The history of porcelain dates back many years. The Tang Dynasty, around 600 AD, is generally accredited with having or creating the first primitive forms of porcelain. From its beginning, though, Porcelain is characterized by whiteness that has always helped to set it apart.
That also explains why porcelain is a sought-after and popular material for high-quality vases and tableware, in addition to various collectibles, such as dolls.
Types of Porcelain
Porcelain is appreciated for its unrivaled appearance, finish, and gloss, unlike any other material we know. Also known as China (for the namesake of where it is made), porcelain is composed of two materials, kaolin and petuntse. That latter is found only in China, while kaolin is responsible for the exceptional whiteness associated with porcelain.
There are also three basic types of porcelain; hard-paste, soft-paste, and bone china. While each of these is desired, there are some distinct differences between them.
Hard-Paste Porcelain
If you are paying top-dollar for porcelain, then the chances are good you are looking at hard-paste porcelain. This type of porcelain is considered the purest form and strictly uses kaolin and petuntse in its manufacture.
Soft-Paste Porcelain
This European-born type of porcelain, also known as artificial porcelain, is composed of fine clay and glass-like substances. It was created to mimic porcelain and has a softer and creamy color. Although considered second-tier to pure porcelain, soft-paste porcelain has garnered and earned a place among collectors everywhere.
Bone China
This popular form of porcelain still uses kaolin and petuntse, but also adds bone ash from animals to its composition. Almost exclusively produced in Europe, porcelain manufacturers discovered this combination of materials during the mid-1700s. One of the most distinct differences in bone china is an increased translucence in the final product.
A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., LLC
Welcome to A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., LLC. We have been serving Phoenix, AZ and surrounding communities with bathtub and shower refinishing services for more than 40 years. We can help with all bathroom fixtures, and our experts will repair your tubs, showers, and sinks.
We also specialize in repairing cracked fiberglass tubs. At A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., LLC, our customers also know they can turn to us for any maintenance needs, including caulking, installation, and replacement of all bathroom fixtures. Contact us if you have any questions or to schedule a visit today,
The ceramic family of tiles is one of the most durable materials for your home. There is no doubt that porcelain and ceramic tile surfaces make maintenance easy. Withstanding heavy foot traffic, ceramic and porcelain tile surfaces make a great choice for many homeowners. When it comes to cleaning porcelain and ceramic tile, there are a few options available.
Mild Soap Solution
First, you can use a mild soap and water solution. This is the safest method to clean your tile and will not damage the surface. However, this method may not be strong enough to remove tough stains or dirt build-up. When using mild soap and water, rinse the tile well afterward to avoid soap build-up. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your tile, as these can damage the surface.
You can use a stronger cleaner such as vinegar or bleach for tougher dirt and stains. Test these cleaners in an inconspicuous area first to ensure they will not damage your tile. When using vinegar or bleach, always dilute with water and rinse the tile well afterward.
Alkaline Cleaners
For stubborn grease removal, you may need an alkaline cleaner. Alkaline cleaners are available commercially, or you can make your own by mixing one part laundry detergent with ten parts water. Apply the solution to the tile with a sponge and scrub the area well. Rinse the tile afterward with clean water. With a pH of 12, this type of cleaner should only be used as a last resort, as it can damage your tile if not used correctly.
Neutral Cleaners
If you need a cleaner between an alkaline and acidic cleaner, you can use a neutral cleaner. These cleaners are safe to use on most surfaces, including porcelain and ceramic tile. You can purchase neutral cleaners commercially or make your own by mixing one part dish soap with ten parts water. Use a sponge and scrub when applying the solution. Rinse the tile afterward with clean water.
How to Clean
Sweep
Sweeping your floor regularly is the best way to prevent dirt and debris from building up and becoming difficult to remove. Use a soft-bristled broom or vacuum with a soft brush attachment to sweep your floor. Ensure that you are getting into all the nooks and crannies to prevent dirt from accumulating.
Mop
When it comes time to mop your floor, use a damp mop and avoid using too much water. Water can seep into the grout lines and cause damage. Instead, focus on using a damp mop to pick up any dirt or debris that has been left behind.
Conclusion
A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C. is the go-to company for all your porcelain and ceramic tile cleaning needs. We provide various services to meet your every need, from sweeping and mopping to deep-cleaning tough stains and dirt build-up. Our team of experts will work diligently to get your tile looking new again. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
At some point, a porcelain object in your home might crack, chip or otherwise break. In such a case, you may find it beneficial to know how to repair porcelain items, be they cups, figurines or even bathroom appliances and fixtures, such as porcelain showers in need of refinishing.
Here’s an overview of the steps you need to take when repairing porcelain items:
Get an adhesive: You’ll need an adhesive designed to be used with porcelain. If the porcelain object will be coming into contact with food, holding hot liquids or need to be microwave or oven safe, the adhesive should be safe for those applications. If you’re simply filling chipped porcelain, you’ll need one designed for filling gaps. If you’re joining broken pieces together, you’ll need a clear-drying adhesive.
Gather materials: Before you start applying the adhesive, make sure you also have the other materials you need to get the job done. Wear gloves and an apron to protect your skin and clothes from the adhesive, which could cause irritation and be difficult to wash off. Have paper towels to use to wipe the adhesive.
Get the pieces ready: All of the pieces should be clean and free of dirt. Pre-fit them together, making sure not to cause any additional damage while you’re handling them.
Apply the adhesive: Use adhesive on the adjoining surfaces according to the directions on the adhesive’s packaging. You will likely only apply the adhesive to one surface. Make sure you apply sparingly—a common mistake people make when repairing porcelain is that they apply too much adhesive, and then the results are actually worse.
Hold the pieces in place: The bonds need some time to set, so make sure you hold the pieces together until that occurs—otherwise, the curing process will be disrupted. You may be able to do this by hand, but otherwise you can use masking tape if you have a very slow-drying adhesive that will make holding the pieces by hand unrealistic.
Clean: Wash your hands, and then clean up the porcelain, using a sharp blade to remove any excess glue.
The process of fixing chipped (rather than broken) porcelain is similar, though you will be using a filler or touch-up glaze rather than a glue. As with broken porcelain, the area should be clean before you begin. But rather than attaching pieces together, you apply the filler (mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions) into the area until it is filled in and rebuilt.
Afterwards, all you need to do is let the product dry. You may need to sand it down using a fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool until it conforms to the contours of the object. Then you can apply a glaze after it’s completely dry.
When the broken porcelain occurs in your bathroom, such as with a toilet, sink or shower, we strongly encourage you to seek professional assistance. Porcelain shower refinishing and other such tasks are best left to people with experience and training, so you don’t cause further damage that becomes only more expensive and difficult to fix.
Real DIY-ers literally like to do everything themselves. They change their oil, they paint their home and they fix all of the appliances around their house. Doing it yourself can save you a lot of money and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Bu there are some things that you should never try to fix yourself, including your porcelain tubs and sinks. Here are just a few of the reasons to leave porcelain repair in Phoenix to the pros:
You likely don’t know what you’re doing: Unless you have as many years of experience as our team members, you don’t know how to repair porcelain! Sure, there are tons of instructional videos online that’ll attempt to teach you how to fix your porcelain, but those are just videos. They can’t help you in a pinch when something goes wrong. Make sure you call a professional who can flawlessly complete the repairs without any hiccups.
Get a perfect match: Most porcelain tubs and sinks are white. But as anyone who’s ever purchased paint knows, “white” isn’t just white. There are hundreds of shades of white, from eggshell to bone white. You wouldn’t want to repair your sink or tub with the wrong color porcelain—that’ll look bad for years to come. Everyone will notice that you did a poor job fixing your sink or tub. Avoid that awful situation by calling the pros for porcelain repair in Phoenix. We’ll seamlessly match your old porcelain with the repaired portions. After we’re done, you’ll never be able to tell the porcelain was damaged in the first place.
Make sure the repairs last: What could be worse than trying to fix your porcelain? How about having to do it again because the repairs didn’t hold up the first time! Repairs made by novices often need to be made once more because the porcelain cracks or falls apart. Instead of making a habit of repairing your tub over and over, call us once and ensure it’s done right the first time!
Don’t waste your time: As you can imagine, repairing porcelain isn’t exactly the fastest project you can take on. Repairing a cracked tub or sink can take up your whole day, especially if you’re fixing porcelain for the first time and aren’t sure what you’re doing. Instead of wasting your whole weekend, just give us a call! Our experienced professionals will fix your tub while you spend your day doing something more fun.
Save money by calling the pros first: Doing it yourself instead of calling someone can usually save you a bunch of cash. That’s not the case with porcelain repair, though. Going out and buying all of the necessary supplies to make repairs can cost a pretty penny. On top of that, you may end up having to call a professional after you’ve tried and failed to fix your tub by yourself. Instead of wasting your hard-earned money, just give us a call the first time to make all of your repairs.
The next time your tub or sink cracks, be sure to call the team at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. for help. We’ll take care of your porcelain repair in Phoenix right away and have it looking as good as new in no time at all.
Having your bathroom repaired or refinished is an exciting time, as making upgrades to older fixtures can fill your entire home with a brand new feel. But it will be important to understand how to properly care for the refinished look in order to maintain the quality. If you are looking for ways to help your bathroom retain its shine after porcelain repair in Phoenix, follow these helpful tips.
Things to keep in mind immediately following repair
In the days immediately after having your bathroom redone, it is important to follow a few guidelines in order to allow the appliances in the room to set properly. Whether you have had a bathtub, toilet or sink repaired or refinished, you should wait at least 48 hours before using the appliance again in order to see the best results.
Also keep in mind that when these items are freshly finished, dust particles may fall away from the surface as they continue to dry. This is common because the factors of the surroundings that these updated appliances are drying in often cannot be controlled. Don’t pick at the pieces that may be falling away, but instead allow them to smooth out on their own naturally through continued cleaning and use.
You should also avoid the use of mats that involve suction cups, because these could strip away at your bathtub’s surface, creating an uneven appearance while potentially causing lasting long-term damage.
How to maintain your updated bathroom
Once your appliances have fully set and you have begun using them again, you will need to know how to properly care for and maintain these updated fixtures going forward as well. In order to ensure that your surfaces do not get scratched or marred, avoid the use of rough scrubbers such as scouring or steel wool pads.
You will also have to pay close attention to the types of cleaning solutions that are used to make sure that you are avoiding products that contain abrasives or destructive acids. Using these types of harsh chemicals on your bathroom surfaces can cause them to lose their luster and begin to appear dull, and the surfaces may even develop visible cracks after repeated cleanings. There are several options that you can use instead of these types of products, including Lysol Tub and Tile Cleaner, Dow Tub and Tile Cleaner, Fantastik, 409 and bleach in small amounts with water.
If you are unsure about how to properly care for your bathroom appliances after porcelain repair in Phoenix, A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service LLC is here to help. Having served homes in the area for over 40 years, we have the experience you can trust to not only repair and refinish the aged items in your bathroom, but to also guide you with the maintenance needed to make sure that these updates last for a long time. Give us a call today to learn more about all of the services that we can offer you. We look forward to assisting you!
