FAQ

What is 304 Stainless Steel?
Nantucket Sinks are made from 304 stainless steel. To be classified as 304 stainless steel, it must contain 18% Chromium and no less than 8% nickel. What does the chromium and the nickel do you might ask? When chromium mixes with oxygen it forms a chromium oxide bond called the passive layer. When stainless scratches and it will, that layer will quickly bond back over the scratch preventing corrosion. The nickel used in conjunction with chromium adds an additional level of corrosion resistance.

What does the gauge of the stainless steel mean?
The gauge is the thickness of the stainless steel. Here is the confusing part. The higher the gauge, the thinner the steel. 16 gauge is thicker than 18 gauge. The majority of our product lineup is 16 and 18 gauge. What is the difference you might ask? Besides being thicker steel, our 16 gauge sinks offer increased durability and sound deadening properties as a result of its density.

How easy is it to clean my Nantucket stainless steel sink?
Very easy. The best way is with soap and water and to towel dry.
NEVER USE BLEACH, CHEMICALS, OR ACIDIC CLEANERS. This may cause pitting or discoloration of your sink. Water with a high mineral content may cause spotting or discoloration.
NEVER USE STEEL WOOL. This may cause scratching or “Surface Rust”

Will my stainless steel sink scratch?
All stainless steel will scratch with use. Overtime those scratches will blend into the sink.

Does stainless steel stain?
As they say, stainless is called stain-less not stain proof. Any of the cleaners mentioned above may stain your stainless steel sink. In the event of staining or to restore the shiny luster of your Nantucket stainless steel sink, we recommend Bar Keepers Friend©. You will notice that your stainless steel sink has a grain. Make sure you always clean in the direction of the grain.

Is that rust in my stainless steel sink?
Because Nantucket Sinks are made from 304 Stainless Steel, the sink will not rust. If you do see small rust marks on your sink, it is what is called “Surface Rust”. Surface rust is caused by small iron particles bonding to the sink and rusting. This most often occurs immediately after installation when grinding or polishing tools were used on the solid surface countertop. Small metal splinters might have fallen from the underside of the countertop into the sink and causing the discoloration. Another cause can be from cast iron cookware or non stainless steel cooking utensils. Don’t Panic… it is easily removed with Bar Keepers Friend or a similar product of your choosing. Never use a rubber or plastic mat on the bottom of the sink. This can result in the iron particles bonding to the sink and causing discoloration. We recommend our sink grids to prevent excessive scratching and to promote proper drainage. Please contact one of our registered dealers for details.

What is on the underside of my stainless steel sink?
Nantucket Sinks are sprayed to insulate for water temperature retention. Rubber Pads are applied for sound deadening. People who are sensitive to the smell of rubber can remove the rubber pads by filling the sink with very hot water. Allow for the glue to become loose and peel the pad away from the steel. Be aware that this will result in your sink having a different sound quality when the water is flowing and will also diminish its temperature retention.

Care & Maintenance for Specialty Metals
The way to keep your specialty metal sink in optimal condition is to keep it clean and dry. For basic cleaning, simply use a mild soap and water; other cleaners are not necessary. A good habit is to wipe the sink dry after each use, especially in hard water areas. For extra protection, products such as Flitz Fixture Wax may be applied to the surface periodically. These seals will help maintain the luster of the sink's finish and provide better water runoff. Do not use corrosives such as chlorine or concentrated vinegar, abrasive cleaners. For bathroom sinks try to avoid leaving toothpaste and liquid hand soaps on the sink for extended periods of time and make sure you rinse and dry the sink well. Some of these soaps have very strong chemicals.

How do I install my undermount sink?
Click here for detailed instructions on undermount ceramic or stainless steel installation.
Do you have more questions? Give us a call at (646)216-8532, and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you.