How To Resurface a Sink Finish Part 1

Kitchen And Bathroom Renovation : How To Resurface a Sink Finish Part 1

Is your sink old and dingy looking? Do you scrub and scrub, but it still seems dirty? If you’re ready for a fresh-looking sink, but you aren’t ready for the work or cost involved in installing a new one, this project is for you!

Sinks and tubs are actually resurfaced (or reglazed ) with epoxy paint. Epoxy is most commonly known as a high-performance adhesive. In this application, epoxy adds an extremely durable adhesive property to paint, making it ideal for resurfacing sinks, tubs, and even tiles. In the past, I would only have recommended that you hire a professional to refinish a sink or tub, but today there are kits on the market for DIYers that are user friendly and nontoxic. While I don’t recommend resurfacing a kitchen sink or a tub that gets a lot of wear and tear, a bathroom sink gets just the right amount and type of use to keep the fi nish looking new. Just be sure not to pour nail polish remover down the sink, as it may cause the fi nish to blister.


CONSIDER

This resurfacing project relates to porcelain and ceramic sinks. Be sure that the product you choose works on your sink’s surface.

The resurfacing process is very time sensitive. Th e area must be allowed to dry for 24 hours before you paint. You’ll need to wait several hours between coats. Most products don’t cure completely for several days. Th is means that the sink must be off -limits during this time. Another time issue is work time—rollers can’t sit for extended periods, and once paint parts are mixed together, the paint sometimes has to stand for close to an hour before it can be used.


WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Most refi nishing kits include several of the items listed below. After choosing your paint or kit, see which items you still need from this list.

Screwdriver
Razor scraper
Plastic scraper
Eye protection
Organic vapor mask
Fan (if there is no window)
Nonlatex gloves
Sponge, rag, and bucket
Sink cleanser (like Ajax)
Porcelain etching solution
220-grit wet/dry sandpaper
Masking tape
Tack cloth
Two-part epoxy paint
Stir stick
Roller tray
4 high-density foam rollers and 1 roller
handle (4 inches)
2-inch polyester brush
Plastic bags
Lacquer thinner
Caulk
Caulking gun
Polyester putty (like Bondo; also called fi ller)
Alkyd-based primer for metal*

* If applicable


How To Resurface a Sink Finish Part 2
How To Resurface a Sink Finish Part 3