Can you paint a bathroom sink? Yes, and here’s how

Ever thought about brightening up your bathroom sink? Well, with the right tools and proper precautions, you can easily tackle this project in the comfort of your own home.

Today we will walk you through how to paint your bathroom sink.

What Do You Need to Paint Your Bathroom Sink?

If you’re reading this article, you have probably decided to paint your bathroom sink. That is why we’ve created a list of all the things a homeowner needs to give their sink a new look. 

Gloves 

Gloves are a necessary aspect of any painting or home-improvement project. Disposable nitrile gloves are more than suitable for painting as the paint will likely splash and dirty the gloves, but if you want, you can use a dedicated pair of worker gloves as well so long as your skin is protected.

Screw driver

A screwdriver will be a necessity to remove and install separate fixtures so you can paint them much easier. 

Basin wrench

A basin wrench is a handy tool that allows you to remove fasteners with your sink, giving you greater control of what aspects of the sink you can remove and re-install. 

Epoxy

Epoxy is a bonding agent that helps certain paints adhere better to different sink materials and protects the material underneath. If you aren’t using an epoxy, a primer is another valid choice.

Abrasive brush

• An abrasive brush is a circular brush that is used to sand or smooth out the edges of any material, making it much easier to work with. 

Painter tape

Painter tape or masking tape is a pressure-sensitive tape that allows you to create borders, giving you a clear way to mark where you want to paint before a project. 

Ventilation mask

Paint is known to leech off fumes which can be toxic if inhaled, so a ventilation mask is necessary for any painting project. The more expensive variants have multiple air filters to protect you during a project. 

Fine paintbrush

A fine paintbrush allows you to apply a layer of paint in a more precise area, reducing the chance of applying paint to an undesired area. 

Paint

Paint is available in many different variants and four primary finishes. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is up to you to choose a paint that fits your preference.   

Paint Types for Bathroom Sinks

There are many different types of paint you can opt for when painting your bathroom sink. Here are the most common ones: 

• 2-part epoxy-based paints
• Specialty tub and tile spray paint
• Semi-gloss latex paint 
• Appliance spray paint
• EP-acrylic paint

How to paint a bathroom sink a different color

Despite the large number of necessary materials you have collected, painting your bathroom sink is a very straightforward and simple project. Simply follow the steps below and you can easily DIY this project. 

1. Prepping the area 

Before painting, your area must be prepped and thoroughly cleaned. This is to prevent any accidents that may occur during this process, so you want to give yourself as much room as possible before starting. 

2. Removing the faucet and drain covering

Using your screwdriver and basin wrench, loosen the bolts on your faucet, and remove it from your sink. Repeat the same process for your drain cover. Make sure the water is turned off before this step.

3. Clean the sink and surrounding area

Clean the area around your sink by sanding. Sanding creates a smooth surface, allowing the paint to adhere to the surface easier and dry. It is best to wait around 90 minutes to allow the surface to dry, but you can use a clean tack cloth to dry it before painting to remove any further dust. 

4. Prep the area with tape

Prepping the area with tape allows you to mark and provide boundaries before painting. This can easily allow you to plan out different colors or give yourself visual clues on where you want to start and begin your painting area. 

5. Ensure that there is proper ventilation

Before painting, ensure that your bathroom is properly ventilated, as paint fumes are hazardous when inhaled. Open windows, keep the door open, and always use a ventilator mask before painting. 

6. Apply the first coat

Now, with your area properly prepped, you are ready to apply paint. Using your brush, apply your paint in the desired areas. You will need to wait anywhere between 1-2 hours depending on the paint you are using. 

Please note that flat, matte, eggshell, and semi-gloss will require 2 hours. Glossy paint will require 2 and a half hours, and primer will require an hour before reapplying a coat. 

7. Apply the second coat

After two hours of applying the first coat, apply the second coat. This usually will be your last coat before finishing your sink, but every sink and paint situation will be different, so you might require another coat. 

8. Think about a potential third coat if results are not achieved

If your second coat is lacking after allowing it to dry, consider a third coat of paint to achieve the look you desire. 

9. Wait for epoxy to be cured

Depending on the material of your sink, you will use either an epoxy to finish your sink or a primer beforehand. This is meant to finish your sink, protecting both the paint and the sink with a better look and making it more water and weather-resistant. Whether you are using an epoxy or primer, allow it to cure usually around 72 hours. 

10. Take off the painter tape

Finally, you should remove your painter tape, giving you a better idea of what your finished product looks like and giving you a chance to touch upon any areas before waiting for the drying process. 

11. Clean the area and wait for 72 hours

Clean up and allow your epoxy or primer to finish curing, usually within 72 hours.  

Additional Tips when painting a sink

If you are planning on painting your sink, here are some additional tips and considerations before undertaking this project. 

• Watch additional home improvement videos: Home improvement videos provide a great tool for where to begin. There are many DIY videos out there, providing you with a useful resource to consult whenever you encounter a problem. 

• Watch out for paint bubbles: Paint bubbles are a result of heat and moisture on the undersurface of your paint and be very unattractive. To deal with this issue, make sure the air in your bathroom is properly ventilated before sanding the area and removing the blister.

• Leave an appropriate amount of time to dry: When painting or undertaking similar projects, always allow your paint time to dry. This will avoid a mess both on the sink and elsewhere and gives your paint the appropriate time to dry and reach the color you desire. 

• Safety first: In addition to ventilation safety, COVID-19 precautions should always be considered during any home improvement project. If you want to hire a professional to paint your sink, you should keep best practices around social distance and remember that all personnel should wear a mask for your safety as well as theirs. 

Care tips for a painted bathroom sink

When it comes to taking care of your painted bathroom sink, make sure you stay away from abrasive cleaners. Instead, use a regular spray cleaner you probably already have in your home and a clean cloth. You don’t have to rub it too strongly as you’ll notice that any spot or dirt will easily go away as you go over it with the cloth. Another great news is that painted bathroom sinks will rarely get scratched or peeled so you’ll be able to enjoy your sink for many years to come!

Paint away!

While it may seem overwhelming at first, painting your sink is an easy and straightforward project. Its simplicity provides a great deal of freedom in choosing colors and style, allowing you to transform your sink into exactly what you want. So try painting your sink today for a very rewarding experience.