How to Repair a Chip on a Porcelain Range

Porcelain ranges are sometimes referred to as enamel stoves or enamelware stoves because porcelain isn't the only material used in its construction. The stoves are actually made of metal, such as cast iron. The cast iron is strong and durable, making the stove last for decades with proper care. The metal is then covered with a thin layer of porcelain enamel, which gives the stove some color. Once a chip appears in the porcelain layer, it allows the metal layer to poke through.

Things You'll Need

• Medium grit sandpaper
• Porcelain repair kit
• Putty knife
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Rub medium grit sandpaper over the surface of the chipped area, removing any cracked porcelain that might cause the chip to spread. Rub the sandpaper over the metal layer as well, making the metal smooth. Use only on the chipped area, as the sandpaper will scratch the porcelain.

2. Apply a thin layer of filling compound, found in a porcelain repair kit. Dip a putty knife in the filling compound and spread across the chipped area. Wipe any compound away from the putty knife with a paper towel and then add a second layer. Add coats until the filling compound fills in the chip.

3. Wipe the putty knife down with a damp paper towel. Press the putty knife flat against the stove and pull toward you, removing any excess compound above the stove and making the chipped area sit flat with the rest of the stove. Wait for the compound to completely dry. Depending on the product used, it may take 24 hours for the compound to finish drying.

4. Rub the sandpaper across the filling compound, giving it a smooth surface that matches the surrounding porcelain.

5. Coat the surface of the compound with the glaze from the repair kit. Use a glaze that is the same color as the porcelain stove. Place a small dab in the center of the repaired area and use the brush to push the color around and blend in the glaze with the surrounding porcelain.

Tips & Warnings

• Try using one layer of glaze first and then adding more layers to achieve a matching color. Every time you add another layer, it slightly changes the color.

References

• Fante's Kitchen Wares Shop: Enamelware Guide
• Pro Handyman: Porcelain Sink Chip Repair