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.
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.
To tell the difference between a ceramic and a porcelain sink, try placing a magnet near it. Most porcelain sinks are metal with a porcelain finish. As a result, magnets usually stick to their surfaces. Ceramic sinks are usually entirely ceramic and not magnetic.
Stainless steel and Composite are the most commonly used materials for kitchen sinks. Composite sinks have the added advantage of coming in many different colors. Both materials are very durable and should last a long time, with proper care and maintenance.
White kitchen sinks are made from a variety of materials. The most popular are: Fireclay, Enamel-coated cast iron, Solid Surface and Composites.
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Unfortunately, since the material is soft, it has a tendency to hold onto stains, scuff marks, and even scratches if you're not careful. That being said, non-abrasive cleaners are the best way to clean a porcelain sink.
Kitchen sinks come in a wide range of materials, as well as shapes, sizes, and styles. Two of the most popular options are stainless steel and porcelain enameled sinks, which may have a stainless steel or a cast iron base with a porcelain finish.
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.
Porcelain tile has the same color throughout the material. A broken or chipped piece of unglazed porcelain will have a uniform color throughout its thickness. Ceramic tile often has a glazed surface coloring, so chips may reveal a different color underneath. The finish of porcelain is smoother than that of ceramic.
Porcelain is considered the hardest clay available today and it starts out as... ceramic. It is heated in a kiln at an extremely high temperature (higher than ceramic), so it is less porous and dense. Porcelain is very strong with a smooth finish.
Porcelain is susceptible to scratches and chips that might expose the surface beneath, which makes it vital to avoid dropping heavy metal objects in it or using sharp metal around it. It's recommended that people use silicone pads or a stainless steel rack to help protect it.
Definitive test: Use a straight pin - hold it vertically and tap the surface. If it skips over the surface, it's enamel (ie, glass), if the surface is tacky, it's resin. BUT be careful - you can scratch resin with a pin, but you cannot scratch enamel with a pin.
They are hardness, whiteness and translucency. Porcelain has a high level of mechanical resistance, low porosity and high density, which, on a daily basis, provide it with durability, innocuity, soft touch and beauty.
Acrylic
This easily moldable plastic is one of the most affordable and versatile kitchen sinks you can find. It's easy to clean, strong, sound absorbent, and the nonporous surface is resistant to mildew and dirt buildup.
Porcelain sinks are both beautiful and easy to clean. On the down side, it's a brittle material and easily cracked. One drop of a heavy object can leave you staring at a major chip in your porcelain.
Porcelain must be sealed for the same reasons you seal shower glass doors. Our sealants are also effective on baked enamel bath fixtures.
Enamel refers to a glassy, vitreous and usually opaque substance that is used in protective or decorative coating on metal, glass or ceramic ware. Enamel could be used in varnishes, paints and coatings. After drying, it produces a hard and glossy finish—an enamel-like surface that has a bright luster.
For white porcelain only, bleach can be used to remove stains; never use chlorine bleach in colored or vintage porcelain, as it can damage the finish. For both white and colored porcelain, liquid oxygen bleach (such as hydrogen peroxide) is a good alternative.
Paint your enamel sink to either redecorate the room with a fresh color scheme or repair a chipped or rusted sink. To properly paint enamel, you need an epoxy paint that will adhere to the enamel and withstand the high demands of a sink. If it has chips or rust, prepare it prior to painting.
If you are looking to avoid using chemicals altogether or if marks are particularly rugged, then cleaning with a Magic Eraser can help achieve the perfect shine with no extra product. 'Use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to quickly scrub your porcelain sink.
Coffee stains Scrub away coffee stains with a damp washcloth dipped in baking soda [source: Porcelain Enamel Institute]. Rust stains Borax is great for getting rid of many stains on porcelain, including rust. Create a paste from ¼ cup of lemon juice and 1 cup of borax.
If concerned about putting any kind of bleach on an antique porcelain sink, use white vinegar instead. Add undiluted white vinegar to a spray bottle and spray the sink, then use a non-abrasive sponge and circular motions to clean the porcelain.