Help for Porcelain
Lots of good-looking castiron sinks are still available as salvage. But if an unrefurbished sink has seen better days, are there things you can do yourself?
Plenty, says Ken Buzzell of Grampa’s Antique Kitchen, who buys and refurbishes cast-iron, stainless steel, and other vintage sinks that he knows he can revive and resell. His tips:
• Clean and Wax The glossy finish typical of new porcelain has usually worn off a vintage sink, so it is no longer “sealed” and will stain easily. To remove existing stains, scrub the sink hard with Bar Keepers Friend, or even Comet. For stubborn stains, use vinegar, or phosphoric or tannic acid sparingly and with extreme caution. Then coat basins and porcelain drainboards with Carnauba hard wax, reapplying every two weeks or so. (Buff the wax for more shine.) After contact with acidic foods (tomatoes, lemons, coffee), wash the sink with baking soda, rinse well, and dry the surface. Never allow acids to sit in the sink! For everyday cleaning—this goes for all porcelain sinks, new and old—use a nonabrasive cleanser (not Comet; try a mild liquid). Rinse the sink after use.
• Clean the Underside If the underside is rusty or peeling, remove the sink and wire-brush the area. Wash with soap and water and wipe with mineral spirits.
• Allow the surface to dry, then apply a rust-inhibiting paint such as Rust-Oleum, using a brush. Repair Chips Touch up small chips or scratches with Porc-A-Fix, or Rust-Oleum Specialty Appliance Touch-Up paint, an epoxy paint that comes in white, almond, biscuit, and black. (Ken Buzzell custom-mixes paint for more exotic colors, using automotive paint with a hardener.) Paint around the drain or in the basin won’t last long if the sink gets regular use.