Can You Powder Coat a Cast Iron Sink?

About Cast Iron Sinks

• Cast iron is a mixture of materials, such as iron, carbon, steel and silicon. The amount of silicon in the mixture gives the cast iron its color, with greater amounts making it more gray and lesser amounts creating a whiter appearance. Though it is a brittle material, cast iron is used in many products, such as cookware and construction products. Cast iron is also made into sinks that are durable and attractive. Cast iron sinks, however, may need refinishing after a few years to cover stains and slight flaws in the surface.

What Is Powder Coating?

• Powder coating uses pigments that are applied electrostatically to the material along with a resin coating that is baked onto the surface at high temperatures, according to the Powder Coating Institute website. This process creates a hard surface that is very durable. Powder-coating pigments are available in a wide variety of colors and textures that can create a stylish surface to fit virtually any décor style.

How Powder Coating Is Done

• Powder coating is an industrial process that must be done under safe conditions because of the toxic materials involved as well as the high temperatures required for curing the resin into a hard surface. The surface of the cast iron sink is first cleaned either chemically or with sandblasting media. This process removes old coatings and prepares the surface for the powder coating pigments and resins. The sink is pretreated with phosphate or zinc-based chemicals, according to writer Rodger Talbert of the Powder Coating Manual website. A pigment is chosen that is appropriate for the item being coated, such as the cast iron sink. The pigment is applied with electrostatic gun and cured in an over at 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

About Powder Coating Cast Iron Sinks

• Powder coating of cast iron products is done routinely with good results. Minor flaws in the sink surface must be repaired before the powder-coating process is performed. A powder-coated sink surface will last for many years if it is given proper care. Abrasive materials such as scrubbing powders and steel wool should not be used on a powder-coated sink. These materials can scratch the surface.