How can I repair the scratches and burn marks on my farmhouse sink without damaging the rest of it?
Asked by Chandeni Hodes 
2 months ago
Last Updated: November 5, 2024
I just moved into this house about a year ago. The kitchen has a farmhouse sink, which I love. The only problem is the bottom – it’s all scratched up and has a few burn marks from someone setting a hot skillet in there. Do you know how I can fix this? I was thinking of maybe using a sander. What do you think?
My item appears identical to this, but unfortunately, I’m not sure of the solution.
It needs to be resurfaced, similar to refinishing a bathtub.
Thank you for the information. What do you recommend using for resurfacing?
Mentioned that they sell kits on Amazon – some for sinks and others for tubs.
I really appreciate that.
Andrew is a pro at this. Trust me, it’s worth hiring him.
Andrew, don’t use that product. It’s better to just buy a new sink. Otherwise, you’ll end up redoing it and dealing with peeling off, which will be more frustrating than getting a new sink for a few hundred bucks.
Scotch Brite and some powdered Bar Keepers Friend should do the trick with a bit of effort to make it appear much improved! A pumice stone could also be useful for removing the ring mark. Just remember to clean it regularly to keep it looking nice, otherwise it will end up like this again.
Thanks a lot Tracy!
Consider hiring a professional refinisher for the sink. I did this with the sink in my 1947 home when updating the kitchen, and it made a significant difference.
To clean the sink, start by using an SOS pad. The scratches and imperfections are likely due to debris stuck in them. It’s possible that the scratches haven’t penetrated the top coat and are only on the surface. Similar to buffing out swirls on a car finish, you can use a buffing wheel and polish to smooth out the scratches and enhance the sink’s shine.
I have a sink in my cottage that had numerous scratch marks, but we managed to restore its appearance with a magic eraser. Sometimes these erasers can be too harsh, but in this case, it worked wonders.
I remember my grandmother using cream of tartar on her porcelain sink to remove scratches. She would sprinkle it all over and scrub with a magic eraser or scouring pad. It always seemed to do the trick for her!
I really like using Comet powder cleanser with bleach on porcelain sinks. It’s definitely my go-to cleaner for them.
Have you thought about trying a two part bathroom tile paint like the one made by Rustoleum? While it may not be as durable as the original, it could still be a good option.
If I were you, I’d consider resurfacing it. But if you want a quick fix, I’d recommend using pink stuff and a scrub daddy. I have the same sink and I do this about once a month.
Have you given Barkeepers Friend a try?
Give this a shot first!
Make sure to wear gloves when using this product!
Oof I appreciate you informing me.
I recently tried the paste on my tubs. It works well, has a slightly odd smell, and has left my hands feeling rough. I’ve been applying it every 30 minutes for 4 days now ☹️ BUT it’s manufactured in the USA and is an excellent product 😊
I’m so happy to see this post, as I’m dealing with the same issue. I’ll definitely give some of these suggestions a try.
Assuming that is an enamel sink. I used to have an old white enamel bathtub that was really worn out. I had a refinisher come in and redo the surface. I couldn’t use the tub for 48 hours but it was totally worth it. The tub looked brand new afterwards. The refinisher really knew what he was doing. He chemically cleaned and prepped it, so you need good ventilation, but I just opened the windows and it was fine. It wasn’t as expensive as I thought it would be, especially compared to replacing it and losing its character. Good luck
Avoid sanding it unless you are planning to reglaze the entire sink, which seems necessary based on its current condition. I would recommend trying lrc or a commercial grade cleanser.
Totally, is spot on about getting professional reglazing done!
Put a 50/50 mixture of bleach and water in the sink, allow it to sit for 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat this process and finish off with Barkeeper’s Friend. Our cleaning ladies were able to restore a sink that looked nearly new using this method. Reglazing is a temporary solution that can work, but it may only last a few years.
Using bleach is just a temporary solution and can actually cause more damage to the enamel. It’s important to clean it first…a professional can deglaze it and the finish will last a long time as long as you avoid harsh chemicals.
Bon Ami or Barkeepers Friend are gentle enough (unlike Ajax) for cleaning. You can also try the pink stuff paste, which works really well!
I’ve experienced reglazing in two different homes from different companies. They usually offer a warranty for a couple of years, depending on whether it’s for a surface with standing water (like toilets and bathtubs) or flowing water (such as sinks). The difference in warranties was either 1 year or 4 years. I had to redo the bathtub in a rental property every 3-4 years, but it was still much more cost-effective than replacing it.
Indeed, or at least until a replacement is necessary. My mom had a clawfoot tub reglazed back in the 70s, and it was still in perfect condition when she sold the house in the early 90s.
Consider re-glazing the sink
Yes, !
That’s what gives it character. If it’s not rusted, I would leave it as it is. It tells a story of a family, but maybe that’s just me being a bit strange. Haha
I hear you, but my fiancé is determined to get rid of it, lol. What’s a guy to do, right?
No doubt about it, is the clear winner.
With that amount of scarring, cleaning it won’t keep it looking good for long. It’ll get dirty quickly again. Your best option is to get it re-glazed. I recommend calling a professional. The products they use are more durable than anything you can find in a kit. Just be careful not to use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers on a newly glazed surface.