Sinks/Lavatories
Materials - Metal

Metal is the most durable of the sink materials. Metal sinks are made of stainless steel, cast iron, copper, brass or a combination of these metals.

Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the most popular and typically the least expensive option for kitchen sinks and wet bars. Since they do not have any ceramic or enamel coating, they are essentially indestructible under normal use. They won't chip, nick, crack, rust, stain, or fade.

Look for sinks made from 18- to 20-gauge steel. The lower the gauge, the heavier and more durable the steel. The chrome and nickel content of the steel also affects quality. The chrome adds strength and the nickel prevents corrosion. The ideal combination is 18% chrome and 10% nickel (18/10). 18/10 stainless steel is completely hygienic, will not rust and will maintain its appearance much longer than lesser grade steel.

The gauge (thickness) of the steel is also an important feature. (Gauge is an inverse measurement - 22 gauge is thinner than 20 gauge.) A thicker gauge stainless steel sink will maintain water temperature longer and has more sound deadening qualities. Thicker gauge stainless steel sinks are generally more expensive.

Economy models come without undercoating and are not highly polished. These tend to be noisy and require more maintenance. Thinner gauge steels have a tinny sound and dent more easily.

Some stainless steel sinks have a nickel plating on them which makes them very shiny. If this surface is worn off, you may not be able to get the sink shiny again.

More expensive models display a high luster and are heavily undercoated to absorb sounds and retain heat. However, highly polished models show scratches readily during the first year after installation, and only after sufficient use will the scratches blend to form a uniform finish.

Porcelain on Steel (POS)
This type of construction is available on some kitchen sinks and bathtubs. It consists of a thin stamped steel shell coated with chemically bonded, glazed clay fired at high temperature. It forms a smooth attractive finish that is resistant to acid, corrosion, or abrasion, is flameproof, colorfast, and sanitary. It tends to be more reasonably priced and is relatively lightweight. Under normal use, it should last for many years.

The disadvantages are that it can be damaged by impact, which can cause surface failure. POS sinks can be noisy to use, although this is a factor of the gauge of steel used. They are often used in self-rimming as well as freestanding configurations.

Cast Iron
Enamel-coated cast iron is the most durable material for fixtures, and usually the most expensive. It is used for sinks and bathtubs and some whirlpools. These units are extremely heavy.

The word cast simply identifies the method used to produce the finished product, and not to describe the material itself. The casting method involves pouring the iron in a molten or liquid form into a mold which defines the shape of the finished product.

The thickness of cast iron makes its surface resistant to acids, and provides outstanding protection against chipping, scratches and dents. It's very impact resistant and displays the richest, most highly polished finish of all the fixture materials.

Cast Iron's combination of real molten iron and extra-thick enamel provides extraordinary beauty. Fired at temperatures much higher than is possible with enameled steel products, the cast iron surface isfire polished to obtain its vivid color and deep gloss. Cast iron offers the widest color range of any fixture material. .

Its high gloss surface resists damage and Its structural density prevents dents and dings which can cause porcelain-on-steel tubs to chip. Cast Iron reduces vibration and noise while helping water to stay warm longer.

Pros/Cons
Properly maintained, a cast iron sink should last a lifetime.

Cast iron will not scratch easily, but that does not mean it won't. Avoid using or cleaning sharp metal objects in the sink. Repairing scratches is an almost impossible job for the layman. Repair and refinishing a cast iron sink is best left to professionals.

However, even a badly scratched cast iron tub can be refinished at a fraction of the cost of replacing it. The usual method for refinishing involves the use of epoxy paint, and can be done without removing the sink. Many colors are available at the time of refinishing. See your yellow pages for a list of refinishers.

Copper
Because copper is a metal, it is non-porous and will not stain in the traditional sense of the word. Copper will oxidize and obtain a patina, which is a chemical change that causes the metal to change color. The copper will not change evenly. It will spot. It will also exhibit rich color combinations ranging from pinks, to greens, to browns.

Copper is a much softer metal than stainless steel. It will scratch much easier. Copper oxidizes rapidly and eventually obtains a deep, weathered brown color. Almost anything that comes in contact with it will oxidize it to some degree (including water). A full patina takes about a year to develop.

Copper sinks should be copper welded, not soldered. Solder turns black with age and is no where near as strong as welding both inside and outside. Welds may be noticeable in some new sinks, but this will disappear as the sink ages.

Prolonged contact with hot pots and pans from the oven should be avoided. Copper has a relatively low melting temperature, and although it will not melt, some distortion can occur with prolonged contact over 300°F.

As with all metal sinks, the thicker the better. Thinner copper sinks may require additional support with a garbage disposer and an oversized sink.

Depending on the manufacturer, copper sinks are available from the factory in Weathered Copper, Dark Bronze, Satin Nickel, and Polished Nickel finishes. Hammered Copper Sinks are the perfect compliment for individual Kitchens, Baths or Powder Rooms.

Use a clean, soft cloth to clean or polish all copper fixtures. Polishing will remove most surface scratches. Scratches will never rust and can be polished, or in extreme cases, sanded out.

Brass
Discovered in the 13th century, Brass is as yellowish alloy of copper and zinc, sometimes including small amounts of other metals, but usually 67 percent copper and 33 percent zinc.

Brass sinks can give long lasting service and beauty to your bar if handled and maintained properly.

Brass, although durable, is soft and can be scratched, scuffed and dented fairly easily. Keep that in mind when bringing glasses, utensils and cleaning materials into contact with the sink.

For ordinary cleaning, use nothing but a soft, clean cloth and mild dish detergent followed by a thorough clear water rinse. Wipe dry with a clean, soft cloth.

Stains and tarnish should be removed with a small amount of good quality brass cleaner. Rub lightly to lift the discoloration, let dry, then polish with a soft, clean, dry cloth.

Minor surface scuff and very light scratches can be removed with fine automotive rubbing compound followed by brass polish.

Finishes
Metal sinks can be polished, treated or plated with other metals to produce a variety of appearances.

• Polished - a shiny smooth surface - readily shows scratches and water spots. It is the hardest to maintain.
• Satin - a brushed appearance - hides scratches and water spots.
• Satin Polish - a beautiful luster that is resistant to water stains and calcium deposits
  
• Antique - a dull weathered look that is applied at the factory. Generally, this finish wears away at an uneven rate.

Steel sinks may be plated with brass, nickel, pewter, gold. These metals are too soft for use on their own as a base sink material. The thicker the plating, the longer the sink will maintain it's appearance. Plating that is thin will eventually pit, exposing the underlying rough, base metal.

Bronze may be applied over any metal or clay fixture material.

Undercoating
Undercoating is applied to the underside of the sink to absorb sound, protect against condensation and help maintain sink water temperature.

Typical undercoats consist of a rubberized or latex coating sprayed over sound absorbing padding. All metal sinks should have an undercoating. Obviously, the thicker the undercoat the better.

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