Whether it’s kitchen or bathroom fixtures, they’re all subject to constant wear and tear. The finish on your ceramic or fiberglass sink is easy to stain, especially in the kitchen where the fixture is exposed to juices from your fruits and veggies, as well as oils and grease. Fine, hairline cracks can also damage the finish, giving your sink a dated appearance. Instead of replacing the sink with a new one, you could save some money by reglazing it.
You can reglaze a ceramic, fiberglass, or acrylic kitchen sink with epoxy paint. Most kits include a paint product and a hardener that creates a strong finish once dry. However, the key to impeccable reglazing is the prep work you should do before applying the paint product.
Main Topics
Is It Worth Reglazing A Sink?
Yes, reglazing a kitchen sink is more than worth it if the fixture is otherwise in good condition. The new glaze will give your sink a new lease of life, and you’ll generally be able to enjoy the finish for at least a few years.
Once hardened, epoxy paint becomes as strong as smalt glazing. The surface is easy to clean and resistant to scratches. Reglazing can help you restore the sink to its original color if the surface is discolored but also repair minor chips or cracks.
Another advantage is the reduced cost. If you don’t mind reglazing yourself, the whole project will likely cost you under $50. A far cry from the cost of a new stock sink – and we don’t even want to mention how expensive a custom sink would be.
However, you can only get a long-lasting result if you prepare the surface properly and prime it before applying the paint – even if you use paint that says it doesn’t need priming. If you’re now convinced to give it a try, follow the easy guide below.
Kitchen Sink Reglazing Cost Estimations
Reglazing a kitchen sink is very cheap if you decide to do it yourself. The materials cost about $26.30 on average, with a range between $24.58 and $27.96.
If you’re not the DIY kind and would rather have a professional do the work, you can expect to pay between $417.39 and $952.67 for labor and materials. The national average is $685.03, but the final price will obviously depend on your location, sink material, and finish option you choose.
Considering that installing a new sink can cost you $1,100 or more between labor and materials, reglazing is undeniably a more cost-effective solution.
Things You Will Need To Reglaze A Sink
Perhaps you noticed that reglazing a sink can be quite expensive if you hire a professional. However, the task is so simple that anyone can do it. Gather the things below and reglaze the sink yourself to save some money.
Epoxy paint (specifically made for sinks and tubs)
Paintbrush
Primer (for ceramic, acrylic, or fiberglass, based on your sink’s material)
Palm sander
Sandpaper
Acrylic topcoat
Cleaning supplies
Plastic sheets
Painter’s tape
Protective equipment
DIY: Reglaze Kitchen Sink in 5 Easy Steps
Have you gathered all the materials above? It is now time to reglaze your kitchen sink in five easy steps. Check them out below.
Step 1 – Clean the sink
Epoxy paint, just like any other paint product, won’t adhere to dirty surfaces. The kitchen sink can be stained with oils and grease, so removing them before painting is crucial.
Your best bet is a degreaser, but dish soap would do too. Use an abrasive sponge and scrub the area thoroughly. Rinse with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
Step 2 – Prepare the area
One of the most tedious tasks to do when reglazing sinks or bathtubs is to cover all adjacent surfaces you don’t want to paint.
In the kitchen, these include your countertops, faucet, but also the sink flange, stopper, or basket strain.
Start with the countertops and backsplash behind your sink. Cover the surfaces with plastic sheets and fix them in place with painter’s tape.
You can decide whether to cover the faucet or remove it completely until you’re done with the job. The same goes for the sink flange and stopper. If you don’t want to remove them, cover them neatly with painter’s tape.
Step 3 – Prepare the surface for painting
To improve grip, it is essential to sand the surface before applying the primer and paint. You can do that manually, but it is easier to use a palm sander.
Start with medium-grit sandpaper and cover the entire surface. Change the paper each time you stop to wipe away the dust. Switch to fine-grit sandpaper and do the same, then wipe off all dust with a damp cloth. Let the sink dry.
Step 4 – Prime the surface and mix the paint
Apply primer to the surface with a paintbrush and let it dry for the time specified on the tin. A few minutes before the time’s up, mix the epoxy paint with the bonding/hardening agent. This agent comes with the paint, and all you have to do is mix the two.
Step 5 – Paint the sink
Use a paint brush or roller and apply the epoxy glaze to the sink. Let it dry for a couple of hours, then apply a second coat if needed.
Once the second coat is dry and cured (about 24 hours), seal the surface with an acrylic topcoat. While the topcoat is optional, it will increase durability.
You can now remove the painter’s tape and install the faucet and drain if you’ve removed them. That’s it.
How Long Does Sink Reglazing Last?
Professional reglazing lasts 10-15 years. You may not get that lifespan if you paint the sink yourself, but you can still expect about 5-10 years of lifespan.
FAQs
Reglazing a sink is easy and cheap, but you may have further questions before getting down to business. Check out the answers.
How long does it take to reglaze a sink?
Refinishing a sink takes about 3-4 hours in total, but you will have to wait for the paint to cure for about 24 hours before you can use the sink again. Account for about two days if you also want to apply a protective topcoat.
What colors can you reglaze a tub?
You can opt for the original color or switch to a new shade. Epoxy paint comes in all popular colors like white, sand, beige, gray, as well as more contemporary options including blue, navy, red, or green.
Can a porcelain kitchen sink be refinished?
Yes, you can refinish or resurface a porcelain sink for about the same cost you would reglaze a ceramic sink.
Conclusion
Reglazing your kitchen sink comes as a cost-effective alternative to replacing the fixture. The task is about as difficult as painting any other object, which means that anyone can do it. A DIY solution won’t cost you more than $50 if you have to buy all the tools and materials. Alternatively, you could opt for professional reglazing.
So, which will it be? Will you give it a try and paint the sink yourself or hire a professional? Tell us in a comment, and before you go, don’t forget to share this article.
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