What is BP-Cor2, and Why is it Used for Tub and Shower Areas?

You might have heard of BP-Cor2, but are asking, “What the heck is that? Is it some type of chemical?” Don’t worry, it’s a perfectly safe material Shugarman’s Bath uses for your tub and shower remodel.

But what exactly is BP-Cor2, and why would you use it instead of acrylic, fiberglass, or tile in my tub or shower remodel?

If most tubs or showers look fine when they’re new, what causes some materials to crack, discolor, or become harder to clean over time?

BP-Cor2 (pronounced bee-pee core two) is a high-tech polymer material designed for the harsh conditions inside a tub or shower. It’s built to withstand heat, moisture, and movement without degrading the way other materials do. We here at Shugarmans Bath utilize this material in 100% of our remodels. So we know the ins and outs of this material.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What BP-Cor2 is made of
• Why BP-Cor2 is used for tub and shower projects
• How it performs compared to other shower materials
• And why homeowners go with BP-Cor2 for their remodel

You’ll gain a better understanding of the material and determine whether it’s suitable for your tub or shower remodel.

What is BP-Cor2? What Is It Made of?

BP-Cor2 is a strong, non-porous material made for tub and shower areas, built to be flexible and long-lasting. It can handle heat, water, and movement without cracking or staining over time. 

It’s made of:

• 85% ABS - The same impact-resistant material used in car bumpers and protective equipment.
  • ABS is a type of thermoplastic polymer that’s designed to be strong, flexible, and impact-resistant
• 15% co-extruded acrylic
  • “Co-extruded” means more than one material is being heated together.
    • The core layer for strength and flexibility
    • The outer layer to protect the surface and design

This blend gives BP-Cor2 the shine homeowners like without the brittleness that acrylic is known for. It looks wonderful, making your tub or shower look like it’s on a showroom floor. 

Why Use BP-Cor2 for a Tub or Shower?

BP-Cor2 is commonly used in tubs and showers because it withstands the harsh environment of that area, holding up well to both hot and cold water, steam, soaps, and shampoos. It’s designed for continuous expansion and contraction to prevent cracking over time. 

Over time, good materials can be worn down by all of these factors. Acrylic can get spider cracks, discolor, or warp. Fiberglass becomes porous once the gel coat wears down. Cast iron tubs lose their protective porcelain coating over time.

BP-Cor2 is designed to handle continuous movement without degrading. It is flexible, non-porous, and rarely cracks. It also keeps its appearance year after year.

How Strong and Durable Is BP-Cor2?

It’s much stronger than common shower materials. Its environmental stress-cracking resistance is nearly twice that of DR or cast acrylic.

This strength matters when your walls and bases face:

• Repeated use
• Pressure from leaning or putting weight on surfaces
• House shifting

Something you might not have thought about, but you also want a material that adapts to hot and cold cycles. Think about it. When you shower, the water temperature can rise within seconds. The materials expand when heated up and contract when they cool down.

Weaker materials look great at first. Over time, they crack, chip, discolor, or bow. BP-Cor2 is designed to prevent those failures.

It’s also one of the few bath materials that has the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. That may not sound like a big deal, but BP-Cor2 has passed durability tests that other materials haven’t.

Are BP-Cor2 Shower Bases and Tubs Strong and Stable?

They sure are. These bases and tubs offer:

• A minimum weight rating of 560 pounds
• A solid, supported feel underfoot
• No flexing when installed
• Better heat retention in tubs.

So you have comfort, safety, and long-term durability.

Does BP-Cor2 Need Trim Pieces?

Some materials have trouble bending. It’s like they would injure themselves if they tried to do yoga. Because of this, other contractors will make trim pieces. To make corners look finished, installers glue on trim pieces and rely on silicone to hold everything together. 

Here’s the problem: silicone fails eventually.

Fortunately, BP-Cor2 is like a flexible yoga teacher (aka Rick Shugarman). Because of how it bends, it allows installers to:

• Create smooth, continuous corners
• Avoid glue trim pieces
• Reduce seams
• Improve long-term waterproofing. 

The fewer seams, the fewer places for water to sneak behind the walls and mess the area up. 

Does BP-Cor2 Scratch Easily?

No. BP-Cor2 does not scratch easily. Where many shower systems use a printed surface film that’s susceptible to damage, BP-Cor2 uses a co-extruded protective surface layer that protects the design underneath.

If you read that last sentence and asked yourself, “What the heck does that mean?”, that’s a reasonable question. It means the protective outer layer and the material underneath are formed together at the same time. The hard outer surface protects the color and design below it. 

This means:

• The surface is harder to scratch
  • You’d have to put in tons of effort to cause damage. 
• Most marks don’t damage the design
• Light scratches can be buffed out

Even after many years, the walls and base will look as good as new. 

Is BP-Cor2 Easy to Clean?

Oh, yes. BP-Cor2 is incredibly easy to clean.

BP-Cor2 is non-porous, meaning it doesn’t absorb water, soap, oil, dirt, or minerals.

It also has built-in antimicrobial properties, meaning:

• The surface helps resist bacteria
• Harsh cleaners are not necessary
• Cleaning requires mild soap and water
• A simple wipe-down can be enough to keep your area clean

This means mold or grime has difficulty showing its ugly face on this material. 

What If I Want a Tile-Looking Finish for My Tub or Shower?

Wanna know something nuts? BP-Cor2 supports laser-etched tile designs.

This means you can have the look of tile and the feel of grout. But here’s the coolest part: the lines stay completely non-porous and never need sealing. You have the best perks without the drawbacks.

You can have the appearance of tile with less chance of mold, crumbling grout, or constant maintenance. You don’t have to do those long, annoying scrubs with a toothbrush to clean those lines as you do with grout. 

Why Do Homeowners Choose BP-Cor2 for Their Tub and Shower Remodel?

Because BP-Cor2 offers many benefits, the material is non-porous, flexible, easy to clean, highly customizable, and has a long-lasting appearance. 

Well, Are There Drawbacks to BP-Cor2?

While this material sounds good, it is more expensive than standard acrylic and fiberglass shower walls. After all, it has higher durability, thermal stability, low maintenance, and is customizable.

And like other tub and shower materials, the use of abrasive or harsh materials can cause the surface to dull or develop chemical cracks. 

Is BP-Cor2 Right for Your Bathroom’s Tub or Shower?

Many materials that look good at first struggle to hold up against daily use. Cracks, stains, and maintenance issues appear long before the tub and shower area feels outdated.

Today, materials such as BP-Cor2 offer a longer-lasting, more practical solution for tub and shower areas. It provides strength, flexibility, and a non-porous surface that stays cleaner and is plenty durable over time.

Next, learn about the step-by-step process of your tub or shower installation. That way, you can understand how Shugarman’s Bath installs BP-Cor2.

If you’re planning a tub or shower remodel, choosing the right material now can save you from repairs, frustration, and premature replacement later. Schedule a free consultation with Shugarman’s Bath to see whether BP-Cor2 is the right fit for your home and long-term goals.