![]() Robust construction is essential to make sure the sink does not flex. In the previous post titled “NOT THE KITCHEN SINK” we showed what it took to build a large darkroom sink from wood. This is my favorite construction technique and allows me to build a very functional sink to any size required. What most do is build their own sink, typically from wood. Just be forewarned, you are looking at a serious amount of money. You can even have a stainless sink custom fabricated. The question is, to buy, or to build? Certainly, if you have deep pockets, you can buy a commercial stainless steel sink. ![]() Once you become a serious darkroom worker you will eventually want a real darkroom sink with running water. JB Posted by JB Harlin in Darkroom, How-To, Photography Note, that the Vinyl does stain when exposed to some chemicals, like Amidol and Pyro, but it has remained flexible and I would not hesitate to recommend it to replace those old, warped wooden Duck Boards.įor more information about Dri-Dek® click HERE. Water easily runs through and under the lattice work, it protects the sink floor, and it provides a soft, yet firm surface on which to work. We installed Dri-Dek® in our sink two years ago and it has been an excellent investment. This is a soft, flexible Vinyl that is perfect for the floor of a darkroom sink. ![]() It comes in 12” interlocking squares or rolls. Then I found something even better.ĭri-Dek® is sold as an anti-fatigue flooring for use in commercial work areas such as industrial manufacturing or commercial kitchens. I have constructed and used the usual wooden Duck Boards for years. I have heard of people using plastic lighting grids or plastic rods in the sink, but I have never tired them. These work well, they protect the sink, and allow water to drain, but wood is hard to waterproof and keep from warping. It has been a common practice to construct wooden Duck Boards for the bottom of the darkroom sink. Since I will be processing in trays my sink will perform only as a large work surface with easy cleanup drainage, it will never be used to flood or retain large volumes of chemistry at once.If you build you own darkroom sink or use a commercially available unit, you need something to protect the floor of the sink from scratches and abrasions. ![]() What I might end up doing is sealing the entire sink with concrete sealer in grey because I like the color and then coating the entire thing again in clear fiberglass resin which is also a popular coating. It seems like the west marine coating is the most popular though somewhat expensive. Thanks for the rest of the comment, I will continue to search for the best coatings. I did become a bit peeved with your first line as it added no value to your otherwise well formed and respectfully phrased response. Shooting photos is where I spend the least amount of time, processing is next, and then my entire life outside of photography is spent learning reading involving myself in everything I can to become a better photographer. Why would I spend hundreds on a sink when I could get just as much utility from less than half the cost? Add to that the enjoyment I get out of creating my own custom sink, photography for me is a holistic experience. However let me be clear that as a traditionalist crafting a wooden sink to use in a home is a time honored tradition. I appreciate your response but boy it sounds like somehow you believe I did something I didn't intend to. ![]()
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