You need a budget-friendly way to perk up your tired, scratched bathroom sink. You’ve heard that painting is an option, but is painting a bathroom sink a DIY job?
Yes, you can paint your bathroom sink. With the right paint and preparation, your sink can get a fresh new look that’s easy on the wallet. In this article, we’ll show you how with a few tips from Emmanuel, a handyman who is the uncle of one of my colleagues.
| Project difficulty: Intermediate Estimated time to complete: The painting process can be completed in one day, but the curing process takes 3 to 7 days. Project cost: Material costs range from $130 to $220. *Note: These costs did not include the vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda suggested as DIY cleaning solutions. |
Start With the Right Paint
Choosing the right paint for your sink is very important, Emmanuel says, since “not all paints stick well to sinks.” But which paint will stand up to daily abuse? It depends on what your sink is made of.
Emmanuel suggests that you ask the paint dealer for paint specifically labeled for the sink material. He also says that for the most part, you’ll need a primer, too.
Some common sink materials:
Ceramic and Porcelain
Ceramic and porcelain are both made from clay and are very durable. However, porcelain is made from refined clay and fired at high temperatures to produce a smooth, glassy surface. Ceramic is made from natural clay and is fired at lower temperatures, creating a softer finish.
With both, you need a primer that will bond to a non-porous surface. Generally, an epoxy primer is considered the best choice, followed by a top coat of epoxy paint. That’s usually marketed as a bathroom tub/tile paint and produces a glossy, durable finish.
Emmanuel uses spray paint, but you can buy a brush/roller type of epoxy.
Caution: Epoxy paint — in any form — is flammable. It also produces surprisingly noxious fumes that take hours to clear out. If possible, move the sink to a well-ventilated area. If not, open the windows, run fans, and keep kids and pets out of the room. A respirator is a good idea, too.
Enamel
An enamel sink is made from lightweight steel or cast iron. (Vintage sinks are more likely to be cast iron.) It’s coated with porcelain enamel — a powdered glass coating bonded to the sink by high temperatures. For best results, use an epoxy-based primer topped by epoxy-based paint.
Acrylic
Epoxy paint is one option for your acrylic sink. However, you may need a primer with this method. Check with the manufacturer or your paint dealer. Another option is one of the spray-on paints for plastic. They’re formulated for hard plastics and generally don’t need primer.
Stainless Steel
Any stainless steel sink can be painted. (Though most painting questions tend to involve kitchen sinks.) However, the process can be tricky: Most paints won’t stick to stainless steel — it’s not porous.
Emmanuel says that when he’s painted stainless steel, he scuffs the surface with sandpaper, then applies a metal primer followed by a top coat of spray paint (epoxy is considered a good choice) for a smooth finish.
Get Your Tools Together
Having tools at hand will make the job go more quickly. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4-inch roller (microfiber is a good choice if you’re using epoxy)
- 1-inch synthetic-bristle brush
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths
- Cleaner
- 180-220 grit sandpaper
- Basin wrench and screwdriver (should you plan to remove the faucets and drain)
- Respirator
- Goggles
- Gloves (Epoxy paint can irritate the skin.)
Start the Prep Work
Clean the sink: You can use a bathroom cleaner, but if your budget is tight, Emmanuel says, “Vinegar and baking soda are your best friends. Mix them into a paste and scrub. It’s cheap, natural, and does the job.” Rinse with clean, hot water. Wait at least 24 hours for the sink to dry.
If you have hard water or well water, the vinegar/baking soda combo (or use lemon juice) is also a popular DIY method to remove rust, or lime and calcium buildup. Commercial cleaners work quickly, but use adequate ventilation and keep them away from your skin and eyes.
Remove (or tape up) the faucet and drain: You don’t want paint in the drain: it will harden and create clogs. Removal makes things easier, Emmanuel says, “But if they’re stuck, good-quality painter’s tape works. Just press it down well to avoid leaks.”
For more tips, check out our article on How to Remove a Bathroom Vanity and Sink in 5 Steps.
Protect the area: Put down drop cloths, and go around the sink with painter’s tape to protect the countertop. If the sink is close to the wall, tape paper against the area to protect it.
Fix any damage: Try these remedies to fix scratches and chips in your sink:
- Ceramics and porcelain: Try baking soda or a mildly abrasive cleaner. A fine pumice stone may work on deeper scratches. For very deep scratches, try a repair kit.
- Enamel: The same measures can be used on enamel sinks. But deep scratches may need professional refinishing.
- Stainless steel: Try whitening toothpaste, olive oil, or baking soda. Rub with the grain.
- Acrylic: Try a polishing compound for minor scratches; fine-grit sandpaper may work on deeper ones.
Sand the sink: Try a 220-grit sandpaper for the job. The aim is to make the surface rough enough to accept paint. Clean off the dust with a tack cloth or a damp microfiber cloth.
Caulk if necessary: Apply caulk around the sink before you paint to create a smooth surface. Be sure to get a waterproof and paintable caulk: Most silicone caulks don’t adhere well to paint.
Time to Paint
First, make sure the room is well-ventilated. Then, with a brush or roller, apply a thin coat of primer if needed. There’s no need to sand between coats. Let the primer dry for at least 2 to 3 hours before painting again. (But check the manufacturer’s directions to be sure.)
One More Sanding
Once you’re ready for the top coat, give the sink one more sanding with the 220-grit sandpaper. Again, you want to rough up the surface a bit so the paint will stick. Wipe it down with a tack cloth and a rag.
Put on the Paint
Apply the top coat: Now, it’s time for the top coat. Emmanuel suggests using a brush for tight spots or edges. “But for smooth areas, a foam roller makes it look pro.”
- Spray paint: With spray paint, spray a light coat in a sweeping motion and overlap each pass. Keep the can 3.5 to 4 inches from the sink to help it adhere better.
- Liquid paint: Apply a thin coat of paint: You may need two or three coats to get the best results.
If you need a second (or third) coat, you’ll need to use the 220-grit sandpaper (180-220 grit for acrylic sinks) between coats.
Let it dry: Both epoxy and paints for plastics may need 3 to 5 hours to dry between coats. (Check manufacturer’s directions.)
Final Steps
Congratulations! You’ve painted the sink. But don’t start brushing your teeth just yet. Even if the paint is dry to the touch, it needs time to reach its maximum hardness or cure. Every paint is different, so check the manufacturer’s guidelines, but generally:
Epoxy paint needs three days to cure.
Paint for plastics takes five to seven days to cure, depending on the manufacturer.
In the meantime, start cleaning up. Pull up the drop cloths, gently pull off the painter’s tape, and clean your brushes. For epoxy paints, clean your brush with acetone or denatured alcohol.
As for the microfiber roller cover, best to throw it out: Acetone or denatured alcohol will damage it. (Check local regulations for proper disposal.)
How to Clean Your Painted Sink
If you want your newly painted sink to look good, clean it carefully. Don’t use abrasive cleaners or scrubbing brushes. A spray-on cleaner with a sponge or rag will do nicely.
Note: Be careful when using vinegar — concentrated vinegar can weaken the coating. And don’t pour boiling water into the sink — it could make the paint peel.
FAQ
Can I Buy a Refinishing Kit for my Sink?
Refinishing kits are convenient; you get all your materials in one box. They come in different configurations: tub, tile, and showers; sinks only; or everything plus countertops.
If you’re considering one, be sure it can be used for sinks, and that it has the proper paint for your sink’s composition.
Can I Use Appliance Epoxy Enamel on my Sink?
Many DIY videos and blogs feature the use of appliance epoxy for sinks, tubs, and countertops. One advantage: It doesn’t need a primer on most surfaces.
But do know that paint manufacturers Rust-Oleum and Krylon don’t recommend appliance epoxy for anything continuously submerged in water — moisture (including humidity) can cause the paint to blister and peel over time.
Should you decide to try it, check out my safety tips on epoxy paint above.
I Painted my Sink: How Long Will it Last?
How long the paint job will last depends in part on how you use the sink. (Emmanuel points out that sinks tend to take a beating.) It also depends on the paint. Generally, epoxy paints can last 3 to 5 years. Paints formulated for plastics can last 2 to 5 years.
But, paint manufacturers caution that proper maintenance is key. If you avoid abrasive cleaners and are careful not to scratch or chip the finish, your paint job may last as long as you need it to.
Time to Transform Your Bathroom Sink
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Should I paint my bathroom sink?” I hope this article will give you the know-how and the inspiration to give your old sink a new look, whether it’s for the short or long term.
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