Yes, you can paint your kitchen sink, but you need to be aware of the material it's made from before doing so. Whether your sink is stoneware, porcelain, or aluminum, only use a paint that is suitable for the material.
Epoxy-based paints designed specifically for the shower, tile, and tub use are all you should try. They're available primarily in white and beige shades, but some brands also stock more colorful tints so you can get creative in the bathroom. Don't be tempted to experiment with acrylic or oil paints in a tub.
There are two basic types of paint used to paint porcelain. The first is a simple paint that is applied directly and allowed to dry. There are specialty paints available for ceramic and glass surfaces, or simple acrylics can be used.
It takes quite a bit of time; can be messy; and requires a variety of tools, supplies and skills to get the job done right. Most paints won't adhere well to an unprepared ceramic sink, which means you will need to do some extensive prep work. You will also need a special painting kit.
To properly paint enamel, you need an epoxy paint that will adhere to the enamel and withstand the high demands of a sink. If it has chips or rust, prepare it prior to painting. Use other household sinks until the epoxy paint dries to...
Another thing about the refinishing of the porcelain sink is that it is flexible enough. You can change the entire color of the sink, without having to buy a new one. The professional plumbers are well equipped with the right skills and tools that will help them achieve a better sink.
Remove all hardware and clean the sink. Use sandpaper to scuff the sink and acetone to remove gloss. Use caution with acetone. Prime and paint your desired color.
Things to Avoid
Stay away from products with bleach or ammonia because they can change the tile or grout coloring. If you need to scrub your floors, make sure not to use any brushes with hard bristles since they can scratch the porcelain surface.
Rust-Oleum Stops Rust 12 oz. White Tub and Tile Refinishing Spray Paint (Case of 6) provides a 1-step solution to refinish tubs, sinks and showers in just minutes. Unique acrylic epoxy finish bonds to porcelain and ceramic providing outstanding adhesion, durability and color retention in high moisture areas.
Rust-Oleum® Specialty Tub & Tile Refreshing Kit acts and looks like porcelain and ceramic. Apply to ceramic, porcelain or fibreglass.
Abrasive tools: Abrasive tools like scouring pads and steel wool could cause unsightly scratches to form on porcelain sinks. Abrasive cleaners: Abrasive cleaners that contain harsh chemicals can stain, scratch, or damage the finish on porcelain sinks.
For white porcelain only, bleach can be used to remove stains; never use chlorine bleach in colored or vintage porcelain, as it can damage the finish. For both white and colored porcelain, liquid oxygen bleach (such as hydrogen peroxide) is a good alternative.
Paint will stick to glazed ceramics as long as you prep the piece before painting. With the right prep work any paint will stick following these spray painting steps. Sand surface with 100 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface to provide some tooth for the primer and paint to stick to. Wash and let dry.
Even though ceramics have a smooth, glossy finish, they are simple to paint successfully. Here are a few tips that I think are key to getting a good result when painting ceramic items. *Use a primer. I don't always use primer on items I'm spray painting, but on something with a smooth glossy finish it's essential.
Prime/paint
If your paint does not have primer added to it, be sure to prime the items first! Hold the can twelve to sixteen inches away from your piece. I sprayed the front of the pitcher, using short, back and forth strokes, and slowly turned it around until each side was covered.
While the cost range for refinishing porcelain sinks is between $220 and $500, refinishing a specialty sink costs more. The average cost for refinishing a pedestal sink is closer to $400. A freestanding sink with an upper basin and a lower shaft will cost around $450.
Sponges and Cleaners to Use
Bar Keeper's Friend, or a paste of baking soda and water, also comes in handy for cleaning tough stains, oil residue and marks on your Dutch oven as well.
Apply a coat of enamel-based spray paint to the sink. Allow the paint to dry for three to four hours and spray a second coat. Allow the sink to dry for 12 hours or overnight.