Pisa Single Bowl Copper Kitchen Sink and Drain

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Bold and beautiful, the rectangular Pisa boasts a single bowl, hand hammered in copper with seamless construction. A hammered, medium antique finish gives this sink depth and substance. All Thompson Traders copper sinks feature:

  • Highest Grade Solid Copper
  • Matching Grid Drain Included
  • Naturally Anti-Bacterial for Healthier Living
  • Easy to Clean and Maintain
  • Recyclable Material
  • Lifetime Warranty
Pisa Copper Sink

Pisa Copper Sink

All About Patina

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Patina is actually a film on the surface of bronze or related alloys (created by oxidation over a many years as well as by way of a chemical type process); a sheen on wood pieces of furniture that is generated by age, use, and buffing; or any such developed change of the finish through aging and exposure. On metal, patina is a layer of different chemical substances like oxides or carbonates formed on the surface during being exposed to the sun and rain (weathering). Patina pertains to built up alterations in surface texture and color which result from normal utilization of an object for instance a coin or an article of home furniture over time.

Patinas are limited to bare surfaces and they are breakable (that is, they could flake away). One explanation bronze is really highly valued in sculpture is the fact that it’s patina protects or guards it from additional corrosion. This natural patina is strong and seldom exhibits a propensity to flake. Brass is also resistant to deterioration, however it is, over time, not as attractive because local pitting reveals next to the shiny background.

The term “patina” comes from the Latin for “shallow dish”. In reality, patina can easily mean virtually any fading, darkening or other indications of age, which are thought that they are natural and/or unavoidable.

The chemical process through which a patina forms is named patination, and a masterpiece of design covered with a patina is considered patinated.

The natural green patina which develops naturally on copper and bronze, at times called verdigris, typically is made up of mixture of chlorides, sulphides and carbonates. copper carbonate or copper chloride. Atacamite is another name for the patina substances. Verdigris is usually more exclusively the synthetic form and may be developed on copper with the addition of vinegar (acetic acid). Such a verdigris is not able to withstand water and will not last on the outside of a building like a “true” patina. It is alternatively typically used as pigment.

An example of a patina is a organic green surface surface produced by gradual chemical type modification of copper, producing a basic carbonate. It is able to form on pure copper things as well as alloys which contain copper, like bronze or brass.

A patina covering requires several years to establish under natural weathering. A copper roof can patinate faster when compared to a copper vertical surface, because of the longer dwell time of water on the surface. Buildings in seaside / marine locations will weather and develop a patina coating more quickly than those in away from the coast areas. For instance, a brand new copper facade in central London will most likely not produce a “standard” green patina for after 50 years.

Facade cladding (copper cladding) along with alloys of copper, e.g. Brass or Bronze, will certainly weather in different ways to “100 % pure” copper cladding. Even a lasting gold coloration is feasible with copper-alloy cladding. Take a look at Colston Hall in Bristol, or the Novotel at Paddington Central, London. There you can see some colors that one might not have expected from copper cladding.

Artists and metalworkers often deliberately add patinas as a part of the original design and decoration of art and furniture, or to simulate antiquity in newly-made objects.

Copper Vessel Sinks

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Copper vessel sinks are based on ancient bathing basins that were used before the introduction of modern plumbing and running water. Today, vessel sinks are a unique way to add style to design in the kitchen or bath.

Copper vessel sink

A beautiful example of a copper vessel sink


Unlike sinks that sit inside the counter, vessel sinks sit on the surface and can thus be created in a wide variety of shapes and sizes without consideration of the size of the counter itself. Vessel sinks can be found in materials such as glass, marble, stainless steel and copper and comes in hundreds of different colors and patterns.

Choosing a vessel sink removes your obligation to perfectly match your existing décor and encourages creativity in mixing materials, colors and textures. In fact, a copper vessel sink is the perfect complement to traditional fixtures in a kitchen or bath and provides you with more flexibility in choosing a sink.

While you certainly have more flexibility when adding a vessel sink to your home, you should keep in mind that you do have to consider the existing plumbing. Some minor changes may need to be made to accommodate the vessel sink and vessel sinks require a lower counter height. Many vessel sinks however, are available in shallower depths that allow you to incorporate the vessel into the existing counter without worrying about ergonomic problems.

The other thing to consider when shopping for a vessel sink is that you can add a decorative touch to an otherwise ordinary counter. If you are working with a limited renovation budget, simply adding a beautiful vessel sink to an existing counter can draw the eye away from the counter and provide an air of style.

Finally, remember that vessel sinks tend to be more shallow than traditional sinks and thus require a faucet that flows directly into the center of the sink to prevent splashing. Many people choose to install faucets in the wall rather than the counter, when incorporating a vessel sink into their decor. This is a wonderful way to bring the serenity of a waterfall into your home.

Apron Front Sinks: Country Kitchen With Style

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Copper apron front kitchen sinks have been admired for years for their classic elegance. Many home owners are choosing copper farmhouse kitchen sinks as the foundation for their new kitchen design projects. Updated kitchen front sinks combine both form and function: the charm and inviting look of a traditional country home with the best quality and durability available today.

Depending on your kitchen design preferences, you can choose from a variety of different styles including:
Copper Apron Front Sinks
The Kohler Apron Front Sink is one of the most popular brands, along with other top of the line choices.

Don’t be afraid to pair your copper apron farmhouse sink with the modern look of a stainless steel or faux copper refrigerator or other appliances; these style elements can complement each other very well. With the right flooring, countertops, backsplash, and cabinets, you’ll have an elegant, unique, and stylish kitchen. And while you’re shopping, don’t forget a faucet and a copper drain to go with that sink.

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Copper Sink Care Guidelines

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Now that you have your beautiful copper sink, keeping all of your copper sinks looking beautiful is easy and in most cases maintenance free. How you use your custom copper sink, whether a farmhouse sink, apron copper sink or vessel sink – will help you decide how to care for it. Copper is a metal that changes and evolves with time as it reacts with various elements. You will find that your copper sink will age and look even more beautiful as time passes than the first time you see it. Here we provide you with a few guidelines and suggestions to keep your sink looking beautiful for many years to come.

Copper Sink Care Guidelines by Finish Copper Sink Finishes:

Dark & Clear Brown These finishes are achieved by accelerating the aging process that give some of our copper sinks their distinctive patina colors. We recommend you follow these instructions to keep these finishes looking beautiful.

Copper Cleaners – You don’t need any type of cleaners – in fact you should avoid using any abrasive materials or harsh chemicals on any of our products – these may harm the surface and the finish of your sink.

Hard Water – If you have hard water in your area, keep your copper sink and drain clean and dry by wiping it down with a soft cloth after every use to avoid spotting. Hard water will affect copper as it would any other type of metal, and it will be difficult to remove these spots after they etch the finish. You can also help protect your sink from hard water minerals by periodically applying “Renaissance Wax” to your sink which will help maintain its luster and provide better water runoff.

Acid Foods – Do not leave any acid based foods on your sink for a prolonged period of time such as tomatoes, oranges or lemons. If you do, the acid may produce a shiny spot on your finish. If this happens, we recommend you clean it with soap and water and wait for the finish to recover its patina – the copper will age with time and the spot will blend back with the rest of the copper.

Custom Copper Sink: Natural Reddish Color The finish of a bare copper sink is naturally reddish in color and will vary from one sink to another. Your custom farmhouse sink may present dark spots or streaks due to the nature of the copper itself and the finish of the sink depends on the copper sheet it is made from. The color of the copper will gradually change with time, and it will take on a warm medium patina as it ages. The maintenance for this finish is similar to the dark and clear brown copper finishes, however, we can also lacquer the sink to protect it and slow the aging process. If you want us to apply a protective lacquer coating, please let us know. You can slow down the patina process by applying a protective wax such as “Renaissance Wax” to the copper surface periodically to help maintain the luster and provide better water runoff.

Shiny & Washed Finishes for your Custom Sink These finishes are achieved by an acid wash to obtain a beautiful bright look, but will require more maintenance if you want to keep your sink shiny and bright all the time. To keep your sink bright and shiny, you will need to periodically clean and rebuff your sink with a copper cleaner such as Wright’s Copper Cream . After cleaning your sink, you should then protect the surface with a wax coating or you can also chose to lacquer it with a clear lacquer. If you want the copper finish to change with time and acquire its own unique patina, then all you need to do is wait and the sink will slowly age.

Mexican Copper Sinks

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Mexican copper sinks

What is a Copper Apron Sink?

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Apron sinks, sometimes referred to as a farmhouse sink have a front panel built into the front of the sink, extending usually to the depth of the sink. These sinks originated in farmhouses, where kitchen sinks were often built against an outdoor wall, because they were also used to clean laundry. Its possible the apron itself was a place to squeeze moisture out of clothing, but it also has a protective quality that covered unfinished wood, preventing warping. The apronsink is unique from modern kitchen sinks in terms of both design and materials used. Traditional apron sinks have a distinct country feel and this design works well in kitchens decorated to resemble the look of 19th century farmhouse kitchens.

Originally, apron sinks did not have faucets attached. Instead, the pipes and faucets would be led through the cabinet, up behind and over the sink. The only part that was attached to the sink itself was the drain and that made it easy to replaces the sink if necessary. Valves or water shutoffs weren’t necessary to replace these kinds of sinks, making it a much easier job in times when power tools and electricity were nonexistent. The replacement apron sink would be put in position and the drain pipe reattached..

Apron sinks are traditionally made deeper than modern sinks. This was because the pots and other containers used for cooking were usually fairly large, so that meals could be made for large numbers of people. The deeper sink basin also allowed the pots to be filled with water and soaked, to remove stubborn stains. Apron sinks are now available in depths of 8”, which is easier on the back and accommodates the needs of modern use.

Apron sinks are easiest to identify by the front, or apron,   that rides over the surrounding counter and over the supporting cabinetry. Some apron sinks have a bow front apron, that provides a rounded detail to the front of the counters. Aprons aren’t only attractive, they function as a protective surface for the wood cabinets. For modern day use, this is a good way to prevent mold and mildew buildup.

The apron sink lost its popularity with the decline of the agricultural era, but it is now finding a place in modern kitchen design. Today, you can buy an apron sink made of porcelain, stainless steel or even copper. You can get custom made aprons with a wide variety of embossing designs to choose from and your sink can have one or two bowls, depending on how much you use it. Apron sinks are a beautiful way to finish a traditional or modern kitchen to fit your style.