Yet, like most things, an enamel sink will age causing peeling, cracking and chipping. While you could send the sink to a professional for repair, you can also spend a DIY weekend refinishing the surface yourself and thereby saving money.
Sink refinishing can still be be a good option for reglazing cultured marble sinks, cast iron sinks, porcelain sinks and steel sinks where the sink is unique or difficult to remove. Surface Specialists also refinishes several pedestal sinks to match refinished bathtubs and tile.
The average cost to refinish a cast iron sink is between $300 and $500, depending on the size of the sink and the level of damage sustained over the years.
While the enamel can't grow back, it can be remineralized with special tooth repair kits. Certain toothpastes and dental products push calcium and phosphates back into the teeth and harden the enamel. Fluoride plays a powerful role by capturing the calcium and phosphates that acids draw out of the teeth.
A porcelain sink is typically solid with no frame underneath, an enamel sink will have a frame usually made of steel or iron – as a result, a porcelain sink will be much lighter than enamel. Visually, the two sinks are very similar.
For everyday cleaning we suggest Ajax, Comet, Bon Ami, etc. For stubborn stains or pot marks we recommend Zud, Bar Keeper's Friend or other slightly abrasive cleaners. Use sparingly. DO NOT USE abrasive sponge pads, steel wool, or any type of wire brush as they may mark or etch finish.
A: Procter & Gamble said the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser should not be used on an enameled cast iron sink because it can remove the glossy finish.
Enamel resists staining and is easy to clean. Enameled cast iron has a few drawbacks. It is heavy, and you may need to reinforce your countertops and cabinets to safely support the weight. While it's also very durable, it is also susceptible to chipping or scratching if you drop something heavy into the sink.
While you cannot restore damaged enamel, you still have a few options. Several restorative treatment options can prevent more damage and ensure your teeth look great. Below are some of the most common restorative treatment options for those with damaged enamel or tooth decay.
Porcelain sinks last 25 to 30 years before they'll need to be refinished, after which they can last longer. Enamel steel sinks only last about 5 to 10 years if used frequently. Stone sinks can last for several decades or much longer--just keep in mind that you'll likely need to reseal them every 6 to 12 months.
Enamel is quite understandable as Porcelain itself is an enamel coating, so the two have similar appearances. The primary difference is that Enamel covers steel or iron bathtub, meaning that the bathtub is magnetic while porcelain is not.
Maintenance: The polished enamel surface is nonporous, making for a stain resistant and easy-to-clean sink. They are very easy to clean and their smooth, glossy finish helps hide water spots and streaks.
Once tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot be brought back. However, weakened enamel can be restored to some degree by improving its mineral content. Although toothpastes and mouthwashes can never “rebuild” teeth, they can contribute to this remineralization process.
Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. A cavity is permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a filling.
As the enamel erodes more, your teeth may appear grayish or yellow. Your teeth may begin to appear rounded, develop ridges, and often the gaps between teeth will become more substantial. Eventually, you may notice cracks in the teeth or experience loss of tooth material.
Heavy duty use with metal tools can also do some damage to the enamel over time. As a result, you may notice your skillet becomes more difficult to clean, and it may start forming rust on the surface as well. If you suspect your enameled layer has taken damage, replace your cast iron skillet.
Stains won't affect your cookware's performance, but you can reduce the look of light stains and marks with an enameled cast iron cleaner. Just follow the cleaner's instructions. For tougher stains, wipe it down with a little warm vinegar.
How to deep clean enameled cast-iron cookware. “My favorite tip,” Blank says, “is to fill your cookware with water, add baking soda and boil for about 10 minutes. This should eliminate any stuck food particles or stains.” The same method can be used with OxiClean or any other oxygen bleach for an even deeper clean.