Copper sinks have benefits and drawbacks. A lacquered copper sink is a durable and attractive home accessory. These units, however, can tarnish and lose their value if neglected over time. On the other hand, unlacquered copper sinks, have a living finish. These particular fixtures naturally change their color over time. They also require little – No maintenance.

Ordinary copper kitchen sinks are characterized by their elite aesthetic look and incredible framework. On the other hand, the copper farmhouse sinks are more attractive, resilient, and décor elements as opposed to other ordinary copper sinks.
Copper Sink Pros and Cons

Copper Kitchen Sink Pros

1. Attractive and Unique
From the countless sink materials available in the market, copper is among the top choice. Why? This is because copper sinks are attractive either in their natural look or in their polished look. Some rustic homeowners prefer a tarnished & unlacquered copper sink, while modern homeowners prefer a polished & lacquered unit.

Additionally, you can have a custom-made copper sink for your contemporary style kitchen. Copper is a ductile material. So, you can have the kitchen sink engraved with a stunning floral or geometric pattern around the frame.

2. Durable
Copper is a durable and hardwearing material. A 16-gauge cold-rolled kitchen copper sink, for instance, will not break, bend, or tarnish easily compared to the other varieties (18-gauge or 20-gauge).

Nonetheless, the underlying factor is “proper care.” If you regularly clean the copper sink with baking soda and dishwashing soap, the sink will never get coated with patina.

3. Maintenance-free
A few homeowners believe that kitchen copper sinks require higher maintenance than other sink choices.

But, you should note that there are two kinds of copper sinks available in the market.

1. A finished & lacquered copper sink.

2. An unfinished & unlacquered copper sink.

A finished & lacquered copper sink requires significant maintenance than the unfinished & unlacquered copper sink.

Warning: Never leave any sharp objects or any abrasives in the copper sink if you want a good looking unit. Sharp objects will scratch the copper sink, whereas abrasive solutions will turn the sink’s skin.

4. Natural Antimicrobial
Harmful bacteria usually develop on the sink’s surface after consecutive utensil wash. Copper kitchen sinks, however, have natural antimicrobial properties.

This means that your copper sink will not have harmful kitchen bacteria on its surface even after consecutive utensil wash.

5. Can be Adaptable
Copper sinks are considered adaptable because of what they offer. Most of these units come in diverse shapes, sizes, and brands. Therefore, you should pick the exact size and design to match your kitchen’s accent.

Here is a further breakdown of what we mean.

– A Square or rectangle copper sink can match both the off-white or glazed cabinets.

– A round or oval-shaped kitchen copper farmhouse sink can match rustic, country style, or Mediterranean cabinets.

– A customized sink fixture can match any room layout.

Copper Kitchen Sink Cons
A copper farmhouse sink has a few drawbacks as well.

1. Finished & Lacquered Sinks Require High Maintenance
A lacquered sink should always assume a more polished appearance. So, most of these sinks require regular drying, waxing, and copper armor coating.

2. Imported Kitchen Copper Sinks get Damaged by Hard Water
Hard water can damage most imported or low-quality copper farmhouse sinks. Hard water contains oxidized chemicals that can react with the copper surface.
Remember: Once you notice the copper’s surface is getting stained, you need to use the recommended stain cleaning solutions to wash off the stains.

3. Technical to Install
It’s usually a straightforward process for stainless steel or porcelain sink installation. However, with copper farmhouse sinks, you should call an expert to assist.

You not only need a pair of water pump pliers, a guide, and other sets of plumbing tools to install the copper sink. Most of these sinks are either robust or heavy.

4. Expensive
Copper sinks vary in brands and designs. Thus, heavier gauge kitchen copper sinks are costly than lighter gauge copper sinks. Furthermore, a copper sink (regardless of its thickness) is more pricey than a stainless steel kitchen sink.

How to Maintain a Finished & Lacquered Copper Sink
Before you start maintaining lacquered copper sink, note that you should not use any copper cleaning abrasives. An abrasive detergent could either include baking soda, lime, or vinegar.

Step 1: Clean lacquered copper sinks with dishwashing soap and warm water regularly.
Step 2: Wipe the surface dry after every wash (especially if you are using hard water)
Step 3: Use copper waxing solution to restore the surface and maintain the colour of the copper sink.

Tip 4: Always get rid of unnecessary leftovers in the sink.
Why: Most foodstuffs stain copper surfaces.

How to Maintain an Unfinished & Unlacquered Copper Sink
Unfinished and unlacquered copper sinks have a living finish. This means that unfinished copper sinks do not require any maintenance. These particular fixtures are left to assume a natural dark-brownish appearance.

Warning: Never leave any sharp objects or any abrasives in the sink. Sharp objects will scratch the copper sink, whereas abrasive solutions will turn the sink’s skin.

Conclusion
Copper has its advantages and disadvantages, just like any other sink ware material. But as opposed to other materials, copper is a more durable, resilient, and luxurious-looking metal.

Kitchen sinks and other cooking ware manufactured from pure copper often assume a polished or shiny appearance. But after a while, the sink will begin to fade or tarnish.
When the copper sink begins to tarnish, you should follow the recommended maintenance steps to restore the unit.

Before purchasing a copper sink for your kitchen, consider the sink formula’s copper sink buying guide.