Sink Reglazing – How To Do It

Last Updated on July 30, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

To reglaze a sink, clean it thoroughly, sand the surface for better adhesion, and apply a sink primer. Use a specialized reglazing kit to coat the sink, following instructions carefully. Allow ample drying time before use. Enjoy a refreshed sink with a renewed finish for your kitchen or bathroom.

Steps To Reglaze Your Kitchen Sink

• Ensure that there is enough ventilation in your kitchen by opening all the windows. 
• Remove the faucet and keep it in a safe place.
• Cover the surrounding area with plastic sheets and masking tape
• Use a damp cloth to clean any dust from the sink, then use paper towels to dry it
• Using a palm sander and fine sandpaper, sand down the whole sink. Ensure that the surface is as rough as possible for the glaze to adhere well
• Using a sponge or paint roller, apply one coat of epoxy paint on the sink surface and allow it to dry for one hour or more
• Check if the epoxy glaze is dry and cover it with an acrylic topcoat. Be sure to use a tiny brush and work in the same direction. Allow this layer to dry and repeat the procedure three more times. Make sure there is enough drying time between the coats. 
• After applying the final acrylic coat, leave it overnight to dry completely.
• Once the acrylic topcoat layers are completely dry, remove the masking tape and plastic sheeting. 
• The final step is to replace the sink faucet. Your sink is now reglazed and ready for use.

How To Reglaze Your Bathroom Sink

Like in the kitchen, your bathroom sink may also begin to get worn out and look old. A scuffed and cracked sink will give your bathroom the impression of being dirty. Such a sink may never get back its former glory regardless of how much you clean it. You can consider reglazing your bathroom sink to extend its life, give it a new feel, and save money that you could use to replace this fitting. 

Follow these simple steps;

Step 1 – Removing The Old Glaze

Before you can reglaze your bathroom sink, you need to prepare it by cleaning off any grease or grime. You may buy specific cleaning substances from your local home improvement stores to get a deep cleanse. Using 400 to 600-grit sandpaper, sand down the sink to get rid of the old glaze. 

Step 2 – Removing The Silicone Caulking And Debris

Since silicone caulking will affect the new glaze, it is necessary to get rid of it first. Use a suitable solvent to remove this substance (you can recaulk after applying the glaze). You will need to remove any debris from the sink using an acid paste, then use a grease-removing cleanser to ensure that your sink is ready for reglazing. 

As you prepare your sink, be sure to wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles as some of the chemicals can be both corrosive and harmful to your health. 

Step 3 – Sealing Off The Surrounding.

Using masking tape, cover all sink fittings such as taps and every other area you don’t want the glaze to touch. You can also use old newspapers to seal off the floor to prevent it from getting damaged by glaze drips. 

Step 4 – Reglazing

Use a small brush to apply a coat of epoxy primer to your clean sink. This coat helps your new glaze to adhere well, making it long-lasting. Make sure that you paint every part of the sink, then leave it to dry. After the first coat has dried up, apply the glaze using a small roller, and be sure to get a smooth and even finish without any patches or streaking. 

Allow adequate time for this coat to dry up and apply another layer if need be. 

Step 5 – Applying The Polyurethane Coat.

If you are satisfied with the glaze cover on your sink, you can apply a polyurethane topcoat. Doing this gives your finished sink the shine that you desire. It will also protect the underneath glaze and make it more durable. 

Step 5 – Recaulking Your Sink

The final step is to seal any gaps on your sink using silicone caulk. This process will help to ensure the functionality of your sink and make it more firm and stable. 

Tools You Will Need to Reglaze a Kitchen Sink

Tool	Description
Cleaning Supplies	These include warm water, soap, a sponge, and a scrub brush. They are used initially to clean the sink’s surface before the reglazing process begins.
Sandpaper	Sandpaper of various grits is needed to prepare the sink’s surface for the reglazing compound.
Acetone or Alcohol-based Cleaner	To further clean and degrease the sink’s surface, a strong cleaner like acetone or an alcohol-based cleaner is required.
Masking Tape	This is used to protect nearby surfaces and fixtures that shouldn’t be affected by the reglazing compound.
Protective Equipment	Gloves, face masks, and safety glasses are essential to protect the user from dust and fumes during the process.
Reglazing Compound	The reglazing material or enamel is the primary substance that will give the sink a fresh, new look.
Paint Sprayer	A paint sprayer delivers an even coat of the reglazing compound across the sink’s surface.
Brush or Roller	In some cases, a brush or roller may be used instead of a paint sprayer to apply the reglazing compound.
Clear Top Coat	This protective layer will give the sink a shiny finish and helps extend the lifespan of the reglazing compound.
Buffer/Polisher	This is used after the application of the top coat, to give the sink a smooth and polished look.

When Should You Choose To Reglaze Instead Of Replacing Your Sink?

Sometimes your sink will get stains from food and grime that no amount of cleaning or scrubbing will help it. But, how will you know if it is time to replace or reglaze it? Here are some helpful tips;

Consider The Extent Of The Damage.

If your sink is greatly damaged or cracked, reglazing may not help, and it will be high time to consider replacing it all the same. You may not repair deep chips or cracks as this will be quite expensive or even impossible. But, if your sink’s issues are just cosmetic, then reglazing is the best option.

Look At The Size Of Your Sink.

If your sink is very large, it may be very costly to replace it. Putting in a new glaze would save you a lot of money. If your sink has odd dimensions or is custom-made, it would also cost a lot of money to replace, and reglazing would be a better alternative. 

Whether You Plan To Remodel Your Home

If you intend to remodel your home soon, there is no need to reglaze your sink. Replacing your sink may be part of the remodeling process, and it would be a waste of money and resources to think of reglazing. 

What Are The Benefits Of Reglazing Your Sink?

Reglazing a sink has many advantages, including;

It Makes The Sink Clean

Your sink undergoes thorough cleaning and sanding as a way of preparing it for the new glaze. Reglazing does not, therefore, conceal any stains and aesthetic inconsistencies, but it eliminates the same. 

It Is Simple And Less Time-Consuming.

Putting a new glaze on your sink is not time-consuming like other projects. This process takes about 3 to 4 hours from the time you start up to the completion time. You can perform this task after you are through with your day’s work and still complete it.

Reglazing Is Cheaper Than Buying A New Sink.

This procedure is an inexpensive option to give your sink a facelift. When your fixture begins to show signs of wear and tear, you can reglaze it even when on a budget and achieve the appearance of a new sink. 

You Can Change Your Sink’s Colour.

You can reglaze your sink to change its color for it to match the rest of your kitchen. If you remodel or update your kitchen and don’t want to replace the sink, then reglazing will come in handy. 

Reglazing Gives Your Kitchen The Look Of A New One

A reglaze on your kitchen sink will make it look new even when you have used it for several years. Since this process helps to conceal any color inconsistencies and chips, your kitchen will be more appealing to the eye. 

What Does It Cost To Reglaze A Sink?

The actual cost of reglazing a sink depends on the size of the job, the conditions of the sink, and the finishing options that you desire. This cost may also vary depending on where you live. The table below shows the national average of this cost;

What The Cost Covers	Average Cost
The average cost for materials per glazing	Between $24.58 to $27.96
Labour and materials cost for one glazing	$417.39 to $952.67

Can You Reglaze A Porcelain Sink?

Yes. You can reglaze an old worn-out porcelain sink the same way you would do to a porcelain tub. You will need to use an etching solution (usually hydrofluoric acid) then spray a primer and paint suitable for resurfacing porcelain. 

This project is not DIY-friendly as it requires some specialized tools and materials. You will need some reglazing experience to handle this task. But, the following steps will help;

• Cover the surrounding areas using plastic taping, including any exposed plumbing beneath the sink. Leave only the porcelain surface uncovered.
• Wear your protective gear (gloves, goggles, respirator, and clothes)
• Cover the entire porcelain surface with an acid-etching solution and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing. leave the sink to dry
• Put some porcelain primer in a paint sprayer and spray a light, even coat over the porcelain. Allow it to dry for 30 minutes before applying the third coat. Leave it overnight to dry. 
• Spray a porcelain topcoat the same way you did the primer and allow 30 minutes between the coats for drying. Apply between 4 to 6 coats until you are satisfied with the result.
• Allow the paint to set for at least three days before you can use the sink

Conclusion

Reglazing your sink is a worthy process as it saves you money and gives your kitchen and bathroom a facelift. You can do it yourself or hire the services of a professional, but be sure to have the right clothes, materials, and equipment for the job, then follow the simple steps outlined above.

References:

https://www.hunker.com/12259703/how-to-reglaze-kitchen-sinks
https://www.doityourself.com/stry/number-tips-for-reglazing-a-sink