Another way to determine the age of a cast iron basin is to look for the model number. You can also have the sink refinished so it will last for many years. When you are cleaning an old cast iron sink, the goal is to remove the rust, grime, and bacteria from the metal. But if an unrefurbished sink has seen better days, are there things you can do yourself? If there is no label, you can identify the type of sink based on the materials and finishes used to make it. You should always avoid using harsh chemicals, steel wool, or abrasive scrub pads as they can damage the finish of the sink. Due to the extremely durable nature of cast iron, it is often used to make sinks designed to last generations. read . But if its rather plain, then I would use a new sink and put this one in the corner for a future owner, or sell or donate it to a house salvage company so somebody else can restore/use it. These are heavy components of a bathroom and can weigh 300 pounds or more. If nothing else, use it in the basement. Remove Scratches Youll need to use steel wool or a Scotch-Brite pad with some level of abrasiveness in combination with a liquid polish or rubbing compound to remove scratches, such as a stainless-steel cleaner or an automotive chrome or metal polish. The results can last a decade or even more. With so much focus on recycling as many materials as possible, many people wonder if cast iron can be recycled. link to Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Spring (Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist), White Cast Iron: A hard cast iron that is highly resistant to scratches and abrasions, Malleable Cast Iron: Made with white cast iron, malleable cast iron can be bent and shaped, Gray Cast Iron: The most common type of cast iron, Ductile Cast Iron: Invented in the early 1940s as a softer type of cast iron. Architectural Salvage, Inc. Additionally, antique cast iron sinks that are highly ornate or have intricate designs tend to be heavier than a more basic or standard sink design. See details. Is Antique cast iron sink worth anything? EraUSSRUA (608) $80.00 Antique Inspired High Back Farm Sink 36 Cast Iron Original Porcelain Finish Wall Mount Kitchen Sink with Natural Brass Sprayer Faucet WatermarkFixtures (578) $2,353.30 FREE shipping 4: After The sink is much cleaner, and many of the scratches have visibly receded. You can have higher hopes if your vintage porcelain sink is made of cast steel, however. You can also build a stand for the sink. NBI Drainboard Sinks reproduces hard-to-find models, like this 1950s-era double bowl/double drainboard sink. Cast iron sinks arent as susceptible to rust as porcelain sinks. Among these material options, some are better suited for certain applications than others. Take your time and look very carefully so that you dont miss it. During the heyday of the 19th century, a cast iron sink was a common household item. Blanket Sizes (King, Queen, Full, Twin & Throw), Rustic Kitchen Backsplash(Types of Materials & Designs), Oak Bedroom Furniture (Wood Types & Styles), Office And Bedroom Combination(Layout Ideas), Regency Style Furniture (Design Characteristics), Bathtub Faucet Types (Design Styles & Materials), Fitted Kitchen (Design & Comparison to Unfitted), Laminate Cabinets Vs Wood (Types & Designs), Oven Sizes (Standard Single, Double & Wall Dimensions). After the mixture has had time to penetrate and loosen the rust, begin to scrub away the rust with your brush. 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. This fixture features 4-hole faucet drilling for installation. However, cast iron can be more expensive and may require more care, such as resealing, to keep it looking new. Let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. 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. You can use paint around the drain, but it wont last very long. Cast iron is an iron-based alloy with a carbon content of 2% or more. Many old house folks would love to have that sink. If this was a house in town, it probably had "running water", but if it was in a rural setting, it would not have had running water until the property was electrified. Use a detergent to clean the sink once again and then rinse the sink with warm water. Some can be more prone to staining, while others are less likely to retain stains or can be easily cleaned. Regular price $385 . The copper sink in this late-19th-century pantry is still in good shape, even compared to the marble counter, which shows some staining and pitting. This is a question that has been asked for many years, with no clear answer. Always start with the gentlest, least abrasive methods, and always work with the grain of the metal. Cast iron sinks are very durable, but the enamel coating on them can peel away. Expect the fresh coat of porcelain enamel to be thinner than the original enamel finish. With the dawn of spring comes sunshine, the return of birds chirping in the warm breeze, and new growth everywhere. You can find cast iron sinks as affordable as $100 and as expensive as $2,700. To remove stains, simply combine water and baking soda and apply the mixture to them. Does it give a lot of benefits? A professional who is capable of identifying the age of the sink may not be a plumber. The cons of cast iron sinks are heavy weight, a higher price, and the risk of rusting from chipped enamel. Generally speaking, simple, standard-size sinks can be re-porcelained for as little as $150, while more intricate or larger jobs may cost upwards of $1000. A cast iron sink is expensive because it is heavy. Not only is this good for identifying the type of sink you have, but it also helps them to sell their product a bit more. Materials you will need include a scrub brush (Metal or plastic-bristled brushes should both work, as they will be used to scrub away the rust you are removing), vinegar, baking soda, steel wool and a rag. Give us a call or email and we can check our inventory, as not all of our sinks are on the website due to the nature of antique items. Another interesting idea is to turn it into a decorative birdbath. The first step is to clean out your sink. After contact with acidic foods (tomatoes, lemons, coffee), wash the sink with baking soda, rinse well, and dry the surface. Britt thoroughly enjoys educating and sharing information with readers. 33 Inch Surface Mount Cast Iron Farmhouse Kitchen Sink - White . It retains heat when heated on a stove, and it can be shaped into sinks. Like all things that are in our kitchen, the sink has a specific style to it. The cast iron can also be resealed with an enamel coating every few years to help keep it looking new. Your email address will not be published. If you can find that information, but you have no idea what the model is, you may be able to contact the original manufacturer. A good kit includes polish formulated for stainless steel, plus sanding pads and soft buffing pads. Antique Cast Iron White Porcelain Deep Shallow Double Basin Farm Sink faucets $840.00 Was: $1,200.00 or Best Offer 12 watching SPONSORED 1949 Cast Iron Porcelain Farmhouse Sink With Double Drain Boards $700.00 $518.51 shipping or Best Offer 38 watching SPONSORED antique farmhouse kitchen sink $100.00 0 bids or Best Offer 3h 7m Local Pickup Composite materials such as granite, quartz, and solid surface, provide a beautiful and durable sink surface. If you have a patio or garden, consider transforming it into an outdoor sink. Required fields are marked *. The material is resistant to rust and corrosion, and is easy to clean with soap and warm water.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',158,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Additionally, stainless steel is non-porous, so it doesnt absorb stains or odors. 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. If you need to get the sink looking new again, you can use a cleaner made specifically for enameled sinks. If rust spots do appear, these can usually be cleaned with a commercial cleaner and a soft brush. During this time period, from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, lavatory sinks were designed with enhanced decorative options, such as hardware and elaborate pedestal legs, to reflect a luxurious, high-end aesthetic in the home. The vitreous enamel finish made them easy to clean and sanitary, and cast irons heat retention was a real benefit when water had to be heated on the stove. Don't see what you need? The KOHLER Brookfield Self-Rimming 33 in. However, if youre cleaning your antique cast iron sink, be careful not to chip it. They are going to have a record of all of the sinks that they have produced through the years. 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. These stickers are usually a sign that the sink was manufactured in the past. Both quartz and stainless steel sinks offer their own unique advantages. Double Bowl Kitchen Sink features cast-iron construction for durability and 2 deep sink bowls to suit your needs. Todays sinks are made with very clean lines and sharp edges. Moreover, cast iron sinks stand up well to both heavy everyday use and the test of time, making them ideal for busy households. Often, these numbers are located on the sinks sides, bottom, or the back. If so, you may be wondering where you can sell antiques, When you think of the term antiquing, what comes to mind? It can be cleaned easily because of its even and smooth surface. Make sure to allow the paint to dry according to the instructions on the paint can before using the sink again. How do they make bulls mad for bull riding. Chipped enamel on a cast iron sink exposes the raw metal. High-end stainless steel kitchen sinks may be more expensive to purchase initially than other materials, but they have the potential to last a lifetime and have a stylish, timeless look. Another way to determine the age of a cast iron sink is to compare it to similar sinks. The main advantages include durability, heat retention, and aesthetic appeal. There are 4 distinct types of cast iron. BIG Vintage Brass Tap Garden Sink Stables Basin Tank Antique. This is a cheap and easy fix that will ensure your sink looks as good as new for years to come. Cast iron sinks are relatively easy to restore, as long as the metal has not deteriorated from rust. You can also use a solution of water and dish detergent to get it looking fresh. You can use a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda to clean out the inside. Rinse with warm water, and dry the sink with a clean cloth. When you are using heavy material like this, you are going to have to do quite a bit more work to manufacture it and to get it installed. Monel apron-front sinks like this one from Grampas Antique Kitchen are very rare. Refinishing an old cast iron sink restores the surface for durability and easy cleaning. The most obvious way is to look at its physical characteristics. Follow with 220-grit paper. Ceramic/porcelain is another popular material for bathroom sinks as it is affordable and can be available in a wide range of colors, finishes, textures, and shapes. One of the most popular kitchen sink choices nowadays is cast iron. This lets you know how many good years your sink may have left before needing to be replaced. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Cleaning rust from a cast iron sink is a relatively straightforward task that can be completed in just a few easy steps. If there are any, then it is most likely porcelain. Always keep an eye on the sink and make sure that it is not sagging. This 5-wide drainboard sink with legs is modeled closely on a 1920s original. Due to their classic style, these sinks can easily fit in a range of decorating styles, including traditional and modern motifs. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_22',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');If necessary, use a toothbrush or an old rag to gently scrub out any stubborn dirt. Another great way to find out the age of your cast iron sink is to look for a serial number on the sink's bottom. Your email address will not be published. His tips: The new, enamel-coated cast-iron, wall-hung sink comes from Signature Hardware. Cleaning, repairing, and refinishing will have your old cast iron sink looking as good as new, or better. People love the vintage style and design. Remove the old enamel finish with sandpaper, or have the sink sandblasted. Today, cast iron sinks are still popular as a kitchen and bathroom fixture, as the luxurious matte look and durable material are still appealing to many consumers. 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. Spray or wet the sponge with vinegar. Its really worth it if there's some cool design on the top side and you can maintain the house's old character. Using your scrub brush, apply the mixture to the affected areas of your sink. Rinse the sink after use. We are passionate about home decor, design, and all things home related. Monel apron-front sinks like this one from Grampas Antique Kitchen are very durable, but it wont last very.. 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