How to Restore an Antique Porcelain Pedestal Sink

Scrape away any old caulk with a putty knife. Avoid scratching the porcelain with the knife.

Pull the drain up by removing the screws and pulling it out of the hole. Tape around the fixtures and the floor around the pedestal base to protect them.

Wash the sink with an alkaline emulsifier used to strip floor wax. This removes any tough residue.

Wipe an acid-based citric cleanser on the surface to neutralize the previous cleaner.

Rinse the sink with plain water and dry thoroughly.

Pour denatured alcohol onto a cloth and wipe the sink and pedestal base with it.

Fill blemishes with fiberglass putty using a small putty knife. Work the putty into the cracks and holes. Use a small tool, such as a toothpick, for tiny areas. Allow the putty to set according to package instructions.

Sand the putty with 36-grit sandpaper. Follow with 80-grit paper.

Patch any marks in the fiberglass putty with polyester glazing putty and sand again after it dries.

Apply a proprietary bonding agent to a rag and wipe the entire porcelain surface. This gives the surface adhesion qualities so the new coating will stick to it.

Load a fine finish spray compressor with acrylic urethane enamel paint according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Apply three coats of the paint of acrylic urethane enamel paint. Leave each coat to dry for 15 minutes before applying the next coat. Allow the final coat to cure for at least one hour before continuing.

Smooth the surface with wet, 1,000-grit sandpaper using a light touch.

Buff the finish with a sponge pad on a power buffer. Follow by buffing with a lint-free cloth and polymer glaze car wax.