Modern kitchen design increasingly emphasizes texture and aesthetics, leading many to choose PVD stainless steel sinks with their high-quality coating. Compared to traditional silver stainless steel sinks, PVD coloring allows for more stylish colors such as black, gold, gray, and copper.
However, one of the most pressing concerns for consumers is: Will PVD stainless steel sinks scratch?
This is a crucial question because stainless steel sinks are frequently used kitchen appliances, subjected to repetitive daily actions such as washing pots and pans, washing vegetables, placing utensils, and rinsing.
If a PVD sink is easily scratched, even the most beautiful sink will cause future problems.
This article will systematically analyze the core question, "Will PVD stainless steel sinks scratch?" from multiple perspectives to help you fully understand the scratch resistance of PVD stainless steel sinks.
What is a PVD stainless steel sink?
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a process of applying physical vapor deposition to the surface of a stainless steel surface. In a vacuum environment, metal ions or ceramic materials are physically deposited onto the surface of stainless steel to form an extremely thin but extremely hard protective layer.
Why add a PVD coating?
The purposes of adding a PVD coating to a stainless steel sink include:
• Increasing surface hardness
• Enhancing wear resistance
• Improving corrosion resistance
• Achieving a beautiful and stable color
• Improving surface feel and gloss
Therefore, the PVD coating itself is not only a decorative layer but also a performance layer, providing a dual enhancement to the stainless steel sink.
Will a PVD-coated stainless steel sink get scratched?
Answer: Yes, but not easily.
While the PVD coating does improve the surface hardness and wear resistance of the stainless steel sink, it still cannot completely prevent scratches. In other words:
• It is not easily scratched under normal use
• However, improper handling and strong friction can still cause scratches.
Why does this happen?
This is because:
• Even with a hardened PVD coating, it doesn't achieve complete resistance to damage from sharp objects.
• Frequent contact with metal utensils is unavoidable in kitchen use.
• Impacts from sharp knives and heavy objects can still damage the surface structure.
Therefore, PVD stainless steel sinks are more scratch-resistant than ordinary stainless steel sinks, but not "scratch-free."
Are PVD stainless steel sinks more scratch-resistant than ordinary stainless steel sinks?
The answer is clear: more scratch-resistant, but not absolutely.
Compared to traditional untreated stainless steel sinks, the PVD coating has significant advantages:
Comparison Items | Standard Stainless Steel Sink | PVD Stainless Steel Sink |
| Surface Hardness | Medium (easily scratched) | Several times more scratch-resistant |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Superior |
| Abrasion Resistance | Average | Good |
| Color Stability | Silver (single color) | Multiple colors (black, gold, bronze, etc.) and more durable |
| Fingerprint Resistance | Average | Significantly improved |
Therefore, theoretically, PVD stainless steel sinks are less prone to scratches in daily use than ordinary stainless steel sinks.
However, it must be emphasized that no metal surface can be completely scratch-free, and PVD is no exception.
What causes PVD stainless steel sinks to scratch?
Understanding the causes of scratches is crucial for making stainless steel sinks more durable.
1. Sharp Metal Contact
Direct contact with sharp objects such as knife tips, scissors, and metal pot bottoms will damage the PVD surface.
2. High-Frequency Friction
Repeated pushing and pulling of cookware or moving heavy metal utensils in the sink will cause minor scratches.
3. Improper Cleaning Tools
The following items are not suitable for PVD stainless steel sinks:
• Steel wool
• Metal brushes
• Sandpaper-like cleaning pads
These items are extremely hard and will directly damage the surface.
4. Strong Acid and Alkali Cleaners
These may corrode or soften the coating structure, making the surface more susceptible to scratches.
5. Heavy Impacts
Drops of heavy cookware from a height will cause dents or peeling.
How hard is the PVD coating? How scratch-resistant is it?
PVD coatings typically have:
• A surface hardness of HV1800–HV2500
• Significantly higher than the base stainless steel (HV200–HV300)
This means it can withstand most everyday frictions, such as:
• Gentle placement of water cups
• Washing vegetables and fruits
• Light placement of cookware
• Unintentional bumps from handheld utensils
However, it cannot withstand extreme scratches.
In other words:
PVD stainless steel sinks are suitable for everyday kitchen use, exhibiting durability, but are not suitable for use as cutting boards or metal worktops.
Are scratches noticeable on PVD stainless steel sinks?
The visual appearance of scratches is related to color:
• Scratches are more noticeable on black and dark gray sinks
• They are less noticeable on lighter colors such as gold and bronze
• Brushed surfaces are more aesthetically pleasing than mirror surfaces and do not show scratches.
Scratches on dark-colored PVD stainless steel sinks are particularly noticeable due to the strong color contrast.
How to prevent scratches on PVD stainless steel sinks?
To ensure the beauty and lifespan of your stainless steel sink, please follow these methods:
1. Use a sink protector
Recommended:
• PVC sink mat
• Rubber scratch-resistant mat
• Metal mesh mat (with adhesive layer)
These reduce scratches from cookware friction.
2. Do not cut vegetables or chop bones directly in the sink
Knife blades can directly scratch the PVD surface.
3. Avoid using steel wool
Never use steel wool to clean stainless steel sinks, even ordinary sinks.
4. Choose a neutral detergent
Do not use cleaning solutions containing chlorine, strong acids, or strong alkalis.
5. Use a soft sponge or cloth for cleaning
This will not damage the coating and will maintain its shine.
6. Avoid impacts from heavy cookware to the sink
If the sink has a cushioning pad at the bottom, it can significantly reduce impact damage.
By following these methods, the lifespan of your PVD stainless steel sink will be greatly extended.
Can a PVD stainless steel sink be repaired if it's scratched?
This is a common concern among consumers.
1. Minor Scratches
They are usually not fully repairable, but can be minimized by:
• Gently rubbing with a polishing cloth
• Using a metallic polish
• Using a specialized stainless steel surface repair paste
2. Deep Scratches
They are almost impossible to repair because:
• The coating is only a few micrometers thick
• Once scratched through, the color layer is destroyed
• Repairing them is far more difficult than with ordinary stainless steel sinks
This is especially true for dark-colored PVD stainless steel sinks.
Therefore, prevention is more important than repair.
Are PVD stainless steel sinks suitable for high-frequency kitchen use?
From a material perspective, they are very suitable.
Reasons include:
• High surface hardness
• Strong corrosion resistance
• Easy to clean
• Good color retention
• Withstands most kitchen conditions
However, proper use is essential to avoid extreme abrasion.
In short:
As long as you don't use it as a work surface or cutting board, a PVD stainless steel sink will maintain its good condition for a long time.
Why do some people feel that PVD stainless steel sinks are not scratch-resistant?
The main reason is improper use:
• Cutting food directly in the sink
• Cleaning with steel wool
• Dropping pots and pans heavily
• Using corrosive cleaning solutions
• Roughly dragging hard metal objects
These behaviors accelerate scratch formation.
It's not a quality issue with the sink itself, but rather the coating's characteristics that prevent it from withstanding extreme friction.
Are PVD stainless steel sinks more durable than spray-painted or electroplated sinks?
Answer: Yes.
In comparison:
Process | Is it prone to fading? | Is it easily scratched? | Environmental friendliness | Adhesion |
| Spraying | Prone to fading | Easily scratched | Average | Medium |
| Electroplating | May fade | Medium scratch resistance | Medium | High |
| PVD Coating | Not prone to fading | Higher scratch resistance | High | Very High |
Therefore, PVD stainless steel sinks offer the best scratch resistance among similar coloring processes.
Can PVD stainless steel sinks get scratched?
• Yes, but less prone to scratching than regular stainless steel sinks.
• Scratches are not easily formed with normal use.
• Sharp metal, strong friction, and improper cleaning methods are the main sources of scratches.
PVD stainless steel sinks are a beautiful, durable, and high-end kitchen choice, provided they are used properly and protected from friction by hard objects and improper cleaning methods.
What role does design play in Higold’s products?
Design is at the core of Higold’s success. With over 500 patents and multiple Red Dot awards, our ODM sinks are not only functional but also stylish and modern. Buyers seeking brand differentiation can purchase unique designs at factory prices. Wholesale distributors can leverage these innovative designs to gain market advantages while still benefiting from low prices and high-quality supply.
