Refresh Your Old Sink with DIY Resurfacing

Is your kitchen sink looking worse for wear? Before you go through the hassle and expense of ripping it out and replacing it, consider resurfacing it instead. DIY sink resurfacing can refresh an old porcelain, enamel, cast iron or granite sink for a fraction of replacement cost. With some basic supplies and a weekend of elbow grease, you can transform your worn out basin into a like-new fixture. Read on to learn everything you need to know about resurfacing your sink yourself.

The process involves thoroughly cleaning and sanding the sink, applying primer and spray painting on a durable epoxy topcoat. While DIY resurfacing requires significant effort, the cost savings and satisfaction of reviving your existing sink make it worthwhile. The materials cost less than $100, versus paying a pro $200-500 or spending $500+ on a brand new sink and installation. With some determination and these step-by-step instructions, you can revive your old sink without replacing it.

Types of Sinks You Can Resurface

Porcelain

Porcelain sinks have a classic look but the enamel surface is prone to chipping, staining, and wearing down over time. Thankfully, porcelain takes well to resurfacing. The existing surface provides a strong foundation.

An epoxy topcoat bonds securely to porcelain and restores a smooth, fresh finish. Just be sure to thoroughly sand and prep the sink first to roughen up the surface for proper adhesion.

Enamel

Enamel sink finishes can degrade from years of use, exposing rough porous areas. Like porcelain, enamel responds very well to resurfacing.

Sanding smoothes out flaws in the existing enamel. Epoxy-based products provide excellent adherence. With proper prep, the new topcoat will bond tightly and revitalize the sink.

Cast Iron

Cast iron sinks are valued for durability but the porous surface is prone to rusting, chipping and staining over time. Refinishing restores the smooth protective coating.

The iron surface requires extra prep work like rust removal before priming. But once primed and coated, the sink will look and function like new again.

Granite

Solid granite sinks last for decades but may start showing their age with etched, pitted or dull areas. Thankfully, DIY resurfacing can extend their life.

The existing texture provides good adhesion for primer and topcoat. Just ensure all soap scum and seals are removed through deep cleaning before application.

DIY vs Hiring a Pro

Before deciding whether to resurface your sink yourself or hire a professional, weigh the pros and cons:

DIY Pros:

• Cost savings - DIY kits start under $100
• Sense of accomplishment

DIY Cons:

• Very labor intensive
• Learning curve with process

Pros:

• Convenience - no work on your part
• Expert results

Cons:

• More expensive - $200-500
• Sink unusable for a few days

Assess your budget, skillset, and willingness to take on a challenging DIY project. Many homeowners find the cost savings and satisfaction of resurfacing their sink themselves outweighs the effort involved.

Prep Work

Proper prep work ensures the new epoxy topcoat bonds correctly to the sink. Here are the supplies you'll need and steps to follow:

Supplies Needed:

• Degreaser or TSP substitute cleaner
• Sandpaper - 80, 150 and 220 grit
• Masking tape
• Plastic sheets or drop cloth
• Safety gear - glasses, mask, gloves

Step-by-Step Prep:

1. Wash sink thoroughly with a degreaser, then scrub with TSP to remove all grease, grime and sealants
2. Sand entire sink surface with 80 grit sandpaper to rough up the existing finish
3. Smooth scratches with 150 then 220 grit sandpaper
4. Clean away all sanding dust
5. Mask off surrounding countertops with tape and plastic sheeting

Proper sanding is crucial - the rougher the surface, the better the epoxy primer and topcoat will bond. Expect this tedious process to take several hours. Avoid the temptation to rush through it. Your hard work will pay off later with long-lasting results.

Primers and Topcoats

Specialized epoxy-based products provide maximum adhesion and durability when resurfacing sinks. Here's what you'll need:

Primers:

- Specially formulated for sinks and countertops - Enhance topcoat adhesion to the existing surface - Ideal types are epoxy or urethane-based

Topcoats:

- Provide a thick, durable finish - Smooth epoxy resists stains, scratches and wear - Urethane options offer enhanced durability

Purchase a complete DIY resurfacing kit or individual primer, topcoat and supplies from a hardware store or online retailer. Avoid general purpose paints - they won't hold up to heavy use and moisture.

Application Process

Once you've finished the tedious prep work, the application process goes quickly. Here's an overview of supplies and steps:

Supplies Needed:

• Spray gun or high density foam roller
• Safety - glasses, mask, gloves, ventilation

Step-by-Step Application:

1. Apply two thin coats of primer, allowing proper drying time between coats
2. Lightly sand primer before applying topcoat
3. Apply two coats of topcoat, allowing proper curing time between coats
4. Remove masking and sheeting
5. Install sink and caulk edges

Drying and Curing:

- Allow primer to dry 2-4 hours between coats - Topcoat dries quickly but requires 24 hours curing time between coats for full hardness

Working in thin coats prevents drips and runs in the finish. Proper drying and curing is crucial - the product label will specify exact times. Rushing this risks the finish not reaching maximum toughness and adhesion.

Maintaining Your Resurfaced Sink

With proper care, your DIY resurfaced sink should last 5-10 years or more before needing redone. Here are some tips for keeping it looking new:

Cleaning:

• Use non-abrasive cleaners and soft sponges only
• Avoid scouring powders, pads or abrasive scrubs
• Rinse thoroughly after cleaning
• Dry with a soft towel to prevent water spots

Topcoat Touch-ups:

- Inspect regularly for wear or damage - Sand damaged areas and reapply topcoat as needed

Taking proper care when cleaning and staying on top of minor repairs helps maintain the resurfaced finish for years before needing redone.

Cost Comparison

Resurfacing your existing sink is significantly cheaper than a full replacement. Here's how the options compare:

DIY resurfacing: - Supplies = less than $100 - Labor = 1 full weekend Hired professional resurfacing: - Cost = $200 - $500 New sink & installation: - Materials + labor = $500+

With DIY resurfacing, you trade sweat equity for major cost savings. Hiring a pro costs more but saves your time and effort. Either way, resurfacing provides a dramatic update for a fraction of replacement cost.

What types of sinks can be resurfaced?

The best candidates are porcelain, enamel, cast iron and granite sinks. Solid surface materials like Corian are not typically good choices for resurfacing.

Is DIY or hiring a pro better?

It depends on your skill level and budget. DIY saves significantly on cost but requires a full weekend of hard work. Hiring a professional costs more but they handle the laborious process.

What kind of prep work is required?

Thorough cleaning with a degreaser, followed by extensive sanding to rough up the existing surface so the epoxy bonds properly.

How long does a resurfaced sink last?

With proper application and care, an epoxy resurfaced sink will typically last 5-10 years before needing redone. Proper maintenance helps extend the finish.

Is resurfacing cost effective compared to replacing a sink?

Absolutely - resurfacing allows you to extend the life of your existing sink inexpensively. DIY kits start under $100 while pros charge around $200-500. Replacing the sink costs $500+ when factoring in materials and labor.

Revive your worn out sink with DIY resurfacing for a dramatically updated look at a fraction of replacement cost. Follow these steps for long-lasting results. With some perseverance through the tedious prep work, you can restore your existing sink and save yourself the hassle and expense of installing a new one.