When you don’t like the appearance of your kitchen sink because it has minor damage or functional problems, you may be tempted to buy a brand new sink. However, you may not want to spend money on a new kitchen sink quite yet.
Is there any way that you can just refinish your sink? We answer your top questions about refinishing your kitchen sink to help you make the best decision for your home.
In this PlumbingNav guide, we will cover:
Can you change the color of your kitchen sink?
How to paint a kitchen sink
Which material is best for a kitchen sink?
Is it difficult to replace a kitchen sink?
How much does it cost to move a kitchen sink?
What's In This Guide?
Can A Kitchen Sink Be Refinished? Yes!
If your sink doesn’t look as great as it did when you first got it installed, you may be able to touch it up to make it as good as new again. A common way to do this is by painting it.
Can You Change the Color of Your Kitchen Sink?
A stain can create an unsightly sink, but can often be removed with the right products. Some sinks also have minor damage that can benefit from a coat of paint.
If you have a stainless steel kitchen sink or an acrylic kitchen sink, you can paint the kitchen sink yourself. However, a porcelain sink should only be recolored professionally.
How to Paint a Kitchen Sink
You can paint your kitchen sink, and it may be easier than you originally thought.
Follow these simple steps to change the color of your sink:
Step One: Prep Sink
Prepare the sink by removing everything out of it and cleaning it thoroughly after using grit sandpaper on it and allowing it to dry thoroughly.
Once the sink is clean, turn off the water to the sink with the shut-off valve.
Next, remove the hardware from the sink, including the:
Sink faucet
Handles
Sprayer
Soap dispenser
Strainer
Stopper
You should also disconnect the supply lines.
Be careful to keep all hardware and components, including small screws and nuts, in one safe location to minimize the possibility of losing them.
Pro Tip: You may want to take a picture of how each piece of hardware is attached so that you can reference it later when it’s time to replace everything.
Step Two: Protect Countertop
Once you prep the sink, you should protect the counter with tape around the edges and a plastic covering.
Do not allow the masking tape to overlap the flange.
Step Three: Apply Primer
(If you have an acrylic sink, you can skip this step).
At this time, you can apply a layer of spray paint primer if you have a stainless steel sink.
Let the primer dry completely, then wipe off the primer dust on the surface.
Step Four: Apply Color Coat
Next, you can apply the top layer of paint.
Use oil-based enamel lead-free paint, as it adheres well to stainless steel.
After a thin first layer, apply a second layer once the first layer dries. If you have leftover paint, don’t dump the paint down the drain; otherwise, you may wind up with a kitchen sink clog.
After you paint your sink, you have the perfect opportunity to deep clean the different components of your sink to remove soap scum so that it doesn’t build up and create a clog.
Clean with white vinegar or a special degreaser and take special care to keep yourself organized. Check before using steel wool, which can damage some materials.
Step Six: Replace Hardware
Replace the hardware to your sink and restore the water.
Be careful to replace everything exactly as it was to prevent a new kitchen sink leak.
Refinishing Too Complicated? Consider a New Option
Refinishing a sink may require more work than you anticipated. If you want to get the job done quickly, try these alternatives.
Coating
You can always apply a top coat bonding agent over your sink to brighten it up and hide small cracks and chips. In most cases, applying a top coat costs less and requires less work than a complete paint job. However, you won’t be able to change the color of the sink or repair moderate to deep chips and cracks.
Replace the Entire Sink
At a certain point, the cost of refinishing an old sink gets so high that you may as well replace the entire sink. When you buy a replacement sink, you should consider getting a sink made of a material known for easy refinishing and durability.
What Is the Best Material Of a Kitchen Sink?
Instead of refinishing your sink, you may choose to buy a new sink altogether. Certain sinks hold up their appearance for a long time, depending on the material. We will cover some of the most durable materials that will look great for years.
Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
Stainless steel is easy to clean, durable, versatile, and cost-effective, making it the most popular option. However, it doesn’t come in many color options (hence the need to paint them), and they can sometimes get noisy and show water stains after time.
You will find the stainless steel graded by its thickness with most sinks either 16-gauge stainless steel or 18-gauge stainless steel, 18-gauge stainless steel being the thicker option. 304 stainless steel is heat-resistant and resistant to corrosion.
Fireclay Kitchen Sink
A fireclay kitchen sink is an expensive, durable, and highly attractive option that consists of clay molded at extremely high temperatures. Fireclay sinks last the longest of all material options, and they maintain their appearance over the years with little maintenance.
Many people choose fireclay as the material for a farmhouse sink, or apron sink, thanks to the classic Italian aesthetic. However, they are extremely heavy and require advanced installation.
Cast Iron Kitchen Sink
A cast iron sink won’t dent, and it comes in more colors and styles than ever, thanks to a porcelain enamel finish. However, cast iron is heavy, meaning it requires a costly installation.
Also, cast iron can become corroded over time, affecting the quality of the water you and your family drink and creating rust stains. Iron sinks have decreased in popularity over the years but seem to be making a comeback.
Is It Difficult to Replace a Kitchen Sink?
It is not necessarily difficult to replace a kitchen sink. There are a number of ways to ensure that you make your sink replacement as easy as possible:
Replace With a Similar Sink
If you want to make a sink replacement as easy as possible, you should replace it with a sink that mimics your current sink. This can become difficult if you have custom sinks.
Size matters when it comes to sink replacement. Learn how to measure your current sink for a replacement to avoid a time-consuming and possibly expensive mistake.
It will also be harder to install a sink if it’s installed differently than your last sink. It may require an advanced installation if you want to switch from an overmount sink to an undermount sink. However, sometimes the complex installation is worth it for the added aesthetic appeal.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a Kitchen Sink?
Plumbers charge $27.08/hr on average, and a kitchen sink removal or replacement can become an extensive job.
On average, it will cost $500 – $1000 to move a sink more than three feet.
There are a lot of factors that go into the cost. For example, a project that requires new plumbing installation will cost more than a job that has plumbing accessible already.
Another factor is location. Plumbers charge more in high-demand areas, such as New York City.
Quality plumbing services will also cost more than new plumbers without adequate training.
Final Thoughts on Can an Old Sink Be Refinished?
A sink can absolutely be refinished. However, it may take a lot of work and effort on your part (as well as intermediate DIY plumbing knowledge) to wind up with your refinished sink.
Alternatively, you can hire a plumbing company to perform the job for you. If possible, get the work done as part of a larger remodel to hopefully save money on bulk services. Now that you’ve thought about your kitchen sink, it’s time to think about the bathroom shower and the bathroom sink.
FAQs For Can A Kitchen Sink Be Refinished
How much does it cost to reglaze kitchen sink?
Prices vary based on the job, but the average hourly rate for a plumber is $27.08/hr.
Is it possible to resurface a kitchen sink?
It may be possible to resurface a kitchen sink, depending on the material.
How do you refurbish a kitchen sink?
Refurbish a kitchen sink by disconnecting it and deep cleaning it. You can also apply paint.
Can a plastic kitchen sink be refurbished?
While you can refurbish a plastic sink, you may want to consider looking into a new replacement sink made from a more durable material.
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We’re passionate about all things plumbing, and love sharing tips, “how-to”, and reviewing the latest products to help make your project a success!
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
