Is It Possible To Recoat A Porcelain Sink?

Porcelain sinks can develop chips, holes and scratches that mar the surface and create a bad appearance. Fortunately, it's possible to complete porcelain sink repair. Porcelain surfaces can be re-glazed or finished to make the surface look new.

Many products are available for recoating porcelain tubs, sinks and countertops. It's possible to apply the products with a resulting new look to your porcelain sink. In addition, professional contractors can also give your stained and scratched porcelain a new coating that will last years.

Porcelain is a ceramic made of clay materials. The material used to make the sink is generally kaolin, which is heated to a high temperature to create a hard, glass-like surface that resists water. Generally, porcelain coatings are applied to sinks and bathtubs made from cast iron, steel or acrylic materials. The porcelain creates a durable, glossy finish on the material that is tough and easy to clean.

Porcelain can become damaged, however, by impacts from heavy cookware, scratching of the surface or chips in the finish. When this occurs, the cracks and chips can become susceptible to staining.

Professional porcelain resurfacing contractors can be found in many communities throughout the United States. These contractors can resurface bathtubs, sinks, countertops and other items, either on-site or in their facilities. Such contractors will remove all caulk materials from around the sink area and clean and prepare the surface with chemical products that aid in ensuring the new coating adheres to the sink when applied.

Porcelain sink repairers then apply an acrylic urethane coating to the sink and allow it to cure, generally for 48 hours, Another more expensive method reapplies an enamel coating and bakes it onto the surface at 1,475 degrees Fahrenheit. Both of these methods can give new life to old porcelain sinks and tubs.

In order to maintain the new surface once the procelain sink repair is complete, abrasive cleaners should not be used on recoated fixtures.

A number of bathroom fixture resurfacing kits are available for do-it-yourselfers. These kits generally require the removal of caulking from the sink area, cleaning the surface thoroughly and treating it with solvents or other preliminary materials to create a good base for the acrylic coating.

The preparation is followed by applying a topcoat that is carefully sprayed on in several layers to produce an even finish. Drying and curing may take several days, during which time the sink should not be used. These kits can give variable results, so do-it-yourselfers should research the products carefully before using. It is also important to follow the directions.

Porcelain sink or tub refinishing costs depend on various factors. Generally, to reporcelain sink or tub, it will cost considerably less than buying and installing new. For instance, it costs $350 to $500 to reporcelain a tub compared to $1,200 to $5,000 for a new one, according to This Old House. Resurfacing your existing fixtures can save money and still provide a fresh, new look to your bathroom or kitchen.