FAQ's

What is zinc?

Zinc is a non-ferrous metal. It’s color is similar to silver. Unlike stainless steel, zinc will oxidize and patina, moving from a lustrous silver, to a blue-gray over time. It has been used for hundreds of years in Europe as a material to clad table tops, countertops, bartops and similar items. The zinc that we use begins as a sheet product and is formed and pressed onto a substrate to achieve workable countertop surfaces. Our manufacturing process is proprietary, utilizing state of the art technologies along with quality hand craftsmanship to yield a uniquely beautiful end product.

Does it stain? How heat resistant is it? Does it scratch?
Because zinc is a metal, it is non-porous and will not stain in the traditional sense of the word. Zinc will oxidize and patina which is a chemical change that produces a different color in the metal. It oxidizes rapidly and will move toward a blue gray color. Almost anything that comes in contact with it will oxidize it to some degree. It can be maintained with or without a patina. A full patina does take some time to develop ( typically, a year or more).
Incidental exposure to heat such as a tea kettle or coffee cup is no problem, but oven temperature pots and pans should not be directly set on top of a zinc countertop. Zinc has a relatively low melting temperature, and although the top will not become molten, some distortion can occur with prolonged contact over 300 F.
Zinc, like all metallic surfaces, will scratch, but polishing will remove most surface scratches. Many times though, clients maintain their tops with surface scratches as it adds to the patina, or weathered look that they are trying to achieve. The sheeting that we use is zinc all the way through, so unlike galvanized products, these tops can be polished hundreds of times. Scratches will never rust and can be polished, or in extreme cases, sanded out.

Can you chop or prepare food on a zinc countertop?
We do not recommend chopping, cutting, or preparing foods on top of a zinc surface. Although incidental food contact is not a problem, use cutting boards as you would with any countertop surface.

What edge details are available?
Our standard edge is a 90 deg. eased edge treatment. This edge is available on both straight or curved runs. Bullnose and acute angle returns are possible, but only along straight runs. Typical edge thickness or buildup starts at a minimum ½" and extends from there in ¼" increments. Apron fronts can be accommodated as well as radiused inside or outside corners.

What type of sinks can be accommodated?
Drop in, self rimming sinks ONLY can be accommodated; currently, undermount sinks can not be utilized with zinc countertops. Custom sinks cannot be fabricated out of zinc.

What are the size limitations for zinc? Can I expect seaming?
The sheeting we utilize is a maximum width of 1M (39-3/8"). Length is a maximum of 119". These sizes are for single pieces without a seam. By seaming, we can accommodate longer runs or wider sections. For L-shaped configurations or U-shaped configurations, seams can be joined in the field. Typical seams are rolled, metal to metal and do not lap each other, therefore, flat surfaces can be maintained. The seams are conspicuous by design and work well with the overall look and feel of the material.

What maintenance can I expect?
On an everyday basis, zinc tops can be cleaned with soap and water. They will oxidize and patina and can be maintained in this state. The tops can also be polished with a polishing compound (we can provide this) to produce a very high luster. Applying the polish is like waxing a car; move along in sections about 2’ x 2’. Most clients polish no more than once a month (on average about every 3 months). Many clients maintain the tops with a patina that constantly changes. The ultimate look and maintenance schedule is a matter of preference and convenience.

Where can zinc be specified?
Zinc can be specified in both kitchen and vanity countertop applications. It can also be used for backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, mantels, wall panels, tabletops, door panels, and cabinet exteriors.

What is the typical lead time?
Most projects can be accommodated in 5-6 weeks. Keep in mind that in order to begin, we need construction drawings or templates (we provide these services in the metro Chicago area), a signed proposal or purchase order, a deposit, and any pertinent information such as sink models and fixture hole placement.