Hello World! Welcome Friends! A kitchen sink is one of the most important features in a kitchen. It is used for a lot of important tasks in this part of the house. From washing fruits and veggies to prepping ingredients and washing up after cooking; this fixture is a game changer in the functionality of a kitchen. Aside from the practical benefits of this fixture, it also adds to the aesthetic appeal of your cooking space.
This plumbing fixture can be made from a number of materials, as many as 13 at last count. With a plethora of materials to choose from, one cannot categorically say that one material is better than the other. Every material used in making kitchen sinks has its pros and cons.
Kitchen sinks made of composite granite are becoming increasingly popular these days. In this article, we will be providing some valuable tips for people to consider putting a composite granite kitchen sink in their cooking space. We will explore factors that you have to consider that will enable you to make an informed decision.
Understanding Composite Granite Kitchen Sinks
Sinks made with composite granite add a beautiful elegance to a kitchen. They are made with a mix of acrylic resins and granite stone dust. They are very similar to the ones made with acrylic resin and quartz dust. This is why most people interchange the use of composite stone and granite sink, but it needs to be stated that the material we are talking about is not entirely granite but a mix of materials.
Keep in mind that there is no strict production process that manufacturers of this fixture are obliged to follow. Each brand employs the production process that they deem best, and this makes the end product of each manufacturer different or unique. So when looking at options to choose from, ensure that you visit the manufacturer’s website to get the product description.
Tips for Choosing the Best Composite Granite Sink for You
There are many factors that you should consider before buying this kitchen sink. As we all know, every seller advertises their product as the best but not all products perform as advertised. Therefore, it means that the buyer must do their due diligence to ensure that they are getting value for their money. Click here for more information on the concept of value for money.
Find below some tips to help you in your search:
Be on the Lookout for Coating
Any composite sink that has a coating on it is not good-quality product. This is because this material does not need any form of sealing to function well. Any granite sink that you notice any form of coating on is sure not to last long.
I am sure you are wondering how to detect this coating; just look under the sink to see whether the exterior of the underside is the same as the top of the sink. If the sink has any form of coating, you will notice the seal used on the edges at the bottom. Additionally, there will be a strange shine to the surface or an unusual dullness.
Carry out a Density Check
You can do this by carrying out a penetration test. The colour of the sink that comes in may determine the test that you can use. Find below some sample tests:
For Dark Colored Sinks
Spray some water on the sink surface and leave it to dry. Then use a dry, soft napkin to attempt wiping it off; if you can, the sink is of high quality. The fact that you could dry off the water means that the molecules in the sink were too thick for the water to be absorbed or leave a stain.
If the quality is low, the water will penetrate and leave spots that cannot be wiped off. Visit https://www.bobvila.com/ for tips on how to remove hard water stains.
For Light Colored Sinks
For light-colored sinks, use soy sauce, coffee, or tea instead of water and follow the same process. The same logic applies to water.
Look at the Craftsmanship
Look out for the quality of craftsmanship that was put into the production of the option you are considering. Check whether the colour is consistent or not, check the finishing, run your hand over the surface to ensure its smoothness. Also look out for disparity in the bowl(s) and edges of the product. Finally, do not forget to check whether sealants were used.
Test for Quality
It is necessary to carry out this test so that you are fully convinced of the quality of your choice. There are several ways to carry out this test, and they include the following:
Drain Test
What is the use of a sink if it does not drain properly? It is therefore imperative to check that the product you are considering carries out this function properly. Most stores have sample products that you can carry out quality tests on, so you can fill up that sample with water and watch how it drains.
Heat Resistance
Good-quality composite sinks are meant to withstand temperatures as high as 200 degrees. This is one of the features that endears this material to homeowners or users. Therefore, you need to find a way to place a hot object on top of the sink and check whether the finish remains as is or if there is a reaction.
You can already tell that this test will be difficult to perform unless you are buying the stuff physically. However, this happens to be the most effective test so this is a point for buying this product physically.
Alkali and Acid Resistance Test
If there is a sample product available for you to use, you pour a substance that is highly acidic on it and see whether it will affect the sink. If the material used for the manufacture of the product is of top quality, there will be no difference on the surface of the product no matter what you pour on it.
Scratch Test
This is one common test that people perform when shopping for this product. All you need to do is use either a small penknife or a sharp object to scratch the surface of the sink. If you see a mark, it means the product is not of good quality, but if not, you can rest assured that it is of good quality and will last a long time.
Conclusion
We have shared some tips that can help you on your search for the best composite sink for you. It is recommended that you carry out the entire test that we shared above, but if you cannot, ensure that you carry out the drain, density, and scratch tests. These will help you choose a good product.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
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