10- Maintenance for your zinc tops? The commitment after the sale.

Demonstrating to customers that self-maintenance of the product is possible and that manufacturers are there to provide support after the sale is a major issue facing the industry.

On one hand, the perception of this product as a surface at the higher end of the cost spectrum is alluring to some who see the inherent work that goes into creating these stunning products and the resulting value created for the customer.  On the other hand, this cost can cause some to pause when looking for ways to address surface concerns.  They are too scared to take advantage of a major advantage this product has over stainless- it’s ability to be easily touched up on site.

One of the values you’re purchasing with a zinc top is its potential to adapt its look on-site. If you’re so inclined, you can lighten or darken the patina  over the life of the product, and you can address spots that might seem problematic as the patina develops.

Even when comparing a sample from a manufacturer in your space, the final lighting package, time of year, and color from surrounding finishes can affect how your top will look.  It is a reflective surface, and I always stress that it will change looks with different conditions. Please know that these items can be tweaked by you, your staff, or a contractor without need for the manufacturer on site.

With this said, manufacturers should be using technology in the post-Covid world to help you address issues in real time.  If you have concerns about your top, manufacturers should accommodate ways to help you as you begin to navigate a program for maintenance.  What works for one space may not suit your particular setup.

Knowing that manufacturers will be around to demonstrate proper care for your top and to help answer questions about patina and maintenance is a large problem facing the industry.