While the oldest documented plumbing system dates back to 3300 B.C., the invention of the modern porcelain bathtub wasn’t until the early 1880s. Bathtub refinishing on your porcelain basin might seem commonplace and straightforward, but it took nearly 6,000 years for bathtubs to evolve. Understanding their history will help you make an informed decision for your bathtub refinishing.

Ancient Sanitation 

Pedestal tubs are a popular trend in bathtub refinishing, blending a seemingly modern look with the historical clawfoot feel. But a similarly looking pedestal tub was discovered in Crete, dating back almost 3,000 years—although the style wouldn’t become popular for centuries. A few centuries later, from 500 B.C. through 450 A.D., the Roman Empire set the standard of bathing with sewage systems made out of lead and bronze pipes. 

A Late-19th Century Breakthrough 

Artisans built early American bathtubs out of a copper or zinc sheet. Like other bathing equipment, they were made to be portable—although more progressive homes secured them in a wooden box. Eventually, cast iron became the replacement for copper and zinc, due to its affordability.

Then, in 1883, the method for coating cast iron with porcelain enamel was invented, resulting in the first clawfoot tub. Over the next hundred years, clawfoot tubs were replaced by built-in tubs with aprons. And for a few decades in the mid-1900s, bathroom remodeling included colorful tubs and toilets.

Present-Day Porcelain Tubs 

Porcelain tubs were a breakthrough because no other material was as durable. Copper and zinc discolored when exposed to water, and cast iron rusted eventually—even underneath the paint. Porcelain is smooth, easiest to clean, and doesn’t ruin after prolonged exposure to water.

If you need a bathtub refinishing, Contemporary Refinishing in Saint Ann, MO will masterfully resurface laminate, ceramic, and porcelain. Their budget-conscious solutions have been reviving homes in the Greater St. Louis area for over 15 years. By working with existing products in your home, they save on cost while delivering on beauty. View a full list of services online, or call (314) 520-0857 to schedule an appointment.