Seeing unsightly cracks on your porcelain sink? If the cracks are cosmetic, this is an easy fix— one that you can safely do yourself. However, some cracks may mean that your sink needs replacement.
This guide talks about porcelain sink crack repair and how to recognize when a porcelain sink needs replacement.
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Why is My Porcelain Sink Cracking?
Thermal Stress
One of the most common causes of hairline cracks on porcelain sinks is thermal stress. Considering porcelain is usually layered on metal (which conducts heat), the sink loses heat rapidly and can become very cold—even when the room isn’t cold.
Therefore, hot water getting into contact with cold porcelain creates temperature stress that can cause cracks on the sink’s surface. This thermal stress can also occur in sinks that are made entirely of porcelain (i.e. no metal layer).
Physical Trauma
Another reason why cracks can appear on porcelain sinks is physical trauma. Heavy objects can be dropped on the sink while washing. In some cases, the porcelain sink can be accidentally struck with tools while performing DIY plumbing repairs.
Aggravated Cracks
Whether they are caused by thermal stress or physical trauma, small cracks can be aggravated over time. Further thermal stress over the cracks as hot water runs through the sink can gradually enlarge any existing cracks.
Can You Fix a Cracked Porcelain Sink?
Sink cracks and chips can usually be repaired easily. If, however, your sink is leaking because it has structural cracks, it is time for a replacement. In addition, if the crack is so deep that you can see right through it, you should buy a new sink.
It is also important to manage expectations if you are about to perform a porcelain sink crack repair on slight, non-structural damage. When it comes to DIY porcelain sink repair for hairline cracks, you may be able to make the crack unnoticeable—at least from about a foot or half a foot away. Up close, however, the repair might still be visible.
Furthermore, after completing a cracked sink repair, the surface of the repaired area may not be as smooth to the touch as the rest of the sink.
What is the Best Glue for Repairing Porcelain (or Ceramic) Sinks?
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Epoxy is the best glue for porcelain and ceramic if you need to fill gaps or carry out a cracked sink repair. Though there are slight differences between porcelain and ceramic sinks, epoxy is a common material that can be used for both types.
Epoxy is made up of two main ingredients: resin and hardener. The two components combine to form a strong bond with long-term durability. Even though epoxy is known to be durable, it is important to remember that it still cannot be used for DIY repairs of structural or much larger porcelain sink cracks.
As mentioned earlier, the best course of action for more significant structural cracks is to have the porcelain sink replaced.
What is a Porcelain Sink Repair Kit?
The best material for repairing a porcelain sink is epoxy. However, buying epoxy that isn’t specialized for porcelain sink crack repairs can lead to poor or unsightly results. This is why it’s recommended to get a porcelain sink repair kit.
This kit contains everything you need to carry out cracked sink repairs. However, depending on the colour of your porcelain sink, you may also need touch-up paint, high-gloss paint, and porcelain glaze.
Porcelain Sink Repair [Detailed Steps]
You will need the following materials for porcelain sink repairs:
- Scrubber/sponge
- Towel
- All-purpose cleaner
- Sandpaper
- Porcelain sink repair kit
- Touch-up paint for porcelain
- High-gloss paint or glaze (optional)
After getting these materials, follow the steps below:
1. Clean the Sink
Thoroughly clean the sink with an all-purpose cleaner before attempting to repair any cracks or chips. If any grime, dirt, or residue is on top of or around the sink, use a scrubber or sponge to remove it. After rinsing the sink with warm water, pat it dry with a towel.
2. Sand the Cracks
Lightly sand the crack with your sandpaper. Rub the sandpaper over the crack until the edges of the crack are made rough. This way, the epoxy from the repair kit will adhere better to the surface.
Remember to pay close attention to the areas where you are rubbing the sandpaper, as you don’t want to scratch the area around the crack—only the crack itself.
3. Ready and Apply the Epoxy
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Some repair kits come with pre-made epoxy, while others require mixing two ingredients to create epoxy on the spot. If you need to mix ingredients to make epoxy, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once your epoxy is ready, it’s time to use it for your cracked sink repair.
Fill the sink crack with the epoxy using the applicator brush. Ensure that you apply the epoxy until it fills the crack completely to the sink’s surface level.
If you need to apply multiple coats of epoxy, make sure to wait at least 5 minutes before adding the next layer. Sand the epoxy lightly after each layer has dried to ensure it is levelled with the sink’s surface.
Once you have enough epoxy layers for your porcelain sink crack repair, let the epoxy dry as per the timeframe set by the manufacturer of the repair kit.
4. Apply Touch-Up Paint
Once the epoxy has dried completely, apply touch-up paint over the repaired cracks. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how many coats of touch-up paint you’ll need.
If the epoxy already matches your sink’s colour (commonly, this happens for white sinks), you may not need touch-up paint anymore.
5. Apply High-Gloss Paint or Glaze
As an optional step for older sinks, you can coat your sink in either high-gloss paint or glaze. This will help freshen up your old sink’s appearance.
Opt for Porcelain Sink Replacement from Trusted Professionals
That wraps up our article on cracked sink repairs. However, if the cracks on your sink are severe and you’re considering a replacement, we’re here to assist you.
PlumbWize is one of the most trusted providers of residential and commercial plumbing services in the areas of Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Ancaster, and Stoney Creek. We have handled virtually every type of plumbing issue over the years.
If porcelain sink repair is not an option and you need a new sink for your home or office, our team is always ready to help. To learn more about our services, feel free to give us a call!
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens
