My sink prior to the one that was christened last night was a black Kohler 1 + 3/4 bowl sink. It was (and still is gorgeous). I didn't protect it right in the beginning and it got scratched from pots. So I emailed Kohler about what to use. Here is their response: For surface marks that you cannot feel with your fingernail (silver marks), please use Comet powder or gel (other products are too abrasive). Your pots and pans are softer than the enamel on the sink, so it's the pot material coming off on the sink. Wet sink, sprinkle w/Comet, let 'sit' for 10 minutes or so and scrub with a dishcloth or sponge. For stubborn marks, make a paste of the Comet and water and apply with a cork for leverage and grind in the paste. We also have a wonderful, very new cast iron cleaner that can be purchased by calling 1-800-4-KOHLER (8 oz. bottle, $5.90); it will eventually be available in the stores. Bleach water in a sink is not recommended; bleach causes enamel to become porous and the product will consequently soak up stains more easily. 50:50 vinegar and water solution (keep a sprayer handy) helps to break up calcification and water spots. If there are scratches that can be felt with the fingernail, likely there are rough pots and pans (Calphalon is one brand that admits having a very rough-bottomed style of cookware - or stoneware dishes - or even a favorite coffee cup) with rough undersides that could cause scratching if the basins are not protected (protective accessories are available for each sink and we recommend their use). In this case, we would recommend automotive polishing compound followed by an application of paste wax and getting protective accessories to prevent further problems. You can also visit our website as follows: http://www.us.kohler.com/tech/cast_iron.jsp (I did the automotive wax, polishing stuff--it really did a nice job!)

I have the Rohl Allia you posted above. Before that, I had a Rohl Allia double bowl in my previous home. I have had the current sink for over 6years. No crazing at all. There is one chip from dropping a drill in it but you can barely see the chip and it has never bothered me. I have a sink grid that I purchased about three years ago. I can do with or without a grid. I love the location of the drain in this sink and agree with others that a drain in the center is not always preferred. I also have a Waterstone faucet. I posted in the thread linked about. Although the faucet is made in the US, it is made of parts from all over the world. I had a Grohe Ladylux before and loved it. I also like my Waterstone faucet but would not pay more than the Grohe for it. Good luck!

Maybe just consider my kitchen officially broken in. I wouldn't give up yet! I understand cleaning paint brushes with a wire brush - I do that, but not in your kitchen sink! Utility sink perhaps, or outside at a water hose is far the preferred method, especially since it was not you doing it. I do think you should call a professional resurfacer, get a price, have them explain the details of the procedure, and tell the contractor who you want to have it fixed unless he has a pro do it. You scratching it versus someone who doesn't own it are two different things. Also, we're getting a couple Whitehaven's, as well as the sink grids, and I intend to buy some of those suction mats for the sides for when we clean our cast iron items (I use cast iron frequently).

Well the trim on the front of the sink won't let it slide down and the fact that the sink is deeper than the apron means it wouldn't slide forward without destroying the cabinet front. However it is in an island, it would be easiest to remove the countertop and pull it out. Of course that means pulling out the garbage disposal and faucet. Its all doable even by us (with some additional muscle for moving the countertop) just not worth it to us yet unless it gets much worse. I found a light cured acrylic surface repair kit. (It can be used on porcelain, ceramic, marble but its acrylic.) Its worth it to me to try this first especially because that's a spot that's usually covered. DH did agree with you all that we should probably go ahead and get the replacement, but we're not in a hurry to switch it out yet. We've still got lots of work ahead of us in this kitchen yet. Here's a picture of the front of the island right after the countertop went on.