Acrylic kitchen sinks pros cons [2023]

Acrylic kitchen sinks are considered a popular addition to any kitchen, and for plenty of good reasons. They are durable, easy to clean and look great. They also have several practical advantages over other types of sinks. But is it really that perfect? Is there anything you should know before investing in one?

Here are the key points to keep in mind when it comes to acrylic kitchen sinks:

• Acrylic kitchen sinks are popular for being durable, easy to clean, and looking good.
• When considering an acrylic sink, look for a scratch-resistant finish, like satin or polished, and a color that will match your kitchen.
• Acrylic sinks are made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) mixed with colorants, resulting in a durable, scratch-resistant material.
• Acrylic is a synthetic polymer that is more durable than other plastics and somewhat more resistant to heat, impact, and chemicals.
• Cleaning acrylic sinks is easy, but it’s essential to use the correct cleaning products and not use soaps and detergents that contain bleaches or ammonia.
• Pros of acrylic sinks include: durability, lightweight, easy to clean, rust-free, easy to install, and budget-friendly.
• Cons of acrylic sinks include: breakability if not taken care of properly, potential to cause leaks if plastic touches metal, prone to scratches, incompatible with petroleum-based materials, and can be damaged by heat and chemical cleaners.
• Common issues with acrylic sinks include: stains or discoloration, chipping or cracking, and warping.

Now, we’ll look at some of the pros and cons of acrylic kitchen sinks and provide all the information you may need before deciding. So, keep on reading!

Acrylic Sink Features

The best acrylic sink is not just pretty. It’s also durable, easy to clean, and stain resistant. Here are some features you should look for when considering an acrylic sink:

Color options

Acrylic sinks come in various colors, but only some are scratch resistant. If your acrylic sink is exposed to high-traffic areas, like the kitchen sink or bathroom vanity, look for a scratch-resistant finish like satin or polished.

Durability

The durability of acrylic is why many prefer it over other materials. It can withstand high temperatures, especially if it is thick enough to prevent warping or cracking.

Lightweight

Acrylic is lightweight, which makes it easy to install on your own or with help from a friend. It’s much lighter than glass and won’t break as easily if dropped on the floor or countertop.

Affordable

It’s affordable compared to other materials like granite and marble. You’ll find that prices vary depending on size and style, but they’re still less expensive than other materials like wood or metal.

Acrylic Kitchen Sink Material

Acrylic is one of the most common materials used to manufacture kitchen sinks. It is highly durable and does not stain as quickly as other materials such as porcelain or stainless steel.

What are acrylic sinks made of?

Acrylic kitchen sinks are made from a type of plastic called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is mixed with colorants to create the sink’s final finish.

The colorant can be added in its liquid form or mixed with the resin before it is poured into the mold. The result is a durable, scratch-resistant material that’s easy to clean and maintain

Is acrylic plastic?

Acrylic is a synthetic polymer made from the monomer’s acrylic acid and ethyl methacrylate. It’s commonly used to manufacture paints, adhesives, and plastics. Acrylic is an inexpensive, lightweight plastic that can be colored to look like glass or other materials.

Although acrylic is a plastic, it is much more durable than most other plastics. It has a high resistance to heat, impact, and chemicals, making it ideal for use in the kitchen.

Are acrylic kitchen sinks durable?

Yes, acrylic kitchen sinks are durable and long-lasting. Since, they’re made from acrylic and fiberglass, they’re pretty tough and solid. Acrylic is one of the strongest plastics available today.

In addition, as this material is resistant to scratches and stains, it’s perfect for homes with kids or pets.

Are acrylic sinks easy to clean?

Yes, you can clean acrylic kitchen sinks easily, and this is actually one of its many plus points. You will find acrylic sinks in various colors, sizes, and styles. However, to keep your sink looking its best, it’s essential to know how to clean it properly.

How do you clean an acrylic kitchen sink?

Cleaning acrylic sinks is easy and a little effort from your side will make it look like new. Ideally, you should follow a simple cleaning routine after each use.

The most crucial step in cleaning acrylic sinks is using the correct cleaning products. Acrylics are sensitive to soaps and detergents that contain bleaches or ammonia. These products can damage the finish on your sink and cause it to cloud or fade over time.

Alternatively, use mild dish soap and warm water to clean your acrylic sinks. Wipe away any food residue from the surface using paper towels or cloths dampened with soapsuds before rinsing thoroughly with water.

If you’ve still got some tough stains on your acrylic sink, try using a paste made of baking soda and water. Wait for a good thirty minutes before wiping the paste away with a damp cloth or paper towel.

Pros of acrylic sinks

Some nominal pros of acrylic sinks are as follows:

• Durable
• Lightweight
• Easy to clean
• They don’t cause rust
• Easy to install
• Budget-friendly

Cons of acrylic sink

Acrylic sink drawbacks are:

• Easily breakable if not cared for correctly
• When plastic touches sink metal, it can cause leaks
• They get scratches pretty quickly
• Incompatible with petroleum-based materials
• Heat damage
• Chemical cleaners can destroy acrylic easily

What May Cause problems for Your Sink?

If you have an acrylic kitchen sink, you may want to be proactive by knowing the problematic areas beforehand. Here are some of the most common issues that people encounter:

Stains or discoloration – Acrylic sinks can get stained if you keep them dirty for long time. Especially acidic substances like lemon juice and vinegar can etch them.

Chipping – It will likely chip or crack if you drop something heavy on it. If this happens, contact a professional to repair or replace your sink as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Scratches – You can get scratches in your sink by repeatedly banging pans against it or putting them in the dishwasher. This will make cleaning difficult, so try using a soft cloth instead of steel wool when cleaning your acrylic sink so that you do not scratch it too much.

Why do You need to choose the Right Kitchen Sink Material?

The sink is an integral part of your kitchen. It is where you wash dishes and clean up after cooking.

Having a sink that will last for years and stand up to daily use is essential. There are several different sinks available but picking one that is equal parts stylish and functional is kind of tricky.

So, here are my tried and tested tips on choosing a good material for your kitchen sink:

• Consider your style
• Prefer durability
• Consider your budget and the cost of the sink
• Material can make or break your deal
• Proper size and depth

Alternative kitchen sink materials

As you may already know, there are lots of different materials that can be used for the construction of sinks. This is partly because many people want to match their kitchen countertops or backsplashes, but there could be some other reasons too.

Have a look at some common alternatives to the standard acrylic kitchen sink:

Stainless steel sinks

If you’re looking for something simple and elegant, I’d suggest stainless steel sinks. These sinks come in many different styles, sizes, and finishes, and can fit almost any type of kitchen design scheme.

Also, the material is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to rust and corrosion. It’s also a good option if you’re looking for a low-maintenance sink that will last for years.

Cast iron sinks

These sinks look like stone without the maintenance required by natural stone. They’re incredibly durable but heavy—so much so that they must be anchored to studs in the wall or floor. Cast iron is also prone to dents and scratches unless adequately maintained.

Cost of Different Types of Sinks

If you’re remodeling your kitchen, you’ll have to decide what sink to install. The sink cost varies depending on the material, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay for each type:

What is the most durable material for a kitchen sink?

The most durable material for your sink is stainless steel. It has a long life and is resistant to scratches, dents, and rust.

The second-best material is porcelain enameled cast iron. It may be expensive than stainless steel but will last for decades without rusting or chipping.

In third place is cast iron with a vitreous glaze finish. This one can also last for years without chipping or cracking, but its porous surface can develop stains over time if not maintained properly.

How do I get scratches out of my acrylic sink?

The surface of acrylic is sensitive to damage and scratches. However, there are many ways to remove scratches from acrylic sinks:

• The first method uses an abrasive material like sandpaper or a metal file. You can also use a buffer with a soft cloth to buff out the scratch. If you have a scratch on the surface of your sink, try rubbing it gently with a piece of fine steel wool or emery cloth first, and then polish it using car wax or olive oil.
• Another way to remove scratches is toothpaste and baking soda paste. This paste can be used to clean any scratches in your acrylic sink and will leave it looking brand new again!

What is the difference between acrylic and composite sinks?

Acrylic is the most common material for sinks.  Compared to composite, it’s cheaper and non-porous, so cleaning is a breeze if done regularly.

Composite is much stronger than acrylic, but it’s more expensive too. This material will last longer than acrylic and is more resistant to scratches and heat damage. You’ll find them a bit heavier than acrylic ones, but they offer a better feel and look more attractive due to their natural color.

Choose The Best Sink For Your Kitchen Now

The acrylic kitchen sink is a beautiful and stylish looking sink with its complementary toughness. But still it’s not perfect, being prone to scratches, leakages, and heat damage.

Now the ball is in your court as we’ve detailed the best and worst sides of acrylic kitchen sinks. If you can cope with their negative side, go ahead and have an acrylic sink installed in your kitchen. Otherwise, you can go for stainless steel or cast-iron sinks as per your preference.