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Staining of zinc countertop

I purchased a large custom zinc countertop 3 months ago for a kitchen remodel. It came with a "patina" finish (despite asking for a non-patina finish) The original finish was grayish, almost with a green or blue-green tint. It has held up ok with exception of the area around the sink which has become stained by the water and soap. It has a very " oxidized"almost crusty look to the staining. The company feels the patina is staining. Question is is there a chemical way to remove the patina and restore a silver, silver-gray look that is non-shiny? Is there a way to remove and prevent the staining? I have used 0000 #0000 steel wool ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and while this seems to remove the patina (in an uneven manner) it doesn't seem to be getting the staining out. Appreciate any help, JIM

Jim Dowd
homeowner - Virginia Beach, VA, USA
February 16, 2009

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First of two simultaneous responses --

Zinc is probably the least practical material that you could use. High pH like some cleaners will dissolve the surface and low pH like fruit juice and tomato juice will also dissolve it. It WILL oxidize if not coated with a good clearcoat. IE: it will look like an old galvanized building.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
February 18, 2009

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

5%sulfuric acid must remove staining or patina (when OK neutralize with baking soda [in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] solution and then rinse well with water). Probably is colour protected with some sort of clearcoat, in that case you must remove it first. Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Zagreb
February 18, 2009