Solid surface sinks are a popular choice for modern kitchens and bathrooms due to their sleek, seamless look and durability. However, even the best solid surface materials can show wear and tear over time. Small scratches and stains may develop, dulling the once-pristine finish. Don’t despair – with a little time and elbow grease, you can restore your solid surface sink to look like new again.
Supplies Needed for Restoring a Solid Surface Sink
Restoring a solid surface sink is a relatively straightforward DIY project. Here are the supplies you’ll need:
- Mild abrasive cleanser or soft scrub (like Soft Scrub or Bar Keepers Friend)
- Non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth
- Bottle brush or other small scrub brush
- Toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas
- Microfiber cloths
- Wax-based polish (optional)
- Rubbing alcohol
- Painter’s tape
Make sure to avoid any abrasive pads or powders, as they could scratch the finish. You’ll also want to steer clear of harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, which can damage solid surface materials.
How to Clean a Solid Surface Sink
Regular cleaning is the first step toward restoring any solid surface sink’s luster. Here’s how to give your sink a deep clean:
1. Remove Everything from the Sink
Clear all dishes, soap dispensers, sponges and any other items out of the sink before cleaning. This gives you full access to the entire surface.
2. Rinse With Clean Water
Give the sink a quick rinse under warm running water to remove any loose debris. This prevents anything from scratching the finish during cleaning.
3. Apply a Mild Abrasive Cleanser
Squirt a small amount of a gentle cleanser like Soft Scrub directly onto the sink. Use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge to work it into the surface, using small circular motions. Pay extra attention to any stained or discolored areas.
4. Scrub With a Soft Brush
Use a soft brush or bottle brush to scrub inside the drain and along the inner edges and corners. This reaches built-up grime in hard-to-reach nooks. Take care not to press too hard, which could lead to scratches.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Once you’ve scrubbed the entire surface, rinse the cleanser away with warm water. Make sure to remove all traces of cleaning products.
6. Dry Completely
Wipe the sink dry using a soft microfiber cloth. Air drying could lead to water spots.
Repeat this thorough cleaning process as needed to keep your solid surface sink sparkling. Daily wiping with a soft sponge and warm soapy water helps maintain the finish between deep cleans.
How to Remove Stains from a Solid Surface Sink
Over time, your solid surface sink may develop stubborn stains that don’t come out with regular cleaning. Before restoring the finish, try these tips for removing common types of stains:
For mineral deposits: Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to stained areas. Let it sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. Repeat as needed.
For mold or mildew: Spray problem spots with undiluted white vinegar and let it soak in for several hours. Scrub and rinse.
For dye stains: Immediately apply rubbing alcohol to the stain and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Scrub gently and rinse.
For nail polish: Carefully scrape off any excess polish with a plastic scraper or old credit card. Apply nail polish remover to a cotton ball and gently dab the stain. Rinse thoroughly.
For food stains: Make a paste from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Spread onto the stain and let sit for 20 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
For hard water spots: Use distilled white vinegar or lemon juice. Apply it to the stain, allow it to soak for 5 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
For soap scum: Use a mild citrus-scented liquid cleanser formulated for soap scum removal. Let it soak in for a few minutes before scrubbing.
With some persistence, you should be able to remove most types of stains from a solid surface sink basin.
How to Remove Scratches from a Solid Surface Sink
If your solid surface sink has developed light scratches, you can buff them out yourself with a little elbow grease. Here’s how:
1. Clean the Sink Thoroughly
Give the sink a deep clean using the steps outlined above. The surface needs to be free of dirt, grime or residue for polishing.
2. Lightly Sand the Scratched Area
Use extra-fine (400-600 grit) sandpaper to gently smooth the scratched area, moving in a straight line with the grain direction. Don’t scrub too aggressively.
3. Wipe Away Sanding Residue
Remove all sanding dust with a soft cloth dampened with water. Make sure the surface is perfectly clean and dry.
4. Apply Wax-Based Polish
Rub a small amount of quality car wax, furniture polish or specialized solid surface polish into the sanded area using a soft cloth. Use circular motions.
5. Buff to a Shine
After allowing the polish to dry for 2-3 minutes, buff the sink by hand using a clean soft cloth until the scratches disappear. Add additional polish and buff again if needed.
Take care not to sand too roughly or apply too much pressure when polishing, as this could damage the material. For deep scratches or gouges, professional resurfacing may be needed. But light scratches can disappear with this simple DIY approach.
How to Resurface a Heavily Damaged Solid Surface Sink
If your solid surface sink is severely stained, scratched, pitted or etched, professional resurfacing may be required to restore the smooth finish. Here’s an overview of the process:
- The damaged sink will be lightly sanded to remove the top layer of the existing solid surface material. This evens out the base and removes any pits or grooves.
- Your sink will be thoroughly cleaned to remove all dust and debris after sanding. This prep work helps the new finish adhere properly.
- The technician will then spray on a new topcoat of liquid acrylic resin and use a plastic scraper to evenly distribute it. Multiple coats are applied to build up the finish.
- Finally, the resurfaced sink is carefully hand-sanded and buffed to a smooth, factory-fresh shine.
The resin coat bonds seamlessly with the original solid surface material underneath. So the sink retains its durability and waterproof properties after resurfacing. The process can remove etching, light burns, scratches, chips and other damage, restoring your sink to like-new condition.
DIY Refinishing Kits
If you want to tackle resurfacing a solid surface sink yourself, DIY refinishing kits are available. These contain sandpaper, liquid acrylic resin and applicators. The process is similar to professional resurfacing, but removing all old finish and sanding completely even can prove tricky. DIY kits work best for refreshing sinks that are lightly scratched rather than severely damaged.
How to Repair Cracks and Chips in Solid Surface Sinks
Minor cracks and chips are another common issue in older solid surface sinks. Thankfully, small defects can be repaired fairly easily:
1. Clean and Dry the Area
Clean the damaged spot thoroughly and make sure it’s completely dry before applying any filler.
2. Apply Filler Material
Follow the product instructions to fill cracks and chips with solid surface epoxy adhesive, vinyl ester resin or acrylic-based filler. Apply a thin layer using a putty knife.
3. Sand and Refinish
Once dry, sand the repaired area smooth. Then use progressively finer grit sandpaper (up to 600 grit) to feather out the edges. Rinse away sanding dust, then buff to blend with the surrounding finish.
For seamless repairs, use filler tinted to match your sink color. Some kits include multiple filler tones. With careful sanding and buffing, repairs should be undetectable.
For cracks wider than 1/8″, professional help may be needed. But minor chips and hairline cracks can often be fixed DIY with the right products and techniques.
Protecting and Maintaining a Restored Solid Surface Sink
Once you’ve put in the work to clean, repair and restore your solid surface sink, it’s important to keep it looking fresh by taking preventative measures:
- Rinse thoroughly after use – Don’t let soap, toothpaste or cleaning products dry on the surface. Rinse thoroughly.
- Towel dry – Always wipe the sink dry after use to prevent mineral deposits from tap water.
- Use a sink grid – Place dishes, pots and pans on a rubber sink grid to protect from scratches. Don’t drop heavy objects directly into the sink.
- Avoid harsh chemicals – Stick to mild dish soaps and cleaners. Avoid abrasive powders.
- Clean spills quickly – Immediately wipe up spills like hair dye or wine to avoid permanent stains.
- Polish regularly – Apply wax-based polish once a month to maintain the protective finish.
- Avoid heat – Don’t place hot pans directly into the sink. Use a trivet. Heat can damage solid surface materials.
With proper care and maintenance, your restored solid surface sink should retain its renewed brilliance for years before needing another refresh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restoring Solid Surface Sinks
If you’re thinking about restoring your solid surface sink, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:
What are solid surface sinks made of?
Solid surface sink materials are composites that typically contain polyester or acrylic resins, minerals, and pigments. Popular brands include Corian, Swanstone, Gibraltar and Avonite.
How can I tell if my sink is solid surface versus porcelain?
Porcelain sinks are made of ceramic material that’s coated with a glazed glass finish. Solid surface sinks have a uniform, matte appearance throughout. They feel warmer and softer than porcelain.
Can I paint a solid surface sink?
Painting is not recommended. The porous nature of solid surface makes it very difficult for paint to properly adhere. Most DIY paint jobs chip easily. Professional refinishing is a better option to change color.
How much does it cost to resurface a solid surface sink?
Professional sink resurfacing costs $200 – $500 on average depending on size, location and extent of damage. DIY refinishing kit prices range from $50 – $170.
Will resurfacing restore heat or chemical damage?
Yes, professional resurfacing can repair etching, burns and other heat/chemical damage. The damaged top layer is removed and replaced with new solid surface material.
Can I use bleach or other harsh chemicals to clean my sink?
No, avoid bleach, oven cleaners and harsh chemicals. They can degrade solid surface over time. Mild dish soap and water or gentle cleansers are recommended.
How long does professional resurfacing last?
With proper care, a professionally resurfaced sink should last 5-10 years before needing another refinish. DIY kits may only last 1-2 years.
Restoring your solid surface sink can revive its beauty and extend its lifespan. With some persistence and the right techniques, you can erase years of wear for a fraction of replacement cost. Follow these steps to clean, repair, resurface and protect your sink so it looks as immaculate as the day it was installed.
Conclusion
Solid surface sinks offer a timeless, low-maintenance choice for kitchens and baths. But even high-quality materials eventually show signs of wear. Don’t despair if your once-pristine sink has seen better days. With the right cleaning solutions, a little elbow grease, and repair techniques like sanding, polishing and resurfacing, you can restore your solid surface sink to its original beauty.
Regular maintenance is key – immediately wipe spills, avoid abrasives, don’t place hot items directly in the sink, and re-apply wax polish monthly. Following these steps and addressing any damage early on will help your restored sink stay looking fabulous for years of additional service. With some persistence and TLC, your outdated solid surface sink can once again become a functional and elegant focal point in your kitchen or bathroom.