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Hot metal filings have scored porcelain sink

So, I'm installing a cabinet above a bathroom sink. The metal bracket was too long so I use the cut-off wheel on my grinder to cut it shorter. To my shock and dismay, I look down to see the sink is marked with tiny scorch marks from the metal fillings. I can feel them, I can see them, but they won't come off. Have they melted into the porcelain, or is there a removal process I'm not aware of? Please help.

Allan Albrecht
Handyman - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
September 15, 2011

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Hi, Allan.

I'm about as shocked at you are. Can't believe such sparks (which hardly even burn the skin) can damage a porcelain sink. You're sure that this is real porcelain (fired porcelain frit on iron or steel), not a fiberglass imitation?

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
September 15, 2011

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Well I would tap it with a spoon edge and if it goes "tink tink" its probably porcelain with some sort of plastic coating and I have no idea what to do beyond getting a new sink or living with it. If it goes "tunk tunk" its probably plastic. Either way I don't think there is much you can do. I do find it rather odd that someone would put a plastic coating on porcelain though. If its plastic and you paid for a porcelain sink you might take it up with the people you bought it from.

Rod Henrickson
gunsmith - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
September 16, 2011

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September 20, 2011

Thanks for the feedback. Your comments make perfect sense. Checking with the owner, the 'porcelain' sink is only valued at $80, so I'm thinking it's a "thunk, thunk" not a "clink, clink".

Going to get a new sink...maybe use this scared one for a food dish for a big dog!

Thanks again.

Allan

Allan Albrecht
- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada