One of the most important parts to choosing the right countertop material is after care. Fortunately caring for your zinc countertop is very simple and straightforward. In this article we are going to explain the cleaning process and approved products to use when caring for your cast zinc countertops, or any La Bastille products for that matter.
Caring For Your Zinc Countertops
Zinc, pewter, brass, copper and bronze surfaces are relatively easy to maintain, but they come with some precautions. As these are organic materials, i.e. living metals, they oxidize and respond to their environment. The finish will change, but how much it will change is completely dependent on its environment, what it comes into contact with and how it is cared for.
Daily Countertop Maintenance
Mild soap and water or a basic household cleaner (such as 7th Generation, Simple Green or Ammonia- Free Windex) is all it takes to keep these surfaces clean. A basic daily or after-use wipe down is generally enough to maintain the surface appearance and cleanliness.
Avoid/Do Not Use
- Avoid leaving acidic materials like lemons, limes or orange juice on the surface.
- Do not use harsh cleaners like bleach, ammonia or citrus juices.
- Do not cut directly on the material, instead use a cutting board.
- Do not hit the material with items such as shakers, ice breakers, etc.
- Do not place hot items directly on the surface, instead use a trivet.
- Do not use rubber mats or anything that traps moisture.
When acidic materials are placed on the surface the patina will lift, temporarily lightening the area. To minimize, wipe away spills with warm water. Long-term trapped moisture will degrade the material so we never recommend using rubber mats.
Prevent Moisture From Getting Trapped in Your Zinc Countertops
To prevent any moisture from seeping into the substrate, faucet holes or beer taps must be sealed properly with silicone from the top and bottom. Gaskets are needed for faucets and beer taps. Regularly check for any leaks and reseal immediately if needed. To download our complete Care Guide, check out our FAQ page here and scroll to How Do I Care For My Products?
Zinc metal has been used worldwide for generations because it’s adaptable, versatile and stunning! If you’d like to learn more about cast zinc countertops and the other countertop materials we offer, you can SCHEDULE A VIRTUAL CONSULT now.
FAQs
Daily Countertop Maintenance
How do you get water stains out of zinc countertops? ›
Oxidation - standing water on a zinc surface will likely result in some oxidation, forming a powdery white color or glass ring. This can usually be removed with a soft cloth and dish soap if it is newly created. The longer the white marks are there, the more persistent they will be to remove.
How to seal zinc table top? ›
Once the full 24 hours have passed, it's time to seal your surface with the Amy Howard At Home® Clear Wax™. Using a clean Amy Howard At Home® Signature Flat Brush™, apply an even layer of wax to the entire metal surface. Once the wax has completely cured, your table is ready!
How do you maintain zinc alloy? ›
Anytime you clean zinc it's vital to always rub the metal in the direction of the grain. Additionally, to protect the zinc's patina, you should never use a pressure washer, and should never use any cleaner containing ammonia, chlorine, or muriatic acid, which can have an adverse reaction when in contact with zinc.
How durable are zinc countertops? ›
Zinc sheet metal is durable and heavy enough to provide a solid surface for cutting and prepping food and beautiful enough to impress your family members, friends and neighbors. It is also easy to clean.
What is the best cleaner for zinc countertops? ›
For All Zinc Finishes: Windex or mild soap and water are recommended for daily cleaning. Wipe up all liquids with paper towels.
How do you make zinc shiny again? ›
We find that a scotch pad on a buffer followed by 0000 steel wool worked just as well to remove any tarnish and provide shine. This process will be lengthy and labor intensive so we do recommend assessing the area to be worked on before jumping in. We do not recommend polishing if a patina has been added to the zinc.
How do you restore zinc coating? ›
If the zinc coating is damaged, the exposed metal can rust. This can easily be touched up with zinc paint that automatically has the same color and is readily available in shops. Zinc spray forms a quick drying, self healing and flexible coating that helps stop corrosion.
How do you keep zinc shiny? ›
Use a metal wadding polish.
Your zinc objects that have small areas of corrosion, uneven patination, or fingerprint marks can be polished using a metal wadding polish.
How do you protect zinc from corrosion? ›
Therefore, zinc metals and components coated with zinc-based products can have a significantly longer service life than other metals when exposed to the atmosphere. Zinc-rich coatings are used in a processes known as hot-dip or cold galvanizing to prevent corrosion.
Zinc tarnishes and the surface roughens as it develops zinc oxide from exposure to the air, particularly humid air.
What are the disadvantages of zinc alloy? ›
Zinc alloys cost less because they do not contain Chromium. However, this does make them more susceptible to corrosion and not the best choice for manufacturing items that come in contact with prolonged water usage. Zinc alloys are easier to work with for most manufacturers.
What are the hardest countertops to maintain? ›
Marble Countertops
Marble is a luxury stone material that's popular in high-end homes due to its natural luminosity. It's an excellent choice for kitchens or bathrooms but requires extra care and maintenance in areas that get wet. Marble is also pricier and tougher to maintain than other countertop options.
Can zinc countertops warp? ›
Zinc is heat intolerant.
Hot pots and pans can warp a zinc countertop, and hot items over 300 degrees Fahrenheit can actually melt your countertop.
Which countertop lasts the longest? ›
The durability winner is quartz, the man-nature combo countertop. Crushed quartz stone is mixed with resin to produce countertops that range from solid colors to the look of real granite, but they'll beat natural stone in toughness. Quartz is almost indestructible under normal kitchen prep conditions.
How to remove stains from zinc? ›
However, when the dirt is struggling to get off, you can clean zinc with soda water, alcohol, or a solution made from white vinegar or dish soap and warm water. We always recommend starting to clean with a milder solution before increasing it as needed to something stronger.
Does zinc tarnish with water? ›
All zinc galvanized coatings are more corrosion resistant than bare iron or steel. Like all ferrous metals, zinc corrodes when exposed to air and water. However, zinc corrodes at a rate of 1/30 of that for steel. Also like other ferrous metals, zinc corrodes or rusts at different rates depending on its environment (8).
Does vinegar melt zinc? ›
Yes, vinegar is a 5% solution of acetic acid, and it can damage common metals such as iron, zinc, and aluminum, and even copper in the presence of oxygen. The noble metals, silver, gold, and the platinum group, are not affected.
Do zinc countertops stain? ›
Zinc reacts with water, fingerprints, lemon juice, and all sorts of other things that land on a kitchen counter. Eventually, the marks blend together and leave the countertop with a beautiful, dark blue-gray patina. But that can take a year -- a long time if you cringe at seeing a spot.
