If you have a cracked porcelain sink, don’t worry! You can fix it yourself without having to call a plumber. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps that you need to take to fix your sink. Keep in mind that these instructions are for a cracked porcelain sink – if your sink is made of another material, please consult with a professional before attempting to fix it yourself.
What Causes Cracks In Porcelain Sinks?
Porcelain sinks are often constructed from a sheet of metal, then topped with porcelain. Since metal is great at conducting heat, it causes the sink to quickly lose warmth – even when your kitchen or bathroom isn’t cold. Upon contact with hot water, this sudden variation in temperature leads to thermal stress that may consequently cause hairline cracks on the surface of the sink. Additionally, dropping any heavy object into your porcelain sink can also result in significant cracking as well!
Can A Cracked Porcelain Sink Be Repaired?
Believe it or not, fixing a broken porcelain sink is entirely possible! The extent of the damage should be taken into consideration when you decide if repair is an option. Minor fractures such as hairline cracks can usually be easily mended with a porcelain fix kit, however deep-rooted cracks that span through both sides of the basin might prove more difficult to repair accurately.
Though you could manage to patch your cracked sink back together if you were determined enough, replacing it would likely save time and money in comparison to attempting tedious repairs on an old one.
How to Fix a Cracked Porcelain Sink in 5 Easy Steps
If your porcelain sink has an unsightly crack, you might be able to repair it and avoid the hassle (and expense!) of replacing the entire fixture. Although cracking porcelain can seem intimidating, with a few simple steps even those new to DIY projects should have no problem getting things back in order.
Related: The Difference Between Porcelain and Enamel Sinks
Get the following items ready before you begin: all-purpose cleaner, soft sponge, towels, acetone cotton ball; as well as a porcelain repair kit and touch-up paint for extra protection against future damage. And if desired, finish off with fine grit sandpaper or high gloss glaze!
You can easily source the supplies for this project from your local home improvement and hobby stores. Porcelain repair kits are readily available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware. The items that come in the kit may differ but our materials list should provide everything you need to get started!
1. Clean The Sink
Before you get started, make sure to provide your sink with a spotless foundation. Utilize an all-purpose cleaner and sponge to eliminate any dirt, debris, or residue from the surface of the sink. Once it is thoroughly scrubbed down, rinse off the soap with warm water and dry it off using a clean towel for best results. Now that your workspace is prepared perfectly, you can begin on whatever project was initially planned!
2. Refurbish The Affected Areas
After cleaning the sink, utilize fine-grit sandpaper to lightly scuff up the damaged parts. Gently rub it over the edges to roughen them; this will help ensure that the epoxy from your repair kit sticks better to its surface!
To keep your sink area looking pristine, it is essential to only sand the damaged spot. This will prevent any scuffs or scratches from appearing on its surface. After you’ve finished with that, take a towel and carefully wipe away all of the dust residues – alternatively, use a can of compressed air!
To make sure you get rid of all the sanding dust, drench a cotton ball with acetone (or nail polish remover) and carefully wipe over the area. Let it fully dry before continuing with your project.
3. Prep And Apply The Epoxy
Now, it’s time to read the epoxy for use. Certain repair kits come with a pre-mixed mixture that is just about set for the application, but others will necessitate you to combine various components before use. If your kit does not require preparation, be sure to stick closely to the manufacturer’s mixing instructions for optimal results!
To prevent inhaling toxic fumes, never mix your epoxy in a confined area like the bathroom. Instead, look for an open and well-ventilated space to do the prep work first before heading back to the room with your sink. Depending on what kind of compound you’re using, it might need to sit for a few minutes after mixing; so be sure not to forget that resting period!
Now that your epoxy is ready, you can begin the process of repairing your sink. With an applicator brush in hand, apply a generous amount of epoxy onto the crack until it sits evenly with the surface of the sink. If numerous layers are required to fill up all gaps and crevices, wait at least five minutes before applying each coat so they dry properly. Once dried off completely, give them a light sanding for additional bonding between different levels.
After you have filled the crack, give it time to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it has hardened sufficiently, use sandpaper for smoothing until the surface of your sink is even again.
4. Apply Touch-Up Paint
After you’ve leveled out the sink with sanding, it’s time to apply touch-up paint. This step will ensure that your repair job looks natural and flows right in with the rest of the sink. Of course, if your epoxy was already dyed a color similar to your sink (most standard white sinks have this), then you won’t need any paint at all! If not though, just follow whatever instructions come from the manufacturer when applying their product – sometimes several layers are necessary for full coverage over your epoxy work.
5. Finishing Touches
To add an extra level of finesse to the porcelain sink repair, consider applying a layer of high-gloss paint or glaze. This method is especially useful for sinks that could use a bit of sprucing up; it helps give them back their original shine and polished look. However, be sure to read through the manufacturer’s instructions before you apply any coats to ensure optimal results!
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily repair your porcelain sink when it gets cracked or chipped. After all of the preparation and application processes are done, you should have a fully restored sink that is as good as new! So there you have it – with a bit of dedication and patience, your workspace is now ready to be enjoyed again! Good luck!
