Unique Content Article: A History Of Claw Foot Bathtub Refinishing

A History Of Claw Foot Bathtub Refinishing


by Douglas Baker


For households in the late nineteenth century indoor plumbing was often considered to be a luxury. One of the fixtures which was included was a bathtub. Originally the equipment was made of cast iron and lined with a porcelain finish. The tubs were heavy and they were fairly expensive, but were appreciated for luxurious bathing. If you have one of the tubs because you like the style, wear and aging may make appearance less than desirable. In order to bring your bathroom fixtures into an aesthetically appealing state, claw foot bathtub refinishing provides solutions.

The peak of popularity for the claw foot occurred in the mid-eighteenth century. The feet which give the tub its name were likely created in Holland with a nod to the Chinese design of a dragon foot clasping a gemstone. The tubs could have been made of cast iron, but also constructed of copper or tin with a printed coating. Unfortunately, the paint often cracked and peeled which was not attractive.

The original tubs were not as eco-friendly, because they were larger than a standard tub and required a larger volume of water. As cast iron was replaced by modern materials such as fiberglass or acrylic, the prices were not so heavy as cast iron and cost less to construct.

While new reproduction claw-foot tubs are often picked by remodelers and new home builders, and have a variety of shower head choices, true antique clawfoot tubs are considered collectible items. As anyone who has done remodeling or new home construction knows, True antiques can be quite expensive and may be in less than pristine condition. Even replicas can show signs of aging and wear over time.

If you are searching for economical solutions to worn, stained, cracked or chipped tub surfaces, you should consider the application of a new coating. Picking the right contractor to do the work means checking his or her experience and reputation. The contractor who applies a high quality product correctly means that the result will likely be durable and will look great.

The knowledge and experience of your refinishing contractor is the first criteria in picking the professional. He or she will begin the process by repairing any damaged area. Polyester putty can be meticulously applied to fill cracks and chips in the surface. The repairs are allowed to set up and dry. An acid etching process helps to ensure that the following coatings will adhere properly. The original surface is not porous, so the etching resolves that issue.

A primer coat is then applied to the smoothed surface prepared by the acid etching process. The final top coat results in a new finish, typically constructed of epoxy, polyester/polyurethane, polymers or urethane. The top coat is typically applied using a sprayer, roller or brush to ensure a smooth finish.

Although there are do-it-yourself kits which can be purchased online, or from home improvement stores, hiring a qualified contractor is likely to result in a more satisfactory result. DIY projects can leave a finish with brush marks or uneven surfaces which do not have the durability that you want.




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