How to repair a chipped bath or basin

Today's modern baths and basins are manufactured from a variety of materials such as vitreous enamel, plastic and steel, as well as glass, marble and granite, whereas an older home may still be fitted with a porcelain or enamelled bath or basin.

 

 

Repairing chips and gouges in a porcelain or enamelled bath or basin is fairly easy if you have the right materials...

 

 

Accidents happen... In addition to everyday knocks, all it takes is a dropped hand cream jar or perfume bottle to easily cause unsightly chips and cracks in the surface or at the edge of a basin. Fortunately, it's easy to repair a chipped sink yourself.

 

 

 

How to repair a chipped enamel bathtub or sink

1. Use 180-grit sandpaper on any rusted areas and then wipe clean and dry.

2. Use rubbing alcohol and a cloth the wipe the area to be repaired and let this dry.

3. Mix together white 2-part epoxy according to the manufacturer's instructions. To do this you need to cut off two equally-sized pieces of the epoxy and mix these together by kneading well.

Using very small pieces at a time, apply the epoxy with a palette knife and press into the chip to fill to the surface. Use the palette knife to smooth the edges and have a cotton bud and acetone [nail polish remover] handy for smoothing and blending the edges and surface for a perfect match.

 

How to repair a chipped porcelain bathtub or basin

The recommended procedure for a porcelain sink is to use a porcelain sink repair kit, which is not available locally! You can, however, use the same method as that for repairing an enamel basin.

 

 

How to repair a chipped vitreous china bathtub, sink or toilet

General wear and tear can cause pitting of vitreous china over time. Two coats of Rust-Oleum Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit, or Tub and Tile Touch Up for very small areas, will repair the damaged surface to a smooth, shiny finish. Note that bigger chips might be more difficult to repair. If the chip or crack is significant in size, consider replacing the sink or calling in a professional.