How To Re-enamel A Belfast Sink

 So, how to re-enamel a Belfast sink?

Well, in this post, I would be walking you through nuts and bolts of how to re-enamel a Belfast sink in order to help you make an informed decision.

Moreover, I would also be throwing light on various aspects of re-enamelling a Belfast sink in order to help you clear your doubts before you expedite the process.

So, without any further ado, let's begin...

How To Re-enamel A Belfast Sink?

It goes without saying that a Belfast sink is a beautiful focal point for your kitchen, and of course, for all the good reasons.

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But, at the same time, a Belfast sink may become an eyesore if you're NOT maintaining it properly leading to chipping, cracking, or even buildup of specks of dirt and debris.

However, the good news is, most of these issues can be easily resolved using restorative techniques.

Trust me, you don't have to spend a fortune for the same, even a handful of low-cost cleaning and repair supplies will do the trick for you.

Moving further, we would be discussing the best practices that we follow to re-enamel a Belfast sink.

Deposits and Stains Removal

• First and foremost, you need to get rid of stains, debris, and specks of dirt from your Belfast sink in order to reap maximum benefits out of the process
• Prepare a paste of baking soda and hot water by mixing them in 1:3 ratio
• Scrub the surface of your Belfast sink with the paste to remove dirty buildups and soap scum
• Once the aforementioned steps are expedited, all you need to do is to rinse your Belfast sink with warm water
• You might be wondering, what if, nasty deposits or grease buildup still remains
• Well, we've got a solution for that as well
• Mix 1 tablespoon of trisodium phosphate substitute with 1 gallon hot water to prepare a mixture
• Don't apply the mixture directly to the sink surface rather apply it to a cleaning cloth
• Rub the surface of your Belfast sink with the cloth
• Rinse well before using any other cleaner
• Mix 3/4 cup of bleach with 1 gallon water
• Cover your hand with gloves and rinse the surface of your Belfast sink with the bleach paste
• Allow it to settle for at least 10 minutes
• Then, rinse well with water

Repairing Chips and Cracks

• First thing first, you need to dry the chipped area completely by blowing hot air over it for at least 20 to 30 minutes, the more the better
• Use a small and soft brush to apply a thin coat of primer to the chipped area
• At least give it a couple of hours to settle down and dry
• Once done, apply a thin coat of paint to the chipped area
• At least allow 24 hours for it to dry
• In case the color doesn't match with the surrounding area, then you don't have an option but to apply an additional coat and allow another 24 hours for the chipped area to dry fully
• Prepare a paste of marine epioxy on a piece of a cardboard using a toothpick
• Apply it to the chipped area in such a way that it levelled equal with the surrounding areas
• At least give it 24 hours to get dry

Belfast Sink Refinishing

Well, it goes without saying that replacing a Belfast kitchen sink can be a tedious and time-consuming process.

On top of it, the process can make a dent in your pocket if you're NOT handy with the required tools and so have to hire a professional.

So, if your Belfast sink is in good condition and only needs a facelift then the best thing that you can do is to go for sink refinishing.

Cleaning

Needless to say, no paint, enamel, or even any finish will adhere to a surface that has been thoroughly cleaned.

Correct me, if I'm wrong.

So, even before you think of expediting the refinish process, I would suggest you should remove soap scum and oils with the help of a non-abrasive cleaner and a plastic scrubber.

Before you move to the next step, make sure to soak your Belfast sink in rubbing alcohol and allow it to dry.

By doing so, you'll make the surface of your sink ready for the etching compound.

Are we on the same page?

Etching

Many of the avid readers of this blog would be aware of the fact that the Primer adheres better to a surface that has been roughened up.

And, the good news for DIYers like me is that there are DIY refinishing kits available on the market that comes with an etching compound which contains an acid.

The acid will roughen up the surface of your sink in order to enhance the final outcome.

Make sure to remove as much hardware as you can including faucets and handles.

At the same time, don't forget to tap everything else to protect them.

You would be needing a spray gun to apply etching compound.

Since it's an acid so cover your body fully and wear gloves and goggles.

Priming

Well, we recommend priming your Belfast sink before attempting to refinish in order to reap maximum benefits.

In general, a primer comes in a dark color so it becomes really easy to find out how well you're covering the old enamel.

You need to hold the spray can at least 12 inches away from your Belfast sink and use the strokes in a such a way that it covers the nook and corner of your sink surface.

Make sure that the resulting coat is thin and even.

For best adhesion, we suggest our clients to apply two coats of primer.

The second coat should only be applied after the first one has dried properly.

For drying of the first coat, it would at least take 30 minutes.

In a humid climatic condition, drying of the coat might take longer than 30 minutes so make the adjustment as per the prevailing condition.

Painting

So, here we come to our last but highly crucial step, that is, painting.

The top coat in a refinishing kit comes in the form of a spray.

As far as I know, it's a paint with a polyurethane gloss so that it dries hard and shiny.

Frankly speaking, it takes not less than three layers of top coat to completely cover and seal the Belfast sink.

Most importantly, each layer should only be applied once the previous one has dried completely.

For drying of a layer, the minimum time required is 30 minutes.

Wrapping Up | How To Re-enamel A Belfast Sink

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.

Secondly, I would like to bring to your notice that I along with my core team have put loads and loads of effort in coming up with this idiosyncratic superlative piece of information on how to re-enamel a Belfast sink.

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[Also Read]

• A Beginner's Guide to Belfast Sink