Zinc Facts and Frequently Ask Questions

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is 44" The widest available?-    Yes,  that is the widest width produced in the world.

Zinc Counters can be finished with many types of finishes. However we do not put any finish on the zinc sheets. New sheets have a shiny finish similar to stainless steel and over time the sheet of zinc will naturally oxidize into its patina finish, which is a dark gray almost like a pewter color.

If various chemicals are used on zinc counter tops, it can accelerate the patina and create unusual effects.

Zinc has an old world charm and is really beautiful alongside antique woods.

Zinc may be maintained with occasional waxing with Beeswax or Butchers Wax.

You may scrub Zinc with a Scotchbrite pad as hard as you like to remove any marks or stains.

These products may be re-polished for a bright appearance. Re-sanding on site to remove signs of wear and scratches is also a fairly simple process.

The long term look of zinc is distinctly " Country" in nature as these Counters and Sinks will acquire a Living Finish that changes with time.

Note: Points of welding, soldering, Joints of sheets, etc, yield a different shade and at times different levels.

This is to be considered part of the “charm" of Zinc countertops. They are a traditional "Country Look"

Zinc is non toxic and quite safe for food prep surfaces.

For Wall panels we recommend the .020” thick sheets.

We pack and ship the zinc sheets throughout the U.S.

Is Zinc safe?

· Yes ,Quite safe. Zinc is an important mineral in the human body.

· It has traditionally been used on Seafood and Oyster Bar tops (presumably for antibacterial qualities)

· It is a safe material to use but we recommend a chopping block for cutting and food prep.

· Does it look like stainless steel?

· At first it might, then over time it will patina and age with charm like a crudely made early American artifact.

· The color will then be like Pewter

· Does Zinc scratch?

· Sure ,That's part of the country charm

· The long term look is distinctly " Country" in nature as these Counters and Sinks will acquire a

· Living Finish that changes with time.

· Do Zinc Counters Tarnish?

· Yes ,They acquire a pewter gray patina.

· Food and drink will also create their own pattern of use on your countertop.

· The tarnishing process may be controlled by occasionally waxing with Butchers or Beeswax

· These products may be re-polished for a bright appearance. Re-sanding on site to remove signs of wear

· and scratches is also a fairly simple process.

· How are the counters put together?

· We leave that up to the installer to decided based on there skills with working with zinc, but they can be soldered and welded more easily with the thicker sheets as there is more material to work with like in the .040” and .060” thick, heavy duty zinc sheets.

Maintenance

· Minor scratches and mineral streaking can be brushed with a household Scotchbrite pad.

· Deep scratches may be sanded through the grades up to 220 and buffed with the same pad.

· Use a circular pattern for a #4 finish or a straight line motion for a machine brush.

· High polish Zinc may be serviced with automotive compound and a machine polishing pad.

A) Examples of Acceptable Contact Products for Zinc

• Lead
• Aluminum (painted, anodized, or bare)
• Galvanized Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Compatible Woods: pine, spruce, Scots pine, poplar.

B) Examples of Unacceptable Contact Products and Run off for Zinc – This list is not exhaustive

• Copper
• Steel (Non galvanized)
• Gypsum dust/ Lime stone dust
• Non-compatible woods:  larch, oak, chestnut, red cedar, Douglas fir, white cedar, all woods with a pH < 5.
• Mortar
• Rosin paper
• Bituminous membranes
• Products with fire retardant and preservation treatments
• Acidic cleaners (brick cleaner etc…)
• Brass
• Cast Iron
• Chrome
• Bitumen, even when not in direct contact but simply close to it.