Richard May has asked me to review his designer eco bath. It’s important to note that because iron baths are made of steel, the extraction of iron ore and its manufacturing process requires a lot of energy. Although steel can be recycled (which still requires a lot of energy). Therefore is steel in fact an eco friendly and sustainable material? However Richard’s baths are restored, so lets look at how effective his methods and processes are in regards to eco friendly and sustainable practices.
The baths are sourced in their local area. The tiles are hand made, imported from Europe. More info really needed on how they are made and exactly what they are made of. Richard has noted they are looking to source hand made tiles in the UK. The bath is re-enamelled in situ, so no need to take them elsewhere for restoring. The grout is sealed with an impregnator ( bought in the UK ) to enhance the colour and ease of future cleaning. NB: I have no further information on this product.
The Coating used on the baths is a high performance acrylic polymer designed in the States to cover Vitreous, pot and ceramic surfaces as well as plastic and acrylic. The Coating is tested up 204 degrees C and is non yellowing, unlike many other materials that other resurfacing bath companies use. It is a non isocyanate lead free coating.
Some bath companies use epoxy resin coatings but some of these cannot tolerate UV rays in natural daylight and may yellow over time. Some epoxys cannot tolerate hot water temperature change and will split and crack. Cast Iron can go from cold to hot quite quickly and a coating has to expand with that.
Some bath companies use epoxy resin coatings but some of these cannot tolerate UV rays in natural daylight and may yellow over time. Some epoxys cannot tolerate hot water temperature change and will split and crack. Cast Iron can go from cold to hot quite quickly and a coating has to expand with that.
The bathtubs have a high level of thermal and sound insulation and their surface is very smooth and easy to clean.
The feet are chromed through a local company. Although chrome plating provides a beautiful finish, it involves using highly acidic substances which has environmental and waste issues. There are laws and regulations in place for this industry. Weather everyone is abiding to these laws and regulations is another matter. Not that I’m suggesting Richard’s outsourced chrome company is not doing this. Nevertheles it would have been good to have more information on the production processes of the chroming company.
Richard has clearly made efforts to be as sustainable and eco friendly as possible. I would give this product 3.5 out of 5 stars based on his restoration efforts and the use of certain quality materials but also because of limited information.
To view Richard May's products, go to website: http://www.castironrolltopbath.co.uk/
