Brass Sinks Have Pros and Cons
Brass sinks can lend an air of elegance to your bar or lavatory, but they require a great deal of maintenance and care. If you’re considering purchasing a brass sink for your home, this article will help you make an informed decision.
The Pros of Brass Sinks
Beauty: Brass sinks have a classic, elegant look that works well whether your décor is traditional or modern. Their shiny, gold-like finish can seem downright decadent when compared to the utilitarian look of porcelain and stainless steel.
Durability: With proper care, brass sinks can literally last for decades. Brass is a very durable and corrosion-resistant material, less prone to rust and tarnish than zinc or other “pot metals.” Porcelain sinks can be damaged by impact, leading to surface failure (which means the sink will no longer hold water). A similar impact may dent or bend a brass sink, but it won’t compromise the surface.
Hygiene: Brass is made from copper and zinc, both of which are germicidal and antimicrobial. This means a brass sink, left on its own, will disinfect itself of most bacteria in a matter of hours.
The Cons of Brass Sinks
Expense: It may not be as precious as gold, but brass still isn’t cheap. Brass sinks typically cost twice as much as comparable models of porcelain or stainless steel.
Delicacy: Even though the thick gauge of brass makes it durable, it is still a soft metal, susceptible to dents, scuffs, and scratches. Brass sinks work well for wet bars and bathrooms, but they’re too delicate to stand up to the wear and tear of a kitchen. Simply washing dishes in a brass sink leave the surface scratched and dinged.
High-Maintenance: In order to keep your brass sink looking its best, you need to clean it regularly with a soft cloth and a mild detergent. Although brass is somewhat resistant to tarnish, you’ll still need to use a high quality brass cleaner to polish your sink and remove the occasional stain. Deep scratches and abrasions in brass sinks are nearly impossible for the layman to repair, and are best left to the professionals.