Time

An hour or less

Complexity

Intermediate

Cost

Less than $20

Introduction

You can fix chipped enamel on cast iron and steel sinks, and you can make the repair almost invisible with a special enamel repair kit. We show you how.

How to fix chipped enamel on a sink

When you accidentally drop a heavy pan into a cast iron or steel sink, you’re likely to chip the hard enamel surface. I know the sinking feeling, having chipped one myself hardly a year after installation. Puns aside, it’s fairly easy and inexpensive to repair chips so they’re almost invisible.

Materials Required

  • Epoxy repair kit
  • Small brush
  • Wet/dry sandpaper

Project step-by-step (3)

Step 1

Buy Epoxy for Ceramic Sink Repair & Porcelain & Enamel

EPOXYAmazon

You can find two-component epoxy (catalyst and hardener) in the adhesive section of most hardware stores and home centers. It’s usually available in a variety of colors. If necessary, two colors can be mixed for a more precise match.

Buy it on Amazon now

Step 2

Scrub the chipped area

soapLipskiy/shutterstock

First, scrub the chipped area thoroughly with a sponge and soapy water. Then rub 400- to 600-grit “wet-and-dry” sandpaper over the damaged area to remove dirt and rust, as well as rough up the chip so epoxy will stick to it. Next, mix the two epoxy ingredients according to label directions.

Does your toilet have rust stains? Read Rust Stain Removal to fix that!

Step 3

Apply the epoxy filler

Mix the epoxy to match the enamel color and dab it into the chipped area to fill the hole. Use a wooden matchstick or small brush to fill the chip. If the chip is deep, apply the material in several coats, and don’t forget to allow for the drying time specified on the label. Once the repair is complete, wait 24 hours before you use the sink, and don’t scrub that area for seven days.

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