Stone sinks: use and care

The sink is a very important element of the interior, it performs many different functions. It is very important that it is modern, stylish and comfortable. The range of models presented in modern stores is very wide. Conchs of stone won great popularity among consumers: their discreet, sophisticated look is able to decorate any interior. Consider the features of the use of such products and the subtleties of their care.

A stone sink can decorate the kitchen and bathroom. In the kitchen, the corresponding worktop is selected for it, and a special counter is installed in the bathroom. This unusual sink attracts the attention of everyone in the room.Very often it is the main focus in the interior. Modern manufacturers create stone models from both natural and composite material.

When selecting a sink from a stone, the question of what material to choose - natural or composite. Manufacturers claim that the artificial stone in a number of parameters outperforms natural. Some manufacturers give a guarantee for several decades.

It is necessary to understand that the washing of natural and artificial stone is practically the same thing, they simply use different production technologies. Artificial stone is obtained by casting and molding. A mixture of mineral components and acrylic resins is used.

In this material - up to 80 percent of natural particles, and only 20 of them fall on the binder resin. In some cases, a dye is added. Such a material is lighter than a stone; it can be of different colors and is not inferior in any way in environmental friendliness.

Products made of solid natural stone - is the result of a complex process. From a large piece cut off the part that is suitable for the future product. It is processed on the machines. When the rough workpiece is ready, you need to proceed to manual processing. All operations require great skill and special tools.

In the manufacture of washing of artificial stone technology is different. The material for it is a composite that includes natural materials (in the form of a crumb) and binding elements. These are usually resins and polymers.

This material is environmentally friendly, it does not cause allergies, does not absorb water and odors, is more resistant to mechanical stress.

Shells are made of various natural stones: marble, soapstone, onyx, travertine, granite, basalt, sandstone and other materials that can be processed. Natural material is suitable for both monochrome and color interiors.

• Granite. This is one of the inexpensive materials.It can be either pinkish, reddish, or gray. This material is very resistant to aggressive household chemicals, it is easy to clean. Such material is the most popular.
• Marble. Since ancient times it has been used to decorate palaces and rich houses. This is a great material that immediately sets the interior "high" tone. Its shades are usually cold, it does not crack, does not exfoliate, it can withstand considerable loads. This material absorbs moisture that needs to be considered when leaving.

• Onyx. Allows you to vary the color range of yellow and brown shades. It is also transparent, translucent and shiny, like glass. It is waterproof.
• Basalt. Enriches the color range of stone shells with gray and greenish hues. Basalt is amenable to processing (despite the rather considerable weight). This material is well tolerated by moisture, it is resistant to chemicals, does not let the sound through.

• Travertine. Usually there is a pattern on a light or dark background. Such material is well processed, it is lighter than basalt. Its feature is a porous surface, which complicates maintenance.

The sink can be integrated, made of river stone or petrified wood. Sinks made of artificial material almost do not differ in appearance from natural.However, their composition contains chemical components. The colors and forms of such materials are very different, they depend only on the customer's imagination.

Artificial materials are:

• ceramic granite;
• fragranit;
• sil- granite;
• granitek and so on.

Materials differ in the proportional ratio of natural and synthetic components. The most popular material with granite chips, since its surface is not porous. Quartz chips are also often used. With it, the composite is almost impossible to distinguish from natural stone. By production of acrylic material white clay is added.

Products made of natural stone vary in shape, color and size. The shape of the product made from natural material usually depends on the type of workpiece. Artificial stone is produced according to certain parameters.

The advantages of the stone sink:

• The stone is very durable. Wash scratches, chips and mechanical damage. This is the most durable contribution to the beautiful interior.
• Even if the shell is damaged, it can be fixed imperceptibly to the eyes.The finish coating is not applied to the surface of the natural material; therefore, mechanical damage is simply washed down and ground. Outwardly, it will not be very noticeable.
• Dirt and chemicals are not absorbed into this surface. When caring for the product you can use household chemicals, but you should not get involved in abrasives with large particles.

• Sink and countertop attached to each other without the formation of a seam. This technology allows longer to keep an attractive appearance of the product.
• A wide range of sizes, types and shapes. Modern technologies of working with composite materials allow us to perform models of various shapes and shades. It is always possible to manufacture custom-made.
• Hygiene. Modern manufacturing methods allow you to comply with all necessary sanitary standards.

Likely cons:

• The main disadvantage is the price. Stone sink is a rather expensive treat. However, its price is more than paid off over the years of flawless exploitation.
• It is better not to put hot objects into it: hot-bottomed pans, forms from the oven. Hot dishes can damage the top layer, melt the material.
• Sometimes under the influence of ultraviolet rays the natural stone burns out.
• If the sink splits, you have to change the whole composition - along with the table top.
• It is difficult to find a fairly large stone, the color and size of which is suitable for your interior. Cast options should be selected with the utmost care.
• When installing such a sink requires the installation of additional sustainable structures, because the sink has considerable weight. Self-installation is not recommended, it is better to use the services of professionals.

Choosing a sink from a stone, you receive a unique product. Drawings and textures of natural materials are never repeated. This sink will serve you for more than a decade.

Choosing a sink for the bathroom, you need to focus on the size of the room. In small rooms, you can install corner sinks.Rectangular and square models are easier to install, they are the most spacious. You can choose a softer form - round or oval.

If you choose a stone of light shades, it will help to create a gentle and elegant interior. Dark sink will give the room dynamism and style. The colorful pattern will hide water and soap splashes.

If you compare with stainless steel sinks or enameled products, it can be noted that the sink of stone has a higher price. Models created using resins of acrylic, demanding care. They are not resistant to high temperatures, but are light - they can be compared to plastic.

It is better to purchase a sink that cuts into the tabletop, separately.If you want the worktop to be made of the same material as the sink, it is still better to perform it as a separate element. This will allow, if necessary, easy to carry out the replacement, without touching the entire structure.

Size also matters. A large and spacious sink is preferable to a small one. If the size of the kitchen allows, feel free to choose large models with additional "wings". If the kitchen is small, make a choice in favor of not very wide and deep sinks without additional elements. An excellent option could be a corner sink.

DIY installation of such a difficult product has its own characteristics. Most often, these sinks are installed on the countertops of the same material. If there is a need for another material, you can choose a tree.

The sink can be mounted on a pedestal base, attached to the wall or built into the countertop. A solid stone is more suitable for corner mounting, whereas a model built into the table does not have joints or seams.

The most popular option is the mortise washer. Outside, it is covered with a tabletop.This work can be done even by a beginner installation wizard. A hole in the working surface of the kitchen set is prepared in advance for this sink. The edges of the sink are mounted either flush with the tabletop, or slightly higher.

Pipes and other elements are “hidden” under the table surface, so the design looks very neat. Choosing a support cabinet for the sink, you need to focus on the size of the surface. They must match each other.

Sometimes the bowl is partially embedded, most of it stands for the table. It deepens the level of the sides. The sink can be installed simply on a rigid base, it is the overhead installation.

A more difficult option for installation is the installation of a monolithic construction of the sink with a table top. They have no joints, which contributes to aesthetics and hygiene. The considerable weight of these models requires the use of special fasteners and sealant. Sometimes fasteners are included, and sometimes additional costs are required.

A few installation tips:

• The support must be designed for a considerable shell weight. It must be stable and durable.It is better to perform a special forged or metal frame for the table.
• The sink should have a good drain for water, stagnation of moisture should not be allowed.
• When installing the drain does not need to overtighten the thread, there should be no excessive tension.
• Carry out the installation so that heavy products do not fall into the sink later.

To learn how to install a sink made of artificial stone in the countertop, see the following video.

In order for this wonderful element of the interior to please for many years, you need to take into account certain rules of operation. It should always be remembered that excess moisture can damage natural materials, and strong food and artificial colors can stain the stone.

Stone shells should be protected from exposure to acids and alkalis. Stains from wine and natural juices need to be washed off immediately, otherwise they tightly eats into a porous surface resembling a sponge. Always rinse off dirt and grease in a timely manner.

Hard water may eventually build up. The sink should always be kept dry so that lime does not accumulate. It is recommended to install a filter for running water: it is useful for both owners and sinks.

With careful use of the sink can be operated almost forever. The main cause of damage becomes the human factor. With daily use, there is a habit of this expensive piece of furniture, and caution is lost during operation.

The main possible problems:

• damage from heavy objects;
• cutting vegetables on a stone worktop;
• chemical and thermal effects.

If the defect is minor, the breakaway piece can be glued with special glue. After that you need to polish the restored area with emery paper or grinding wheel.

A special adhesive is also suitable for removing minor scratches. The crushed into a powder piece of breakaway stone is mixed with glue, then the scratch is rubbed. After drying, the surface must be polished.

If cracks appear, the inner side of the sink is glued with a special gasket. Only after that it will be possible to start repairing and eliminating cracks.

To remove stains from chemical and high-temperature burns, you need to clean them with emery paper. After that, special patches are applied to the damaged areas, and polishing is carried out.

To return the surface gloss, the sink can be sanded. Each product can endure a large number of such procedures, so do not be afraid to apply this method.

Kitchen sink, bathroom sink require proper care. Although sinks made of composite or natural stone are notable for their increased durability, they can still suffer from overly aggressive chemicals and abrasives.In this case, cleaning is required.

If the surface is not too dirty, it is enough to wipe it with a simple sponge and dish detergent. If the stone has scurf or scale from hard water, you can use a special tool for scale. You need to fill them in the sink for half an hour and wash it off.

Stains of coffee and tea moistened with lemon juice and washed. You can replace the juice with citric acid. Special compositions are suitable for disinfection, which are added to the sink and left for 20-30 minutes. After this treatment, the surface must be wiped dry.

Well removes dirty stains baking soda. Dissolve it into a gruel, rub the polluted area and rinse off with running water.

Mustard powder is suitable for daily care. Its gentle effect is combined with a light abrasive effect. It removes almost all types of stains and dirt.

Stubborn dirt is removed with abrasives, but do not use products with coarse and coarse particles.The product should not be rubbed very tightly, then rinsed with water. Sometimes you can use gel toothpaste: it will perfectly refresh and clean the sink.

Chlorine bleach will not harm the stone, but they can be used no more than twice a month. It is possible to apply structure as by means of a spray, and directly in the sink filled with water. Bleach should be left to affect for 6-8 hours, then wash the sink and wipe with a dry cloth. It is necessary to protect the stone from contact with aggressive chemicals: acetone, turpentine, acids.

Manufacturers of stone sinks produce special products to care for them. There are compositions for composite products. They are created in the form of pastes, liquid solutions. The use of such a tool returns the surface gloss and shine.

The marble surface must sometimes be treated with a special water-repellent mortar. This will protect it from water, dust and dirt.