Paint a stainless steel sink? Why not! Painting your kitchen sink can give you a look and feel of an antique, or it can make it easier to clean. There are many different ways you can paint your stainless steel sink.
In this article, we will go over some tips on how to paint your stainless steel sink, such as what materials you’ll need, how long a stainless steel sink takes, and where I should put my pot while painting my kitchen faucet…etc.
Table Of Contents
How To Paint A Stainless Steel Sink – A Detailed Guide
Remove The Sink From The Countertop
Take a rag and dry all excess water from around the sink. Remove any remaining food particles or dirt by wiping with a wet cloth, then wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove any residue left behind on your stainless steel surface.
Remove anything that’s stuck onto your sink like old labels or stickers (if applicable). Remove any rust stains by using an abrasive like fine sandpaper (start with the roughest grit and work your way up to the finest) or degreaser.
Prime The Surface Of The Stainless Steel Sink
If you’re painting a stainless steel sink with any kind of metal or clear finish, be sure to prime it first. You can use either an oil-based primer or water-soluble primer and then follow up with a latex topcoat paint in your desired color.
The good thing about using a water-soluble primer is that you can paint over any mistakes with the topcoat. If your sink has a porcelain, enamel, or composite surface then use an acrylic water-based finish and put it on in thin coats to avoid trapping air bubbles.
When using either of these two finishes be sure to wait for one hour before applying another coat. If you’re unsure of what surface your sink has, then use a water-based primer and topcoat.
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Scuff Up The Sink Surface
Scuff up the surface of your sink with sandpaper to give it the roughest finish, and then wipe away any dust or particles left behind. You can also use steel wool if you have that on hand, but be sure to rinse both thoroughly after using them (steel wool is very rough).
Scuffing up the surface will help the paint adhere to your sink better. When you are finished scuffing, it should look like a dull finish with no shininess whatsoever. If needed, use fine sandpaper (start with rough grit) to ensure the desired finish.
If you’re unsure of what surface your sink has, then use the sandpaper or steel wool, and be sure to rinse both thoroughly after using them (steel wool is very rough).
Put First Coat Of Paint On
After cleaning the sink, allow it to dry and then put your first coat of paint on. If you’re painting a stainless steel sink with any kind of metal or clear finish be sure to use an oil-based primer before applying latex topcoat paint in your desired colour.
The good thing about using a water-soluble primer is that you can paint over any mistakes with the topcoat. After putting you coat of first pain on, allow it to dry for several hours before putting on the next coat.
If you’re unsure of what surface your sink has then use a water-based primer and topcoat. It is best to apply two coats of paint in order to get good coverage but if you miss any spots after each coat just re-do that area when applying the next coat.
Do not put too much paint on at one time and keep in mind that it will take longer to dry with each subsequent coat of paint you apply. When finished painting, allow your sink to finish drying for a full twenty-four hours before use or reinserting your sink as this will ensure a more durable and long-lasting finish.
Allow It To Dry & Put Protective Gloss Coat
After all the paint has been dried for a full twenty-four hours, apply your protective gloss coat. This will help protect the paint job from cracking or peeling. While applying protective gloss coat, make sure to cover any areas where the sink meets other surfaces like the edge of a counter or cabinet.
Insert The Sink Back
The final step is to insert the sink back into the counter or cabinet carefully. You can do this by pulling at a small part of the sink and then gently working your way around to pull it into place.
This should be done carefully so that you don’t create any damage to either surface which could result in chipping paint.
Types of Paint Should Be Used On A Stainless Steel Sink
Automotive Pain
Automotive paint is specifically designed for metal and can be found at any auto supply store. It’s formulated to adhere well, resist chipping and scratching, as well as protect against sunlight exposure. Be sure not to get the type that says “wax-based.”
This will seal out moisture from your sink and cause it to rust much more quickly. If you can’t find automotive paint, a good option is to use enamel-based latex house paint (found at any hardware store), but it’s not as resistant to the elements or scratching and will need more frequent touch-ups.
Urethane Paint
If you can’t find automotive paint, a good option is to use urethane paint. Urethanes are formulated to be durable and resistant, but they do require more prep time than oil-based paints because it takes longer for the material to dry (at least 24 hours) and you will need to use an oil-based primer first.
Urethane paint is more scratch-resistant than latex paint, but not as durable. If you’re looking for a good quality urethane paint that is appropriate for metal surfaces, brands like Rustoleum or Krylon have great options.
Be sure to follow the directions on the can when it comes to drying time before use of your sink and other essential considerations (like letting the paint dry for 24 hours before use).
Two-Part Epoxy Paint
Two-Part Epoxy paints will last up to five years without needing any touch-ups and are resistant to scratches. This is the best type of paint for stainless steel sinks, but it’s more expensive than other types.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What if I already have a sink with an aluminum surface?
A: You can use automotive or urethane paint on your sink. Remember, when using automotive paint, you will need to use the type that is not wax-based as it can cause rusting of your sink over time and urethane paint requires a primer first (it takes 24 hours for it to dry).
Q: Can I just buy any kind of latex house paint?
A: No, as these are not resistant to the elements and can cause rusting over time.
Q: What if I need my sink sooner than 24-hours?
A: If you’re looking for a quick solution, you could use spray paint instead of urethane or latex paint. These paints dry quickly but will require touch-ups more often (every six months) and are not as durable.
Q: What if my sink is made of a different material?
A: You can use automotive or urethane paint on your sink, but you might need to do more research for other materials that work with these paints (as they will depend on the material).