Abstract: A molded article is disclosed. The molded article includes a shell having a reservoir, a deck surrounding the reservoir and an apron. The shell has an exterior non-finish side and an interior finish side. The non-finish side of the shell is coated with a polymeric material. The polymeric material forms a layer on the non-finish side of the shell. The polymeric layer which is formed on the non-finish of the apron of the shell includes a rectangular area of reduced thickness and covers most of the surface of the apron. The periphery of the area of reduced thickness is surrounded by a lip having a chamfer of approximately 45.degree.. The weight of the molded article is reduced, while strength and rigidity are maintained.

Abstract: A mold for making bathtubes is disclosed. The mold includes a mold receptor and an insert attached to the mold receptor face. The mold receptor receives a shell which has a finish side and a non-finish side. The shell is placed in the mold receptor leaving a void between the non-finish side of the shell and the face of the receptor. The insert is attached to the face of the mold receptor to reduce the cross-sectional area of a portion of the space between the shell and mold receptor face. A male mold engages the finish side of the shell, sealably retaining the shell to the mold receptor. A polymeric foam material is introduced into the void between the receptor and the shell. The polymeric material fills the void and coats the shell. The molded bathtub is then removed from the mold receptor after the male mold has been removed. The insert is then removed leaving an area of reduced thickness and a periphery on the non-finish side of the molded bathtub which defines a lip.

Abstract: A decorative porcelain enamel surface, preferably having the appearance of marble, is produced by first preparing the surface of an article, which may be irregular in configuration, for receiving a finished coat of porcelain enamel. A finished coat of porcelain enamel is applied on the prepared surface, and then by any of several novel steps the enamel is variegated to produce a marble appearance.