PRO-CAST, INC.
Call Us: (262)-783-1200
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why specify cast polymer products?
Q. How do I care for cast polymer?
Q. Will anything stain a gel-coated cast polymer product?
Q. Can cultured marble yellow?
Q. What is the difference in whirlpool tubs?
Q. How do I clean my whirlpool tub?
Q. Can I use bubble bath or bath oils with my whirlpool tub?
Q. What is cast polymer?
A. A cast polymer is made by chemically binding fillers with a resin and then molded to provide shapes that meet today’s design needs. The manufacturing process and physical properties of the finished product permit uses impossible to duplicate with ceramic tile, quarry stone, plastic laminates, fiberglass, acrylic, or cast iron products. Cast polymer encompasses the following:
1. ONYX: A semi-translucent material that allows light to pass through, allowing multiple depths of veins and color variants of, creating a unique product.
2. SOLID COLOR: A material that utilizes a solid color in lieu of a veined or marbled appearance.
3. SOLID SURFACE: A solid color or granite material comprised of filler and resin. Normally, there is no air entrapment. Most manufacturers like Corian, Staron, High Max, etc. start as a sheet of material and these are fabricated with woodworking tools. PRO-CAST, INC. has developed a system of casting in place a finished product including bathroom integral bowls, backsplashes, edge treatments, standard and made to order custom bans, wall panels for the shower or tub surrounds.
4. VEINED CULTURED MARBLE: A pigmented material which is not translucent and is generally veined with contrasting color (or colors). The colored vein or marble pattern runs through the material, but cannot be seen below the surface.
Q. Why specify cast polymer products?
A. A cast polymer will meet or exceed your criteria of excellence in design and use. It offers a durability that meets or surpasses most other comparable products. Cast polymer is affordable, usually priced above plastic laminate yet below solid surface, ceramic tile, quarry stone, and cast iron. Flexibility is available because it is the only product that can be made using one process with one manufacturer using the same raw materials and the same colors. It is the only product that lets you choose your desired color hue. It is easily repaired. Most nicks, scuffs, and chips can generally be repaired. A repair kit is available for the do-it-yourself person. (For best results, repair should be done by a professional.)
Q. How do I care for cast polymer?
A. This product is easily cleaned with soap and water or a foamy tub and tile cleanser. Do not scrape or use abrasive products or drain cleaners. Light scratches and dull areas can be removed by polishing with an automobile rubbing compound. If it should become stained (i.e., cigarette) the stain can normally be removed by using #400 grit sandpaper (wet) then following with #600 grit (wet) and finally polishing with a good automobile compound. However, caution must be used as to not sand through the gel coat. A good furniture wax or gel gloss polish will give your top a more lustrous appearance. Other damage and repair procedures should be discussed with the factory. Repair kits are available for the do-it-yourself person. To prevent thermos shocking (cracking) of the material, temper the hot and cold water. The cavity of the cabinet or tub must be maintained at normal room temperature (e.g. 70 degrees F). Water temperature should not exceed 120 degrees F. This is suggested for two reasons:
1. It prevents burns to adults and children
2. It prevents thermos shocking in tubs, shower bases, and vanity bowls.
Q. Can I use plumber's putty?
A. Yes. Plumber’s putty is used to seal the drain of the tub, shower base, or vanity bowl. Plumber’s putty will stain quarried stone but it has no effect on cast polymer.
Q. Will anything stain a gel-coated cast polymer product?
A. Generally, gel-coated cast polymer products will not stain provided the spill is immediately wiped up and the surface is then rinsed with water. These products are tested with the ANSI standard using items commonly found in bathrooms such as ink, show polish, hair dyes, iodine, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, lipstick, crayons, etc. Acetone (nail polish remover) can dull the surface if not wiped up. If this should occur, it can be repaired. Nail polish or paint splatters should be wiped up before they dry. Do not scrape off dried spills.
Q. Can cultured marble yellow?
A. Cultured marble may yellow over time, just like your blue jeans or house paint may change color. There are a few known reasons for this shift.
1. Quality of the gel-coat applied to the piece may not be the best quality.
2. Thickness of the gel-coat used on the piece.
3. Number of years the product has been in use.
4. Constant wearing down of the coating.
5. Areas not exposed to air may yellow; i.e., spaces under toothbrush holders or soap holders.
Some cures for this are:
1. Expose the piece to air by moving your soap dish, etc. to new locations.
2. Raised rubber feet should be used in place of felt pads on the bottom of accessories; i.e., soap dishes, toothbrush holders.
3. Use low heat from a hair dryer but keep the dryer away from the surface while moving.
4. Products like Gel-Glossâ„¢ can help seal and keep a high luster.
5. If the surface is a matte finish, the yellowing can be removed with a diluted mild bleach/water applied with a non-abrasive pad.
Q. What is the difference in whirlpool tubs?
A. Whirlpool tubs generally come in the following types of material: Cast iron, fiberglass, acrylic, and cast polymer.
Material Movement: Flexibility is noted in fiberglass and acrylic tubs. This is due to the lack of thickness and structure that cause the bottom to move and sidewalls to expand. Cast iron and cast polymer do not have this characteristic.
Weight: Cast iron is the heaviest tub, followed by cast polymer, fiberglass, and acrylic (the lightest).
Styles and Sizes: All have many styles and sized to choose from.
Color Choice / Compatibility: All tubs are produced in a solid color. However, cast polymer can also be produced in a marbleized material or solid surface. Cast polymer also allows for the deck color to be different from the vessel color, or the ability to mix solid surface with a solid color. All tubs can be made in colors that match the major name plumbing fixtures like Kohler or American Standard and match other fixtures like showers, vanity tops, tub decks, etc.
Access Panel / Service Panel: Most tubs come with one or two options for placement of the whirlpool pump and controls access. In cast polymer, PRO-CAST INC. can place the pump in locations not found in conventional locations. Most of the time, this will allow the service panel to be located in a less obtrusive location, thereby enhancing the elegance of the bathroom design.
Options: Options include the choice of jet colors (chrome, satin nickel, white, bisque, etc.), in-line heaters, various jet sizes and functions, choice of electric or air-controlled On-Off switches. PRO-CAST, INC. offers the following features: Pump that can run without water; Careflow suction cover (stops the pump if anything is suspended on the cover, a variflow control that allows the pump to operate under various pressures, ability to run the tub as a spa, with both air-only jets and the traditional whirlpool jets.
Q. How do I clean my whirlpool tub?
A. Cleaning your whirlpool system from PRO-CAST, INC. can be accomplished using the following steps:
1. Fill tub with warm water. Add 2-4 tablespoons of automatic dishwasher detergent (2 tbsps for small tub and 4 tbsps for large tub). After tub is filled, add ¼ to ½ cup of household bleach (¼ cup for small tub and ½ cup for large tub). Take care not to get bleach on tub deck or side walls.
2. Run system for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Drain tub.
4. Refill tub with warm water
5. Run system for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Drain tub.
7. Absorb excess water with absorbent towels.
Q. Can I use bubble bath or bath oils with my whirlpool tub?
A. Yes, you can, with PRO-CAST, INC. whirlpool tubs. However, be very careful if you put bubble bath into a tub and run the whirlpool for an extended period of time as this will generate excess bubbles and could cause an overflow. (We are aware of customers who used bubble baths and ran the whirlpool tub for a long time—the room filled with bubbles and they had to open a window to shovel the bubbles out.) Mineral baths and oils will not damage the system or the pump and do not void our warranty. For other manufacturers, read their product literature.