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,
Porcelain can be found almost anywhere in your home. Porcelain is not just found in sinks, but also in certain tiles. If you are wondering how to get your porcelain sparkling by removing the paint, there are certain methods you can use. Paint on porcelain can be taken off by using denatured alcohol and an old rag. But, this may not always do the trick. Continue reading to learn about some other methods you can use to remove paint from porcelain.
Methods for Removing Paint From Porcelain
Always make your safety a priority when taking on any type of project inside or outside your home. This really applies to the use of chemicals. Before we discuss different methods to get rid of paint from porcelain, don’t forget to protect your skin by wearing the appropriate gloves and safety goggles.
Removing Oil-Based & Water-Based Paint
If you are dealing with water-based and oil-based paints, here are some ways you can eliminate them safely.
The best way to eliminate these paints is by using a paint stripper. You can easily purchase a paint stripper designed just for oil and water-based paints. For the most part, you should be able to simply wipe it off using a rag. But, other times, you may need to actually scrub these areas to get the paint off. Avoid using a metal scraper to not cause damage to the porcelain. Instead, aim for a plastic or rubber scraper.
Removing Spray Paint & Enamel Paint
Spray paint can also be removed from porcelain by using hairspray. Hairspray is handy because it contains alcohol that can easily disintegrate the paint, making it very simple for you to wipe off. If you don’t have hairspray lying around, try nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol.
If you are trying to eliminate enamel paint, you can use a paint remover designed to eliminate enamel. It can be sprayed directly on the paint or onto a cloth first. Prior to wiping the paint off, allow the spray to sit for several minutes.
Removing Latex Paint & Acrylic Paint
Latex paint can be removed the same way oil and wet-based paints are, using denatured alcohol and a rag. You are probably also going to need an old toothbrush to scrub away the rest of the paint.
Acrylic paints only require a rubber or plastic scraper to help chip away the paint from the porcelain. If this doesn’t do the trick, you may also need to use denatured alcohol to break up the paint before scrubbing it off.
Removing Dried Paint
If you are dealing with dried paint on your porcelain surfaces, you can try using a paint stripper to remove the paint so you don’t cause any damage to the surface itself. You can then scrub it using a plastic scraper and a rag to wipe away any remnants.
These methods are all very helpful. But what if you are trying to remove paint stains that remain after the actual paint has been removed from the porcelain? The best way to eliminate paint stains is to use a toothbrush, vinegar, or dawn dishwashing liquid. Stains may not come off immediately but, instead, slowly diminish over time.
Do you want to know how to clean a porcelain sink? Keeping your porcelain sink clean will make your bathroom or kitchen shine like new. Porcelain is a special type of material. If you do not properly maintain your porcelain sink, you will find that it is prone to discoloring and depreciation when used frequently.
How To Clean Porcelain Sinks
Are you looking for ways to get your porcelain sparkling? If so, there are a few methods you can use to achieve great results.
Kitchen Porcelain Sinks
If you have a porcelain sink in your kitchen, you will notice that food particles can cause spots on your sink. Never leave any type of food in your sink. After washing your dishes, be sure to clean your sink right away to avoid staining and discoloration. Additionally, you should not leave any silverware in your sink since it can result in lacerations in your porcelain. To prevent this from occurring, you can use a rubber mat for protection.
Bathroom Porcelain Sinks
If you have a porcelain sink in your bathrooms, you should maintain it to prevent it from becoming faded. Hard water will only speed up this process due to the calcium and other minerals in the water. Porcelain sinks in the bathroom are also prone to rust, depending on your water type. Be careful with using hair color products near your sink, since they can cause the porcelain to peel.
How To Clean Stains in Porcelain Sinks
If you do end up staining your porcelain sink, there are various ways you can eliminate them. You need to be careful with the products you use so you don’t cause more damage or make the stains worse. Only stick with gentle solutions and never use bleach. You should also use a soft towel and nothing that will leave any marks behind.
It is best to begin with using soap and warm water to eliminate any soap, toothpaste, or any other type of particle from your porcelain sink. Instead of scrubbing your sink, you can use bleach or peroxide just to eliminate stains. If you want to avoid using bleach altogether, you can opt-in for diluted vinegar. Be sure that you rinse the sink completely after washing away the stains to avoid leaving any remnants behind.
If you are dealing with extreme stains, be sure to purchase a mild abrasive cleaner but only use a very tiny amount. Another tip worth noting is that naval jelly is good for eliminating rust stains. Remember, you only need to use a very small amount of product.
Final Word
Cleaning a porcelain sink doesn’t have to be complicated. Using the right solutions and equipment will make your porcelain sink look as good as new. Also, maintaining your porcelain sink is key to avoiding scratches, marks, and stains. But, mishaps do happen and there are safe ways you can clean your sink and have it spotless again.
Grab bars in the bathroom are a great way to increase the safety of this room in your house. Many accidents take place in the bathroom. If you have elderly or disabled people living in the home, it is especially important that you provide this safety feature. If you have been considering installing bathtub or shower grab bars, this quick guide will help you learn what you need to know to get started on this project.
Why Should I Install Grab Bars?
Grab bars are often used in hospitals and care facilities to help individuals navigate slippery bathroom environments. If you deal with mobility issues, or if someone in your home deals with mobility issues, a grab bar can often prevent dangerous slips and falls from happening.
What You Will Need
To complete the installation of bathroom grab bars, you will need to purchase a grab bar kit from your local home improvement store. You may be able to find kits online as well. It is important that you read all the included instructions for the kit before you get started. Other items you need include:
Hammer
Level
Drill
Stud sensor (optional but helpful)
Locate Studs
To ensure that your grab bars are rock solid, you will want to be sure they are anchored to the studs. These are the solid pieces of wood located behind drywall at certain intervals. If you have a stud sensor, you can use this device to locate the studs. Remember, if the grab bar is not properly installed into a stud, it could fall out of the drywall causing injuries. Mark the studs as well as the mounting holes.
Installation
You will drill a 1/8-inch hole at one of the marks. You should feel that you have hit the stud. Next, caulk the mounting flange using tub and tile adhesive or silicone caulk.
You can then use a 5/32-inch wood bit to drill pilot holes into the stud. Insert a plastic anchor in the holes you just drilled. You are now ready to screw in the shower bar to the wall using No. 10 or 12 stainless steel pan head screws. Again, check that screws are penetrating the stud.
When To Call Professionals
If you do not feel confident about completing this project on your own, you should definitely reach out for help. An improperly installed grab bar in the shower or tub will actually increase the chance of injuries rather than decrease it.
Positioning safety for grab bars is essential. A professional can come out and install a grab bar for you safely and efficiently in no time.
Cleaning every room of one’s house takes special products, a significant amount of time, and the patience that is necessary to get it all done correctly. At A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass, we frequently hear questions from our customers about which nonabrasive supplies they should use or how they can get rid of soap scum and bacteria. One of the most common questions that we get is whether there are any special sponges that they should use to clean out a porcelain bathtub.
Porcelain Bathtubs Require Gentle Cleaning
It is absolutely the case that porcelain bathtubs provide a sleek design and look to one’s bathroom, but it is also true that they require a very gentle cleaning process to retain their beauty and value.
Bathtubs capture dirt within them, and this dirt needs to be removed to keep it clean. A great way to do so is to take a combination of warm water, ammonia, and baking soda in a bucket with a gentle washrag or sponge, and wipe down the entire tub with that combination of materials.
You should scrub the tub in full to make sure you eliminate all the dirt and grime that may cause you some issues, and then you can rinse it all out completely so that you know for sure that your tub has been completely cleaned out just the way that you would expect it to be. This is a process, but it is one that you need to go through if you are going to get serious about cleaning your porcelain tub.
Do They Make Special Sponges for Porcelain Tubs?
Yes, you can get special sponges to use on your porcelain tub if you wish to do so. These sponges are gentler on the tub than some of the mass market sponges you can find in any random store. That being said, you should be pretty safe to use virtually any kind of sponge as long as you are careful about how hard you scrub on your porcelain tub.
It is often the case that you will need to take a considerable amount of time to clean your tub and don’t risk damaging the porcelain at the same time. You can accomplish both of these goals if you are just extremely careful about how you scrub down the tub. Don’t take unnecessary risks with it, and you should be just fine. If you use a great sponge specifically designed for a porcelain tub, then you should be set up to handle the mission of getting your tub cleaned out just the way you need it to be. Make sure you look for the kind of sponge that can keep your tub clean without risking the chance of tearing anything up.
You can keep your tub safe, but only when you take the steps necessary to get it done.
