Long-time glass sink creator and glass artist
Suzanne Guttman provides us with some valuable tips
on Glass sink care and maintenance. Suzanne has
been making glass vessel sinks for 7 years. During
the past 7 years she has created hundreds of hand
blown sinks that can be found in homes all over the
world. Suzanne is one of a dozen artists creating
glass sinks for SinksGallery.com customers, but one
of only two creating her beautiful sinks in the hot
glass method.
Durability -- Glass sinks are sturdy and most can
withstand temperature changes of up to 70 degrees
without breakage. However, users should avoid
pouring scalding hot water (over 120 degrees) into a
glass sink. The immediate temperature changes that
result cause “thermal shock” and may cause the glass
to crack or shatter. Once cracked, the entire glass
sink would need to be replaced.
Virtually all professionally made glass sinks are
resistant to small accident breakage, such as
dropping a brush or plastic bottle into the basin.
However, a heavy object can shatter a glass sink,
just as it would a porcelain sink. A contractor
should not install a glass sink where indoor
temperatures are unregulated, because wide
temperature variances can cause thermal shock and
breakage.
Care -- Glass sinks are tough enough to withstand
everyday wear and remain as beautiful as the day
they were purchased, when treated correctly. They
require no more special treatment than a standard
porcelain sink. When water spots occur, a solution
of vinegar and water will dissolve the spots.
Abrasive bathroom cleaners are not recommended.
Installation -- We recommend you use a professional
plumber to install these sinks. We have found that
the most common cause of breakage is during
installation. The drain on a glass vessel sink
should only be hand-tightened.Specifications -- Be
sure your artist has been creating glass sinks for a
long time and offers a warranty. A proper annealing
process and the correct glass are important
considerations. Sinks must maintain consistency in
thickness and they must not be flat on the bottom,
so as to prevent creating a well and retaining water
around the drain. They also must be drilled
correctly with a bevelled edge which allows the
drain to sit level with the glass.
