How to Refinish an Old Sink

Refinishing a sink is less expensive than replacing it.

A sink is one item in a home that can show its age. Replacing a sink however, can be an expensive and time-consuming endeavor as opposed to refinishing it. For old sinks that have the stamina to last several more years, homeowners doing a refinishing project themselves save 77 percent on average when compared to hiring a contractor. Homeowners save even more when comparing refinishing a sink to replacing a sink. Refinishing an old sink is not a difficult task with the right preparation and when using a sink refinishing kit, purchased from a local hardware or home improvement store.

Things You'll Need

• Sink refinishing kit
• Bathroom cleaner
• Rags
• Putty knife
• Patching compound
• Wet/dry sandpaper
• Varnish brush
• Caulk
• Hard bristle brush

Instructions

1. Prepare the surface area. Clean the area inside the sink and around the sink. Use mild detergent or bathroom cleaners. Use a hard bristle brush to clean around plumbing fixtures, removing all dirt and debris.

2. Clean the area around the sink, including walls and floors so no dust attaches to the refinishing material. Wipe the sink and surrounding area dry with tack rags.

3. Scrape off caulk. Use a putty knife and scrape off any caulk around the sink or plumbing fixtures. Wipe the scraped off caulk off the sink using rags.

4. Inspect the sink for mars and chips. Patch any chipped areas with a patching compound. Apply the compound with your finger and allow drying according to manufacturer instructions.

5. Sand patched areas with wet/dry sandpaper until the surface is smooth. Wipe away any debris left by the sand paper with a damp rag. Allow the surface area to dry before refinishing.

6. Mix the elements of the refinishing kit. Sink refinishing kits come with two parts: an activator and a base. Pour equal parts into a bowl or bucket and stir until bonded.

7. Apply the finish to the sink. Use a fine bristle varnish brush. Paint the area of the sink with the finish. Allow the first coat to dry before applying a second coat. Once the second coat has dried, apply a small bead of caulk around the plumbing fixtures for the sink and the job is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• It is not a problem if small bubbles appear when applying the finish. Sink refinishing materials are self-leveling. There is no need to smooth out imperfections during application.

References

• Do It Yourself or Not: Project Cost