I chose a slight positive reveal for two reasons. As you mentioned, I was worried about chipping, and also, I'm a better cleaner if I can actually see the gunk. I'm very happy with my decision.

I'd make it either a zero reveal (flush...your preference) or a positive reveal for just the reason you state, as well as others... Here's a rundown of pros/cons of each type of reveal:

Sink Undermount Options

There are pros & cons for each type of reveal:

• Positive Reveal. The sink shows; granite cutout is slightly larger than sink (some people say it "frames the sink")
  • Pros: Easier to clean b/c you can see the gunk and can easily wipe it off (it only gets nasty if you leave it there)
• Cons: Silicone (caulk?) is visible, but if they use clear you won't see it when it dries

Negative Reveal. The granite overhangs the sink; granite cutout is slightly smaller than the sink

• Pros: You cannot see the gunk/mold buildup or silicone

Cons:

• You cannot see the gunk/mold to clean it. (Since it's a working sink, gunk will get underneath the overhang and you won't know it unless you look)

• Dirty water/food can splash up & under where you cannot see to clean it. It's difficult to see underneath w/o leaning pretty far over & into the sink.

• Dishes/glasses have been known to break b/c when you lift them out near the edge of the sink the dish hits the stone counter & can break

• For softer stones, pots & pans can chip or ding the edge of the stone around the sink if they bang against those edges

• The granite isn't polished under that reveal so things are more likely to "stick" (I don't know if this applies to Soapstone)

• Won't know if caulk needs to be repaired (possibly allowing water to get into & damaging the sink base)

Zero Reveal or Flush. Sink & granite are flush or even; the granite cutout & sink are the same size

• Pros:

  • Easier to clean b/c you can see the gunk

  • No platform over or under for the gunk/mold to collect

Cons:

• More difficult to do perfectly

• Silicone is visible, but if they use clear you won't see it when it dries

You will find proponents of all three types of reveals here...but in the end it's what works best for you.

Thanks a lot guys!

Definitely no negative reveal. I'll probably end up making a snap decision on either the zero or the slightly positive reveal just as the guy cuts the stone.

Buehl - thanks so much for that information packed post!

I have a large single-bowl Ticor sink installed in soapstone with a very slightly positive reveal. The fabricator insisted that I "wouldn't be happy" with the positive reveal because the silicon would show, get gunky, and I'd complain. I insisted (and sent him pictures GWers sent me of exactly what I wanted) and I'm very happy. We've been using the sink (we including two not very careful teenagers) for 8 months and all is well. I do have to clean around the edge and at some point may want to replace the silicon but so far no chips and it looks great.