How Do You Fix A Cracked Sink Top? (Find Out Here)

ByGlen Mcilroy Reading Time: 9 minutes

When you have a cracked sink top, most of us think we have to replace it. It might surprise you to know that is not always the case. It happened to me not too long ago when my ceramic sink top in the bathroom cracked when I dropped my hammer on it while putting up a mirror. My father told me I didn’t need to replace it, leading me to ask, how do you fix a cracked sink top?

The method you use to repair your sink top will depend on the material. You can use epoxy putty or a two-part epoxy resin to repair a cracked epoxy, ceramic, or porcelain sink top. If you have a stone sink, you can repair it using concrete. Some sink tops can’t be repaired and should be replaced.

I was excited about not having to replace my ceramic sink but was unsure how to do it properly. After extensive research, I found it’s not as complicated as I thought. I knew other people would benefit from the information I gathered, so I thought I would share how to repair different sink top materials.

How Do You Fix A Cracked Sink Top

The thought of replacing a sink top can be enough to make you groan, but what if you didn’t need to replace it and it was possible rather than repair it? Let’s face it, replacing a sink top is expensive and, depending on the material, can be a lot of work, so if you can repair it, it’s a bonus.

It will cost you less, and you won’t need to remove the old sink or cut and fit a new one. So it also takes less time and effort. In the sections below, we will discuss how to fix;

  • cracked epoxy, porcelain, or ceramic sink top
  • a cement sink top
  • a stone sink top

How To Repair Cracked Epoxy, Porcelain, Or Ceramic Sink Top

Two methods of repairing a cracked sink top are made of epoxy, porcelain, or ceramic. We will look at how to repair it with a two-part epoxy resin and epoxy putty. 

Repairing A Sink Top Using Two-Part Epoxy

If you have a cracked, sick, or piece chipped off and have the piece on hand, you can fix it using a two-part epoxy resin.

The Supplies You Will Need

Here is what you will need to get to fix your epoxy, ceramic, or porcelain sink;

  • The two-part epoxy kit
  • The chipped piece it’s not just a crack,
  • A clean rag,
  • Warm water,
  • Detergent,
  • A piece of fine sandpaper,
  • Gloves
  • An old container

The Steps To Repair The Sink

Here is how you can repair the sink by following these steps to get the best results;

Step 1- Inspect The Damage

Before you can start the repair, you need to assess the damage. If you find a crack not all the way through the sink or a piece has chipped off, and you still have the piece, you can repair it.

Step 2 – Prepare The Sink Surface

Next, you need to prepare the sink’s surface where you will repair it. You do this by lightly sanding the surface. Not too much, but enough to roughen the surface to help it adhere better to the epoxy. Next, you should wash the surface and use a clean cloth to dry the sink surface.

Step 3 – Mix The Epoxy

In this step, wear protective gloves and get the epoxy ready. You need to mix the two parts of the epoxy (the resin and hardener) in an old container. Be sure to mix the two for at least 60 seconds. Only mix enough to fix the sink, don’t mix more as it will waste.

Step 4 – Apply The Mixture

Apply the mixture to the piece you need to reattach and to the sink surface, then press the two firmly together.

Step 5 – Clean Up

Be sure to clean the excess up immediately before it gets time to set so you will have a smooth surface. Then support the piece you have reattached for at least 10 minutes so it can set thoroughly.

Repairing A Sink Top Using Epoxy Putty

The second method you can use to repair your sink is epoxy putty. It is a little more complex, but it works best for areas that are chipped and you don’t have the piece and for cracks.

The Supplies You Will Need

Below are the supplies you need to fix a sink using epoxy putty.

  • The epoxy putty kit
  • A clean rag,
  • Warm water,
  • Detergent,
  • A piece of fine sandpaper (emery paper),
  • Gloves,
  • An old container,
  • A putty knife,
  • Porcelain or enamel paint that is the same color as the sink.

The Steps To Repair The Sink

Below is what you need to do to repair the sink using epoxy putty successfully.

Step 1 – Prepare The Area

Clean and dry the area you are going to repair. Open the epoxy putty and use the putty knife to cut off the desired amount of putty. It should fit in the cavity, crack or gap you need to repair.

Step 2 – Getting The Putty Ready

For this step, you will need to wear protective gloves. Knead the putty for at least 60 seconds by hand until the putty is a uniform color.

Step 3 – Apply The Putty

After thoroughly kneading the putty, apply it to the indent, crack or gap you need to cover. (ensure it’s within 3 minutes of kneading, or the putty will cure before you are done.)

Work the putty into the cavity with your gloved fingers (you can also use the putty knife). Ensure the area is fully covered in the putty.  

Step 4 – Fix The Putty

Dip your finger into the warm soapy water and work the putty into the cavity until the patch is smooth, even, and molded perfectly.

Step 5 – Drying

Let the finished patch dry fully. It can take between 35 minutes to an hour for the entire patch to cure. Don’t move on to the next step unless you are sure the patch is fully cured.

Step 6 – Sanding

When the fixed area has cured, you can use the emery paper to sand the patch smooth en level with the rest of the sink top.

Step – Repaint

Wipe away the fine particles, so the area is clean and debris-free. Then use a fine paintbrush to paint over the putty, so it matches the rest of the sink top. Let the area dry before using the sink top.

Repairing A Cement Sink Top

Repairing a cement or concrete sink top uses the same material used when building the counter. So if your sink is made from pure cement, you should fix it with cement, but if it was a premixed product such as QUIKRETE® Countertop Mix, you need to use this product to fill in the cavity or reattach the chipped piece.

Repairing A Cement Sink Top Using QUIKRETE® Countertop Mix

When a cement sink is created using a countertop mix, you must use a similar product to repair cracks or chipped pieces. You can buy these countertop mixes at hardware stores.

The Supplies You Will Need

Here is a comprehensive list of the supplies you will need to repair a cement sink top using a countertop mix.

  • Sanding paper
  • Gloves
  • Foam roller
  • Painters tape
  • Clean rag
  • QUIKRETE® Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal

The Steps To Repair Your Sink

Follow these steps to repair your cement counter.

Step 1 – Cleaning

Firstly you need to clean the counter area where you will make the repairs. Now let it dry fully.

Step 2 – Tape Off

Then you need to tape the area where you need to make the repairs, to stop the mixture from dripping.

Step 3 – Mix The Concrete

Next, you must mix the QUIKRETE® Countertop Mix according to the instructions on the container. Don’t mix too much as you will not need a lot; don’t mix it too thinly, or it will run and drip.

Step 4 – Apply The Countertop Mix

Take the foam roller and paint over the cavities or cracks, working piece by piece.

Step 5 – Leave It To Dry

The concrete mix will take at least 18 hours to dry fully. So leave the countertop to dry overnight.

Step 6 – Remove Tape And Sand

After the fixed area is dry, you must sand the patches until they are flush with the rest of the counter.

Step 7 – Seal The Repairs

Lastly, wipe the countertop repairs from dust and debris. Lastly, follow the instructions on the back of the container (or look it up online), take a paintbrush or foam roller, and apply a thin layer of the sealant to the repaired areas. Leave to dry overnight, and your countertop is fixed.

When Does A Cracked Sink Need To Be Replaced?

Sometimes you have to replace a countertop as the damage is too extensive to be saved. Here are a few examples of when it’s better to replace the sink than repair it.

  • When the crack is almost right through from one end to the other and goes through the thickness of the sink, a surface repair won’t fix this and will easily break a big piece off.
  • When huge chunks of the sink have broken off, the fix might not hold.
  • When you want to redo your kitchen, and you feel it is outdated,
  • For ceramic and porcelain sink tops, when too big a piece has broken off, it’s better to replace it as lightweight might break it again, and ceramic and porcelain are very sharp and can cause injury.

Tips When Repairing A Cracked Sink

It’s not always easy to do repairs at home, but with a few helpful tips, you can tackle a cracked sink repair yourself.

Protective Clothing

When fixing your sink, the products can be tacky, and products like epoxy can harm you if it gets onto your skin, so it’s important to use long sleeve pants and shirts, gloves, and goggles to protect yourself.

Don’t Wait Too Long

When using epoxy putty or two-step epoxy kits, you shouldn’t wait too long before using the product as it can cure in the container. Ensure you use the epoxy putty within 3 minutes of mixing and the two-step epoxy within 2 minutes.

Always Read The Instructions

Always read the manufacturer’s instructions clearly, and if you are confused by the terminology or it is not explained in better detail, you can look for safety data sheets online about the product you are using. You will learn more about how to apply the products and the protective measures you need to take when working with each product.

Use The Right Color

When buying the countertop mix or putty, take a picture of the countertop in full light to get as close to a matching color as possible. If you can’t find the right color and the crack is not too deep, you can use clear epoxy. The one downside is that you will still see the crack.

When In Doubt Call The Professionals

If you don’t like DIYs and are afraid of messing up the sink top and having to replace it anyway, then it might be time to call in the professionals. They have all the right tools and supplies to fix your sink, which will still cost less than replacing it.

As they work with sink tops daily, they can give you the best advice when repairing or replacing the sink top.

Conclusion

No one wants to replace a sink if they don’t have to, as it is an expensive endeavor, but there are times when that is not the only option. If your sink top is not too damaged (the damage is superficial), you can repair it.

Depending on the material your sink top is made from, you should be able to use epoxy putty, two-step epoxy resin, or countertop mix. You can buy all of the equipment you need from hardware or online stores.

References

Architect

I have a Master’s degree in Architecture.

My passions lie in the world of design and nature.

A nature lover through and through, I am passionate about animals and plants alike. Spending time in nature is always preferable to being indoors, whether hiking, on the beach, or simply hanging out in the garden with friends.

The design world fascinates me to no end, whether in buildings, furniture, or landscaping. A healthy lifestyle is something that I pursue in a holistic sense, emphasizing healthy food, exercise, and mental well-being.

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