Metal Coated Sinks

Metal is the most durable of all of the materials used to make sinks.  Stainless steel is the most popular.  There is also cast iron, copper, brass or a combination of two or more of these materials.

Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel sinks are the most popular because it is the cheapest to buy. Also, it is the most durable. If used under normal conditions, it can not rust, fade, crack, chip, stain or nick.

This can make your metal coated sink last for many years. If you do decide to purchase a stainless steel sink, there are a few things that you should know.

It is best to look for a sink that is between 18 and 20 gauge. The lower the gauge, the more durable your sink will be. Another thing to look for in terms of durability is the chrome and nickle content of the steel. The chrome adds strength to the sink.

The more chrome in the steel, the more durable the sink will be. Nickle will prevent corrosion. It is important to have corrosion protection so that you do not need to purchase a new sink very often. There is a combination of nickle and chrome that sink makers should adhere to. Using 18% chrome and 10% nickle can make your sink both strong and sanitary. There will be a very little chance of rusting if this formula is used.

It is wise to use an undercoating on your sink. Economy sinks are usually unpolished and require much maintenance. Without the undercoating the sink will be very loud. Economy sinks usually tend have thinner gauges, this can cause a “tinny ping” sound.

The thin gauge sinks also dent very easy. It is possible to get your stainless steel sink with nickle plating. This is so that is get a nice shine to it. If the nickle wears off however, you may not be able to get it shiny again.

Porcelain on Steel Sinks (POS)

This is a very nice looking, light weight sink. It has a nice glossy finish and under normal conditions, can last a long time. There are some disadvantages to porcelain on steel sinks, however. The porcelain on steel sinks can be damaged if there is a large impact. This can cause surface failure. It this happens, the sink to no longer hold water.

It is necessary to use a lower gauge with the porcelain on steel sink to prevent noise. The porcelain will not filter out noise if you choose a higher gauge sink. As long a the manufacturer uses a lower gauge, noise will not be an issue. This type of sink can be used in self-rimming as well as free standing sinks.

Cast Iron Sinks

Cast iron is the most durable material for fixtures and is also the most durable. It is used in sinks, bathrooms, and sometimes in whirlpools. The term “cast iron” does not refer to the type of iron.

It refers to the method used to deliver the finished product. One characteristic of cast iron, whether you are talking about a pan or a sink, it is very heavy. It is very difficult to damage cast iron. People like to use cast iron for their bathtubs because it keeps the water warm longer. The cast iron keep the heat in.

There are some pros and cons to using a cast iron sink. One good thing is that cast iron sinks are very difficult to damage. They can take a lot of wear and tear. One bad thing about cast iron sinks is that if they are scratched or damaged, they can not be repaired by the layman.

It is necessary to call a professional to do the repairs. Most of the time, you will not need to remove the sink. The repairs can be done right in the home.

Copper Sinks

Copper is a softer material than stainless steel which makes it easier to scratch than stainless steel. Because copper is a metal it is non-porous. This makes it impossible to stain in the traditional sense. It can however, obtain a pantia. This is when the water oxidizes and changes the color of the metal. The color combinations range from pink to green to brown.

There are some things that you can do prevent this from happening. It is inevitable although you can slow down the process. One tip, for example is to avoid prolonged heat exposure. Leaving hot pots and pans on the copper finish is a bad idea. It usually, under normal conditions, takes up to a year to obtain a pantia on the finish of your copper sink. If you do leave hot pans on the sink, it will take be a lot quicker.

Brass Sinks

Brass sinks are among the nicest sinks available. These sinks will ast a very long time. As long as they are properly maintained, a brass sink can make your bar look elegant. Because brass sinks are very delicate, they can scratch or dent easily. This should be remembered when you are washing utensils or even glasses. Brass sinks are not a good idea to have in your kitchen. A kitchen sink should be able to take a lot of wear and tear. Brass sinks are not able to.

When cleaning a brass sink, you should also be very careful. You should use only a soft, wet cloth and some mild dishwashing detergent to clean your sink. If you use an abrasive cloth or cleanser, you will most likely scratch the surface of your brass sink. If you notice any tarnishing or stains on your brass sink, you can use any type of brass cleaner.

With all of these sinks, deciding on the sink for you can be very difficult. With a little bit of research, you should find the sink that is right for you.