Thompson AILA Handcrafted Solid Copper Vessel Sink - AILA

Download the Thompson spec sheet (PDF)

Thompson installation guide (PDF)

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FEATURES

• Handmade from solid copper
• Designed by Leslie Carothers using AI
• Crafted by artisans in Santa Clara del Cobre, Mexico
• A true one-off statement piece

Caring for a Living Copper Finish

Thompson calls this an Evolved finish, which means it is meant to change. With everyday use the copper slowly deepens and darkens, and early water spots or shiny marks blend back in as the patina builds. That gradual change is part of the appeal.

• Everyday: wash with a mild dish soap and a soft cloth or sponge, then wipe dry. Thompson suggests original blue Dawn, classic white Ivory or original green Palmolive.
• Optional: a carnauba wax with no polishing agents (Flitz Wax, for example), applied every month or two, protects the surface and slows the patina.
• Avoid: copper or metal polishes (Wright's Copper Cream, Brasso), Bar Keepers Friend, Soft Scrub, bleach, drain cleaner, steel wool and scouring pads. These strip the patina.
• Acidic foods: lemon, lime, tomato and toothpaste can leave bright spots. Rinse them away; any spots fade back into the patina with time.

Thompson's Finish Guide (PDF) lists approved cleaners for every finish.

Before You Buy

• Handmade means unique. Each piece is made by hand, so expect small variations in size, texture and color from the photos.
• Plan your faucet. A vessel sink usually needs a tall vessel faucet or a wall-mounted faucet.
• Questions? Call us at 1-800-359-4460. You'll talk to a real person who knows these sinks.

Made by Hand in Santa Clara del Cobre

Thompson's metalsmiths trained in the tradition of Santa Clara del Cobre, a mountain town in Michoacán, Mexico, where copper has been worked by hand since the 1500s. The P'urhépecha people of the region were among the most advanced metalworkers of the pre-Hispanic world, and many of today's coppersmiths are their descendants.

The traditional process is slow: the metal is heated, hammered, cooled and heated again, over and over, until the form is right. Each small dimple is the mark of a single hammer strike, which is why no two Thompson pieces are ever exactly alike.

Common Questions

Will my copper sink turn green?

No. In a normal home, copper develops a brown patina, from reddish tones to a deep old-penny brown. The blue-green you see on the Statue of Liberty comes from years of salty sea spray. If a cleaner is left sitting on the surface and leaves a mark, it usually lifts off easily with a fingernail or a nylon scraper.

Will the color change over time?

Yes, gently. This finish is designed to deepen as it ages, and small marks blend back in as the patina develops. A carnauba wax slows the process if you prefer the color to stay closer to new.

Do I need a professional installer?

Thompson recommends that all of its sinks are installed by a licensed professional, following Thompson's installation guide (linked above). If your installer has questions about cutouts or support, we can get answers from Thompson for you.

Why might my sink look a little different from the photos?

Each piece is made by hand, so size, texture and color vary slightly from piece to piece and from the photos. Those small differences are the signature of handmade work, not a defect.

DETAILS