Original clawfoot bathtubs are still found in many older homes, being a feature that people love. This particular type of bathtub was made different from the way tubs are made today and its charming design made it a popular choice. For instance, the clawfoot bathtub from its original era was made from cast iron on which a beautiful porcelain finish was applied. Because authentic clawfoot bathtubs are old, if the top surface were to chip or crack, the iron beneath would show. When choosing repair projects for the home, having a professional restore this type of tub would be an excellent choice.
If you do not yet have a clawfoot bathtub but you want an original for your home, you can avoid paying the high cost of an authentic tub. For starters, avoid buying a clawfoot bathtub in pristine condition. Instead, consider looking at special salvage companies that go into old hotels and Victorian homes to save these wonderful fixtures. By choosing to buy a clawfoot tub this way, you would definitely save money. Unfortunately, this also means ending up with a bathtub that has experienced some type of damage.
Remember, the clawfoot bathtub was most often found in old farmhouses, Cape Cod homes, Victorian homes, and fabulous hotels from the past. However, today people are choosing the clawfoot bathtub over a modern style regardless of the type of home. After all, these bathtubs have character and class that you simply cannot get with any other style. In other words, it is common to find an authentic clawfoot bathtub in a contemporary style home, looking as if it belonged there.
Some people wanting a tub of this type will choose a reproduction piece. With this, the clawfoot bathtub would look like an original but at a much lower price and without the genuine cast iron foundation. If you have decided you want an authentic tub or you have one that needs repair, the best option would be to use the services of a professional.
This person would actually move the clawfoot bathtub to a controlled environment, followed by sandblasting the top porcelain surface completely off. Once removed, only cast iron would show. Then with a special grinding pad, the cast iron would be sanded smooth in preparation for the new porcelain topcoat. Once the cast iron is smooth, new porcelain would be added. In addition, to create color lead free paint would be applied. When dry, the clawfoot bathtub would be buffed to a gorgeous shine, new faucets added, and the tub delivered to your home for pure enjoyment.
Keep in mind that the repair and restoration of a clawfoot bathtub is something you could do but you need to be prepared to take your time so the outcome is perfect. For starters, you would need to rent a sandblasting machine, as well as any other tools and supplies needed for the job. To ensure the repair and restoration is perfect, we suggest you look at a number of reputable videos online, giving you a visual of each step of the process.
If you decide to repair and restore your own clawfoot bathtub, you need to remember one very important thing. When this type of tub was originally made, paint made with lead was used. As we know today, lead is toxic and dangerous. Therefore, make sure to wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a face mask to avoid inhaling the chemicals and fibers during the repair and restoration process.
