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.
If you opt for a classic white porcelain farmhouse sink, it's very likely to get stained, and it will require regular cleaning to keep it sparkling. Scrubbing the sink with baking soda will help remove sauce stains, yet this mild abrasive won't scratch the surface.
Porcelain sinks have an average lifespan of 20–25 years. While all materials take on wear and tear over time, porcelain sinks can be refinished to keep them looking brand new and gorgeous for decades.
Stainless steel is easily workable and has a long service life that will retain its clean finish look, with little to no maintenance costs. Additionally, due to the special high chromium and nickel-alloyed grades, it can resist scaling and retain strength at extreme temperatures better than porcelain.
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.
The most stain-resistant sink is a stainless steel sink. A stainless steel sink is the most durable and low-maintenance kitchen sink as they are resistant to heat, stains, and scratches.
The biggest difference between the two materials is their level of heat-resistance. Porcelain withstands heat well and is unaffected by direct sunlight, while quartz surfaces can warp or become discolored over time.
Best for: Affordability, durability, and low maintenance. The most common option for a kitchen sink material is stainless steel. This material is well-known for its water-resistance, durability, and scratch-resistance, and is also often recognized for superior rust-resistance and antimicrobial properties.
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.
Most of the time, sink scratches are caused by certain accessories, such as curling irons and blow dryers, coming in contact with the porcelain sink. Instead of scrubbing the bottom of your sink with abrasive cleaners, try filling the sink with warm water and adding about two cups of bleach to the water.
As long as the porcelain is wet, the sandpaper will "float" on the surface and will not scratch it. Water, fine sandpaper and elbow grease will do the job.
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.
Durability - It's nearly impossible to scratch or chip fireclay, and they're much less likely to crack or scratch compared to cast iron. Because of the finish, fireclay sinks are unlikely to discolor, rust, or fade over time.
The costs of quartz countertops and porcelain countertops are quite different. The average cost of porcelain lies between $55 to $120 for every square foot. On the other hand, the average cost of a quartz countertop ranges from $45 to $200 for every square foot.
Glass and porcelain sinks may offer a similar shine and seamless design, but neither can measure up to the durability of vitreous china. And, believe it or not, even with the additional strength it provides, vitreous china is often cheaper than glass and porcelain sinks.
You should avoid rubbing scouring pads against the surface of your ceramic sink and grit that has collected on the bottom of plastic washing up bowls can scratch the surface of your ceramic sink, so try to avoid using these. Concentrated drain cleaners with sulphuric and hydrochloric acid should be avoided.
The simple answer, is yes! Of course they can scratch and they can stain. Like most things in life, it is all about how you maintain and treat your investment. Damage is inevitable, with enough weight or force on any of these sink options.
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 sinks are more fragile than their stainless steel counterparts. And porcelain sinks are made up of a cast-iron center and coated in a porcelain finish that is baked on. While durable, the finish can be chipped off.
At IKEA, we mostly use ceramics for plant pots, porcelain and sinks – and since it can be glazed to any colour and shine, the possibilities of styles and looks are endless.