The cost to refinish a porcelain sink runs from $220 to $500, with the average homeowner spending $360. Costs vary depending on the sink's size, style, and finish.
Refinishing is like giving your sink a sparkling facelift after years of dulling it with toothpaste, soap, and hard water. Porcelain sink refinishing costs average $360 and range from $220 to $500, but the overall cost to get porcelain looking pretty again can vary based on the sink's size, style, and finish.
Preserving an existing porcelain sink is a great way to save money on your bathroom remodel. Learn more about the cost factors involved in restoring the shine in your porcelain sink.
Due to the precision required, labor costs account for most of the price to refinish a porcelain sink. Several other factors will also influence how much of an investment this project requires.
The average cost estimates for refinishing porcelain sinks are exclusive to standard-sized sinks.
| Type of Sink | Size (Inches) |
|---|---|
| Round bathroom sink | 16–20 |
| Rectangular sink | 15x16 to 20x25 |
| Standard basin depth | 5–8 |
Larger sinks deviating from these norms will cost more to refinish.
If a porcelain sink has hairline cracks, specialized epoxy can fill the gaps. Crack repair can add between $50 and $100 per crack to the project. If the structural damage is too severe and a porcelain sink repair isn’t possible, a full sink replacement costs between $400 and $800.
The sink style impacts the level of detail needed. While the cost range for refinishing a porcelain sink is between $220 and $500, specialty sinks cost more. The average cost for refinishing a pedestal sink is closer to $400. A freestanding sink with an upper basin and a lower shaft will cost around $450.
If you're looking to refinish an oversized farmhouse kitchen sink, you might need to add up to $800 to your kitchen remodel cost. Standard drop-in sinks with visible lipping are the least expensive to refinish.
The cost of refinishing a sink will varies with the material and severity of the damage. Porcelain or stainless steel sinks are the least expensive to refinish. Specialty materials like cast iron or granite will cost more. Depending on the material, refinishing costs between $100 and $500.
Labor for refinishing a porcelain sink costs around $100 to $300 per project. Professional sink refinishers base their rates on the sink type, condition, and amount of prep work needed. Labor for this project includes:
Taping off the area surrounding the sink
Removing sink hardware and trim
Sanding and priming
Applying several coats of finish or epoxy
Replacing hardware and trim
While most sink refinishers charge per project, some charge between $50 and $200 per hour. An average refinishing project could take anywhere from two to five hours.
Here is what you can expect to pay to refinish four different types of sinks: drop-in sinks in the bathroom and kitchen, bathroom pedestal sinks, and custom kitchen sinks.
| Sink Type | Average Refinishing Cost |
|---|---|
| Bathroom drop-in sink | $100–$200 |
| Bathroom pedestal sink | $250–$450 |
| Drop-in kitchen sink | $100–$200 |
| Custom kitchen sink | $500–$1,000 |
Bathroom Drop-In Sink: Refinishing a drop-in sink costs $100–$200 for materials and labor. However, a refinishing kit might be found for less than $100.
Bathroom Pedestal Sink: Refinishing a pedestal sink costs between $250–$450, depending on its size and the extent of chips and cracks.
Drop-In Kitchen Sink: The kitchen sink size and condition of the existing finish impact the refinishing cost. A small porcelain or stainless steel sink will cost $100–$200, and larger granite or marble sinks cost $500 or more.
Custom Kitchen Sink: These custom sinks last for years with proper maintenance. Expect to pay $500–$1,000 to refinish your custom kitchen sink.
Sinks come in various materials with their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Some materials are more durable, while others are easier to clean. When choosing a sink material, consider cost and durability.
Refinishing a sink is generally less expensive than replacing it, so a more durable material can save you money in the long run. Here's a look at the average cost to refinish sinks by material.
| Sink Material | Average Refinishing Cost |
|---|---|
| Porcelain | $100–$200 |
| Cast iron | $300–$500 |
| Stainless steel | $300–$450 |
| Granite | $200–$500 |
Porcelain Sink: Refinishing a porcelain sink costs $100–$200 depending on the type of finish and sink. A porcelain pedestal sink with an upper basin and lower shaft costs more to refinish than a drop-in sink.
Cast-Iron Sink: Refinishing a cast-iron sink averages $300–$500, depending on the size and condition. These sinks require more care and refinishing over the years because they’re susceptible to rust and corrosion.
Stainless Steel Sink: If your sink is starting to look dull or scratched, a refinishing job can keep your stainless steel sink looking new. Expect to pay $300–$450 to refresh your stainless steel sink.
Granite Sink: A refinishing job for a granite sink costs $200–$500. The cost varies with the size of the sink and the type of finish you choose.
Porcelain refinishing kits are available for around $50 to $100, and you’ll need sandpaper, brushes, tape, and putty. While kits are tempting for a quick DIY job, using the right techniques with the appropriate epoxy paint is essential.
The most time-consuming aspect of the project is sanding down the existing finish. You’ll need to buff the entire surface of the sink with wet-dry sandpaper and apply several coats over three days to allow for drying times.
Doing this project yourself saves the $100 to $300 in labor costs, but you’ll need to feel confident about properly mixing and applying epoxy paint with a fine-bristle varnishing brush.
In comparison, a pro will use an airless sprayer to create a more precise finish and color match the finish for a cohesive look. Using the wrong epoxy paint shade could enhance the appearance of filled-in hairline cracks. Keep in mind that the condition, size, and type of sink can all drive up the cost. If you prefer not to take on the intricacies of this project, hire a local sink reglazing pro to restore your sink.
While you may not feel prepared to handle the complex, detail-oriented task of refinishing a porcelain sink with epoxy paint, you may be able to get the price knocked down a bit by handling some of the prep work yourself. Homeowners may save on labor costs by handling sink cleaning, removing hardware, and taping the area around the sink.
While it takes a pro about three to six hours to refinish a porcelain sink, the entire process may take up to three days when you factor in the time it takes for multiple coats of epoxy paint to dry. Ask your pro how long the project should take.
It is worth it to refinish a porcelain sink. The refinishing process involves stripping away the old finish, repairing any damage, and applying a new finish. While it is a bit of a process, it is usually much cheaper than replacing the sink. Refinishing can restore the sink’s beauty for another 10 to 15 years. The process can also fill in small hairline cracks that could otherwise cause structural damage.
There’s no difference between sink refinishing and sink reglazing costs. Both terms refer to the process of stripping the existing surface of a sink basin before applying a new refinishing substance to address discoloration, dullness, and wear and tear caused by age. The process is also referred to as resurfacing.
Refinishing a bathtub is a project you can do at the same time as refinishing a porcelain sink. If your tub is the same age as your sink, consider getting a quote. Most homeowners spend about $480 on the cost of refinishing a bathtub, but it ranges between $335 and $630, depending on the size, style, and material of the tub.
