Mineral casting or ceramic?
Those who want to renovate their bathroom today are first of all spoiled for choice with the large selection of sanitary objects. Not only in terms of functionality and shape, but also in terms of material, many variants are now possible - such as mineral cast or ceramic. Do you know the advantages and disadvantages of each material?
A cast mineral washbasin
- For several years now, besides classic ceramics, sanitary objects made of mineral cast have also been offered in the trade. The mixture of the casting compound creates the unique look.
- The material consists of mineral fillers, such as quartz sand and / or gravel and rock powder as well as possibly additional color pigments. A binder based on epoxy resin is added to this mixture. So it can be in forms with great freedom of design, for example as sink or vanity, to be poured.
- Sanitary objects made of mineral cast are characterized by their relatively light weight, they are easy to assemble, resilient and unbreakable.
- Visually and haptically, cast mineral objects have very similar properties to natural stone, for example Marble, but at a much lower cost and without the disadvantages that the natural material brings with it brings. Mineral cast does not become brittle over the years.
- Even if the worst comes to the worst - if, for example, a hard, heavy object falls into the sink and the surface damaged, an almost invisible repair on mineral cast objects is so easy that even a layperson can do it at home can. Because the material is not only colored on the surface, but its color structure is continuous, it can also be sanded and resealed.
- The material has a disadvantageous effect when it comes to temperature stress. This is limited to a maximum of 65 ° C for most cast mineral sanitary objects - but this should be sufficient when used as a hand washbasin.
- The surfaces of mineral cast parts are not quite as robust as those of classic ceramics. They scratch more easily, but can also be easily restored with special polishes.
- Mineral cast pools are problematic if, for example, you dye your hair and wash it out over the pool. This can lead to discoloration that can only be removed to a limited extent.
- In addition, special cleaning and care products are recommended for cleaning mineral cast. Most common household cleaners are unsuitable here and can damage the surface.
Mineral casting and ceramics - comparison
Mineral casting (or marble casting) and ceramics are the classics in the sanitary area. …
Isn't the classic bathroom ceramics the better decision?
- Ceramic sanitary ware is still the most popular. They are easy to clean and maintain, have a long shelf life and are now also available in many modern shapes and colors.
- However, if the surface is damaged here - through scratches, small breakouts or cracks - the repair is time-consuming and can only be carried out by a specialist. Even then, the repair points are seldom invisible.
- However, ceramics are relatively insensitive to discolouration, for example from hair colors or tints, rust or limescale deposits in tap water. Here the material offers a clear advantage over mineral casting.
- Most common bathroom cleaners are also designed for ceramic sanitary objects and can be used without hesitation.
- The thermal conductivity of ceramics is also different from that of mineral casting. On the one hand, the ceramic can withstand higher temperatures, on the other hand it absorbs the temperature more quickly and also lasts longer - which, however, is seen as an advantage in bathtubs.
- Another difference to the “challenger” mineral casting is the significantly higher weight of ceramic sanitary ware. Anyone who has to pay attention to the weight during expansion, for example for static reasons, is better off with mineral cast.
Have fun redesigning your bathroom!
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