Enamel Spray for Scratches on a Sink

Surface Preparation

• Before you spray, you must properly prepare the sink's surface. Spray enamel by itself will not fix scratches. Spray enamel is used as the final step after applying a scratch repair kit. Once the scratch is patched and the surface is sanded, clean the entire surface of the sink with a soft cloth moistened with mineral spirits. Grit, grime and sanding dust will interfere with the spray enamel's ability to stick to the surface of the sink. Allow the surface to dry for several hours before you apply enamel spray.

Safety

• Applying spray enamel to a scratched sink is a small project. Since the exposure time is short, you may be tempted to forgo safety precautions when using spray enamel. But spray enamel releases a large volume of aerosolized chemicals in a short period of time. Before you apply the spray enamel, turn off any pilot lights in the room or any other devices that create a spark. The aerosolized chemicals may ignite if they come in contact with a spark. Reduce your exposure to chemicals by putting on a breathing mask and goggles and opening all the windows in the room.

Technique

• Spray enamel seems easy enough to apply, but proper technique is key. Make sure that the can is well-mixed before you spray. Shake it vigorously for at least 10 seconds before taking the cap off. Squirt a few test sprays on a scrap piece of cardboard to make sure the spray comes out evenly. When you're ready, apply the enamel spray in even long strokes in the direction of the scratches. Keep the spray can eight to 10 inches away from the sink at all times. Allow each coat to dry for the manufacturer-recommended amount of time before applying the next. Three or four thin coats is often adequate. Allow the spray enamel to cure for the manufacturer-recommended amount of time before using the sink.

Color

• Most scratch repair kits come in basic colors. White and beige are often the only options. If your sink matches the color of the test kit exactly, you can use clear spray enamel. If the scratch repair doesn't match the sink, the spray enamel must. It is difficult to find a premixed spray enamel that exactly matches the hue of your sink. If you think you have a close match, spray a few test layers on scrap cardboard and allow them to dry to ascertain the true color of the sink. For a precise color match, take a picture of your sink to your local paint center. They will mix a perfect match that can be applied via a paint sprayer. If the spray enamel color is much different from the patch color, coat the area with a few layers of primer before applying the top coats.