stainless steel vs porcelain sink 5954b7b7c833e

How To Fix A Hole In A Porcelain Sink

Porcelain is one of the oldest materials, brought from China as early as the year 200. Prized for its strength and beauty, porcelain is a common building material.

Particularly suited for sinks, porcelain is nearly impervious to water. A cast iron kitchen sink with porcelain enamel is one of the most robust sink options for commercial or home use.

Although some people prefer acrylic, the harder surface of porcelain makes it more resistant to scratches. The density of porcelain makes it both quiet and durable.

A porcelain sink can easily last 30 years, making it a worthwhile investment for any home or business. The low maintenance surface can be cleaned with nearly any product and easily refinished if needed. 

One of the greatest advantages of porcelain is it can be repaired. A small hole in your bathroom sink doesn’t mean it needs to be replaced.

Leaving a hole means you risk rust in the metal beneath, but don’t worry, you don’t need a plumber; this is a DIY fix you can tackle!

Supply List

  • Porcelain repair kit
  • Fine grit sandpaper
  • Lint-free cloth
  • Soap
  • Hairdryer
  • Work gloves
  • Single-edged razor blade
  • Cotton swab
  • Fingernail polish/acetone

Step 1: Match The Color

Find a porcelain repair kit that matches the color of your sink. Hardware stores and big home improvement stores will have many options to choose from, or you can always turn to Amazon for more choices.

If you can’t find a good color match, you can use alkyd paint to in addition to the repair compound. Most paint kits will come with a paintbrush so you’ll have everything you need.

Step 2: Prepare The Surface

Before you can begin the repair, make sure the sinks surface is properly prepped; otherwise, the repair compound won’t adhere. Sand down the edges of the damaged area using the fine-grit sandpaper.

Ensure your sanding is not beyond the area to repair, or you will cause a new problem. 

Next, clean the surrounding area with your lint-free cloth, soap and hot water. The surface of the sink must be completely smooth and dry, without any dust or porcelain pieces.

The area must be totally dry before continuing the repair. Use the hairdryer to speed up the drying time.

Step 3: Mix The Repair Compound

Put on your gloves to protect your hands and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the repair compound. If the compound is not mixed correctly, the repair will not work. 

If the kit doesn’t come with a container to mix the compound in, you can mix it on a ceramic tile using a clean putty knife. 

Always keep your workspace well ventilated. Some compounds need to sit before you use them, recheck the instructions to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Step 4: Apply The Compound

Use your razor blade to fill the hole with the repair compound. Many kits will supply an applicator, but the razor blade’s edge gives you better control over the epoxy.

Keep layering the filler until it is flush with the surrounding surface. Use the razor blade to smooth the patch, then let it dry. 

Check the kit’s instructions for how long the compound needs to dry. Once it is completely dry, use your fine-grit sandpaper to even out the surface.

You want there to be a seamless transition between the neighbouring area and your patch. Use the cotton swab and acetone to remove any rough spots along the edges of the repair. 

Step 5: Paint The Porcelain (Optional)

If your repair is small enough, you won’t need to paint over it. A more extensive repair may require some paint to finish the repair.

A high-gloss paint or glaze will give the shiny finish that will make your sink look brand new. 

Conclusion

When planning a new bathroom or kitchen sink, take into account your preferences for countertops and faucets. You may find a porcelain sink is a perfect match!

Although a porcelain sink is often more expensive than an acrylic option, the durability is worth it. Porcelain is easy to keep clean and, as you’ve just learned, can be very simple to repair.