Monel apron-front sinks like this one from Grampa’s Antique Kitchen are very rare. They were made in the 1930s, for only a few years, by the American Nickel Co.
Remedies for Stainless Steel
The best approach to refreshing a scratched stainless-steel surface is to clean and polish the entire sink, using the least abrasive methods possible, plus a lot of elbow grease. Always work with the grain of the metal. Some sinks have matte (brushed) finishes while others are smooth and reflective. It’s especially important to clean in long, uniform strokes, covering the entire surface. Otherwise, you may leave marks.
Clean Start by rinsing the sink with water, then do a quick cleaning with a degreasing detergent such as Dawn dishwashing liquid. For deeper cleaning, use almost any cleanser: one with bleach, a lightly abrasive cleaning powder such as Bon Ami or Bar Keepers Friend, baking soda, whitening toothpaste, or even flour scattered over the surface. Use a scrubbing pad (such as Scotch-Brite Dobie ) and work in long smooth strokes, always in the direction of the grain. A thorough cleaning should take at least three to five minutes. The result is a much cleaner, lightly abraded surface.
Remove Scratches You’ll need to use steel wool or a Scotch-Brite pad with some level of abrasiveness in combination with a liquid polish or rubbing compound to remove scratches, such as a stainless-steel cleaner or an automotive chrome or metal polish . (Just be sure not to get Turtle Wax on your countertops, as it may erode them.) For deeper scratches, start with a scouring pad or a slightly coarser grade of steel wool (00 Fine or 0 Fine) and expect to repeat the process.
Add some cleaner to the steel wool and apply it over a large area, then begin to scrub in long strokes, taking care to reach all areas, especially corners and rims. The more even the strokes, the better the finish will look. The pad may turn grey or even black: it’s picking up metal from the sink as part of the smoothing process. Clean up as much of the residue as possible with dry paper towels; avoid rinsing it down the drain. The more time you spend, the smoother the sink will become. If scratches remain, repeat the process with a finer grade of steel wool and more polish. To get a more reflective finish, follow up with a metal or chrome polish and a cotton rag for at least three and up to 15 minutes. Clean up residue with Bar Keepers Friend and a wet paper towel.
Alternative Methods Cleaning and buffing kits are designed for use with a bench grinder or drill, but few are made specifically for sinks. A good kit includes polish formulated for stainless steel, plus sanding pads and soft buffing pads. Or: have the sink professionally sanded and buffed. Check references and make sure the pro you use has experience restoring metal and stainless-steel sinks.
Reviving a Stainless-Steel Sink
1: Before This sink is less than 10 years old, but it already shows moderate scratching and a drain that’s been rubbed so much, the brass is showing through.
2: Apply polish Rub the polishing agent on the sink in long, smooth strokes.
3: Remove debris Remove the worked polish with paper towels to keep it out of the sewage or septic system. The black debris is from fine metal particles that have actually been removed from the sink.
4: After The sink is much cleaner, and many of the scratches have visibly receded.
Refreshing Copper Patina
Most older copper sinks tend to mellow to a lovely coppery brown, but newer ones are a different story —sporting rings, unsightly amoeba-like spots, and high- and lowlights that are anything but attractive. To even out the appearance of the sink, try this method, recommended by Dino Rachiele of Rachiele Sinks
You’ll need:
a natural sea sponge, preferably with a random hole pattern
white vinegar
a spray bottle (optional)
An excellent choice for pantries then and now, copper sinks eventually mellow to a rich brown patina, which can be revived if it gets stained.
Dan Mayers
Clean the sink thoroughly with a degreasing detergent, such as Dawn . The sink must be completely free of grease or oil. Then clean with a mildly abrasive scouring pad, such as Scotch-Brite Dobie .
Spray or wet the sponge with vinegar. The sponge should be damp, but not wet enough to drip on the copper. Dab the damp sponge over all areas of the sink that need fresh patina. Try to avoid drip marks. Let dry and reapply three or four times. The copper should begin to turn green.
The copper sink in this late-19th-century pantry is still in good shape, even compared to the marble counter, which shows some staining and pitting.
When the sink is mostly green, wet the same sponge with water until thoroughly wetted, but not dripping wet. Rub gently over the dried patina for about five minutes. You will see a soapy-looking, pasty green. Let sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Add water to the sponge and go over the sink one more time. Rinse well. The patina should now be even. To keep the patina in good condition, dry the sink after each use.