Drop in sinks are designed to sit on top of the finished counter surface. Usually with the lip of the sink resting on the counter and the rest of the sink drops through a cutout in the countertop. But some are designed to sit on top of the counter.

Most modern drop in sinks are usually entirely made out of ceramic. Older ones though had porcelain baked onto cast iron.

Due to the ease of replacing the sink bowl, it is generally recommended to replace drop in sinks. But if you have a unique shape then refinishing may be your only option.

If your sink is cracked or rusted then replacing will likely be your only option.

Pedestal sinks come in two main styles. Single piece and two piece.

Single piece pedestal sinks are usually made out of ceramic and are more modern. Though older ones may be glazed porcelain.

Two piece pedestal sinks are often antique sinks. They are generally made of porcelain glazed over cast iron.

With two piece sinks it is possible for us to only glaze the top sink basin part, which is the section that often gets the most damage and ware.

When refinishing pedestal sinks, we must coat the inside and outside of the sink and pedestal because there are no seams that we could mask off.

The most common type of kitchen sinks that we refinish are glazed porcelain.

They can be undermounted or overmounted.

While we can refinish kitchen sinks, we usually recommend against it. As the refinishing coatings do not last long against the use of hard and sharp objects. But if you have an undermounted kitchen sink, then refinishing may be your only cost effective solution.

Another more modern kitchen sink is made out of Corian. Often formed directly into the kitchen countertop. While we can resurface Corian. We would have to coat the entire kitchen counter along with the sink if it is a one piece item.

If your sink is cracked and you can see the crack on both the inside and underside of the sink, then we recommend replacing instead.

If you are looking at having to replace your kitchen sink especially due to damaged caused by normal use. The most durable and easy to maintain material is stainless steel. While it may not have the same elegant look as porcelain. Stainless steel will be able to withstand the occasional dropped utensil and rigorous scrubbing of heavy pots and pans without chipping.

While not all farms sinks are truly antiques, even the modern ones are designed to have the rustic, antique look.

Original antique farm sinks are made of porcelain over cast iron. But the modern ones are usually ceramic.

Antique farm sinks often have a wash board formed into the sink on one or both sides. But some were made more as an undermount sink or were designed with a tall front lip and the kitchen countertop was cut out to fit the sink.

While refinishing these sinks is not ideal, because the refinishing coating will not be as durable as the original glazed surface. These sinks are fairly rare and finding replacements can be painstaking. So refinishing your antique farm sink can keep the rustic look without breaking your bank.

Utility sinks are often made of glazed porcelain. Though some are also made of acrylic or plastic or even stainless steel.

These sinks often get hard use, especially with harsh chemicals. So refinishing may not be your best option. However if you are easy on your utility sink then refinishing it can get the sink looking fresher and cleaner for a fraction of the cost.