Why cast iron bathtubs look so beautiful?
Photo credit by @jward726 by Twenty20
Cast iron bathtubs? This is curious, but a very valid question. When you hear the words “cast” and “iron” together, the aspect of something made of metal and some cast is like a black antique iron door with white pieces here and there, for example, can come to your mind. But nothing further from the truth. The bathtubs identified as cast iron ones are effectively made of iron. This means they have an iron soul.
By soul, we mean that they are usually made of recycled iron. Nowadays, it is much cheaper to recycle this material than to find it in nature. In junkyards, iron pieces from appliances, cars, doors, etc, are collected and melted in furnaces, to be shaped later. Iron cast bathtubs are more than 200 years old as an invention, and they were made as cattle drinkers at first. Their shape is, of course, useful as a bathtub, too.
The melted iron goes to a mold with the shape and the size desired, and while it is is still hot, layers of sand are applied and, after, so is a crystal coat. The excess of materials is removed, and the tub undergoes several heat treatments and a special rough coat is applied on the bottom, thus giving it the anti-slip floor required for the safety of the users.
In the end, we have a very beautiful piece of art for your bathroom. Whether your tub is made as to the old-fashioned ones, with four legs, with a modern design to be surrounded by small walls, or cast iron bathtubs, having a tub and enjoying a relaxing bath in it, is a pleasure.