Porcelain Sink Refinishing

Initial Preparation

• Before you refinish a porcelain sink, check the basin for structural damage that might make refinishing impossible, such as cracks that go through the vessel. If you determine the sink is still viable, prepare the surface. Remove the old caulk from between the sink and the wall. Drag a putty knife carefully along the caulk, lifting it to easily pull out and dispose. Use care with the knife so you don’t chip at the drywall or tile on the wall. Cover the faucet with plastic secured by rubber bands and remove the drain cover. Protect the walls with plastic sheeting and painters tape.

Cleaning the Sink

• After you remove the old caulk and protect the fixtures, you need to clean the sink thoroughly. Don rubber gloves and a respirator and get to work cleaning the porcelain surface with an acid-based cleaner, such as trisodium phosphate (TSP), and rinse thoroughly. Richard Weir with “This Old House” recommends rubbing the surface with denatured alcohol, a multi-purpose solvent, after cleaning the sink.

Repairing and Etching

• Once you clean the sink, you need to fill in any chips or surface cracks in the porcelain. Use a polyester glazing putty formulated for porcelain to cover the blemishes. After the putty dries use medium grit sandpaper to sand the surface. A tack cloth takes the dust away easily after sanding. After you sand the surface, you need to etch the surface to prepare the porcelain for the paint. A new coating of paint over the porcelain will not adhere properly without the etching. You can find porcelain bonding agents at home improvement stores.

Spray on New Enamel

• When the porcelain sink is clean, repaired and etched, it’s time to paint on the new enamel. It’s best to wear protective clothing and a face mask for this step, because you will spray the paint on rather than use a brush. Spraying on the new enamel will give the sink an even coating. Use an acrylic urethane enamel to refinish the porcelain sink. Spray on at least three thin coats for a smooth finish, allowing each coat to dry before applying a new coat. Buff the sink using a power buffer with a soft pad or by buffing it by hand to give the newly refinished porcelain sink a smooth sheen.