We hand-hammer and hand-emboss pure 16 gauge copper (1.5mm) to make these artful sinks. To make the finish functional and durable, each piece is ultrasonically cleaned, then sprayed with a clear lacquer. The lacquer is then heat-bonded at extremely high temperatures, which enables it to last and last. The result is a hard, enduring barrier against acids, oxidation and other unsightly effects that would otherwise shorten the life and effect the beauty of the sink.