Easy to clean and durable, resin bathrooms are increasingly popular, especially among those who prefer a modern and contemporary style. Resin has become a must-have.
Initially, resin was used primarily for industrial floors in shopping centers or public spaces such as hospitals and sports facilities, but over time it has also conquered interior design, establishing itself as one of the most popular floor coverings, not just for domestic use.
Thanks to its versatility and durability, it has seen a huge boom in demand and use in recent years, especially for bathrooms, for both floors and walls.
As with all types of coverings, it’s important to consider and evaluate the pros and cons of this material.
Characteristics of the resin
First, let’s dispel the myth that the resin used for interior design is the plant resin found on tree bark, which was once used as a powerful waterproofing agent. The resin used in architecture is a synthetic resin, obtained through industrial chemical processes.
It is a viscous compound, similar to plant resin, which hardens when hot or cold. Composed of synthetic binders and special aggregates, it can be used in a variety of ways, depending on the conditions and the intended purpose.
Types of resin
Being an industrial product, created through chemical reactions, it comes in different types:
Cement resin, ideal for flooring thanks to its ability to resist impacts, moisture, and oils. Its composition is the result of a combination of cements and resin-based additives;
Epoxy resin, used primarily for walls and furnishings, is also available in a self-leveling version, which allows for uniform coverage of a surface. This type of resin is characterized by its high mechanical and thermal resistance;
Acrylic resin, a liquid and quick-to-apply version, perfect for humid environments like bathrooms or kitchens. It is also easy to combine with other materials, such as metal, leather, or paper.
Advantages and disadvantages of resin in the bathroom
Let’s now talk about the advantages and disadvantages of resin.
Pros of resin
The advantages of resin in the bathroom are primarily related to its resistance to external agents, as well as its ease of cleaning and maintenance over time.
Water resistance: Resin is a waterproof, mold-resistant, and water-repellent material. This ensures it is completely unaffected by humidity, condensation, or vapors. Because of its water-resistant properties, it is widely used in showers and bathtubs. It is also suitable for covering areas such as laundry rooms, outdoor showers, and garden relaxation areas.
Ease of cleaning: Its smooth, even surface allows for cleaning with a cloth and neutral detergent, avoiding invasive, acidic, and aggressive detergents that could damage the resin. Since it does not have the typical tile joints, it can be washed and cleaned in just a few minutes.
Easy installation: Whether you choose resin for the floor or walls, installation is simple. The resin layer is laid directly over the existing flooring, covering it uniformly and continuously. Being very thin, about 3 mm, it is very easy to overlay, making it popular for renovations.
Price: Contrary to popular belief, resin is not excessively expensive. The cost can range between €50 and €150/m2. The advantage of this price is that it doesn’t require the removal of existing flooring or tiles; it can simply be applied over them.
Versatility: Probably the greatest advantage of this material is its versatility and ductility. It can be used to cover floors, walls, and stairs, but it can also be used to create bathroom furniture. Furthermore, it is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Resins imitate marble, wood, stone, or concrete. This allows for a personalized bathroom, adapting it to the rest of the home’s decor.
Against resin
Resin also has some disadvantages, which, although outweighing its advantages, are worth keeping in mind.
It fades over time: especially in the summer, when exposed to sunlight, it can undergo color changes. For example, it might fade near windows or turn yellow. However, using specific products or opting for cementitious resin will avoid these changes.
It can crack or become damaged: although it resists wear and tear, it may wear and crack over time. Factors that can lead to this type of damage include abrasions, accidental drops of objects, and trampling with high heels.
Cost: We’ve said that the price can be considered advantageous if you consider that you don’t have to dismantle the existing flooring or covering, but if you choose specific types of resin, such as self-leveling resin, the price can increase significantly.
Toxic resins: When choosing resin, it’s best to carefully check the ingredients and seek expert advice to avoid using toxic resins that are potentially hazardous to human health. For example, it’s better to use acrylic-based resins rather than epoxy-based ones, especially for bathrooms.
Resin bathroom: the styles
One of resin’s strengths is its aesthetic appeal. Thanks to the aforementioned properties and its numerous advantages, it adapts perfectly to any bathroom and decor style. Below are some examples of resin bathrooms.
Resin Bathroom with a Textured and Continuous Effect
For a linear, modern, and elegant space, where continuity and uniformity are key, the perfect resin is cement-based, which accentuates the material’s textured effect.
Minimalist and Hi-Tech Style
If you want to recreate a minimalist bathroom, an all-white finish is a must. This will make the bathroom bright and neutral. Among the available resins, the one best suited to this type of bathroom is self-leveling.
An Art Deco Bathroom
Self-leveling resin is perfect for both a solid-color bathroom and for creating decorative solutions.
Resin or microcement
Among the various resin solutions available on the market, there is also the option of microcement. The two solutions are similar in that both contribute to creating a monolithic effect on the floor or wall. Aesthetically, they are also very similar; only a careful eye can spot the difference. The installation method is also the same: through layering of layers of material up to 4-5 mm thick.
They differ, however, in terms of material composition: while resin flooring is made with an epoxy resin loaded with quartz and pigments of the chosen color, microcement coating is made with cement-based materials and the addition of water. It starts out as a neutral color, to which earth pigments or natural colors can be added. We can say that this second solution is more “natural” than the first due to the raw material contained within it. However, the outermost layer is still resin; it could be made of a natural material, such as wax, but the final effect would not be the same.
When to choose resin and when to choose microcement
Microcement is cheaper than resin, and this could be one of the main reasons for choosing it. The second reason is that it is more natural. On the other hand, it is less elastic than resin, which makes it preferable, for example, in new homes with underfloor heating.
But microcement also has other properties and advantages over resin:
The color does not change over time and does not yellow;
Microcement can be used to cover a wide range of elements, in addition to floors and walls;
It is a natural element, while resin is created through chemical processes that process petroleum;
It shares many characteristics with resin.
It has no joints and the effect is seamless;
Minimal thickness;
Customizable color and effects;
Weather resistant;
Can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Whatever your choice and where you choose to apply it, resin or microcement lends a modern and contemporary feel to your home, whether paired with a modern style or used to contrast a more classic one.
In any case, it’s always a good idea to seek advice from industry-relevant companies and installers, and to seek guidance from architects or interior designers in choosing the right color and finish.