Bathroom sinks come in many sizes, shapes, and colors, but have you ever really considered all the different options of materials you have as well? What your bathroom sink is made of can affect its maintenance, durability, and, of course, style. From clays to woods to glass, understand the benefits of the different types of materials available for your bathroom sinks.
Ceramic
Ceramics are the necessary materials for decoration, but we know little about the choice of ceramics. We may often listen to others to introduce this good or that good, but the market is complicated, and how much do we know? Today, we want to show you how to distinguish between good and bad ceramic based material.
What is ceramic?
Ceramic is a type of pottery that is made of clay and hardened by heat. Ceramics are normally made by taking mixtures of clay, powders, and water, shaping them into form and firing in a high temperature oven, or kiln.
Is ceramic durable?
Ceramic sinks have an extremely strong surface that is resistant to scratching, chipping, and impacts, which makes them able to withstand the rigors of everyday use. These features make ceramic ideal for items that will be used repeatedly.
Maintenance and care
Ceramic is particularly hard, smooth, and completely sealed. Because of these characteristics, dirt is unable to penetrate the surface of the sink. This makes cleaning and maintenance extremely easy; simply wiping off dirt and dust with a soft dry cloth is adequate for daily cleaning. For a more thorough cleaning, we recommend using a gentle all-purpose cleaning product and a soft sponge or cloth.
If you have a hand-painted or glazed ceramic sink, clean with a non-abrasive cleaner. Do not use bristle brushes or abrasive sponges, as they may damage the decorative surface. Do not let cleaners soak on the surface of your sink. Rinse and wipe with a soft dry cloth after use and cleaning to prevent soap buildup.
PORCELAIN
Porcelain is the hardest clay available. This ceramic material is heated in a kiln at an extreme temperature, causing the clay to become less dense and porous. Porcelain is tough in durability and soft-looking in appearance.
Porcelain is a type of ceramic made from refined clay and fired at temperatures between 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit. Porcelain is commonly used in sinks because of its low moisture absorbency and ease of cleaning, but is also used for trim on items such as faucet handles, inset buttons, bath hardware, and shower heads. In older homes, porcelain sinks are very common, but are usually a porcelain coating over a base of cast iron or other metal.
All porcelain sinks are made from fireclay, a special kind of clay that can stand up to extremely high temperatures, but can be manufactured in many different ways. The “old method,” which used porcelain as a coating over cast iron, was popular in the first half of the 20th century, but is rarely used today. A more modern method is to use stainless steel in place of cast iron, where the porcelain is fused to the metal with extremely high heat.
Is porcelain durable?
Porcelain is extremely durable. There are many porcelain sinks still in use that are 50 to 100 years old. The porcelain material used to make sinks has glass and metal mixed in with the clay to give it extra strength and resistance to heat and chemicals. However, porcelain sinks can chip and are susceptible to stains. Avoid dropping heavy or sharp items into a sink made of porcelain.
Is all porcelain white?
Although porcelain is typically white, porcelain sinks can be made in any color or pattern of colors to complement your decor.
Maintenance and care
Use a gentle soap, such as dishwashing liquid or an all-purpose cleaner, and avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage your sink. Clean your porcelain sink every day to prevent a buildup of soap scum, grease, and dirt, and wipe the sink dry with a soft cloth to prevent water stains. Do not clean a porcelain sink with vinegar. Although it is useful for cleaning many other items in your home, its high acid content can damage the sink’s surface.
RESIN
What is resin?
Easy to clean and incredibly durable, this stone-like material is made of a poly-resin blend. Also known as "man-made stone," resin is solid and consistently colored throughout. Because it can be cast into nearly any form or size, resin sinks and tubs are available in unique designs.
Care and maintenance
Resin has a nonporous surface that makes it resistant to stains, scratches and discoloration. To maintain the condition of your new resin sink, simply wipe the surface with a dry soft cloth after each use. Most dirt will wash off with clean water. For a more thorough cleaning, be sure to a use mild cleaner that is safe for painted surfaces. Avoid any products that contain abrasives, acids or ammonia.
What if my resin sinks gets scratched?
1. Use water to remove dirt and dust from the surface.
2. Use #800 sandpaper (coarser-grit) and rub in small circular motions until the scratch is gone.
3. Follow with #1200 sandpaper (finer-grit) and rub over the surface of the scratch to smooth.
4. Dry with a towel.
5. Polish the surface with a cloth and a polishing compound for automobiles, such as 3M Extra Cut Compound.