How to Redo an Old Enamel-Coated Sink

Remove as much of the solid material in and around the sink as possible. Pull up the old caulking using a putty knife. Scrape up soap scum and other residue using a razor blade.

Cover the faucets using a bag and painter's tape. Remove the drain cover if possible, or cover it as with the faucets. Protect any of the surrounding surfaces using painter's tape and plastic as necessary.

Clean the floor using an alkaline emulsifier, such as the kind to strip floor wax. Use a nylon scrub brush to work the cleaner into the surface. Wear gloves to protect your hands.

Neutralize the emulsifier with an acid-based citric cleanser. Apply it with a rag.

Rinse the sink with plain water and dry carefully with a towel.

Moisten a rag with denatured alcohol and rub it over the sink's entire surface.

Fill flaws with fiberglass putty. Work the putty into cracks, chips and holes using a putty knife. Run the knife blade over the surface to keep the putty as flush to the surface as possible.

Remove any uneven spots with 36-grit sandpaper. Follow the sanding with 80-grit sandpaper for a smoother finish.

Repair the fiberglass putty with polyester glazing putty if you damaged it during sanding. Use a small putty knife to apply.

Dust the sink with a tack cloth to remove sanding dust.

Rub a proprietary bonding agent all over the sink with a rag to prepare it for the enamel coating.

Apply a coat of acrylic urethane enamel using a compressor paint gun. Allow the coat to dry for 15 minutes. Repeat until you have three coats of paint. Leave the paint to cure according to package instructions.

Use wet 1,000-grit sandpaper to smooth the sink's finish. Dry the sink with a towel.

Polish the surface using a power buffer and sponge pad.

Increase the shine by using a polymer glaze car wax and hand buffing the glaze into the surface.