Any homeowner would dream of decorating their bathroom that will speak less than a svelte. The integration of a comfortable ambience with that distinctive style/character is what a lot of household owners are looking forward. And when it comes to elegance and luxury, claw foot tubs are a main attraction. Claw foot bathtubs were considered as luxurious amenities in the 19th century and today they are making a comeback even in the lives of ordinary people.

A claw foot tub is usually made up of cast iron material but many of the tubs also have lead infused in its casting. Cast iron may not be very adorable to look at, and because of that, is often glazed inside and outside. The glazing effect is the thing that creates this white finish that people can view aesthetically. As time goes by, the glazing on these tubs eventually start to wear off and you will witness your tub peel and crack. This will expose you to the tub’s metal components and also result to an unsightly tub. This will not only lower the value of your bath tub but will also expose you to toxic and hazardous elements. You can always purchase a glaze from the hardware store and then use it to refinish the shell of your tub. This usually takes time and knowledge so if you are a first timer, then it would be wise to have a professional reglazing service do all the dirty work for you. Here are easy tips on how to properly apply glaze on your claw foot bathtub.

Proper and adequate ventilation. The glaze that is used to coat and protect your claw foot tub is toxic when in liquid form. Breathing in the fumes of the glaze is just like sticking your head in tub filled with bleach and taking a deep breath. Make sure you have all your bathroom windows opens and your exhaust fan on when you are glazing your tub. Wear protective gear such as a respirator, protective glasses and gloves. The fumes are so toxic it can burn your mouth and lungs so take extra precautionary measures.

Let the tub glaze dry and cure. A common mistake that many household owners make is not allowing the glaze to cure or set enough before using it again. The addition of water into glazed tub that is not fully cured can wash all the chemicals away. This may also damage the finish and contaminate the pipes as well. Allow the tub to glaze even longer than what manufacturers have recommended.

Applying multiple glaze layers. A single layer is not sufficient enough to protect your tub. Moisture and other chemical solutions can eat away the glaze in only a matter of time. A layer is not enough and two is something weak. Experts would recommend using three layers. As a homeowner, you want to make sure that you have extra protection for the metal underneath. You don’t want your tub metal to get exposed, rust or even decay.

Sanding your claw foot tub. Before even starting your tub reglazing project, make sure you have already sanded down all the areas where the glaze has began to peel. Blend the areas of your current glaze with that of exposed areas. This is helpful in making the glaze cover stick and adhere to the metal without being lumpy or streaky.

Author Bio: To learn more about tub reglazing and reglazing tips, visit our site and blog at http://www.bathroomremodelingexperts.com.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: tub reglazing, reglazing