What is better for a sink - porcelain or earthenware?
When you renovate, you want to choose the best. The bathroom is no exception. Where else can you retire, relax and unwind like this, singing your favorite tunes? And the sink for this corner should be appropriate - easy to clean, durable and beautiful. What should it be like?
The content of the article
Advantages and disadvantages of materials
Most sanitary products are made from ceramics. There are two varieties: earthenware and porcelain. The first is made from plastic clay with the addition of kaolin and quartz; it has a porous structure. To reduce negative qualities such as moisture absorption, penetration of dirt and odors, earthenware pieces are covered with silicate glaze or have an enameled surface.
Porcelain contains similar components, but in a different ratio. Feldspar is also added to it, which makes the surface smoother and denser.
Faience
This material has increased resistance to household chemicals, temperature changes, has high electrical insulation, which allows the use of products made from it in rooms with high humidity. Earthenware does not lose quality over several years of intensive use, and this affects the preservation of its presentable appearance.
It is also suitable for kitchen sinks. Recently, manufacturers have not used lead in production, so the products are environmentally friendly.Coating earthenware products with glaze allows you to create a design that is interesting in color, therefore, it makes it possible to choose not only the classic white option, but also choose a sink color for the room that matches the interior style.
The possibility of damaging the sink is small, but it still exists. If replacement is not possible, it can be repaired. This is done with glue, to which it is advisable to add a color of a suitable shade.
Porcelain
There is a secret how to distinguish a porcelain product from an earthenware one. There is no glaze rim on the bottom. More points:
- Translucency is the main visual feature.
- White. The shade is lighter;
- Strength. Porcelain - thin and elegant;
- Voicing. When tapped, a high and melodic sound is produced;
- Moisture resistance. Porcelain has a dense structure.
Such products are suitable for any interior and will appeal to lovers of high-quality durable things. With proper care, their service life reaches fifty years. Increased resistance to mechanical damage allows you to withstand any impact.
Interesting! You can repair a damaged porcelain sink using a gypsum-based adhesive, and the material has a great adhesive effect, and the seam will be almost invisible.
What is the difference?
Depending on the purpose, you need to decide on the purchase. So, if it is purchased for rental housing, then you should opt for the budget option and buy a porcelain product. In terms of performance, it will be inferior to more expensive porcelain. The porosity of the material is the reason for rapid contamination and absorption of unpleasant odors. It is also easier to damage fragile earthenware, so you should handle it more carefully.However, recently The glazes that cover the shells are of high quality, and sometimes even specialists cannot distinguish what the item is made of.. Cunning sellers often take advantage of this, selling cheaper earthenware at inflated prices.
But if you are buying for yourself, your loved one, for a cozy nest thought out to the smallest detail, then there is only one answer: porcelain, and only it!
What is common when leaving?
You should not use steel wool, as there is a high risk of scratching the surface. It is advisable to take special kitchen sponges.
Both types of sinks can be cleaned with any powder, liquid, gel or paste substance for caring for ceramic surfaces. The main condition is that they must be non-abrasive and not cause allergic reactions..
It is possible to use the “Whiteness” product by making a solution of 1 tbsp. l. water and 100 mg liquid. After thoroughly rinsing the surface, after 10–15 minutes it should be rinsed with plenty of water. This gives an additional whitening effect.
Vinegar will help remove rust stains or mineral deposits. Soak a paper towel or napkin in acetic acid, apply it to the dirty area and remove it after half an hour. Then rinse thoroughly.
Important! When caring for a porcelain sink, you can use hydrogen peroxide as a bleach and replace vinegar with citric acid.
What to choose?
Modern technologies make product quality increasingly higher and improved in terms of operation. The choice is, of course, up to the consumer. If your wallet does not allow you to go glamorous, then the low price of a faience sink, provided you take good care of it, will fully justify the purchase. If you want to have a high-quality, long-lasting, elegant, and possibly antique washbasin, you should turn to porcelain. And you will have the opportunity to tap its surface with a pencil and, raising your finger, whisper: “Do you hear? She sings!".