Granite sinks are very common and are the most preferred for the bathroom and kitchen needs. Despite granite being a costly material, its aesthetic value and durability are incomparable to others.
The granite sink is, however, not entirely wear-resistant. Over time, they may crack due to several reasons. The good thing about granite is that you do not have to scrap it up and install a new one. Instead, granite can be repaired, and its cracks filled up.
The repairing process is simple; you can even do it yourself. The simple steps below should guide you on how to fix a cracked granite sink.
Table of Contents
Materials to use
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- An Epoxy filler
- Scouring powder
- Plastic spatula
- Water
- Scrubbing pads
- Towel and pieces of soft cloth
- Buffing pad
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Step 1: Cleaning the surface
Before you start repairing the sink, you have to clean the sink’s surface thoroughly. The step allows the epoxy filler to set and bond appropriately with the sink. The cleaning also helps in removing scratches and stains that may have formed on the sink’s surface.
To clean, pour, and spread the scouring powder on the inside surface of the sink. Slightly run water through until it is warm. Use a towel to dampen lightly. Scrub gently while tossing the scouring powder around. The cleaning action can get rid of water spots, surface scratches, grime, oil, and grease. Rinse the sink with running water and wipe with a clean towel. Some scratches tend to be tougher and difficult to remove.
Therefore, they require you to use a fine-grade scrubbing pad. While using the pad, firmly press the scrubbing pad until the stains are cleared, before rinsing the sink again. Allow the sink to dry for some time before commencing the actual repair works.
Step 2: Preparing the sink
First of all, you need to inspect and identify the extent of the cracks. The larger the cracks, the easier it is to fill them up with the epoxy filler. Smaller cracks are, therefore, a bit more difficult to fill, compared to large ones. To prepare the surface, apply a painters tape all around the edges of the cracks. The application ensures that the epoxy filler conveniently flushes with the rest of the surface of the sink.
The conformity maintains the original texture and contour of the surface. Cover the rest of the sink’s surface with newspapers and use a tape to hold them down tightly onto the sink. The covering ensures that when applying the epoxy filler, some bits of the filler do not land on the rest of the surface and create a messy and uneven surface.
After preparing the sink, you can now mix the components of the epoxy filler. The filler usually comes in two components, and a mixing procedure is included in the package. Mix them appropriately as per the directions provided by the manufacturer.
Step 3: Filling the cracks up
The process of filling the cracks is simple but requires one to be careful and precise. It takes up a little bit of time and a high level of keenness to avoid doing a messy job. For large cracks, pour the filler into the cracks until it rises to the surface level.
Use a plastic spatula to spread out the filler around the surface. Try to push the filler down the crack to make it compact. Press it firmly until it compacts and fills up the crack without leaving any unoccupied room. Spread the filler to the top surface carefully to evenly flush with the rest of the sink’s surface.
Continue adding more epoxy filler until the target is achieved. For smaller cracks, use the plastic spatula to add and spread the epoxy into the crack. Do not pour the filler into the crack, as it will only spill over to unwanted regions. The unwanted spread will eventually mess up the texture and appearance of the sink.
Level and smoothen the surface of the crack to make it even with the rest of the sink. Once this is done, remove the taped paper and tape around the sink. Leave the epoxy filler to dry and cure for a few days.
Step 4: Smoothing and buffing
Once the epoxy has dried up, inspect the sink and observe its smoothness. In most cases, the filler will not be smooth on drying up. Rub gently with smooth sandpaper to smoothen the surface. Use the back of your hand to ascertain whether perfect smoothness has been achieved. When smoothness has been attained, wash and scrub the surface gently using a wet buffing pad, to attain a shine similar to a new one.
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Video Source: Ted McFadden
Conclusion
Timely care and maintenance of your granite sink will assure you a long life free from damage and cracks. You will also end up with the same shiny look as a new one. Once your granite sink starts to develop cracks, you do not have to worry about installing a new one. Following these steps will surely prolong your sink’s life and retain its original shine and glimmer.
