Composite sinks for the kitchen: reviews of material

Composite sinks in our kitchens come relatively recently, but judging by the positive reviews already earn the love of their owners. Although the model of artificial stone are not cheap, their price they are fully justified. Aesthetic and expensive appearance of the shells perfectly complements the same stylish composite countertops, and the whole interior gives a refined look. But this is just the tip of the iceberg - from a practical point of view sinks made of artificial stone and all can be called ideal.

Features

Usually natural minerals (slate, granite, quartz) is used in the production of composite sinks, but their small fraction connects together the polymer resin, which accounts for from 20 to 40% of the total material shell. This technology enables to produce sanitary ware just as strong as it is a natural stone. That's only in this case, the manufacturers do not need to handle heavy boulders, so the cost of the finished product is significantly reduced.

Another advantage of the advanced composite sinks for the kitchen is their completely smooth surface. Even the smallest pores of the mineral filler completely covers the special coating - gelcoat. For these sinks are very easy to care for, because dirt is simply not to be hooked, and they are simply washed away from the walls of running water.

Pros sinks made of composite materials:

• High strength. They are not afraid of any mechanical damage, although the glossy product should be protected from scratching by sharp instruments or abrasive materials.
• Resistance to thermal stresses in the range of -30.. + 180 ° C., as well as sudden changes due to a minimum the thermal expansion of the material.
• Resistance to chemicals - up to hydrochloric and phosphoric acids. However, artificial stone can not be contacted with solvents such as acetone, and concentrated nitric acid.
• Acceptable workability and maintainability. The washing can drill additional holes for the installation of drinking water faucets. In the case of occurrence of chips it will not be difficult to restore the shell, using acrylic and scratches at all removed by grinding.
• Quiet and color retention for at least 10-12 years.

The disadvantage of composite sinks is their great weight, so that the cabinet under them have to choose more reliable.

The main types of

Special manufacturing molded shells made of artificial stone technology makes it possible to give them any shape and size, so the choice of sinks is enormous. Thus they all have approximately the same set of characteristics, although some of the mineral composition and production characteristics may have little impact on them.

The main types of sinks for the kitchen:

1. Acrylic. Here mineral components contained only 60-70% that causes less weight and more affordable price of such products.
2. Washings from sinter already at 70-90% consist of aggregates (granite chips, marble, quartz).
3. "Granite". fine quartz or granite chippings used for their production, but the final product turns out much stronger starting minerals.
4. Stoneware. Characterized by the greatest strength, but if it does it will appear on the chips, they can not be resolved by yourself - here you will need a professional with special tools.

Every self-respecting manufacturer of composite plumbing has a "formula" of a compound of minerals and polymers. Here and there are new names: silgranit, kermat, kristalayt, fragranit etc. In fact, behind them All the same crushed stone, glass fibers, dyes, and thermoplastic resin - simply taken in different proportions.

Design

Although a smooth glossy surface best fits the requirements of hygiene in the kitchen, now very popular composite sink with a variety of effects and textures:

• matt;
• silky;
• antique;
• shagreen.

Embodiment of such sinks for the kitchen, too, enough, but often buy angular or linear dvuhchashevye washing. But for small rooms is better to take Mortice model in the form of a circle or a square.

Also very popular solid construction combined with worktop, but they are made only to order. Advantages of this solution are obvious: a continuous surface without seams easier to clear the debris and wash, and it looks impressive. But unlike independent sinks, large models are more susceptible to mechanical damage. And it will have to change the entire work surface is entirely in the case of cracking.

Rules of operation and maintenance

Composite sink in a kitchen is really very durable and resistant to various external influences, but do not hold them to a serious test. If the shell were any aggressive substances, they should be immediately removed a soap solution and rinsed with pure water - the composite can withstand only a short-term contact with the reagents.

Be careful you have to be with a hot dishes, just remove from heat. Put it in the sink just can not - you must either give the pan (pan) to cool down, or use a special stand for hot. Also take care of your sink from falling heavy objects, so as not to provoke the appearance of chips.

As for maintenance, everything is simple: a regular wash the sink with soapy water, a sponge and no problems will not be. I do not like too often engaged cleaning the kitchen? Obtain immediately wash with pattern "granite" or other textures speckled - on that surface contamination and soap stains remain virtually invisible.

If you have very hard water pipes, over time it will inevitably sink is covered with a thin lime coating. Remove it can be 2.5% solution of vinegar, but we must act cautiously. Do not leave the acid on the surface cleaning 1-2 minutes longer, and after treatment rinse it with clean water.

Composite sink in a modern kitchen look really stylish. But other than that, they compare favorably with other models durable and easy to care for. Given these characteristics of the price does not seem exorbitant. So, it makes sense to spend money once for a good thing, which will serve you for years to come.