Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Hints For Claw Foot Bathtub Refinishing

By Douglas Baker


Since the original development of modern day indoor plumbing, bathroom appliances have been considered luxuries. Bathtubs were gradually becoming fashionable amongst European aristocracy. Today's claw-foot tubs are usually adaptations or knock-offs of the earlier styles. The surface of the tub might show wear and tear over time, which detracts from its appearance. Claw foot bathtub refinishing brings your fixtures back to a smooth, clean and unblemished state.

The origins of the tub dated to the mid 18th century. The ball and claw design was adapted in Holland from its artistic origins of the Chinese dragon foot holding a gemstone. The aristocracy of England was moving in the direction of more frequent bathing. The early tubs were usually made of cast iron, but might also be constructed of painted tin or copper. The paint tended to peel with time.

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.

Ambitious homeowners may try purchasing a DIY refinishing kit from a local or online outlet, but hiring a contractor almost always results in a better level of satisfaction with the completed project. DIY efforts can be left with streaks or brush marks that look less than appealing.




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