How to Repair the Surface of an Enamel Sink

Porcelain enamel sinks age with time and need repair.

Kitchen and bathroom sinks, as well as some appliances, are metal covered with enamel. The enamel process adds durability and beauty to a common metal base. Yet, like most things, an enamel sink will age causing peeling, cracking and chipping. While you could send the sink to a professional for repair, you can also spend a DIY weekend refinishing the surface yourself and thereby saving money.

Things You'll Need

• Scouring powder or paste
• 600-grit wet/dry sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Two-part epoxy
• Chopstick or small brush
• Newspaper
• Painter's tape
• Enamel-based spray paint

Instructions

1. Wash the sink with scouring powder or paste to remove residue from the enamel. Rinse well and allow the sink to dry completely.

2. Sand the peeling, cracked or chipped areas with 600-grit wet/dry sandpaper to remove loose enamel.

3. Rinse the sink to remove any pieces of enamel and dust from the sanding. Again, allow the sink to dry completely.

4. Mix the two-part epoxy as directed on the package label.

5. Apply the epoxy to the areas where the enamel is chipped, cracked or peeled away from the metal. Use the tip of a chopstick or a small paint brush to apply the epoxy, spreading it out until it fills the problem area.

6. Allow the epoxy to dry for at least 24 hours. Sand lightly to even the epoxy with the surrounding area.

7. Spread newspaper around the outside of the sink, securing the paper in place with painter's tape. Wrap paper and painter's tape around the faucets and handles of the sink.

8. Apply a coat of enamel-based spray paint to the sink. Allow the paint to dry for three to four hours and spray a second coat. Allow the sink to dry for 12 hours or overnight.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply small amounts of epoxy to an area at a time. Smooth it out and continue to apply until the spot is filled before moving on to the next problem area.

• Kits are available at hardware stores in a wide variety of colors to match your existing sink if the repairs are small.

• Spraying the sink with an enamel-based paint will restore the luster of the finish.

• Avoid scrubbing the sink with any type of abrasive cleaner for at least a week.

References

• Michigan State University Extension: Repairing Porcelain Enamel; June 2003
• Move: Repairing a Porcelain Enamel Sink