Refinish Your Kitchen Sink without the Hassle or Expense

Is your kitchen sink looking worn and dated? Are chips, stains, and discoloration making it an eyesore? Refinishing is an affordable and easy way to restore its original beauty without the expense and hassle of full replacement.

With some simple supplies, a bit of elbow grease, and a weekend of time, you can transform that tired old sink into a gorgeous focal point that looks brand new. Read on to learn everything you need to refinish a kitchen sink like a pro.

Which Kitchen Sinks Can Be Refinished?

The good news is that most common sink materials like porcelain, ceramic, enamel, cast iron and stainless steel can be refinished with great results. Here's a look at your options:

Porcelain and Ceramic Sinks

Porcelain and ceramic sinks are ideal candidates for DIY refinishing. The glossy surface takes new paint beautifully. Just be sure to thoroughly scuff the glaze so paint adheres.

Watch for chips; porcelain with small chips can be refinished, but deep cracks require professional repair prior to painting.

Enamel Sinks

Vintage enamel-coated cast iron sinks offer old-world charm but tend to show their age. Refinishing restores the smooth glossy look in any color you like.

However, extensive rust or chipping on an enamel sink may make professional repair the wiser option.

Cast Iron Sinks

Cast iron sinks are ideal for DIY makeovers; their porous surface readily accepts paint. For best results, thoroughly scrub the sink and sand away rust spots, chips or flaking prior to painting.

Use a primer made for metals before applying finish paint for maximum adhesion and durability.

Stainless Steel Sinks

Refinishing stainless steel is tricky; its super-smooth surface doesn’t bond well with paint. Products made specifically for stainless refinishing are available but don’t last as long.

For stainless sinks with moderate scratches or discoloration, consider restoration first using stainless polish and cleaning solutions.

Sink Refinishing Supplies You'll Need

With the right supplies on hand, you can tackle a sink refinishing project in a weekend. Here’s what to have on hand:

Abrasives

Sandpaper in 100- to 220-grit will scuff and prep the sink surface for painting. Steel wool or a nylon abrasive pad also helps remove stubborn stains and residue.

Cleaners and Solvents

A degreaser removes oily residue from the sink surface prior to sanding and painting. Denatured alcohol or acetone are ideal final rinse solvents. Wear gloves - they can dry skin.

Primers

For cast iron and enamel sinks, a bonding primer helps paint adhere to slick surfaces. Epoxy primers offer excellent corrosion resistance.

Porous surfaces like concrete may not need a separate primer coat.

Paints and Finishes

Quality epoxy and enamel paints formulated for sinks provide durable, water-resistant finishes. Spray paint works for a quick DIY makeover.

Choose satin or semi-gloss; higher sheens show imperfections. Stick with white or lighter tones which hide flaws best.

Brushes, Rollers and Sprayers

Use a small brush for tight corners and edges. Mini foam rollers apply paint quickly across broad sink surfaces. Sprayers offer the most seamless professional finish.

Disposable tools make cleanup easier.

Misc Supplies

Painters tape, tarps, rags, acetone, safety gear like gloves and a respirator mask will also come in handy for your DIY sink refinishing project.

Step-by-Step Sink Refinishing Process

With the right supplies gathered, you’re ready to tackle the refinishing process. Follow these steps:

Prep the Sink Surface

Thorough surface prep ensures paint adheres properly. Give the sink a deep clean, then scuff the surface with 100-grit sandpaper. Focus on scrubbing stains away.

After sanding, wipe clean with acetone on a rag. Residual grease or soap can cause peeling.

Apply Primer Coat (If Needed)

For enameled, cast iron or stainless steel sinks, a primer provides added insurance for paint adhesion. Use a small roller or brush to apply an even coat.

One coat is sufficient; too much primer can cause drips or lead to peeling later on.

Add Paint or Epoxy Finish

Using a paint sprayer, apply 2-3 thin coats of finish paint allowing proper drying time between coats. Epoxy paints often require longer dry times up to 12 hours.

Lightly sand between coats for maximum smoothness. Add additional coats until you achieve the desired look.

Curing and Drying Time

Oil-based paints may be dry to the touch in 4-6 hours but require 1-2 weeks to fully cure. Epoxies and urethanes can take up to 30 days to reach maximum hardness.

Avoid heavy use during the curing period. Run water gently at first to prevent damage.

Add Clear Protective Topcoat

Once fully cured, add 2-3 thin coats of clear acrylic or polyurethane topcoat. This adds gloss and protects the finish from scratches over time.

Apply using a foam brush or sprayer. Allow proper drying time between coats.

Clean Up and Protect Finish

Once finished, wash brushes and tools with acetone. Avoid abrasive cleaners on the refinished sink. Use a gentle solution and soft sponge or rag to maintain the sink’s renewed brilliance.

FAQ

What's the easiest sink material to refinish?

Porcelain and ceramic sinks are the easiest to refinish because their glossy surfaces take paint well after light scuffing.

Can I refinish a sink myself or do I need a pro?

DIY refinishing is totally feasible for most homeowners with some easy-to-learn techniques. Seek professional help for repairs beyond surface refinishing.

How long does a refinished sink last?

With proper surface prep and high quality paints, a DIY refinished sink can last upwards of 5 years with care. Professionally done sinks may last over 10 years.

With the right preparation and painting technique, you can breathe new life into a dated and discolored sink in just a weekend. Refinishing provides a like-new look for a fraction of replacement cost. With some simple tools, patience and TLC during application and curing, you can tackle this project and enjoy your refreshed kitchen.