Kitchen sink made of artificial stone: characteristics and care

Products for the kitchen, made of stone, has recently become more and more popular and in demand among buyers. This is due to the phenomenon of high operational properties of material. Durability and strength created on the basis of its product is not inferior to a metal counterparts. In addition, the sink for the kitchen made of artificial stone fits perfectly into the interior premises of any style, from classical to modern elements.

Features material for the manufacture of shells and their varieties

For manufacturing kitchen sinks stone used composite comprising a filler and binding elements. The role played by natural mineral filler, and their particles are connected resins. The composition of the composite, typically is:

• crumb natural stone - granite, marble - 80%;
• polymer binders - the remaining 20%.

The coating used today stone sink gelcoat - special composition that increases resistance of surfaces. This protective layer makes smooth sink, eliminating it from the pores. In addition, thanks to this coating excellent appearance of stone sink in the kitchen is maintained for many years of operation.

The material used for the production of products of this type, more commonly called "cast stone", that is, in fact - it is injection-molded parts. In fact, he is called the technological process of manufacturing vibrolitom. This solution makes it possible to produce a sink for the kitchen made of stone of varying difficulty, of any shape and size.

Model and shell color of artificial stone in the kitchen

Companies operating in this segment of the sanitary market, produce such products in a large number of different texture variations, colors and shades. Today at its peak, according to the responses, the artificial stone washing of beige, brown and white color, similar to a natural material and a rough surface pattern. In general, the color palette is much wider: in the sale there are red, pink, green, and other natural stone sinks. A large number of models of these products are made from a structural surface.

Useful advice!If necessary, change the visual perception of the shell, it can be dyed and thus achieve different effects: matt, satin-matt, gloss, sharkskin, antique.

vibratory casting technology allows the cleaning of artificial stone in an extremely diverse design solutions. Today the most popular are dvuhchashevye in the shape of butterflies or seashells. In general, the nomenclature lineup shells of the composite contains more items than are made of stainless steel.

Kitchen sink made of artificial stone: performance

Performance sinks made of artificial stone, is not satisfactory even the most fastidious (in the best sense of the word) the hostess.

• they practically do not susceptible to mechanical damage. The only exceptions are products with a glossy surface. If not handled properly they can become scratched;
• do not require frequent maintenance;
• perfectly cleaned from various pollutants;
• no fear exposure to temperatures in the range from -30 to 150 ° C.

Do not forget that fake diamond not adversely affected chemically aggressive compounds. Washings from this material do not lose their attractive appearance, and their state is not deteriorated even after contact with most household chemicals, including lead acetate, perchloric and phosphoric acid, ammonia and so forth. This fact is confirmed by the results of numerous studies. On the ground surfaces may appear only traces of concentrated nitric acid and acetone.

Another reason to buy a kitchen sink for the artificial stone is that the active material has such an important feature as a small thermal expansion coefficient. Due to this, even if the temperature quickly rise or fall a few tens of degrees, the surface of the product will not deteriorate and will not crack. For comparison, a ceramic shell for kitchen may cause cracks during rapid heating or cooling, when, for example, in boiling water is poured cold sink.

Pros and cons of stone sinks

The properties of the artificial stone provide made from it sinks advantages listed below.

• durability of the working surface. The service life of these products is usually not less than 10 years. Artificial stone in this parameter exceeds ceramics, but slightly inferior to natural stone. Manufacturers same composite sinks safely say that if it operates correctly, then, if desired, it can be even bequeath our grandchildren;

• huge stock of mechanical strength. Results of experiments conducted testified that this parameter exceeds artificial stone similar characteristic natural material is two to three times. Even concrete is inferior in strength. Due to this a fall in the sink made of artificial stone, kitchen utensils, iron ware and other heavy objects that are not damaged;
• formed on the surface and in the geometry design defects can be eliminated;
• hygienic safety. The production technology of this material prevents to wash the colonies of microorganisms and harmful bacteria. Accordingly, it does not produce a bad smell, and its surface is not formed unpleasant slippery plaque. In addition, unlike the natural, artificial stone does not create an increased radiation background.

Useful advice!Get rid of scratches and dents can be by processing the desired location sandpaper to finish polishing it. A material accidentally broken off pieces can be stuck back via an acrylic adhesive.

However, artificial stone and has some drawbacks. It can not be put just remove from heat metal utensils (pans, pots, and so on.). Use this requires special supports. An excessively hot dishes may leave an imprint on the sink.

If the drop in the shell of the artificial stone is something really heavy, you may be chipped or cracked. However, these facts are rarely fixed and depend, inter alia, on the observance of technological norms of production of these products.

In the domestic market of kitchen accessories recently appeared sinks, molded together with the tabletop. Of course, they are very attractive, as there are no seams. However, just on monolithic sink-countertop received more complaints. The above plus offset by the fact that if you split one of the components (most often this happens is with sinks), subject to the replacement of the entire structure.

Features a corner sink in the kitchen

From time immemorial, and often at the moment, wash located near one of the walls of the kitchen space or in the middle of the working area. Moving shells in different directions is difficult, since it is necessary to change the route of the pipeline of water supply and sewerage.

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The use of cast iron santehmaterialov significantly complicated the installation of the kitchen sink on your own.

The advent of plastic pipe has changed the situation: today the procedure for changing the installation location is quite capable of washing a person who has only the initial plumbing skills. The main advantage of shells mounted in the corner of the kitchen is that it is a design decision to create a single work area. This increases the convenience of cooking and comfortable stay in this room.

Advantages and disadvantages of a corner in the kitchen sink

In addition to the above, plus installation of washing in the corner of the kitchen include:

• a large space is created directly under a sink;
• working area is increased around the sink. By the sink at the same time may suit two people, and its configuration allows for easy to prepare meals and wash dishes;
• angled sink gives the room a certain style cuisine. Choosing an unusual shape and color of the sink artificial stone, you can create an interior in which you feel will always be completely comfortable.

Useful advice!Use the space under the sink, not only to accommodate the bin, but the basket of commonly used vegetables.

Designers are advised to install a corner sink in small kitchens. Then there will be extra space in the room.

this type of experts from Shell shortcomings release:

• It may require the transfer of sewer pipes. Of course, this need not always occur, but only if the length of the branches of sewage drainage system for the new sink is not sufficient, for example, when you install it in the opposite corner;

• significant weight stone sink in the kitchen. When this parameter plays a fundamental role, recommended to choose a corner of the stainless steel sink;
• Shell price to the kitchen is located at the corner of the room, is usually higher than the cost of the front of the product;
• difficulties mounting a corner sink. In addition to the heavy weight, exacerbate the situation specific properties of the artificial stone and complex design of this product. That is, without the knowledge of techniques making holes in the material and the alignment of such a shell can not do.

Varieties, shapes and sizes of angular sinks

By the method of alignment shell are:

• Mortice. They are mounted directly into the tabletop. Do not confuse them with the monolithic type products. Mounted sinks mortise in the worktop to its inner side by means of special brackets and clamps;
• overhead. They are installed on a separate cabinet, is an extension countertops. Compared with kitchen sinks inset is - a budget option. This solution has several disadvantages: between the countertop and sink a gap is formed, which causes additional inconvenience. Placing the product can be only a relatively small thickness.

The shape of the shell is divided into:

• rectangular;
• square;
• oval;
• single pan;
• dvuchashechnye.

Sinks may also have a cup in the shape of triangles with side wings. They are convenient to place a variety of products or dishes. As for the size of the kitchen sink, then the value of this parameter affects the convenience of work related to the preparation of dishes.

On a note!On having different detergents can be arranged for a crane corner sink space. Then it will not have to spend time trying to get out of the stone and return bottles and packages with these substances into place.

Bowl sink can be arranged one behind the other, or be on the same line. In general, because of the variety of models to buy a sink for the kitchen is not easy. That is, choose the best option can be very difficult. For information on how to do this will be discussed below.

How to choose a stone sink

Shell selection procedure of artificial stone should be carried out taking into account room size and configuration of furniture kitchen furniture. To do this, use the following criteria.

Number of sections. Experts recommend to prefer a double sink for the kitchen (consisting of 2 offices). So it will be possible washing of fruits and vegetables in the cell free of accumulated dirty dishes. The best option when one bowl capacious other.

Practicality. On a black glossy product is very well seen the contours of water sediment, as well as other spots. Therefore, to clean a car wash would have, almost after every use case. We have said that the best option - it is light brown, beige and white.

mounting type. If your kitchen is modular furniture, stop the choice on the waybill should sink made of artificial stone. For installation on the whole countertop will approach the cutting product. When the high cost is not critical for you, it is better to choose a sink so that its color is in harmony with the shades of furniture. Then the transition to the working surface of the sink would be ideal.

roominess. A large family, which is preparing a lot of food, it is necessary to purchase a sink of several sections. But it is difficult to pick up for a very wide product mixer with the required spout. The choice of medium depth corner sink will be the best option for small-sized kitchen.

Quality. This indicator is directly related to the cost of the kitchen sink made of artificial stone. At the same time, the market has not only plumbing Mighty goods, but also a fake, which also sold for big money. Not to buy low-quality product, make sure there are no holes on the surface, and any holes (allowed only technological).

And one more thing: shell color must be uniform. Also, before you buy, check the geometric accuracy of the product. Here's how: washing flipped and placed on a flat surface. It confirms the correctness of the geometry fit it edge products.

How to install the sink in the kitchen worktop

Implement their own hands inset sink countertop wave real. Below are the steps of this procedure.

• determined by the shape of its shell and place of installation;
• special pattern (usually it comes in bundled products) marked cutting line;
• jigsaw cut contour. In order to cut the circuit without much difficulty, first drill a hole in the worktop. After that, insert the jigsaw and bring the instrument into force;

• to firmly fix the sink and prevent moisture penetration into the cutting position, the contour of sealant applied;
• bottom of the shell is applied sealant. Then she rolls over and in the correct position strongly pressed down clamps to the top of the table. These devices are also usually supplied Mortise sink made of artificial stone;
• removed the excess sealant;
• connected communication.

Note!To cut a hole in the particle board is only recommended jigsaw. All other methods (drill and handsaw, for example) often lead to damage to countertops - chips and cracks in the laminate.

Sometimes installation Mortise sink is made flush with the countertop. However, to implement this solution is much more complex. The final stage - set mixer and plums.

How to care for a sink made of stone

Mere knowledge of how to install the sink in the kitchen, not enough. After all, it will in the future operate. In this case it will be necessary to maintain certain rules.

Given the fact that the price of stone sinks for the kitchen is relatively high, you need to take care of them regularly. But this should be done taking into account the following factors: avoid prolonged contact surfaces of these products is not necessary with harmful chemicals. Especially it concerns agents containing acetone, caustic alkalis and acids. After contact with the chemicals in the sink, wash them immediately with plenty of water, adding a soap solution.

Daily for this type of plumbing maintenance is performed as follows:

• from washing to remove food debris and unnecessary items;
• Prepare the detergent or soap;
• Take soft sponge or cloth;
• soak detergent soap or soap;
• Wipe the surface;
• rinse the sink with warm water.

How to remove the toughest stains. To prevent and remove stubborn stains we recommend:

1. Applied once a week bleach solution in water. To do this, fill the sink with a solution, let stand 20 minutes, empty the sink and rinse it with warm water, then wipe dry.
2. Every 2 weeks cleaning wipe household bleach. Preparing the mixture in such proportions: 1 part water to 3 parts have bleach. The surface is treated with an atomizer, retained in this form for several hours or at night (for a maximum of 16 hours, no more), washed with warm water, wiped dry.

How to remove limescale deposits. To perform this procedure, use cleaning solutions intended for biological treatment, special cleaning means of the composite stone or a 2 percent solution of vinegar.

Working with bioremediation solutions carried out by the following scheme: the sink fill this matter to the brim, leave for the night. Morning empty the sink. Wipe its surface with a damp cloth to completely remove solution residues.

Working with cleaners involves the following rules: a wet wash, apply the paste or solution, to leave, rinse with water a couple of minutes.

The method works with vinegar as follows: a sponge soaked with a small amount of this product with the help of the solution applied to the surface. Rub the area with vinegar does not need more than 2-3 minutes, and the problem areas should be washed with plenty of water. Then wash wipe dry and disinfected.

You should know that clean washing from artificial stone possible without chemistry. To do this, you need the following tools:

• lemon. Displays tea, coffee and wine trails. It can go as a supplement to the detergent;
• mustard powder. He degreasing;
• soda. It acts just like a lemon. Before applying the solution of soda in water should have a pasty state.

Note! For daily cleaning of stone sink is only suitable mustard powder.

Features ceramic sinks for the kitchen

In talking about the car washes would be unfair to ignore this type of product. It - plumbing "classics". In general, to ceramics include the following materials:

• china;
• semiporcelain;
• faience;
• majolica.

Their differences are determined:

• firing technology used;
• composition ratio;
• quality raw material.

Having a desire to buy a ceramic sink for the kitchen, it is necessary to know the features of each type of such products. Porcelain - a delicate material. When tapped on the porcelain sink, you can hear the beautiful high-pitched sound. This material is characterized by homogeneous structure and high density.

Earthenware is cheaper than porcelain. It has a porous structure. The sound emitted by the porcelain sink when tapped on it more dull. One of the essential characteristics of this material is that during operation on the surface of earthenware cracks appear. Over time, they become darker. As a result, formed on the surface of the original pattern resembling web.

Some housewives phenomenon may not like. Indeed, such a sink looks like the old one. Others consider the cobwebs as an excellent decorative products. Adding a little creativity, it can be converted into an object with designer finishes. As the product can be transformed, showcase photos of sinks for the kitchen.

When added to a ceramic material obtained crumbs granite granite. Products manufactured therefrom inherent resistance to temperature changes and resistance to mechanical stress.

Experts recommend the purchase of artificial stone sinks for the kitchen only from reputable manufacturers. Otherwise, you may be faced with unpleasant "surprises" in the form of cleaning and the deep curvature of chips. It is possible even that will come off the bottom of the bowl.