Acrylic
A lightweight, moulded material used for HERA bathtubs. It retains heat better than steel or cast iron, resists moisture, and can be refinished, which suits Singapore's humidity.
What it means
Acrylic is a smooth, rigid plastic that can be warmed and moulded into shape, which is why an acrylic bathtub can have soft curves and a seamless, glossy surface with no joints or welds. It is the material most modern freestanding bathtubs are made from, and it behaves very differently from the steel and cast iron tubs of older bathrooms.
The two differences you feel immediately are warmth and weight. Acrylic retains heat better than steel or cast iron, so bath water stays warm longer, and it is significantly lighter, which is what makes no-renovation installation possible in the first place. On its own, though, a moulded acrylic shell would flex, so a quality tub pairs the acrylic with a reinforced internal frame that gives it rigidity and its load rating.
Acrylic is not the only plastic in the bathroom. Vanity cabinets are a different job with different demands, which is why HERA cabinets use solid PVC rather than acrylic or coated wood boards.
In a Singapore home
Singapore bathrooms live with year-round humidity, and acrylic is one of the materials that genuinely does not mind. It does not corrode, rust, or absorb moisture, so it holds up well in a tropical bathroom where steel or cast iron would be a riskier choice. Our guide to bathroom materials for Singapore humidity covers the wider picture, from cabinet boards to wall finishes.
Every tub in the HERA range, 14 models from 800mm to 1700mm long, is made from premium acrylic over a reinforced internal frame. That is why each bathtub weighs only 30kg to 45kg empty, light enough to carry into an HDB or condo bathroom and place on the existing floor, with no hacking and no structural work.
The surface is scratch-resistant under normal use and can be refinished if it picks up wear over the years, so the tub is not a write-off after a decade of use. The acrylic surface is also one of the parts covered by the 1-year HERA warranty, alongside the frame, drainage components, and included hardware. Full details are on the warranty and materials page.
Quick questions
Does an acrylic bathtub keep water warm?
Yes. Acrylic retains heat better than steel or cast iron, so the water stays warm longer. That matters most for a long soak, where a metal tub would pull heat out of the water noticeably faster.
Does Singapore humidity damage acrylic?
No. Acrylic does not corrode, rust, or absorb moisture, which makes it a more durable choice in Singapore's climate than steel or cast iron. It holds up well in a tropical bathroom year after year.
How do I clean an acrylic bathtub?
A non-abrasive bathroom cleaner and a soft cloth are all you need for routine cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals, steel wool, or abrasive scrubbers, which can dull the surface over time. For limescale, a paste of baking soda and warm water lifts it gently.
Is the acrylic surface covered by warranty?
Yes. Every HERA bathtub comes with a 1-year warranty against manufacturing faults, covering the acrylic surface, the reinforced internal frame, drainage components, and included hardware.
Related terms
Feel the difference in person
The best way to understand acrylic is to run a hand along a tub. The full 14-model range is on display at the MacPherson showroom, or message us on WhatsApp and the team will answer material questions, usually within 15 minutes during showroom hours.