Is There a Non-toxic Enamel Glazing to Apply to My New Kitchen Sink?

Enamels

• A ceramic-like epoxy enamel allows you to personalize the outside coating of your sink. You can select from a range of colors and match one to your kitchen's interior. To refinish porcelain, apply multiple coats of epoxy enamel and finish with a clear topcoat product. The result is a hard, glossy layer resistant to wear and non-toxic. Designed for use on bathtubs, sinks and other ceramic surfaces, epoxy enamel is resistant to extreme temperatures from hot and cold water. It also protects surfaces from rust and erosion, oils, detergents, salts and diluted acids.

Application

• You can spray, roll or brush on an epoxy enamel. It air-dries within six to eight hours. Your product may require a base coat or primer before application. If applying multiple coats, wait four hours between each one. Apply a clear topcoat if it is not already incorporated in the product. Epoxy enamel is appropriate for a wide range of materials and conditions, including wet or rusty surfaces. Though the finished surface is not known to be toxic, you should avoid extended exposure to the vapors, as well as skin and eye contact.

Repairing Porcelain

• As well as coating a new sink with epoxy enamel, you can also coat an older sink if it chips or exhibits imperfections. Chips near the base of the sink kept constantly wet may wear away again. Select an epoxy enamel that matches with your sink's porcelain surface. Sand the chipped area down with sandpaper. Apply the enamel into the chip, allowing it to fill the hole, and wipe away the excess.

Safety

• Although epoxy enamels are considered non-toxic once they are applied and dried, the substance can have negative health effects if consumed by humans. Keep the enamel out of reach of children. Swallowing can have immediate toxic effects on the human body and possible long-term health risks. Long exposure to the vapors can also be very harmful. Once dried and applied, epoxy enamel is not known to exhibit any heath risks.