Can You Paint A Porcelain Sink? (Find Out Now!)

Tiffany Nichols
by Tiffany Nichols

Porcelain sinks can be beautiful. But what happens when you want to change the color? Can you paint a porcelain sink, or do you have to replace the whole thing? Better yet, what type of paint should you use? Find out now.

You can paint porcelain sinks with supplies from your local hardware store. However, you have to be careful about how quickly you cover the surface. Also, always wash your sinks first because dirt and debris could compromise your color. And consider refinishing your basins instead.

Can You Refinish a Porcelain Bathroom Sink?

Expect simple work when refinishing your porcelain sinks. And renew old basins while improving their durability with a few simple steps. You can sand, smooth, repaint, and re-glaze the surface of your sinks, but you may need to hire a professional. That’s because it’s easy to chip and crack porcelain in the process. Meanwhile, experts have all the best tools and techniques.

DID YOU KNOW: Porcelain coatings are excellent for basins made from stainless steel, cast iron, and acrylic.

How Much Does It Cost to Have a Porcelain Sink Refinished?

The cost of refinishing a porcelain sink can change at any time. Market fluctuations from supply and demand dictate how much you’ll spend on porcelain refurbishing. So, make sure your budget is flexible, and compare prices if you call a professional. Most experts offer free estimates if you ask.

Meanwhile, the national average for porcelain refinishing materials is still under $30. But costs tend to vary. Depending on the retailer and the quality of supplies you choose, you could pay as much as $50 per sink. And if you hire an expert, expect to spend even more on labor costs.

NOTE: Some of your porcelain basins may be too far gone to refinish. So, consider installing new sinks instead.

How Can I Make My Porcelain Sink Look New?

You might not have to repaint or refinish your porcelain sinks after all. The reason is that you can make them look brand-new with rigorous scrubbing. And if you use the best cleaning products, you won’t have to worry about damaging the enamel.

Gather your supplies and then follow these eight simple steps to make your porcelain sinks look better:

  • Grab a few hand towels that you don’t mind bleaching.
  • Find a small container to combine ingredients.
  • Mix one (1) part bleach with five (5) parts water.
  • Pour your mixture onto your hand towels.
  • Place the soaked towels into your sink.
  • Wait for the towels to dry overnight.
  • Rinse thoroughly 12-24 hours later.
  • Repeat the process if some stains remain.

Use the same bleach concoction to spot clean wherever you need it. But try not to breathe in too many fumes because they could make you sick. And if your house smells like bleach afterward, open a window or use baking soda to clear the air.

You can also paint porcelain sinks if scrubbing and replacing aren’t your gig. However, be careful about how you do it and choose the best supplies. After all, you could do more harm than good if you don’t know the steps.

Is It Possible to Paint a Porcelain Sink?

Prepare to paint some porcelain. First, visit your local hardware store for the following supplies:

  • Paint: Acrylic urethane enamel paint
  • Process: Spray gun
  • Protection: Face mask with a filter

Now, don’t forget to ventilate the space, so you don’t inhale too many paint fumes. Even with a mask, you may still be in danger. And for fast results in cold climates, use an air purifier. Also, make sure you buy enough paint to cover your sink at least twice. With large sinks or older basins, you might have to apply more than one coat.

What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Porcelain?

Use acrylic urethane enamel paint for most porcelain sinks. But always check the label first. And try to find out if your sink is porcelain instead of ceramic. You’ll have to clean, refinish, and paint the surface differently if it’s ceramic.

Because refinishing porcelain isn’t cheap, you might want to consider some alternatives. However, you’re more likely to save money with a quick paint job versus a total replacement. Plus, your sink’s shape or dimensions might be challenging to replicate. So, a DIY repair sometimes makes more sense.

Related Questions

How Do I Make My Dull Porcelain Sink Shine?

Get the nasty slime out of your sink and make it shiny again. First, use baby oil for a surface sheen that lasts for several hours. Then try lemon oil if that doesn’t work. You only need a few drops of either kind. And both can help restore the natural beauty of your porcelain because they create a protective barrier.


How Can You Tell the Difference Between Ceramic and Porcelain?

Ceramic is clay, so manufacturers heat it in a kiln. The heating process makes ceramic less dense and somewhat porous. Alternatively, porcelain is much harder, denser, and soft-looking. Porcelain also has fewer pores where dirt and debris can collect.


How Do You Clean Porcelain Sinks?

Always clean your sinks with a non-abrasive product unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. That’s because it’s easy to scratch hand-painted or glazed basins.


Is Porcelain Expensive to Replace?

How much does it cost to replace porcelain or repaint the surface? That depends on several factors. Big sinks might require more materials. Plus, disassembling your basin could cause unexpected problems. So, know the parts of a sink before you begin. Then expect to pay around $450 for a complete sink replacement.

Your Sink, Your Rules

You have several options with porcelain. And that means painting the surface might be better than replacing the basin. But weigh the pros and cons first. In the meantime, don’t forget to seek professional help if you need it.

Related Guides

Can You Paint A Porcelain Toilet?

What To Do With Old Cast Iron Sink?

Can You Paint A Kitchen Sink?

Can You Wash Paint Down The Sink?

Tiffany Nichols
Tiffany Nichols

Tiffany Nichols specializes in aesthetics, design, marketing, and manufacturing. She's a copywriter and editor for several home renovation companies in the U.S. and works alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. Her hobbies include architecture, art, mental health, and fashion.

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