How to fix a hole in vintage porcelain sink?

Question

Calling all porcelain repair experts!
I love my vintage 1960's porcelain bathroom sink (photo #1) - original toilet matches it.

At some point in time I must have made a bone-head move and smacked the bottom of the sink with a wrench while installing a faucet. The resulting cracks have been visible for years but didn't seem to be a problem.

Then a year or so ago I noticed a chip out of the top surface, so I applied some sealant over it to try to protect it from the water. Unfortunately, that chip recently turned into a Hole that goes through the bottom of the sink (photo #2). When investigating the hole, under the sink, a couple loose chips of porcelain came off in my hand - bummer (photo #3).

I know all about preserving porcelain glaze and preventing scum and hard water build-up on porcelain and fixtures; but I don't know anything about Porcelain Repair.  Is it possible to fix the chips and fill the whole to preserve my sink? Help!

Vel1629730 · Answer

When I've had old sinks and tubs refinished (the spray-on finish to restore the porcelain or change the color), the technician has used bondo, or a bondo-type material, to fill in chips and cracks.  Then they sand it, and refinish on top of it.  I guess you could try coloring the bondo to match your existing sink.  You might even be able to hire a tub refinisher just to patch the hole and fix the chips.  Good luck, and also, good for you in keeping the original colored porcelain!  It's whimsical (and reminds me of my childhood!).

Miren Ruiz · Answer

Trestaurador de bañeras igual puede ayudarla.

Donna R · Answer

100% bondo. Reinforce the underside with fiberglass tape and plenty of bondo to prevent further cracking. Touch up the front side with model paint. BEAUTIFUL SINK!

Jennie Lee · Answer

The bondo may be a good idea, but you might consider using Sugru. It's waterproof, and you can blend colors to match. Another possibility instead of model paint is nail polish. You can mix colors of it, too. I had an aqua tub and 2 aqua sinks. They all had chips revealing black steel. The nail polish, with caution not to mistreat it,, lasts months and can be removed and redone as easily as your nails.

Linda Santo · Answer

I have the same color tile in my bathroom, with a pink 2nd br sink and yellow kitchen. I know this will sound a little crazy BUT I've had the best luck with my vintage fixtures with nail brush-on gel resin. It comes in a little bottle. It's clear and you can build up the depression with multiple thin layers. Then I mixed various colors of nail polish to cover over the gel. I've also used acrylic paint to match. While the acrylic paint doesn't last as long as the nail polish, it's just an easy swipe to cover again-the nail gel build-up stays on. Fixed a massive chip in my white stove with it.

Euzkera · Answer

Using epoxy paste.

Kathy Bitzan · Answer

I wonder if that new sugru they have out would work on this.

Linda Johnson · Answer

We use a clear, waterproof glue 'E-6000' on our porcelain. You can find it at local hardware stores and Walmart and Michael's, etc.

9530106 · Answer

My suggestion would be for JB Weld- Water Weld. It is made to work on porcelain. (Then, when you are done painting your nails, :), give your sink a couple of coats! )

Johnchip · Answer

I love it as well. i hope you can save it. i suggest to clean any stains use the soft stainless mess scrubbies they really work well on porcelain without harming it. you do not need to use pressure or much time, it clean quick an easy the scum and water stains, quick and easy free.

Ann · Answer

I used an epoxy based filler for sinks and a product called 'Porc-A-Fix'. They will match the color of the sink if you send in a paint chip card.

Nana moving on · Answer

I haven't tried it yet but that new glue with the light might work on this. I tried a similar glue for a black 4 wheeler seat that worked perfectly. I bet you may find a good solution on youtube also

Matthew Gingerella · Answer

Thanks @Linda Santo - good point. I like to experiment though so I may give it a try.

Matthew Gingerella · Answer

That's Ok @Euzkera - I appreciate your help! Matthew

Mickey Baron · Answer

I wish I could help. Just commenting on how much I love this sink to. Reminds me of my Avocado appliances I had decades ago. Greens my favorite color. Good luck, glad you're saving it.

Jacki Seaborn Turner · Answer

Save your chips for color matching. If you find a company to make you something for the repair! Fiber tape on the bottom of the fixture to keep the epoxy fill (assuming that's the suggested material for the fix) from going through, maybe....

Teresa · Answer

http://www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/plumbing/q-repairing-hole-in-porcelain-sink-2048297

How to fix a hole in vintage porcelain sink?

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How to fix a hole in vintage porcelain sink?

Repairing hole in porcelain sink

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