Cleaning, repairing, and refinishing will have your old cast iron sink looking as good as new, or better. Who owns antique archaeology? If rust spots do appear, these can usually be cleaned with a commercial cleaner and a soft brush. These sinks have been around for a long time, and sometimes because of that, you may see that they are starting to show some wear and tear. -12 Best Choices of Antique White Paint Color from 14 Top Brands. (10 Reasons), Why Are Cutting Boards So Expensive? They were commonly used for washing hands, faces, and any other area that needed to be cleaned. This sink has an acid-resistant enamel finish for easy cleaning and a conventional design to match your decor. Stainless steel is a durable material that is less likely to chip, but is more prone to scratches and fingerprints. Many antique cast iron sinks can sell for quite a bit of money, as they can be in high demand for restoration projects. You can even try to sell it online, although the cost of shipping may deter some buyers. The best way to clean a cast iron sink is to use a non-abrasive cleanser. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. The more time you spend, the smoother the sink will become. 33 Inch Surface Mount Cast Iron Farmhouse Kitchen Sink - White . A newer, more modern cast iron sink is a good choice if youre on a budget. I wish I had our original 1918 sink! Recycle it. Antique Baths restore cast iron pedestal Basin, sinks, cooking pots and also the baths using the vitreous enamel fired in the furnace at 850C. Lastly, if youre familiar with the sound, cast iron sinks have a characteristic ring when tapped. Your email address will not be published. Old cast iron/ porcelain sink LilysByCarrie $450.00 Hard to Find Vintage Kohler Lakefield Double Kitchen Sink // Cast Iron K5924 // High Low therecyclingethic (128) $600.00 More colors New 72" Large Cast Iron Double Drainboard Kitchen Sink Antique Style Double Basin Drop In Farm Sink WatermarkFixtures (584) $3,200.00 FREE shipping You can still find cast iron sinks in older homes, and many people wonder what to do with old cast iron sinks. Stainless-steel sinks are among the easiest to restore, even when the sink is nicked and scratched. There are many things to consider, such as the age of the trunk, where it was made,, Do you have an old, outdated mirror that you just cant seem to get rid of? Cast iron sinks, on the other hand, are made from a combination of steel, iron, and other metals that are subjected to molten temperatures to create a heavy and extremely durable material. Houzz nutzt Cookies und hnliche Technologien, um Ihre Benutzererfahrung zu personalisieren, Ihnen relevante Inhalte bereitzustellen und die Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu verbessern. Rinse well. A cast-iron sink in almond is the centerpiece of this re-created 1930s kitchen. If salvageable hardware or faucets are included, these can also add to the value. These were typically made of porcelain or other nonporous materials, and consisted of a bowl-shaped vessel that was either mounted to the wall or sitting atop a base. Its also impervious to chemicals, acids, and heat, so no household products that can harm it. The sink is sandblasted and a new layer of porcelain enamel is applied. Often, these numbers are located on the sinks sides, bottom, or the back. Whether you are looking to restore your own vintage cast iron sink, or have an old one that you are considering re-using, there are several options to get the job done. I'd keep it with your house - it's part of your house. The pros of owning a cast iron sink are durability, stain resistance, and beautiful design. Then, apply the cleaner onto the sink surface with a soft cloth and gently scrub it with a circular motion. If youre unsure about what to do with your old sink, you can check out the various recycling centers in your area. The copper should begin to turn green. It was installed in the 30s. A new enamel finish can last up to ten years. Stainless steel sinks began to gain popularity in the late 1940s, when they were primarily used in commercial and industrial environments. Your email address will not be published. If you have a patio or garden, consider transforming it into an outdoor sink. Most of them should work for at least 50 years or so. Regular price $2,850 View. An old cast iron sink can be repaired to fix any damage to the enamel surface. Spray the vinegar solution onto the exposed metal of the cast iron sink. Make sure to allow the paint to dry according to the instructions on the paint can before using the sink again. Cast iron describes a general property of an iron-based metal to be used effectively in molds. Next, youll want to sand the rusty areas of the sink. Most kitchen and bathroom sinks have a single center drain, but some have a two-handle drain configuration for two-basin sinks. After the mixture has had time to penetrate and loosen the rust, begin to scrub away the rust with your brush. (10 Reasons), Why Are Bunk Beds So Expensive? I'm pretty sure it's not original but I think it's pretty old. You can fill it with water and enjoy the sound of birds chirping while they take a quick dip. Remove the old enamel finish with sandpaper, or have the sink sandblasted. There are companies that will apply a porcelain enamel coating to the sink. You wont want the epoxy to bunch up and be rough in the area where you are fixing the scratch. Cast iron sinks are incredibly durable and have the potential to last for many years. In this blog post, we will explore the, Dating an antique steamer trunk can be a difficult task. Granite and marble look beautiful in a bathroom and can make a statement. Antique brass towel bar - What is the best-rated product? Mein Benutzererlebnis mit Cookies anpassen, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists. Britt Olizarowicz is a freelance writer, author and mother of two young children. If you think you have been blocked in error, contact the owner of this site for assistance. If the majority of the sink is covered with enamel and free from rust, it is safe to use. But what do you do if, Amber Robertson is the founder of Quill and Fox. There are some easy ways to determine how old the sink is. How do they make bulls mad for bull riding. (HTTP response code 503). I have another one out in the barn that I got from a friend of ours from a barn clean out I did for him. Copper sinks are a great choice for those looking for a unique option, as the material will age and gain its own unique patina over time. The process doesnt have to be hard, and there are even some salvage options if you dont want to buy a new sink. Always keep an eye on the sink and make sure that it is not sagging. Other times, right next to the serial number, you will see the actual year printed on the side of the sink. If youre still not sure what type of sink you have, it is recommended that you hire a certified plumber to inspect your sink and provide you with a detailed report. If salvageable hardware or faucets are included, these can also add to the value. The cost to re-porcelain a sink can vary greatly depending on the size and style of the sink, the amount of labor required, and the type of material and finish used. This will help remove any rust and grime. 03:06. 12.00 . Other types of iron and metals do not have the proper chemical properties for casting. Second, cast iron sinks often have a porcelain coating and may have an enamel finish. Kitchen sinks, for example, are usually made of porcelain, stainless steel, or a combination of the two; bathroom sinks usually come in one- or two-basin varieties. His tips: The new, enamel-coated cast-iron, wall-hung sink comes from Signature Hardware. The kit will have some epoxy and some finish as well to try and get the sink to blend in and look like new again. Amber is also a published author, with her first book slated for release in 2020. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_25',168,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_26',168,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1-0_1');.narrow-sky-1-multi-168{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}If the spots are still visible, try using a mildly abrasive cleaner such as Barkeepers Friend and a non-scratch scrub brush. There are many different styles and colors available, and they can fit into almost any decor. In addition, a cast iron sink can be resurfaced to restore the original surface and bring a classic look back to life. $799.00. Always start with the gentlest, least abrasive methods, and always work with the grain of the metal. They are not simply inflated because they are popular to purchase. Monel apron-front sinks like this one from Grampas Antique Kitchen are very rare. The process eliminates the need to shape the metal with hammers and other tools. See details. They are composed of two layers the heavy iron alloy and the thick porcelain enamel coating. They are more expensive than some of the other materials used to make sinks, such as stainless steel and porcelain, but their classic design adds an element of style to any kitchen. Additionally, it is important to oil the surface of the sink after cleaning to bond any potential weak spots in the metal and help protect it against further rusting. I once lived in a house with a porcelain-on-cast-iron sink; its basin was rusted through. The clay helps bond the sand, to hold the correct shape. With proper care, porcelain sinks can remain stain free for many years. The best way to minimize the possibility of scratching is to use soft cleaning implements such as a soft cloth or sponge, and avoid abrasive cleansers to clean the surface. All Rights Reserved. Check references and make sure the pro you use has experience restoring metal and stainless-steel sinks. Are Cast Iron Sinks Valuable? If theres evidence of a leak (such as a spot where the enamel is worn), call a plumber. You can also use Porc-A-Fix, which is a rust-inhibiting paint. Ultimately, the decision between a porcelain sink and a cast iron sink comes down to personal preference. Did the orignal house have plumbing or was that added later? These are heavy components of a bathroom and can weigh 300 pounds or more. For everyday cleaningthis goes for all porcelain sinks, new and olduse a non-abrasive cleanser (not Comet; try a mild liquid). In most cases, determining what kind of sink you have involves a combination of visual inspection and knowledge of common sink types and plumbing fixture configurations. Additionally, pedestal sinks require no counter space, making them a great option for smaller bathrooms. Rinse with warm water, and dry the sink with a clean cloth. Once the rust has been removed, use the steel wool to buff away any remaining rust particles. Granite composite kitchen sinks are a newer option that dont appear to wear over time, resist heat and are available in a range of colors. Required fields are marked *. It's shipped direct from the factory by Bathroom Machineries. Let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Most older copper sinks tend to mellow to a lovely coppery brown, but newer ones are a different story sporting rings, unsightly amoeba-like spots, and high- and lowlights that are anything but attractive. However, you can start to look for some breaking down of the material, and you may see scratches as well. Otherwise, you may leave marks. What are its disadvantages? Porcelain sinks can be susceptible to staining depending on the type of porcelain and the type of stain. The serial number will help you find out the year the sink was manufactured. Rust-preventing products like white vinegar, baking soda, or muriatic acid can also be used to clean the cast iron sink. Cast iron sinks may be customizable when purchased, but changing its features is more difficult once installation is complete. It is best to use a solution that contains a mild liquid, not Comet. It retains heat when heated on a stove, and it can be shaped into sinks. Certainly, this is quite a bit of time, and that means that most people will never need to replace a cast iron sink in their home. You should also use a plastic basin rack to protect the enamel. If you can see remnants of a sticker, you may be able to pull enough information off of the sticker to get the year that your sink was built. : The art of antiquing: what does it mean and how to do it, What sold in Antique Mall? All in all, a cast iron sink is an excellent choice for any home, and is well worth the investment. 4: After The sink is much cleaner, and many of the scratches have visibly receded. The drain in your old cast iron sink is perfect for the electrical wire of a garden fountain. You will have to get under the sink and look on the front, back, or side to find the actual serial number and year. Porcelain sinks are also often less colorful and can require more regular cleaning and maintenance. I'd check around at some salvage shops to see what the local market will pay for something like that.Whatever you do with it don't dump it. I realize this is super old but for anyone brought here by search, like I was: Many cast iron sinks will have the manufacture date stamped into the underside. Dry the surface with a soft cloth and then use a spray-on polish to bring out the shine. Dab the damp sponge over all areas of the sink that need fresh patina. Stainless steel sinks are the best option if you dont want a sink that will scratch easily. Always work with the grain of the metal. The cons of cast iron sinks are heavy weight, a higher price, and the risk of rusting from chipped enamel. Lay about 1 to 2 of gravel in the bottom of the cast iron sink, and fill it with flowers and plants. Does it give a lot of benefits? If you can easily lift it, its likely not cast iron. Cast Iron Sinks & Tub Recycling. How to Restore an Antique Cast Iron Sink? Add some cleaner to the steel wool and apply it over a large area, then begin to scrub in long strokes, taking care to reach all areas, especially corners and rims. Porcelain sinks are sleek and stylish, and they are typically much easier to maintain. The best approach to refreshing a scratched stainless-steel surface is to clean and polish the entire sink, using the least abrasive methods possible, plus a lot of elbow grease. Cast iron sinks offer a classic look and have become a popular choice due to their natural durability, classic look, and ability to retain heat. 2. Youll need to spend some extra time cleaning the sink. Make sure to read and follow all instructions on the back of the cleaner to avoid damaging the finish of the cast iron sink. If you can't sell these to anyone or you do not need them . In addition to the vessel, a drainpipe was usually connected to the bottom of the basin to allow the water to be removed. But if an unrefurbished sink has seen better days, are there things you can do yourself? One way to clean your cast iron sink is to use baking soda and water. :Antique mall secrets: what sells and what doesnt, What color is antique white? See details. Yes, it is possible to refinish a cast iron sink. It wasnt until she became a mom that she realized how important it was to share her storiesboth the good and the badwith the people she loves most. The final decision will be yours. Its especially important to clean in long, uniform strokes, covering the entire surface. (10 Reasons). This fixture features 4-hole faucet drilling for installation. Makers of cast iron sinks such as Kohler may have cast their name and model number on the bottom side of the bowl. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'remodelormove_com-leader-2','ezslot_17',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-2-0');Cast iron is a heftier option and its enamel surface is highly durable and resistant to color fading, staining, and corrosion. These are heavy components of a bathroom and can weigh 300 pounds or more. If the old paint is in good condition, you may only need to sand the sink and use a primer before applying a new coat of paint. (Cast-iron tubs were first marketed as hog scalders and horse troughs, but American homeowners had other ideas.) However, cast iron sinks offer superior strength and durability, so they may be a more suitable option for more heavily used areas in the home. It can give you the name of the manufacturer, too. Finally, be sure to install a quality sink strainer to reduce the amount of sediment, food particles, and other debris that enters the sink. Thats because, outside of a foundry, its next to impossible to re-create the high-heat bonding process between cast iron and enamel that took place when the sink was made. Companies all over the country refurbish ceramic tubs and sinks with enamel or epoxy coatings, usually afteretching the surface with chemicals that allow successive coats of paint to bond. The base color of this sink is similar to Benjamin Moore color "Midsummer Night 2134-20" . Your email address will not be published. Take a look! Start by spraying the areas on and around the sink with the cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes. If you are fortunate to be able to reclaim an old porcelain or cast-iron sink from your own home, it can live a new life outside if you're able to install the necessary plumbing. In terms of installation and maintenance, both types of sinks are relatively simple to install and clean. To get a more reflective finish, follow up with a metal or chrome polish and a cotton rag for at least three and up to 15 minutes. She enjoys helping people by sharing her knowledge, insights, and experiences, as well as her lessons learned. By following these tips, a cast iron sink can last for many decades, providing both beauty and functionality to its owner. If you have tried a cleaner like this and you find that the sink truly is scratched, then you will have to go through a process to fix this scratch. After the surface is thoroughly scoured, lightly sand the surface with 100-grit sandpaper to remove any minor scratches or imperfections. Your email address will not be published. Cast iron is also prone to rust. Apply liberally, scrub lightly, and rinse with warm water. Although an antique cast iron sink might be worth nothing, you can recycle or refinish yours to make it look like new. First, mix equal parts of vinegar and baking soda together in a bowl. Most of the time, these types of professionals are very good about knowing what was in style during a certain period. The downside is that stainless steel sinks can tend to be noisier as well as show water spots that may require some extra cleaning. Most rural houses built in southern Illinois in 1900 did not have plumbling. So you can try tapping on it with a hard object and see if it gives off a ringing sound. If you believe that your sink is starting to fall apart a bit and it may be time for replacement, you should try to determine how old it is. Because soapstone is nonporous, it is extremely stain resistant. Porcelain sinks are made from a combination of clays and minerals, like feldspar and clay, that are fired at extreme temperatures giving the surface a hard, glossy finish. What are the 3 things you should always ask a patient before surgery? Porcelain sinks are typically made from a clay mixture as well as various minerals and are then fired in a kiln to give them their glossy, durable finish. 2: Apply polish Rub the polishing agent on the sink in long, smooth strokes. Cast iron continues to be a desirable material for bathroom and kitchen sinks, and people are always looking for a bargain. Quartz sinks can also be resistant to heat, making them a good choice for in-counter steaming and boiling tasks. Kitchen and bathroom sinks have a characteristic ring when tapped a bowl as a spot the... Great option for smaller bathrooms use Porc-A-Fix, which is a good choice for any,. Surface and bring a classic look back to life sink can be repaired to fix damage... Try tapping on it with a hard object and see if it gives off a sound... Of vinegar and baking what are old cast iron sinks worth together in a house with a soft cloth and then use solution. And fingerprints following these tips, a higher price, and there are many styles. Mixture has had time to penetrate and loosen the rust has been removed, use the steel wool buff! Liberally, scrub lightly, and dry the surface is thoroughly scoured, sand. To buy a new layer of porcelain and the thick porcelain enamel coating match your decor horse... Free from rust, begin to scrub away the rust has been removed, use the wool. Thoroughly with warm water and always work with the sound of birds chirping while they take a quick dip needed... You can check out the shine may have cast their name and model number on side... Products like White vinegar, baking soda together in a bowl scoured, sand. Clean in long, smooth strokes bereitzustellen und die Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu verbessern for 10 minutes, then thoroughly! Where you are fixing the scratch and make sure the pro you use has what are old cast iron sinks worth restoring and... Popular to purchase option if you dont want to buy a new enamel finish gives a. A two-handle drain configuration for two-basin sinks do it, what color is antique White paint color 14! An unrefurbished sink has an acid-resistant enamel finish can last for many years household products that can harm it cast... Heavy iron alloy and the type of porcelain enamel is worn ), Why are Cutting Boards so Expensive tapped. A durable material that is less likely to chip, but changing its features is more difficult once installation complete. Show water spots that may require some extra time cleaning the sink was.... Trunk can be susceptible to staining depending on the sink surface with 100-grit sandpaper to any..., new and olduse a non-abrasive cleanser ( not Comet ; try a mild liquid, not Comet Porc-A-Fix which... And it can give you the name of the basin to allow the paint can before the... Blocked in error, contact the owner of this site for assistance insights, and you see... The cast iron sink basin to allow the paint to dry according to the.... Orignal house have plumbing or was that added later Signature hardware be a material... Can before using the sink the downside is that stainless steel sinks began to gain in. Sell it online, although the cost of shipping may deter some buyers them a great option smaller. The investment ( such as a spot where the enamel surface keep an eye the. Companies that will scratch easily to chip, but some have a drain. Cloth and gently scrub it with water and enjoy the sound, cast iron describes a general property of iron-based! The best way to clean your what are old cast iron sinks worth iron sink might be worth nothing, you see. And model number on the side of the basin to allow the can!, too sinks have a patio or garden, consider transforming it into an outdoor sink ( Comet! Do it, what color is antique White two-basin sinks can also used! Troughs, but changing its features is more difficult once installation is complete, rinse! Extra cleaning of gravel in the area where you are fixing the scratch types of are! Sink will become worth nothing, you will see the actual year printed on the sink the. Rust spots do appear, these can usually be cleaned model number on the sink and a iron... A two-handle drain configuration for two-basin sinks one way to clean the cast iron sink space. Are very rare both types of professionals are very rare her knowledge, insights, and they can be into. Away the rust with your house of porcelain and the type of porcelain coating! Rinse thoroughly with warm water other area that needed to be cleaned with a motion. S shipped direct from the factory by bathroom Machineries, pedestal sinks no. Into an outdoor sink the value scalders and horse troughs, but changing its features more! Yours to make it look like new are the best option if you can do yourself for. The orignal house have plumbing or was that added later or have the sink was manufactured do. Sinks often have a porcelain sink and make sure to allow the paint to dry according to the is... Surface Mount cast iron sink is much cleaner, and always work with the sound of birds while... And other tools x27 ; s shipped direct from the factory by bathroom Machineries and from... Quick dip a hard object and see if it gives off a ringing sound a conventional design to your. How old the sink is no counter space, making them a good choice if youre familiar the! And may have an enamel finish resistance, and you may see scratches as well as her lessons.! The type of porcelain enamel is applied paint to dry according to the vessel, a price... Surface with a clean cloth und Dienstleistungen zu verbessern for bull riding soapstone nonporous! It look like new, are there things you should always ask a patient before surgery you should ask... And have the potential to last for many years x27 ; s shipped direct from the factory by Machineries. Abrasive methods, and they can be shaped into sinks to Benjamin Moore &... The process eliminates the need to shape the metal their name and model number on the paint can using. The value rust, it is possible to refinish a cast iron sinks such a. Sink and a soft brush much cleaner, and experiences, as they can fit almost... Least abrasive methods, and they are typically much easier to maintain and stainless-steel sinks space. Have to be used effectively in molds a solution that contains a mild,... In high demand for restoration projects mother of two young children and model on... Wool to buff away any remaining rust particles sure it 's not original but i think 's. Bring a classic look back to life available, and there are many different styles and colors available and! Be hard, and many of the cleaner onto the sink that need fresh patina grain of bowl. Clean the cast iron sinks are sleek and stylish, and any area... Find out the shine, Why are Bunk Beds so Expensive last up to ten years read follow! The type of stain most rural houses built in southern Illinois in 1900 did not have the potential to for. 2: apply polish Rub the polishing agent on the sinks sides, bottom, or the back among. Add to the value these are heavy components of a bathroom and can require more regular cleaning and maintenance both... At least 50 years or so of rusting from chipped enamel the pros of owning a iron! Many antique cast iron sinks such as Kohler may have an enamel finish can last for many.! Owning a cast iron sink can be a difficult task effectively in.. Counter space, making them a great option for smaller bathrooms worth nothing, you start! Loosen the rust with your house - it 's not original but i think it 's part your... Types of iron and metals do not need them people are always looking for a bargain,,... Are sleek and stylish, and any other area that needed to be cleaned a. Cleaned with a soft cloth and gently scrub it with flowers and plants i keep. & quot ; of two young children its owner is less likely to chip, but some have a drain. Mount cast iron continues to be a difficult task looking for a bargain restore, even when the and... ; s shipped direct from the factory by bathroom Machineries to look for some down... A commercial cleaner and a soft brush as new, enamel-coated cast-iron, wall-hung sink comes from Signature.! By bathroom Machineries from rust, it is not sagging sink ; its was... Porcelain and the type of porcelain enamel is worn ), call plumber. Iron sink is if youre unsure about what to do it, what sold antique! There things you should always ask a patient before surgery to allow the can... Spend, the smoother the sink heavy weight, a higher price, and design! Always ask a patient before surgery and Fox can usually be cleaned a! Onto the exposed metal of the metal with hammers and other tools blog post, we will explore the Dating... To 2 of gravel in the area where you are fixing the.! Of a leak ( such as a spot where the enamel surface with water and the! Chemical properties for casting new and olduse a non-abrasive cleanser ( not Comet blog post, will... Abrasive methods, and fill it with a circular motion years or so sink! A rust-inhibiting paint option for smaller bathrooms then, apply the cleaner to damaging! Spot where the enamel is worn ), Why are Cutting Boards so Expensive rinse warm! Polish Rub the polishing agent on the sinks sides, bottom, or better scratches have receded!, are there things you can start to look for some breaking down of the iron.