Zinc has recently become a popular table top option for residential and commercial use. People are choosing to install zinc sheets as table tops for their interesting looks and antibacterial properties, making them perfect for preparing or eating food. However, many are wondering just how durable zinc table tops are.
Zinc table tops are extremely durable choices for your kitchen and dining room. Whether you will use them to prepare food or not, zinc table tops are easy to clean and can last you well over 100 years if properly cared for. Just keep in mind that they can be stained and scratched easily.
Keep reading to learn more about just how durable zinc table tops are. In the end, we’ll cover some ways in which you can keep your table top in good shape.
Are Zinc Table Tops Easily Damaged?
Zinc table tops are not easily damaged. They are prone to small scratches and stains but prove remarkably sturdy beyond cosmetic damages. As a “live metal” surface, zinc will create a patina after exposure to the environment. Patina is normal and not damaging to the zinc table top.
Zinc table tops are more interesting than your run-of-the-mill granite countertop or even wooden countertops.
As a “living metal,” zinc will react and interact with its environment.
This means that a zinc table top will change in color, smell, and appearance when it comes into contact with other substances.
The resulting film is known as patina, which can be removed, polished, or left alone.
Normally, it takes between 6 and 12 months for a patina to form, depending on the environmental conditions.
Do Zinc Table Tops Stain?
Zinc table tops can stain very easily. Even a small puddle of water can leave a permanent stain on a zinc table top. Zinc also forms a natural patina that gives the tabletop a blue-gray stain finish. Opt for a zinc table top only if you like the look of stained zinc table tops.
Let’s be honest: zinc table tops are not for neat freaks.
Although they have antibacterial and antifungal properties, zinc tabletops tend to look very dirty.
That’s because of how easily they stain and how hard it is to get the stains out.
The good news is that zinc is non-porous, so a damp cloth and soapy water are all you need to clean a zinc sheet.
This will leave your zinc table top clean and ready to use but won’t erase any stains. In fact, it may even make them worse.
With that said, you should know what you’re getting into when buying a zinc sheet as a table top.
If you’re comfortable with the added layer of personality that stains will give to your zinc table top, you have nothing to worry about.
If you’re buying brand new zinc sheets but want to get that stained look sooner, you can even buy liquid patina for zinc online, like this Novacan Black Patina For Zinc from Amazon.
Do Zinc Table Tops Scratch Easily?
Zinc table tops are easily scratched because zinc is a soft metal. Avoid cutting food directly on the zinc table top, and always use placemats when eating on it.
Zinc table tops have become common in kitchens and dining rooms for their antibacterial and antifungal properties, but that does not mean that you can dice onions or cut a steak right on the table top.
When preparing and eating food on a zinc table top, you should always use cutting boards, placemats, and plates.
As with stains, you should plan on seeing a few scratches and nicks on your table top as it ages.
This is normal, and you should try to embrace it as its rustic charm instead of trying to fight it.
How to Protect a Zinc Table Top
Caring for zinc table tops can be more complicated than a regular granite table top. With that said, just following a few simple tips will guarantee that your zinc table top stays in good shape for a very long time.
Follow these tips to protect your zinc table top:
- Only use soapy water and a cloth to clean your table top. Avoid using stronger cleaners full of chemicals that could cause a reaction from the zinc.
- Avoid chopping or using any utensil directly on the zinc. As a soft metal, zinc can be damaged pretty easily.
- Do not place hot dishes or appliances directly on the zinc. Anything above 300ºF (149ºC) can irreparably damage your zinc table top.
If you follow these tips above, you should expect your zinc table top to last decades. Just get used to the stains and a few scratches, and you’ll enjoy a table top with a personality for a long time.
Key Takeaways
Zinc table tops are very sturdy and can last longer than 100 years if properly cared for.
However, that doesn’t mean that they will be pristine throughout their lifetime.
Zinc is a dynamic material that easily changes when it comes into contact with other substances.
Thus, you should expect your table top to change in appearance within a few months.
Once you get used to the zinc table top’s personality, you’ll be able to enjoy it for a long time!
