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Cleaning/restoring zinc countertop on Hoosier cabinet
Solid Zinc Sheet for Countertops, etc.
(not galvanized steel)
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Q. My hoosier style cupboard has zinc in poor condition too. There are breaks in the material on several edges. The surface is badly corroded and pitted. It appears that there is solid wood under the zinc. Would I seriously impact the value if I simply remove the zinc and polish the wood top? Otherwise, how would I go about repairing or replacing the zinc counter?
Mary LynnHobbyist - Chicago, Illinois
December 4, 2021
⇩ Closely related postings, oldest first ⇩
"Hoosier Cabinets"
by Philip D. Kennedy
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Q. Can anyone tell me how I can clean the zinc countertop of an old hoosier cabinet? Thanks so much.
Crystal Kautz- Pomeroy, Ohio
Q. I have exactly the same question. I just inherited a hoosier. The zinc countertop is stained with globs of paint, glue, and other stuff. How can I clean/restore it? Thanks.
Patrick Bosa- Exeter, New Hampshire
Q. How do I finish the countertop (tin?) of an antique Hoosier cabinet?
Marilyn Walt- Westville, Indiana
A. I found a FAQ on zinc countertops: Minor scratches and mineral streaking can be brushed with a household Scotchbrite pad. Deep scratches may be sanded through the grades up to 220 and buffed with the same pad. Use a circular pattern for a #4 finish or a straight line motion for a machine brush.
Dash Fab- Ann Arbor, Michigan
A. I work at a restaurant with a zinc bar and we use a metal polish called Flitz [adv: Flitz on eBay or Amazon] . It takes almost anything off from dark rings from glasses to oxidation.
Anna Zalner- Madison,Wisconsin, USA
June 29, 2010
Q. Hi, My name is CJ, I use my hoosier for counter space, and also have my microwave on it. A friend of mine told me the old zinc can give off poison toxins. Does anyone know if this is true?
Carrie Jo Jordanprofessional painter - Kenton, Ohio
July 8, 2008
"Indiana Cabinets:
including Hoosier, Sellers, McDougall, Napanee, etc."
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A. Hi, Carrie. Not to worry! Zinc is an essential micronutrient, not a toxin. People (apparently including the kitchen servants of the Vanderbilts) have used zinc countertops for many decades, and they have become fashionable once again. So, for counter space and a microwave, I think your zinc-topped hoosier cabinet is ideal; enjoy it :-)
Your friend's concern relates to welding zinc plated materials, because welding generates a temperature of thousands of degrees and can vaporize the zinc into a cloud which can be inhaled and cause "metal fume fever" through a massive overdose of zinc even though it is not a toxin. It's also true though that zinc is not really considered a "food-safe surface" because acidic foods can dissolve the zinc. For example, it is considered inadvisable to slice tomatoes on this surface. Still, lots of people use it, and most people don't slice anything, let alone acidic foods directly on their countertop anyway.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
How to repair zinc countertop on vintage Hoosier cabinet
Q. Inherited my Great Grandmother's Hoosier cabinet (manufactured by Wilson?). Planning to restore, and have noticed the original zinc countertop is corroded/eroded in a roughly 6" inch area. The area is rather deeply 'pitted' I would say, but not all the way through to the wood base. The pitted area is almost fibrous, and I am looking to either stabilize that area to seal from further damage, or even fill and smooth to retain a vintage look. Any ideas as to best way to stabilize or re-fill? Thanks very much.
Phil Gabbard- Pasadena, Texas
July 9, 2020
A. I had the same issue with my Sellers Hoosier. Tried everything. Spots were really bad because of hard water in the house. Tried everything with no luck. Finally I tried Zoom Lime Away [on eBay or Amazon] . Worked perfectly! Only drawback is that it will leave lighter areas on the metal which does not look that well against the original patina. Would suggest that you wipe it around the top to even out the discoloration. Finish with lemon oil. You may want to try vinegar [in bulk on eBay or Amazon] first to see if that works before going to the strong stuff.
Frank Iezzi- Wallingford, Connecticut
June 11, 2021
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