How do I repurpose a very old bathroom sink?

Vinegar and baking soda would be a start!

Mary, here is what I would do to fix an old sink. I think it is classy and yet very practical approach too. Hope this helps: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/bathroom/countertops/spray-painted-bathroom-counter-and-sink-8389942

Spray Painted Bathroom Counter and Sink

dawn dish soap, baking soda mix into paste scrub with new green scrubber sponge then add vinegar-fizzing- scrub again let solution sit on any mineral deposits,soapy scummy areas,pink bacterial build-up, mold,mildew then scrub some more rinse with boiling water or as hot as possible-the boiling water also clears drains--make sure you plug drain while cleaning so your cleaning solution stays in tub/shower/sinks until you are ready to rinse everything

I would try Barkeepers friend scouring powder-- maybe some bleach.Then a new faucet-- I like the look of brushed bronze.I like the style and shape of the sink-- looks vintage.Good luck

It is hard to tell if the discoloration is due to stuff being on the sink or due to stuff be worn away from the sink. Two very different problems with very different solutions.

Assuming it is stuff on the sink, then cleaning well is the first step. I am a fan of either old-fashioned Comet (the powder kind) and a green scrubbie or Bar Keeper's Friend and a green scrubbie. Either one will help scour off the stuff as well as bleaching out stains. Neither is particularly strong smelling, so they aren't noxious to work with. If that takes care of it and IF the finish is still in good shape, you are done except for changing out the faucet.

If you clean it well and the finish is not uniformly shiny or has dull spots, or if there are places the base metal shows through as a sort of gray color, your protective finish is likely worn through and it will need to be reglazed. Hardware stores sell a product to reglaze tubs and that is what you would need. It's a two part epoxy kind of thing that requires careful application of two coats 24 hours apart and also then needs to be kept dry for a week. (I was going to do a tub in a previous house until I realized I then couldn't use it for a week - it was the ONLY tub, so I decided not to reglaze it.) I do not know how stinky this product is, but I suspect it is not pleasant to smell, so I would recommend lots of good ventilation and wearing a chemical respirator (which you can buy on Amazon for less than $30).

It is a very cute sink and I am glad you are wanting to save it rather than replacing it!

Thank you very much. I have already reglazed it once. It started peeling off after 6 months of having it done.

The sink is old, the house was built in the 1950's. It's never been replaced and I'm not wanting to replace.

Hi Mary, hope this helps you, no harsh chemicals needed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ZQ5ygAapcXQ