Clawfoot Bathtub Information
Private and public bathing dates back to the Roman Empire when water control and containment first started. A tub, made of pottery 3,000 years ago was discovered on the island of Crete. Later, ornate marble soaking tubs were made and available for royalty and aristocrats. It wasn't until the 19th century, just before the advent of indoor plumbing, that the first clawfoot tub was made. Does this Spark an idea?
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American History
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Wooden bathtubs were the first bathing tubs made in the United States. During the Victorian era, tubs evolved when, J.L. Mott Ironworks Company manufactured a cast iron tub coated with porcelain, to make a new style of bathtub. Cast iron production began in 1848 and the porcelain-coated clawfoot tub was invented in 1883. The process included heating the cast iron to a temperature of 930 degrees F, then coating it with porcelain and attaching the signature claw feet.
Styles
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Modern clawfoot tubs are made of porcelain, acrylic or copper in various styles. The traditional tub is rounded at the end where you place your head, and squared at the other end. The slipper tub takes one step further on the traditional design, by sloping one end of the tub. The double slipper tub, slopes on both ends. Another style is the double-ended clawfoot tub, which is rounded at both ends.
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Features
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Cast iron clawfoot tubs have a long lifespan. Their porcelain interior is tough and resistant to stains, abrasions and day to day wear. They are also flame- and burn-resistant. The strong walls of the tub can support a shower enclosure installation or be painted to match a bathroom color scheme. Acrylic clawfoot tubs are not as strong or heavy as a cast iron tub, which makes them easier to move, if needed.
Refinishing Old Clawfoot Tubs
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For some, refinishing old porcelain cast iron tubs is preferable to buying a reproduction. Because time takes its toll on the old tubs, leaving them with stains, scratches and nicks, a refinishing process can be done by amateurs and professionals. The process includes sanding, etching, priming and reglazing.
Cleaning
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Acrylic tubs scratch easily, so avoid abrasive cleaners. Strong chemicals, such as chlorine bleach, are not recommended for cleaning acrylic, copper, cast iron or porcelain tubs, because of the discoloration they may cause. Mild detergents or a soft-scrub cleanser or other non-abrasive cleaner will not damage the tub.
After washing with a mild cleaner, always rinse the tub thoroughly and wipe it down with a dry cloth.
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References
- Photo Credit badewanne image by Ewe Degiampietro from Fotolia.com
