The Hidden Pitfalls of Black Stainless Sinks

Below are quotes from research I did online.

"Altering the external hue of stainless steel is possible through several methods, with PVD coating emerging as the most resilient approach. PVD coating, or Physical Vapor Deposition, on stainless steel involves depositing a thin, robust layer on the steel surface which enhances various properties such as hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. This process, carried out in vacuum conditions using methods like evaporation or sputtering, results in a tenacious layer that may range from metallic to ceramic."

"In exploring the susceptibilities of a PVD finish, it was found that although abrasives can be used on a PVD-coated surface, they could potentially lead to scratches or gradual wear of the coating, particularly if used harshly or with significant force. Despite PVD coatings being highly durable and resistant, they are not invincible. Therefore, for the upkeep and cleaning of PVD-coated stainless steel, it's generally advised to utilize a soft cloth and gentle cleaning agents to avoid damaging the coating.  Remember that PVD coatings are chosen for their durability and resistance to wear and corrosion. Despite this, they're not entirely impervious to damage, so a sink in a high-use environment may show more signs of wear than one that's lightly used. It's also worth noting that any scratches that do appear are likely to be more noticeable on a darker PVD coating than on a lighter one."  "The exact condition of a stainless steel sink with a PVD finish after several years can depend on many factors. The longevity of the PVD finish will depend on several factors. These include the quality of the PVD process and materials used, how the sink is used (e.g., frequency and type of use), and how it is cleaned and maintained.

For example, using harsh abrasives or cleaners, or not cleaning spills of corrosive substances promptly, could potentially degrade the PVD finish over time. On the other hand, cleaning the sink regularly with a soft cloth and mild detergent, and avoiding impact from hard objects, will help prolong the life of the finish.

" Using a sponge with a Scotchbrite pad or similar abrasive on a PVD-coated surface is generally not recommended. While PVD coatings are highly durable and resistant to scratches, they are not impervious to damage. Abrasive materials like Scotchbrite pads have the potential to scratch or degrade the coating over time, especially with frequent or heavy use.

For cleaning PVD-coated surfaces, it's usually best to use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge along with mild soap or detergent. Always rinse and dry the surface after cleaning to prevent water spots and mineral build-up."

After reading all of this you might ask why we do not offer black, gold, red, or other color stainless steel sinks.

As much as I like the different colors, I have had a dream that my sinks would be in use, looking great, generations from now. My fanciful dream is that far down the road in my retirement, my grandchildren get married and have children (yes, I would love some great-grandchildren down the road a bit) who might buy a home with one of their great-grandfathers' sinks in it - looking like new. Every sink I have offered has my intent of it being generational, hence my lifetime, transferable warranty that I have had since 1999. 

 Risky Business

When it comes to risk tolerance, everyone has a unique profile. For instance, I might be willing to take risks in certain investment avenues while being more conservative in others. It may sound odd, but investing in a kitchen sink, for me, feels like venturing into risky territory.

Consider this: in the wide range of appliances gracing your kitchen, the one that might dig deepest into your pocket if a replacement becomes necessary is likely the kitchen sink. If your sink isn't quite up to par or if it suffers some malfunction, the odds of finding a replacement of the exact same size become slim to none.

Generally, you're stuck with two alternatives. One is to overhaul your entire countertop, often at the expense of damaging the backsplashes. The other is to scout out the very uncommon services of a full custom sink manufacturer. Trust me, they are difficult to find. We do not advertise, so finding us would not be easy.

Here's the kicker: the cost of replacing your sink will likely exceed the original's price tag by a substantial margin. It often involves some countertop alteration and not one but two separate visits from a plumber. In essence, tread carefully when it comes to kitchen sinks—it's not a game of small stakes.