I wrote this in the other post (rmkitchen updates) so I'm just copying it over here gglks -- the paint is Aura (Benjamin Moore) Frappe, AF-85. I have to say I haven't noticed any fingerprints on the sink ... but there are water spots (inside and on the rim). But of course, those just wipe right up with a sponge (when I'm so inclined, ha ha!) I'm not a belt-wearer but my husband is, but we also haven't noticed any scratching on the outside of the sink. I just went and double-checked: no fingerprints, no scratches. There are some scratches on the bottom of the (interior of) the sink and, as I wrote, water spots, but other than that, nothing. And I only noticed the scratches because I was just now really looking for blemishes. The sink is Bates and Bates Farmhouse 12 Gauge Satin Stainless Sink.

good luck Missi. I would address the spots quickly. I see that the new ones that appear come off rather easily with a lemon and baking soda followed by a microfiber cloth. I went back over the heavier marks with barkeepers friend and microfiber and many of them came up... I'd be careful with barkeepers friend, though, as it did remove my finish on a few spots -- I may have wet the cloth too much with it. But I would also try the cleaner vinmark suggested. I feel a lot better knowing I can change that sink out if I find the right person to do it so I'm not as upset as I was before. I had a Franke, Dawn and Kohler -- this is all new to me. Never again with Amazon or overstock for me on anything I need to last. My lesson learned.

My Shaws sink is 10 years old. I had the white grid for about 8 years. Some of the white material starting coming off and it starting rusting in those spots. It did show discoloration. I used bleach about once a month (very dilute) in the sink and that cleaned it up pretty well. I just recently felt it was time to replace the grid and got a new SS one from Amazon. I thought the SS would solve all of the problems. It still gets "gunky" at the intersections. A blackish gunk. So it has to be cleaned frequently as well. The alternative is no grid which is not a good alternative. I didn't have a grid for the first couple years and the bottom of the sink got a few chips. White looks better imho. As far as wear and care...its six of one and half dozen of another.

Elkay: In case you didn't believe this is a retrofit, here is a "before" picture. The new cutout has bisected the grinder slot that held the sink clip. That's the arc that is filled with stone and color matched adhesive. The plug in the front is the reinforcement rod slot having been ground back and filled. Not bad. I never point these out to the homeowner; once you do, she can never "unsee" them. Run this thread past your technical guys, please. I can't wait to hear the "It can't be done." The secret? Because the bowl is deeper than the apron, you have to tap the cabinet front off. If you put the sink in, you can't get the cabinet front back on. If you put the cabinet front on, you can't get the sink in. You partially put the sink in place, partially put the cabinet front back on, more sink, more cabinet front, until you're done. I never use your provided clips; all my retrofits are strapped in place. Throw a couple of Sink Straps from Regent Stone Products in the box instead, please. Keep making these please. They are moneymakers and the customers love them. Just under 3K.