How to Patch a Chipped Porcelain Sink

White porcelain sink in the corner of a room with white tiles
  • 1-3 hours
  • Beginner
  • $20-70
What You'll Need
Rubbing alcohol
Clean cloth
400-grit wet and dry sandpaper
Porcelain repair kit
Matchstick or toothpick
Single edge razor blade
What You'll Need
Rubbing alcohol
Clean cloth
400-grit wet and dry sandpaper
Porcelain repair kit
Matchstick or toothpick
Single edge razor blade

Wear and tear on a porcelain sink often results in chips. These chips can be unsightly and might lead you to consider replacing the sink. Repairing a chipped porcelain sink is easy and inexpensive compared to the cost of replacing it. If you know what to do, you can patch those chips and save money, while extending the life of your porcelain sink.

Step 1 - Prepare the Surface

Clean your porcelain sink with mild soapy water or a non-abrasive cleaner and dry it with a clean cloth. Wipe the chipped area with rubbing alcohol and allow it to dry completely. Using 400-grit wet and dry sandpaper, sand the inside of the chip to remove any small pieces and allow the filler to adhere properly. Be careful not to sand the surrounding areas to prevent scratching. Use a clean cloth to wipe away any sanding dust.

Step 2 - Apply Porcelain Filler

You can purchase a porcelain repair kit at your home supply store. They come in different colors to match your sink. You can also combine colors for a more precise match.

Mix the porcelain filler according to package directions and use a matchstick or toothpick to apply filler to the chipped area. If the chip is large, apply the filler in thin layers. Allow the filler to dry completely and sand it lightly. Doing so will smooth the filler and allow each successive layer to bond properly.

Continue layering the chip with porcelain filler, allowing each layer to dry before sanding, until the chipped area is level with the surrounding area. Before the final layer is completely dry, use a single edge razor blade across the top of the filler to slice off any high spots and make sure the repair is flush with the area surrounding the chip. Sand very lightly to ensure that the surface is smooth.

Step - 3 Finish Up

Once the filler is completely dry, apply the surface glaze. It comes in the kit in a small bottle with a brush attached. Use the brush to dab the glaze on the patched surface in a thin layer and spread it carefully to the edges of the repair. Repeat thin layers of glaze until the repaired surface matches the rest of your sink. Allow the repair to dry completely according to package directions, usually at least 24 hours, before using your sink. Don't scrub the repaired area for a week to make sure it has bonded securely.

Porcelain sinks are beautiful and sturdy, but they will chip if heavy items are dropped on them. Repairing a porcelain sink is much more cost effective compared to replacing it. If you follow these instructions, you can not only prolong the life of your sink, you can keep it looking almost new for years to come.