranties Work?

What Causes Acrylic Showers to Crack?

Acrylic showers are made of solid high-tech polymer panels that have a smooth, non-porous surface. They’re one of the most durable shower materials on the market right now, but that doesn’t mean they can withstand anything.

Acrylic shower walls are most likely to crack if they’re struck by a heavy object. Fortunately, you’re not likely to be holding something heavy like a hammer while you’re in the shower. Unfortunately, cracking your acrylic shower this way is something that would happen entirely by accident, so there aren’t any specific or practical prevention tips for this one.

That said, the most practical thing you can do to prevent cracks in acrylic shower wall panels is invest in proper installation. These panels can also crack if they’re under consistent pressure. This can occur if they aren’t installed on flat, stable surfaces and sealed correctly to prevent any sort of bending or warping.

What Can Scratch Acrylic Shower Wall Panels?

When it comes to scratching your acrylic shower walls, we can offer much more practical prevention tips, specifically regarding how clean your shower.

The easiest and most common way to scratch an acrylic shower wall panel is to use an abrasive material like steel wool to clean it. Always make sure to use a soft material like a microfiber cloth to wipe down or scrub your acrylic shower. If you’re dealing with particularly tough soap scum or mineral build up, spray the walls with a mixture of white vinegar and water and allow it to sit for at least ten minutes. This will help to break down that buildup so you can then wipe it away with a clean, soft cloth.

While we’re on the subject of cleaning your acrylic shower, here are the basic dos and don’ts:

Can I Repair My Damaged Acrylic Shower Myself?

Let’s say that you’ve discovered a crack in your acrylic shower walls or base. Can you fix it yourself, or should you call in a professional?

There are tons of DIY acrylic shower repair kits available online or in home improvement stores. They usually come with some kind of a cement mixture and a sealant to go on top of it. DIY acrylic shower repair kits can stave off water damage for a few uses, but they don’t make for a great long-term fix. In other words, you can use them to make your shower more functional while you wait for professional repairs, but not in lieu of professional repairs.

What about scratches? Very minor scratches can be buffed out with a mildly abrasive paste, like toothpaste or a mixture of two parts baking soda and one part water. Using a soft cloth or cotton ball, rub the paste into the scratch in small circles. Rinse and repeat as needed until the minor scratch is less noticeable. Keep in mind that bigger scratches can’t be buffed out in this way, and while some sources may suggest buffing big scratches with sandpaper, doing so is probably going to leave your acrylic more scratched than when you started.

How Long Should Acrylic Showers Last?

When we talk about the durability of a shower system, we’re talking about a few different things. In this case, we need to address:

• How long your acrylic shower will provide 100% waterproofing
• How long your acrylic shower panels will hold their shape and functionality (i.e., not warp)
• How long your acrylic shower panels will look like new (i.e., scratch-free)

A high-quality, well-installed acrylic shower should last 15-20 years before it’s no longer providing a waterproof system or starting to warp. You may notice aesthetic differences like scratches earlier than that, especially if you’re using abrasive cleaning supplies, but proper upkeep can help to retain your shower’s appearance for 15-20 years as well.

When Do Warranties Cover Acrylic Shower Damage?

A good bathroom remodeling company is going to offer two types of warranties with their new walk in showers or bathtub replacements: labor warranties and manufacturer warranties. The first covers damage or functionality problems related to the installation. The second covers manufacturing defects.

That means that if you notice something like a crack or scratch right after installation, you should absolutely contact your bathroom remodeler. If your acrylic shower damage didn’t result from user error or neglect, you can likely get repairs at no extra cost.

However, if you were to crack or scratch your acrylic shower panel yourself, you’ll need to cover repair costs out of pocket.

Invest in Quality Acrylic Showers with ZINTEX Remodeling Group

Acrylic showers may be durable, but they can still withstand damage. With this guide, you know how to keep cracks and scratches at bay, but first, you need quality products and expert installation.

Could ZINTEX Remodeling Group be the bathroom remodeling company near you that can get the job done? We know that cost is one of the biggest concerns when preparing for a remodel. Up next, find out how much a new walk in shower would cost with ZINTEX.