## How to Refinish a Kitchen Sink
The kitchen sink is one of the most used and abused fixtures in your home. Over time, it can become scratched, stained, or even damaged. If you’re not happy with the look of your sink, you don’t have to replace it. You can refinish it yourself with a little time and effort.
### Materials You’ll Need
* Cleaner
* Degreaser
* Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit)
* Etching primer
* Paint
* Clear coat
* Brush or roller
* Gloves
* Safety glasses
### Safety First
Before you begin, put on gloves and safety glasses. The chemicals you’ll be using can be harmful if they come into contact with your skin or eyes.
### Step 1: Clean the Sink
Start by cleaning the sink with a cleaner and degreaser. This will remove any dirt, grease, or grime that could interfere with the refinishing process.
### Step 2: Sand the Sink
Once the sink is clean, you need to sand it to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Start with 120-grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface of the sink, including the sides and bottom. Once you’ve sanded the entire sink with 120-grit sandpaper, switch to 220-grit sandpaper and sand the sink again. This will help to smooth out the surface and make it more receptive to the paint.
### Step 3: Apply Etching Primer
Etching primer is a special type of primer that helps the paint to adhere to the sink. Apply a thin coat of etching primer to the entire surface of the sink, including the sides and bottom. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
### Step 4: Paint the Sink
Now it’s time to paint the sink. You can use any type of paint that is designed for metal surfaces. Apply a thin coat of paint to the entire surface of the sink, including the sides and bottom. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
### Step 5: Apply Clear Coat
Once the paint is dry, you need to apply a clear coat to protect it from scratches and stains. Apply a thin coat of clear coat to the entire surface of the sink, including the sides and bottom. Allow the clear coat to dry completely before using the sink.
### Tips
* If you’re not sure what type of paint to use, consult with a professional at your local hardware store.
* If you’re painting a cast iron sink, you may need to use a special type of paint that is designed for this type of material.
* If you’re not comfortable sanding the sink yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you.
* Be sure to allow the sink to dry completely before using it. This will help the paint to adhere properly and will prevent it from peeling or chipping.
### Troubleshooting
* If the paint is peeling or chipping, you may not have sanded the sink properly before painting it. Sand the sink again and repaint it.
* If the paint is not adhering to the sink, you may not have applied the etching primer correctly. Apply a new coat of etching primer and repaint the sink.
* If the clear coat is cloudy, you may not have applied it properly. Apply a new coat of clear coat and allow it to dry completely.