Kitchen sinks are a long-term investment, lasting anywhere between 10 years and a century. However, That doesn’t mean you have to be stuck with a dull color throughout that time.
What if it doesn’t look good with your new kitchen decor? Can you paint a kitchen sink?
The kitchen sink can be painted. The process might take a bit of time, but it’s often a one-man’s job. It’s also quite affordable, and shouldn’t cost you more than $30. Meanwhile, a new sink could cost you around $400.
Read on to know which paint you can use. And don’t miss our step-by-step instructions for painting the kitchen sink perfectly.
Can You Paint a Stainless Kitchen Sink?
Yes. Regardless of the common belief that stainless steel sinks should remain silver, you can add your own touches and paint them any color you like.
Stainless steel sinks are eco-friendly, easy to maintain, and most importantly durable. So, if you’re redecorating your kitchen, there’s no reason to trade your stainless steel sink for a new one. Instead, a few splashes of paint can give it a completely different vibe.
One obstacle you could face is that stainless steel is polished. So, the paint won’t bond easily with the surface. However, roughing up the surface a little should do the trick. This will allow the paint to adhere to the stainless steel.
What Kind of Paint Sticks to Kitchen Sinks?
Stainless steel kitchen sinks are covered with a small degree of chromium to prevent rust, which gives them a slippery, smooth feel. This means only heavy-duty paint can stick to this kind of material.
Epoxy will do the job for you. You should avoid enamel paint or any other waterproof paint because the color would soon wash off.
To ensure the best quality and utmost durability of your paint, add a coat of aliphatic polyurethane. It protects your paint from corrosion or chipping and gives it a nice glossy appearance.
How to Paint Your Stainless Steel Sink? (Quick Guide)
Tools
For easier application and a smoother finish, spray paint your sink. The sink with its curves will make it hard to use a roller or a brush. And if the paint layer isn’t coated equally, it could lead to a grainy texture.
You can either go all out and rent some spray equipment, or you can just use some aerosol cans which will give you a similar effect.
Prepping and Primer
Removing your kitchen sink will make your life a lot easier. You won’t have to run the risk of getting paint on the countertops or any nearby surfaces. You’ll also get better access to all the sink’s sides, so no part will be left unpainted.
However, this can cause a plumbing catastrophe if you don’t know your way around it.
If you have to paint your kitchen sink in its fixed place, make sure to tape off all surrounding surfaces, particularly the tiles and faucet. Then, you need to give your sink a cleaning of a lifetime, to get all the grease off before you start painting.
Once your sink is all dried up, apply a metal etching primer. The phosphoric acid element in it will etch your sink. MPI 69 primer is also commonly used. It should sit for 4 to 6 hours to cure.
Then a sanding machine or 150-grit sandpaper is in order, to get that sink all coarse and ready. If your sink has any rusty spots, a wire brush and a rust converter can help you get rid of them.
Paint
Finally, it’s time to get some paint on! You want to use two layers of paint to get complete coverage.
Keep the nozzle a distance of 12 to 18 inches away from the metal when spraying. And we’d recommend using a wide mist, so the paint doesn’t get concentrated in one place. You could also thin the paint with a little water, one ounce of water for each gallon, for perfect consistency.
Once each layer is fully dried, use a 320- or 400-grit sandpaper to even the surface of the metal.
Seal and Wax
Now that the paint coats are done, consider adding some final touches for a sleeker look.
The new paint will be constantly exposed to water, grease, and other harmful chemicals. So, adding a sealer, wax, or both will guarantee that your hard work retains its luster. They form an isolating layer to keep your paint unchipped, and even enhance the color.
The aliphatic acrylic polyurethane is particularly ideal. It bonds well with epoxy which is an essential factor to consider for any sealer.
It’s both waterproof and ultra-violet rays resistant. So, it keeps your sink from going yellow and prevents any future scratches. You can get it in gloss, matte, and in any color you like, to get your sink finish just right.
Some people choose to use transparent nail polish or powder coating instead, but they don’t always give the same results.
Can You Paint a Fireclay Kitchen Sink?
Yes, Fireclay kitchen sinks are paintable. They’re considerably easier to paint than stainless steel.
While fireclay farmhouses aren’t prone to cracking and chipping, they stain. This makes them seem a lot cheaper and older than they are.
They also come in limited colors. So, painting them can be a great idea.
How to Paint Fireclay Kitchen Sinks?
Painting a fireclay kitchen sink is a lot similar to painting a stainless steel one. Epoxy is your go-to paint either way. But here are a few things to consider when painting a fireclay Farmhouse kitchen sink.
Fireclay sinks are a lot heavier than stainless steel ones. So don’t attempt to remove a sink from its place without professional help.
You can start by repairing any cracks or dents. This way the sink would look as good as new. And the repairs will also keep the paint from chipping.
You’ll need to roughen up the surface of a fireclay sink. It can be done with steel wool. Rubbing at the surface a couple of times will give you the desired texture.
Before applying the second paint coat, make sure you even out the paint by gently brushing the steel wool over any thick or drippy spots.
Precautions for Using Epoxy Paint
While DIYing your kitchen sink is easy, some precautions are necessary to take. Epoxy paint fumes can cause nausea and drowsiness if breathed in for long periods. It’s also incredibly smelly. So, make sure the area you’re working in is properly aired. If not, wear a nose mask.
Also, make sure it doesn’t come in contact with your skin as you could be sensitized to the chemicals. And if it drips on your clothes, wash it immediately because it’s impossible to remove the stain once it dries.
Wrap Up
Both stainless steel and fireclay kitchen sinks can be easily painted. All you have to do is prepare your sink with a thorough clean-up and some scuffing to get it ready.
Without the rough surface, the paint won’t cling to or be absorbed by the surface. Additionally, you can use epoxy, primer, and sealer for the most polished finish.
Let’s give some sinks a makeover!
