Care and Maintenance of Zinc Countertops pdf

There’s no countertop material quite like zinc. Sourced as pure 100% zinc sheet — not zinc-coated steel, not a composite — our zinc countertops are the real thing: a living, breathing metal surface that evolves beautifully over time. Zinc is one of the few materials you can bring into your home that will actually become more beautiful with age, developing a rich natural patina that is completely unique to each top and the environment it lives in.

As zinc interacts with air, water, and everyday use, it slowly transforms — softening from its original bright silver tone into deep, moody grey hues, with subtle variation across the surface that no two kitchens or bars will ever share exactly. This isn’t wear. This is character. This is zinc doing what zinc does best.

We use premium 16-gauge (.062″) pure zinc sheet, fabricated and finished by hand in our suburban Chicago shop. These are countertops built to last a lifetime — and to get better looking every year they’re in use.

Finishes — Applied by Hand in Our Shop

Every zinc countertop we make is finished by hand. We offer three distinct looks, and samples are available upon request:

• Natural Matte Finish — The zinc is hand-finished with an orbital sander using 220-grit sandpaper, leaving a smooth, clean surface with a soft, understated sheen. This is where your zinc’s patina journey begins — over time it will gradually deepen and shift in color naturally on its own.
• Light Patina Finish — A hand-applied treatment that gently jumpstarts the patina process, giving your top a subtly aged, soft grey appearance from day one. It’s the perfect middle ground between fresh and weathered — sophisticated without being overdone.
• Dark Patina Finish — A hand-applied treatment that deepens the patina process, producing a rich, darkened surface with dramatic, moody grey tones. It’s the same process as our Light Patina, taken further — for those who want a more aged, weathered look right from the start.

Material — 16 gauge (.062″) pure zinc sheet, 100% zinc — sourced from overseas, not zinc-coated steel

Why Pure Zinc Matters

Not all zinc countertops are created equal. Many products on the market use zinc-coated steel sheets — a compromise that affects both the look and longevity of the patina. We source pure 100% zinc sheet from overseas, which means the patina you see is genuine: it develops evenly, naturally, and indefinitely. There’s no coating to wear through, no steel underneath to corrode. Just solid zinc, from surface to substrate — built to last a lifetime.

Learn more about our available materials and finishes to find the perfect option for your space. We offer on-site measurements, delivery, & installation for customers in the Chicago area. Final CAD drawings are sent to all customers for approval before fabrication Please contact us anytime with your custom zinc kitchen countertops request and we will get back to you promptly with a detailed quote and a factory-direct price!  Important details to provide an accurate quote are below.

Dimensions  –  Rough dimensions must be provided within a few inches.  Tops longer than 10′ must be made in 2 pieces and either welded together or left with a hairline seam.  Our experienced welders and finishers do seam welding that is second to none.  For a more cost effective setup we can leave the seam un-welded, and install hardware in the substrate to tighten the pieces together for a hairline seam.

Cut-outs  –  We can provide custom cutouts to accommodate sinks, ranges, and more.

Built-in Backsplash  –  Our seamless built-in backsplash typically rises 4″ – 6″ off the counter, and has a 3/4″ thick profile.

Edges & Corners  –  Simple eased straight edges are most common.  We can add rivets or other decorative nails around edges to give a more rustic industrial look.  Corners are welded & polished and have 1/8″ radius so they are not sharp.  Rounded corners with a larger radius can be quoted upon request.

Walls  –  For quoting purposes, it is important to note where walls are located so that we know which edges of the countertop need to be finished, and which will not be exposed.

Measurements, Delivery, & Installation  –   We offer on-site measurements, delivery, & installation for customers in the Chicago area for affordable prices.  Pricing will vary depending on customer location and size of countertop(s).  Final computer drawings are sent to all customers for approval before fabrication.

Shipping – For out-of-town customers, we can package and ship zinc bar countertops on a pallet via LTL Freight.

You may also check our custom stainless steel countertops for more durable and stylish options.