Skip to Content

Can You/Should You Paint Over Steel Sink? (How To)

Steel sink in the kitchen

One of the best ways to renovate a room is by repainting it. And kitchens are no exception.

While it is unusual to repaint a steel sink, it can be done and will save a lot of money. You won’t have to pay for the removal and replacement of the sink, nor will you have the cost of a new sink to contend with.

You can paint over a steel sink as there are a variety of paints and finishes that are suitable for painting on stainless steel. You must use a galvanized etching primer to prepare the surface or you can use two-part epoxy paint. It binds well to stainless steel and gives a good finish.

You can apply the paint with a paintbrush, roller, or spray can.

It is generally accepted that the best finish is achieved when the paint is sprayed onto stainless steel. You will be able to get a more even coat without any streaks or unevenness.

To cut down on the cost of spraying, automobile paint can be used, as it comes in spray cans. You won’t have to go to the expense of hiring specialized spraying equipment either. However, you may not be able to get the exact color you want and you may end up using far more paint than you first thought you would.

If you wish to retain the stainless steel finish, you can also paint the sink with varnish. This is a cost-effective way to keep the original look while at the same time adding a highly polished look to your sink and taps.

Can You Paint Over Steel Sink?

Steel sink in the kitchen

Older sinks can be given a new lease on life by painting them.

They are both durable and well-constructed. A properly prepared sink will accept just about any type of paint so long as the surface is properly prepared.

You can paint over a steel sink, so long as it is correctly prepared and a suitable primer is used. After it’s primed, you can use any paint. Two-part epoxy paints are popular as they provide a great finish and are easy to work with. If the sink is very old, it must be sanded before it is painted.

After the sink is sanded, it must be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water to remove any dust. Then dry the surface with a towel and allow it to stand for a few hours before priming it. The metal must be completely dry, otherwise it might develop rust marks.

Spraying is recommended over a roller or brush. A spray-painted finish looks better and the paint is more evenly distributed.

A final coat of acrylic sealer will help to preserve the finish. The acrylic will stop the paint from peeling and also help to prevent scratches and chips.

Should You Paint Over a Steel Sink?

confused man standing

While there are many opinions on what you should do with a stainless-steel sink, it really depends on whether it fits in with your décor.

If painting a stainless-steel sink enhances the design and décor, then you should paint over it. Many paints and finishes are suitable for stainless steel. They are hard wearing and long-lasting. If the sink is badly damaged or corroded then it may not be a good idea to paint it.

For the best result, it is recommended that stainless steel sinks are removed from the counter before refurbishing and painting them.

If you have a limited budget, then it makes perfect sense to paint a sink. If it meets your needs and is in good condition, stainless steel sinks can be finished in any color you want with any paint you want. After preparing the surface by sanding and priming it, you can spray on any color you desire and then finish it off with a long-lasting, protective acrylic top coat.

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on August 14, 2022.

The acrylic paint can preserve the finish and won’t show the wear and tear from hard daily use.

What Tools And Preparation Do You Need To Paint Steel Sink?

Steel sink in the kitchen

While stainless steel sinks are hard wearing, they do need proper preparation to look good and last a long time.

To paint a steel sink you need sandpaper, protective eye-wear, and etching primer. Spray paint in cans or a sprayer is required for the best finish. A two-part epoxy or any other paint can be used so long as an acrylic top coat protects the finished sink.

Painter’s tape and a screwdriver will be helpful, as well as floor covers.

Once the sink is removed from the countertop, it can be sanded. It’s best to start with coarse sandpaper, 150 grit, and then move on to 220 grit for the finished surface. You may want to wear gloves while sanding to protect your hands from sharp edges.

After sanding, clean off the sink with soap and water, making sure to remove all the sanding dust. Then dry the sink and leave it out for a couple of hours so that all the water is gone.

Once the sink is completely dry, apply a couple of coats of primer and let them dry. Apply whichever paint you like, making sure that you apply very thin coats rather than trying to put too much paint on in one go. This will just lead to the paint running and you’ll ruin your sink.

The final coat should be acrylic. This will give the sink a protective layer that will resist scratches and chips.

What Paint Can You Use To Paint Steel Sink?

confused man standing

Many different types of paint are suitable for use on metal.

The best paint to use on a stainless steel sink is two-part epoxy. It adheres well and gives a smooth, high-gloss finish. However, if you use a good etching primer, you can use any type of paint you prefer. Finishing off with acrylic paint is recommended to protect the surface.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on August 14, 2022.

To ensure that the paint adheres to the stainless steel, sand the sink with at least 220-grit sandpaper before applying your first coat of primer.

After the primer is dry, you can use enamels, water-based or oil-based paints. It doesn’t matter. If you decide to use any paint other than epoxy, then an acrylic top coat is the recommended finish to preserve the finish.

How To Paint Steel Sink Properly

confused man standing

It is important that you follow a step-by-step painting process to ensure that your sink looks good.

After removing the sink from the counter, sand it so that the surface is slightly rough. This allows the primer to adhere to the surface easily. Then paint the sink with at least 2 coats of clear or colored paint before ending with a coat or two of acrylic.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to paint a stainless-steel sink:

Step One

Remove the sink from the counter and then remove any attached hardware. Taps and fittings can be painted separately.

Step Two

Clean the sink and then sand it with 150-grit sandpaper followed by 220-grit sandpaper.

Once the sink is sanded smoothly, with a slight amount of roughness, wash it with soap and water to remove any dust.

Step Three

Apply a coat or two of primer and wait for it to dry fully before applying any more paint.

Step Four

Once primed, paint the sink with at least 2 coats of paint.

Use a two-part epoxy for the best finish. Avoid using a roller or paintbrush. If you can, spray your sink so that the paint is applied evenly with a smooth finish.

Step Five

Apply a coat of acrylic paint to give the sink a hard, long-lasting finish. The acrylic paint will stop the paint from peeling and will also resist scratches and chips.

Related Articles

Can You/Should You Paint Over Steel Doors? (How To)

Can You/Should You Paint Over Steel Siding? (How To)

Can You/Should You Paint Over Fake/Faux Wood?

ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on August 14, 2022.

Can You/Should You Paint over Steel Rims? (How To)