In the modern society that pursues the ultimate home aesthetics, natural stone bathtubs have become a symbol of luxury and art. Stone bathtubs usually draw attention whether they are in luxury hotels or private villas; their distinctive texture, feel and noble mood quickly improve the whole grade of the bathroom. However, many people may not know that these high-value natural stone bathtubs are not simply carved from stones, but are completed after a series of complex and exquisite processes. Every completed product is a representation of art and technology as well as a flawless mix of nature and workmanship. Next, let us walk into the processing world of natural stone bathtubs and unveil its mystery.
Natural stone bathtubs are transformed from stones into artistic home products
Choose the right stone: The first step is crucial
The processing of natural stone bathtubs starts with selecting the right stone. Common selections are natural stones including marble, granite, and sandstone; each stone has different texture, color, and feel. Apart from their look, several stones differ greatly in hardness, water absorption, and wear resistance.
When choosing stones, craftsmen need to consider not only their aesthetics, but also their processing performance and durability in final use. Marble is popular for its delicate texture and broad color range, but it is somewhat soft and should be polished and carved more precisely; granite is hard and wear-resistant, thus it is appropriate for building thicker and more robust bathtubs.
In addition, the selection of natural stone also pays great attention to geographical and cultural factors. Every stone has a narrative and symbolism since different areas have different natural features and history accumulation that shapes each stone. Every stone, whether it is sandstone from Yunnan, China, or Carrara white marble from Italy, has special beauty.
Preliminary cutting: let the stone take shape
After selecting the stone, the next step is to make a preliminary cutting of the stone. Large stone processing factories usually use advanced machinery and equipment, such as large cutting machines and drilling machines, to cut the stone into a predetermined size and shape. To guarantee the integrity and symmetry of the stone, this procedure calls for quite high accuracy.
Said to be a “primary draft” for the stone, the work in the preliminary cutting stage lays the basis for further detail processing. This stage may seem rough, but it is an extremely critical part of the entire processing process. If there is a mistake in cutting, the entire stone may break due to uneven stress and cannot be used again.
Due to the weight and hardness of the stone, the cutting process usually requires the use of special diamond tools. Diamond is a perfect instrument for stone processing since it is not only strong but also sharp in high temperature circumstances. The stone will be forwarded to the next processing phase following cutting to be further carved and polished.
Hand carving: the embodiment of refinement and personalization
Although there are a large number of mechanical auxiliary equipment in modern stone processing, the core technology of many high-end natural stone bathtubs still relies on hand carving. Skilled artists will polish and shape the stone following its first cutting. Natural stone bathtubs can become a luxury since hand carving gives every bathtub an original creative ambiance.
During the carving process, the craftsmen need to carefully carve every corner and arc according to the design drawings of the bathtub, and can even customize the unique texture or pattern required by the customer. This procedure evaluates the technical degree of the craftsmen as well as their awareness of the properties of the stone. Should the carving be very deep, the stone’s structural integrity may suffer; should the carving be too shallow, the stone’s natural beauty cannot be entirely shown.
Different bathtub designs require different carving techniques. For instance, some luxury bathtubs exhibit the distinctive texture and light and shadow changes of the stone by means of intricate hollow shapes. Others underline the natural grain of the stone by following modest and giving lines. In the process of hand-carving, every cut carries the experience and artistic inspiration of the craftsmen, and finally makes the bathtub a unique work of art.
Carving techniques turn natural stone bathtubs into unique works of art
Fine grinding and polishing: the key to dazzling brilliance
Usually, the surface of the stone bathtub seems rough and uneven after carving. Grinding and polishing are crucial processes if one wants to make it finally present a smooth and brilliant finish. Until it gets the appropriate feel and shine, the surface of the stone will get smoother and smoother by several grinding.
The grinding of stone is usually divided into multiple stages, from coarse grinding to fine grinding, and finally fine polishing. Whereas the fine grinding and polishing phases progressively improve the brightness and texture of the stone, giving it a delicate shine, the coarse grinding step uses larger abrasives to eliminate scratches and uneven surfaces left by the carving process.
During the polishing process, craftsmen will choose the appropriate polishing materials and methods based on the characteristics of the stone. Some stones need to be polished multiple times to show their unique colors and textures; while others are more suitable for maintaining a natural matte effect. Polishing helps the stone bathtub not only seem more brilliant but also gets it smoother and more pleasant to use.
Sealing and protection: essential steps to extend the life of the bathtub
Natural stones have some degree of water absorption and pore structure even if they seem to be robust and lasting. In order to prevent the stone from staining, discoloration or damage due to long-term contact with water, the bathtub needs to be sealed in the final processing stage. Usually a translucent protective covering, the sealant efficiently closes the small holes on the surface of the stone to stop moisture and stains from penetrating.
In addition to sealing, stone bathtubs can also be coated with a protective layer to enhance their wear resistance and extend their service life. Natural stone bathtubs especially for everyday use need consistent cleaning and care to guarantee its always beauty and use. Stone bathtubs may not only keep brilliant over the years but also efficiently resist external erosion and damage by means of acceptable sealing and protection.
Installation and acceptance: the last step of the finished product
After a series of complex processing processes, the natural stone bathtub is finally formed. Installing it safely at the specified spot comes last. Stone is typically heavy, hence the installation process calls for professional workers with tools to guarantee the stability and safety of the bathtub.
During the installation process, the construction team also needs to ensure the seamless connection between the bathtub and other bathroom devices, such as drainage systems, hot water pipes, etc. Simultaneously, the installer will do a last acceptance to see whether the surface of the bathtub has any flaws and whether the sealing treatment is in place to guarantee that the whole bathtub reaches the perfect use effect.
Natural stone bathtub with pattern
From the selection of stone to the final installation, the processing process of natural stone bathtubs is a complex and delicate system engineering. Every stone item has a different narrative, and every stage of the process bears the labor of the craftsmen combined with their knowledge. By means of carving, grinding and polishing, the natural stone bathtub is converted from a raw stone into a home boutique with creative vibe. Whether it is marble, granite or sandstone, each natural stone bathtub has become an indispensable luxury in modern home design due to its high appearance and uniqueness.