As a home renovation specialist with over 10 years of experience, I‘m often asked how to determine whether an existing shower surround is made of fiberglass or acrylic. This is an important factor when planning bathroom upgrades, as the differences between the two materials impact durability, ease of cleaning, and costs. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll arm you with expert tips for conclusively identifying fiberglass vs. acrylic for your shower walls.
A Quick Comparison of Fiberglass and Acrylic Shower Surrounds
Before we dive into identification methods, let‘s recap the key characteristics of fiberglass and acrylic shower surrounds:
Fiberglass
- Texture: Matte finish, bumpy, gritty
- Flexibility: Rigid, inflexible
- Durability: Prone to cracks and scratches
- Cleaning: Absorbs soap scum, stains
- Cost: Typically the most affordable option
Acrylic
- Texture: Glossy, smooth finish
- Flexibility: Flexes slightly without damage
- Durability: Resists scratches and dents
- Cleaning: Resists soap scum buildup
- Cost: Moderate price point, pricier than fiberglass
Now let‘s go over some reliable ways to identify which material you‘re working with.
Inspecting Appearance and Texture
One of the quickest initial checks is to closely examine the visible finishes and textures.
Signs it‘s fiberglass:
- Visible fiber strands – Look closely and you may see fine exposed glass fibers.
- Bumpy, uneven matte texture – Fiberglass has a gritty, pebbly texture.
- Faded dull finish – The surface loses its sheen and turns flat over time.
- Blotchy spots – Exposed areas can appear faded and discolored.
Signs it‘s acrylic:
- Glossy, reflective surface – Maintains a wet-look shine when new.
- Smooth, even finish – No bumps, pores, or uneven textures.
- Molded design – Some acrylic surrounds feature a molded-in pattern.
- Seamless joints – Panels join almost invisibly with minimal gaps.
Take a close look at any seams between panels – fiberglass seams will be more pronounced while acrylic appears nearly seamless. Shine a flashlight at an angle along the surface to highlight any dull spots or uneven textures indicative of fiberglass.
Feel the Surface and Flexibility
Here‘s a simple test – gently press your hand against the shower surround.
Fiberglass will:
- Feel rigid and inflexible – No give when pressed.
- Have a gritty, sandy texture – You can feel the fiber glass strands.
- Feel hollow behind – Panels have little weight.
- Absorb moisture – Matte finish soaks up condensation.
Acrylic will:
- Flex slightly then bounce back – It has some "give".
- Feel smooth, even, and plastic-like.
- Weigh more and feel solid.
- Repel moisture – Glossy finish beads up water.
Also pay attention to any hairline cracks, which indicate fiberglass that has become brittle and inflexible over time.
Listen for a "Ringing" Sound
Here’s a simple acoustic test you can try:
- Tap gently on the shower surround with your knuckles.
- Listen closely to the sound.
- Fiberglass makes a muffled, dull "thud" sound.
- Acrylic makes a brighter, higher-pitched “ringing” sound.
Because acrylic is a denser, more solid material it will reverberate and echo. The matted fiberglass absorbs the sound.
Check Behind Walls or Underneath
In some cases you may need to do a bit of sleuthing by looking behind wall panels or under the tub.
- Use a flashlight and small mirror to inspect the shower base.
- Check around plumbing fixtures and seams.
- Look under the bottom lip of wall panels.
See if you can spot any manufacturer stickers, logos, or small imprints in the material. These are often hidden but can positively identify fiberglass vs. acrylic if discovered.
Weigh Detachable Sections
The density and weight of the materials differs noticeably. Here’s how to compare:
- Carefully remove a small access panel if possible.
- Hold and weigh it in your hands.
- Try gently pressing down to test the flex.
Key characteristics:
- Fiberglass panels are lightweight and feel hollow.
- Acrylic panels have significant weight and density.
- Fiberglass will flex minimally, acrylic has more “give”.
Use these techniques together to thoroughly inspect the shower walls. With some hands-on investigating, you can conclusively determine whether those surfaces are fiberglass or acrylic.
The Pros and Cons of Fiberglass vs. Acrylic Surrounds
Once you‘ve identified the material, you may be wondering about replacement or refinishing. Here‘s an overview of the main advantages and disadvantages of each:
Fiberglass Pros:
- Very budget-friendly option
- Easy DIY installation
- Available in many configurations
- Resists mold and mildew
Fiberglass Cons:
- Prone to cracks, chips, and scratches
- Visible seams after some years
- Tricky to get paint to adhere
- Can turn yellowish over time
Acrylic Pros:
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Easy to keep clean and sanitary
- Resists stains and daily wear-and-tear
- Maintains like-new appearance
- Seamless panel connections
Acrylic Cons:
- More expensive upfront cost
- May require support framing
- Can be dented or warped if hit
- Difficult to patch or replace sections
Many homeowners choose to replace fiberglass surrounds with acrylic, which better withstands moisture and humidity. But fiberglass can work perfectly fine for secondary or little-used bathrooms on a tight budget.
Typical Costs for Shower Wall Materials
Here are some average installed costs per square foot:
- Fiberglass surrounds: $100-$250
- Acrylic surrounds: $200-$550
- Tile shower walls: $400-$1000
- Stone tile walls: $600-$1500
- Glass block walls: $200-$1000
Fiberglass is generally the most economical option, followed by acrylic. Keep costs in mind when deciding whether to replace or refinish your existing shower.
FAQs about Identifying Showers
Let‘s recap some of the most common questions:
Can I paint my fiberglass surround?
Yes, but proper surface prep and adhesion-promoting primer are essential. Acrylic cannot be painted.
What‘s the best way to make my fiberglass shower look new again?
Thoroughly clean, lightly buff out stains/scratches, and apply a fresh wax coating to restore the glossy finish.
How long do fiberglass and acrylic shower walls last?
Fiberglass typically lasts 10-15 years before needing replacement. Acrylic can last 25+ years with proper care.
Can I replace just a portion of my fiberglass surround?
It‘s possible but the seams may be visible. Acrylic is better for seamless partial panel replacement.
What cleans acrylic shower walls best?
A gentle, non-abrasive cleaner and soft sponge or microfiber cloth is ideal. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Don‘t hesitate to reach out with any additional questions! Proper identification of your shower walls will help guide your bathroom renovation plans.
