Porcelain is one of the oldest materials for bathroom fittings. Homes that retained their period fixtures often contain these delicate surfaces that could require porcelain repair in Phoenix if you treat them too harshly while cleaning or using them. Here is an explanation of why porcelain needs special care and how to provide that to these unique elements in your home.
Special properties of porcelain
Porcelain became popular for bathroom fixtures due to its durability. Most pieces, especially weight-bearing ones like bathtubs, are porcelain enamel with a cast iron base, which makes them stronger. However, while the porcelain is durable, it can also be porous, which allows it to chip, dent, scratch and discolor easily. The same surface damage can also occur with mishandling, which is why your porcelain fixtures require careful consideration during house cleaning.
Wipe down sinks every day
If you have a porcelain sink, give it a wipe down at the end of each day. After experiencing an especially busy day at the sink, consider using dishwashing liquid for extra cleaning power. Using a sponge or soft cloth, give it a once over to control soap scum, dirt and grease, as well as prevent damage and stains.
Keep it soft
Abrasive cleaners, like the granulated bathroom cleaner beloved by your grandmother, are too harsh for the porous surface of porcelain. Buy a product specifically for porcelain or make your own cleaner. Automatic dishwasher gel is good for the quick daily clean and it can also remove stains. Ammonia and water is also a good cleaning combination for porcelain. Many people report this brings back a shine to even the most abused of kitchen sinks and bathtubs, so give it a try on your porcelain fittings.
If you have rust stains, a paste of borax and lemon juice works very well. Rub it into the rust stain and then rinse with water. Even if you have bad stains in your sink, do not let the mixture sit too long, as that will weaken the surface.
Finally, you should always clean with something soft—no brushes or rough pads. Sponges work well, as do any soft rags.
Give porcelain a deep clean
Before you use this deep cleaning method, you will want to take steps to ventilate the room. This means opening windows in your kitchen (or near your kitchen) and running your bathroom fan.
Spread paper towels on the bottom of your fixture. Pour bleach over them without diluting it and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse with water and wipe the surface dry with a soft cloth. The bleach will help with stains and germs while the paper towels will protect the surface.
Continue with good-sense maintenance
For kitchen sinks, avoid placing hot items directly on the surface. Run pots and pans under cool water first. Also, do not drop heavy items on porcelain surfaces and be careful when you are installing metal fixtures like faucets. Dropping items like these can chip the surface.
At A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service, LLC we will understand if, despite your best intentions, you still require porcelain repair in Phoenix. Call us today to arrange an appointment and start anew with your porcelain sink, bathtub or shower.
Remodeling your home’s bathroom can be exciting and terrifying all at the same time. And while you might be ready with an idea of what you want, you may not know where to start when it comes to choosing the fixture material you want to use. Three of the most common materials you will find in bathrooms across America are fiberglass, ceramic or porcelain. Take a look at the differences between these three common materials:
Fiberglass
When used as a material for bathroom fixtures, fiberglass—a reinforced composite material of woven glass fibers—proves that it can handle the job. Not only is fiberglass lightweight, but it is surprisingly strong and can easily be shaped to your bathroom’s size to accommodate your needs.
Described by pros as an economical choice for your sinks, toilets or bath tubs in Glendale, fiberglass is on the easier side of available fixture materials to repair if it cracks or chips. It’s a low cost material that comes in a variety of colors, but be aware that discoloration can occur over time in fiberglass bathroom fixtures.
Don’t like cleaning the bathroom? Well, you won’t need to put in much elbow grease to clean your fiberglass fixtures, however, be aware that fixtures with the gel coat and ones that are matte-finished textured are not resistant to abrasive cleaners and they can scratch or leave marks.
Ceramic
Bathroom fixtures made of ceramic or ceramic title can add beauty and freshness to an otherwise simple room. Ceramic is fired clay that can create dense and durable bath tubs capable of locking in and regulating warm bath water. However, if you use ceramic tile for your tub, the irregular floor surface (individual tile spacing) of the bath tub may be uncomfortable on your bare skin, making it difficult to relax in a bath.
Depending on the type of fixture you want to be ceramic, you may or may not want to glaze it, but once it is glazed, it’s waterproof. Ceramic fixture like tubs and sinks are constructed to last you a long time. Use any type of bathroom cleanser on ceramic to keep its glaze bright, but if left unmaintained gross grout can form in the spaces between the tiles.
Porcelain
Like ceramic, porcelain bathroom fixtures are also made out of fired clay, but the difference is that they’re non porous which makes this material waterproof without needing a glaze. Porcelain is easy to clean and made of a hard glass-like material and while dense, is very resistant to cracking and chipping.
While a much heavier fixture material than most, its durability and resistance to wear makes porcelain a great choice for frequently used fixtures like tubs and toilets. Similar to ceramic, it can be clear or color glazed, yet showcases a natural white translucent look.
Thinking it’s time to remodel your home’s bathroom, but not sure where to start? Don’t jump into such a large project without a solid plan. If you need assistance selecting the right material for your bathroom sinks, toilets and bath tubs in Glendale, contact the professionals at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass for guidance and more information.
When you think about what fiberglass looks like, you’re probably envisioning that pink fluffy stuff found in attics: fiberglass insulation. While insulation is one form of fiberglass called fiberglass insulation, in the case of items such as bathroom fixtures, it is an all-purpose reinforced composite plastic material of woven glass fibers, with relatively low weight and excellent strength that can maintain shape and stability.
The fiberglass in your home
Since fiberglass is affordable and known to be quick to repair, it’s a popular material used for the most utilized fixtures in many bathrooms. In this form, fiberglass is easy to handle and can withstand constant use and harsh environmental conditions, if used in an outdoor setting. The bathroom is a high traffic area, so you want to be sure that your sink, shower and toilet won’t fail the test of time… or your family! Therefore, knowing if you are in need of fiberglass repair in Glendale before a bathroom item completely breaks can save you a big headache later on.
Fiberglass bathtubs, toilets and sinks are fantastic when they are brand new and new-ish, but over time they begin to show signs of wear that may require some repair work. As one of the most used rooms in your home by family and guests, keeping up a bathroom cosmetically, as well as its inner workings, is vital and letting necessary fixes go for too long could indeed lead to major water damage when water leaks or seeps through cracks and stress fractures. Recognizing the signs of wear and choosing fiberglass repair in Glendale can save you from having to purchase more expensive, entirely new bathroom fixtures.
Spotting fiberglass damage
While brand new they may look great, over time a fiberglass bathroom fixture will take on a dull look and feel. In fiberglass showers, tubs, sinks and toilets, watch for dullness to the originally shiny surface; a lack of smoothness is likely to be coupled with a dull shine.
From tiny stress fractures and chips to larger cracks that need more immediate attention, fiberglass tubs are prone to cracking, chipping and even accumulating small dents from continued use over time. And, with cracking comes leaking, which is not good for the bathroom or the rest of your home. When leaking occurs, the bathroom can begin to smell musty and moldy due to the constant dampness. Discoloration is another sign that may signal it is time to repair those fiberglass fixtures.
Reinvesting in your home’s bathrooms through repairs to tired tubs, showers, toilets and sinks is a great way to breathe new life into a bathroom. For a very low cost you can potentially restore a bathroom back to that high level of form and function it once had.
If now is the time to reinvest in your bathroom with fiberglass repair in Glendale, consider contacting the professional fiberglass folks at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service for a free repair estimate.
Fiberglass was invented in 1932, and its creation was actually an accident. Games Slayter, an Owens-Illinois researcher, discovered the material when he unintentionally directed steam toward glass fibers. This caused them to melt together to create the material we know today. Since then, fiberglass has been used in everything from bath tubs to boats, and that necessitates services like fiberglass repair in Glendale. Learn more about this material to see how it is repaired.
Fiberglass structure
During manufacture, fiberglass forms through layers of glass fibers. Just like with its accidental discovery, these fibers melt and mold together. Filaments cross each other and build strength in the material from all directions.
However, since fiberglass contains these fibers, it is flexible too. You may notice that when you step into your fiberglass tub or shower, you feel a bit of give. This is the fibers flexing to accommodate your weight and prevent breaking under it.
When it wears out
While it offers a wide range of tension and flexion, fiberglass does wear out after being subjected to constant use and pressure. As it goes through this process, the fibers start to break and holes form in its surface. Some fiberglass bath tubs also contain a cloth reinforcement (also made from fiberglass) that will need to be repaired or replaced too.
The interesting part regarding fiberglass damage is that it will appear more like a tear than a crack. That is due to the nature of fiberglass and how it breaks down. As it is fibrous, its aging process is more like how your clothes wear out than the way your car sustains rust damage. Repairing it is more like weaving than filling holes in your wall.
What is involved with fiberglass repair
Repairing fiberglass involves helping the fibers reconnect, which makes the weaving analogy apt. It is a process of filling and bonding to restore the tension and flexion properties. This re-bonding application helps fiberglass restore its original strength.
Once the fibers reconnect, the final step involves hardening so the surface adds another layer of protection to the once-damaged area. Sometimes, customers will order resurfacing at the same time to not only repair their fixture, but also give it a like-new look.
Can I do the repair myself?
There are kits available for fixing fiberglass bathroom fixtures. If you catch the damage early or it is not that extensive, it is likely that you can effectively fix the damage yourself. Be sure to follow each step and allow enough time for your repair to dry. We recommend not using the fixture for 48 hours after repair and protecting it from dust particles. If debris sticks to the repair spot while your bathtub or shower is drying, it can affect the surface.
However, if there is extensive damage or multiple cracks, you may wish to contact a contractor. Not only may it be necessary to repair the damage, but your surface may require refinishing, too. Making a do-it-yourself repair when the damage is more serious can also result in higher repair costs in the future, so if you are not sure whether this is within your capabilities, it is best to call in a professional.
Do you need help with fiberglass repair in your Glendale home? Call A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service to arrange a visit and estimate.
After purchasing that 1930s bungalow or 1899 farmhouse, you may wish to preserve its period character for as long as possible. That often means installing period fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens. However, these may require extra repair and maintenance to stay intact and continue looking their best. Read ahead to learn more about bath tub refinishing in Glendale, AZ for period fixtures.
What is bath tub refinishing?
Refinishing is restoring the appearance and construction of an older fixture. It involves repairing chips and cracks and restoring the surface on porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic and even iron. This process is often less expensive than replacing fixtures and when you wish to preserve period elements, it can be an appreciated service. Often times, refinishing a bath tub restores it to like-new condition.
Can all bath tubs be refinished?
Generally, if the bath tub can still hold water and an occupant, it can be refinished. Porcelain, cast iron and fiberglass tubs have all been successfully restored and offered another 10 to 15 years of reliable use, if not more. However, if there are deep cracks, pitting and rough surfaces that would make the bath tub unpleasant to use, it may not be a candidate for refinishing. Any serious damage needs to be assessed by an experienced bathroom fixtures contractor.
Are there special considerations for period fixtures vs. modern ones?
Sometimes, the original fixtures are tougher than anything manufactured today. They handle the cleaning, sanding, priming, painting and sealing process very well and look almost new once everything is done.
However, there are special considerations to take into account. First, confirm the material of the bath tub. Porcelain and acrylic often require different treatment and have their own levels of tolerance. Also, if there are chips and cracks, extra care should be taken to ensure they do not become more serious. You may also have to wait longer between the steps just to make sure everything is sealed. So depending on the condition of the bath tub, the process can take longer, but it usually does not involve any extra steps.
A cast iron tub will require a different process entirely. If you hire a contractor for that job, be sure the workers understand what they need to do.
I bought an old bath tub stored in a barn for decades that I wish to install in my new Victorian! Can I use it?
You should be cautious with any bath fixtures that have not been in regular use for a long while. If the fixture has always been used in the bathroom, it likely did not undergo any extra stress or face elements that it was not meant to endure. Even in the days before central heating, indoor environments did not suffer the extremes of outdoor ones.
However, that ancient bath tub you rescued from the barn may not be completely intact. It has been exposed to sudden changes in temperature, natural elements, insects and animals, all of which can have corrosive effects. If you wish to have such an item restored, hire a professional, as extra care and professional opinions as to the tub’s structural integrity are required.
Want to make your period fixtures shine? A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service L.L.C. offers bath tub refinishing in Glendale, AZ for modern and older bathrooms alike. Give us a call and let us know about your unique project.
