Hot metal filings have scored porcelain sink

So, I'm installing a cabinet above a bathroom sink. The metal bracket was too long so I use the cut-off wheel on my grinder to cut it shorter. To my shock and dismay, I look down to see the sink is marked with tiny scorch marks from the metal fillings. I can feel them, I can see them, but they won't come off. Have they melted into the porcelain, or is there a removal process I'm not aware of? Please help.

Hi, Allan.

I'm about as shocked at you are. Can't believe such sparks (which hardly even burn the skin) can damage a porcelain sink. You're sure that this is real porcelain (fired porcelain frit on iron or steel), not a fiberglass imitation?

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

Well I would tap it with a spoon edge and if it goes "tink tink" its probably porcelain with some sort of plastic coating and I have no idea what to do beyond getting a new sink or living with it. If it goes "tunk tunk" its probably plastic. Either way I don't think there is much you can do. I do find it rather odd that someone would put a plastic coating on porcelain though. If its plastic and you paid for a porcelain sink you might take it up with the people you bought it from.

Thanks for the feedback. Your comments make perfect sense. Checking with the owner, the 'porcelain' sink is only valued at $80, so I'm thinking it's a "thunk, thunk" not a "clink, clink".

Going to get a new sink...maybe use this scared one for a food dish for a big dog!

Thanks again.

Allan