Mexican Copper Sink
by Sara
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A handmade Mexican copper sink can lend warmth and unique style to the kitchen or bath. Available in a myriad of shapes and styles, a beautiful Mexican copper sink fits with many decorating styles adding grace and value to a home.
A Passion for Artistry
Creating utensils, art, and jewelry from copper is a Mexican tradition dating back to Pre-Columbian times. For generations, Indians of Central Mexico mined the metal and created objects both utilitarian and beautiful.
When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, a blending of metal working techniques occurred increasing efficiency but retaining traditional Indian craftsmanship. This region of Mexico was famous for handcrafted copper kettles created by local copper smiths.
As demand for kettles dropped in the mid-20th century, new crafts developed including the creation of hand hammered copper sinks.
Today, families with a long tradition of copper smithing are creating highly sought after sinks. Now prized by discriminating decorators and homeowners seeking an alternative to mass-produced sinks, they can be found in home improvement stores, specialty shops, and on the internet.
Mexican Copper Sinks for Kitchen or Bath
Hand crafted copper sinks come in a wide range of shapes and styles appropriate for the kitchen, bath, or bar. Kitchens are now incorporated into larger living areas where family and guests gather, and a beautifully hand crafted copper kitchen sink can be the focal point of the whole room. A copper bathroom or copper bar sink can also be a conversation piece.
Copper sink styles are broken into three basic designs, top-mounted, under-counter mounted, and vessel style sinks that sit on top of the cabinet.
A common style of Mexican copper sink for the kitchen is a copper farm sink, sometimes called a copper apron sink or a copper farmhouse sink, has a large front plate that is exposed; this type can either be undermounted or top mounted. The front plate makes this style quite distinct; it is available either plain or embossed.
You can also find hammered copper sinks with either a single, double or even sometimes a triple basin.
Mexican Copper Sink
Mexican copper sinks are more common as smaller sinks, like those used in the bathroom. These smaller bath sinks may be oval or round, patterned or plain, and drop-in or under-mounted.
The popularity of vessel sinks makes copper a perfect choice. Mounting above the cabinet creates a stunning look and highlights the handcrafted copper vessel sink.
What really makes a Mexican copper sink distinct is the handcrafted designs, finish and in some cases the decoration of it.
Finding a Quality Mexican Copper Sink
For durability and lasting beauty, the minimum gauge should be 18-gauge and 99.9% pure copper. Many sinks are created using thicker 15-gauge copper. For better durability choose one with a lower gauge. Look carefully at workmanship, seams, and edges to insure the sink is well crafted. Seams should be welded and not soldered. Be sure the copper is lead and mercury free; ask for a guarantee of this. There are a variety of finishes available; the choice of finish will determine the care the sink requires.
Caring for Copper Sinks
A bright copper sink is generally lacquered, and over time the lacquer will wear off. In order to maintain the bright look once the lacquer is worn, specially made copper polish should be used. Waxed finishes require regular maintenance with wax to preserve the finish.
The simplest finish to care for is the deep brown natural patina. This is the way aged copper appears and will require only cleaning with soap and water to maintain the look. The natural copper also has antibacterial properties. Acidic liquids like lemon juice cause the finish to turn pink so avoid putting undiluted acids into the sink.
Knowing a thing or two about copper sink maintenance will help you keep the desired finish on your copper sink. Follow manufacturers instructions for the best results and longevity.
With care in choosing and maintaining a Mexican copper sink, it will continue to be a thing of beauty for decades and an investment adding value to the home.
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