Sink Refinishing Toronto
Professional Sink Reglazing Across the GTA
Your bathroom or kitchen sink refinished in one visit. We sand, repair, and apply a professional urethane acrylic coating that looks and feels like factory porcelain. 3 to 5 hours, no plumbing disconnection, no demolition. Starting at $450 with a 5 year domestic sink warranty. Serving Toronto, Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, and Mississauga.
Does Your Sink Need Refinishing?
Sinks take a different kind of abuse than bathtubs or showers. You are running hot and cold water dozens of times a day, dropping heavy pots and pans into kitchen basins, and letting cleaning products sit on surfaces that were never designed for constant chemical exposure. Toronto's hard water leaves mineral deposits that build up faster than most homeowners realize. These are the six warning signs we see most often in porcelain, cast iron, and fiberglass sinks across the GTA.
You drop a glass or a heavy mug into the basin and a small piece of the white surface pops off, revealing a dark grey or black layer underneath. That exposed layer is the raw cast iron or base material under the porcelain enamel. Every chip that goes unrepaired becomes an entry point for water and rust. We see this constantly in older bathroom vanity sinks across Scarborough, Don Mills, and Agincourt where the original porcelain has been taking impacts for 20 to 40 years. One chip turns into three, then five. Refinishing fills those chips, bonds to the original surface, and coats everything with a smooth urethane acrylic finish that resists future impacts far better than the aging enamel it replaces.
Orange and brown rust stains forming a ring around your drain, at the base of the faucet, or near the overflow hole are not just cosmetic problems. They mean water is reaching the metal underneath the porcelain through micro cracks you cannot even see. The enamel has worn thin enough in those high contact areas that moisture is getting through and oxidizing the iron below. No amount of scrubbing with CLR or Bar Keepers Friend will fix this because the problem is under the surface, not on top of it. We see this in nearly every cast iron kitchen sink and bathroom vanity across North York, Willowdale, and Lawrence Park. Refinishing seals those micro cracks and puts a waterproof barrier between the metal and the water.
Hair dye stains, tea and coffee discolouration, hard water mineral buildup, or a yellowish tint that covers the entire basin. You have tried every product under the sink and the stains will not move. That is because the porcelain surface has become porous over the years. The original glaze has worn down enough that staining agents have soaked into the material itself. They are not sitting on the surface anymore. This is one of the most common calls we get from homeowners in High Park, Roncesvalles, and the Annex who keep their homes spotless but cannot get their bathroom sink to look clean no matter what they do. Refinishing sands down past the stained layer and applies a non porous coating that resists future staining.
Run your hand along the inside of your sink. If it feels rough, gritty, or like fine sandpaper instead of smooth glass, the enamel glaze has eroded. Years of abrasive cleaners like Comet and Ajax, steel wool scrubbing, and Toronto's mineral heavy water literally grind the glass like coating off the porcelain surface. Once that smooth layer is gone, dirt and bacteria stick to the rough texture and the sink never looks clean even right after you scrub it. We hear this from homeowners in Etobicoke, Mimico, and Long Branch all the time. They think the sink is just old and dirty. It is not dirty. The surface is gone. Refinishing restores that factory smooth feel with a new coating that is actually more stain resistant than the original porcelain.
Fine cracks that radiate outward from the drain hole or spider web across the bottom of the basin. These hairline cracks come from thermal stress. You run boiling water into a cold porcelain sink hundreds of times a year, and the repeated expansion and contraction eventually fractures the enamel. Kitchen sinks are hit hardest because of boiling pasta water, hot oil, and dishwater temperature swings. We see this pattern in nearly every kitchen sink refinishing job across Leaside, Bayview Village, and Thornhill. If the cracks are only in the enamel surface and have not gone through to the base material, refinishing can fill and seal them. Once a crack penetrates all the way through and you can see or feel a gap in the metal, that is when you are looking at replacement territory.
The area immediately around the drain takes more water contact than any other spot on your sink. Over years, you will notice the porcelain in that zone looks pitted, rough, or discoloured compared to the rest of the basin. The constant flow of water, combined with soap residue and mineral deposits, eats away at the enamel in a tight circle around the drain opening. This is where standing water collects every time you fill the sink. It is also where cleaning chemicals pool when you spray the basin. That concentrated exposure wears through the surface faster than anywhere else. We fix this on bathroom sinks across Midtown condos, Yonge and Eglinton apartments, and Davisville homes regularly. Refinishing builds the coating back up evenly so the drain area matches the rest of the sink.
Not Sure What Your Sink Needs?
Send us a photo and we will tell you exactly what kind of damage you have, whether refinishing will fix it, and what it will cost. No guesswork, no obligation.
Sink Refinishing Services in Toronto
We refinish bathroom and kitchen sinks using the same professional urethane acrylic coating and 5 step process we use on bathtub reglazing and shower refinishing jobs. Every sink type below gets the same preparation, the same material, and the same 5 year warranty. Shawn handles every job personally from start to finish.
Porcelain Sink Refinishing
Porcelain over cast iron is the most common bathroom vanity sink in Toronto homes built before 2000. The white enamel chips easily on impact, exposing dark iron underneath that rusts within weeks if left open. We sand the entire basin with 40 grit to remove the damaged surface layer, follow with 150 grit for a smooth bonding profile, fill every chip, and apply a urethane acrylic coating in China White that bonds directly to the prepared porcelain. The finished surface is smoother and more stain resistant than the original factory enamel.
- Fixes chips, rust stains, discolouration, and worn enamel
- No plumbing disconnection required
- Most common in Scarborough, North York, and Etobicoke homes
Cast Iron Sink Restoration
Cast iron sinks weigh 50 to 100 pounds and removing one means disconnecting plumbing, cutting countertop supports, and hiring multiple people to lift it out. That is before you spend $1,500 to $3,000 on a replacement. Refinishing skips all of that. We treat the rust spots, repair surface pitting, and coat the basin in place. This applies to both bathroom cast iron vanity sinks and heavy duty kitchen cast iron basins. The new coating seals the iron from water contact, which is what caused the rust damage in the first place.
- Eliminates rust, pitting, and exposed iron surfaces
- No removal, no heavy lifting, no countertop damage
- Common in pre-1980 homes across Leaside, Lawrence Park, and the Danforth
Fiberglass Sink Refinishing
Builder grade fiberglass sinks show their age faster than any other material. The gel coat yellows, the surface turns chalky, and scratches accumulate from daily use until the sink looks permanently dirty. These are the sinks you find in rental units, condos, and newer subdivisions across Mississauga, Brampton, and Vaughan. The fiberglass itself is structurally fine in most cases. It is just the surface finish that has failed. We sand through the damaged gel coat and apply a fresh urethane acrylic finish that restores the bright white appearance and gives you years of clean, low maintenance use.
- Fixes yellowing, chalky texture, and scratch accumulation
- Ideal for rental property and condo unit turnovers
- Same coating used on fiberglass shower refinishing
Kitchen Sink Reglazing
Kitchen sinks take more punishment than any other fixture in the house. Boiling water, heavy pots dropped into the basin, knives sliding off cutting boards, and constant chemical exposure from dish soap and degreasers. The thermal stress alone from running hot and cold water dozens of times a day creates hairline cracks that spread outward from the drain. We refinish porcelain and cast iron kitchen sinks in single and double basin configurations. The coating we apply handles the temperature swings and daily impact that kitchens demand.
- Repairs thermal cracks, chips, staining, and drain area erosion
- Single and double basin configurations
- Popular across High Park, Bloor West, and Roncesvalles kitchens
Pedestal Sink Resurfacing
Freestanding pedestal sinks are a signature feature of Toronto's older Victorian, Edwardian, and early century homes across Cabbagetown, the Annex, and Parkdale. Replacing one often means losing a piece that matches the character of the house. Finding a period appropriate pedestal sink in the right dimensions is difficult and expensive. Refinishing keeps the original fixture in place and gives it a fresh white finish that matches the rest of a renovated bathroom without replacing a piece of the home's history. We coat the basin, the pedestal column, and the back splash area as one continuous job.
- Preserves original heritage and character home fixtures
- Basin, column, and back splash coated as one piece
- No removal from the wall or floor required
Farmhouse and Apron Front Sink Restoration
Farmhouse sinks with their exposed front apron are built into the cabinetry, which makes replacement a cabinet modification job on top of a plumbing job. The apron face chips from contact with belt buckles, drawers, and cleaning equipment, and the deep single basin develops staining patterns at the waterline. We refinish the interior basin and the visible apron face together so the entire piece looks uniform. The apron gets the same sanding preparation and urethane acrylic coating as the basin interior.
- Interior basin and exposed apron face coated together
- No cabinet modification or countertop removal needed
- Porcelain and cast iron farmhouse styles both serviceable
Real Results From Recent Sink Restoration Jobs
Every photo below is from an actual job completed by Shawn in the Greater Toronto Area. No stock images, no photo editing. What you see is what the sink looked like before and after refinishing.
What types of sinks can actually be refinished?
Porcelain, cast iron, fiberglass, acrylic, and vitreous china sinks can all be refinished with professional urethane acrylic coatings. Stainless steel and natural stone sinks like granite or marble cannot be refinished using this process because the coating does not bond to those materials. If you are unsure what your sink is made of, send us a photo and we will identify the material and tell you whether refinishing is the right option.
Quick Reference by Sink Type
How the job differs depending on what your sink is made of and where it sits.
| Sink Type | Most Common Damage | Typical Location | Plumbing Work | Completion Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain over Cast Iron | Chips, exposed iron, rust rings | Bathroom vanity | None | 3 to 4 hours |
| Solid Cast Iron | Deep pitting, widespread rust, surface erosion | Kitchen or bathroom | None | 3 to 5 hours |
| Fiberglass / Acrylic | Yellowing, chalky texture, scratches | Bathroom vanity, condos | None | 3 to 4 hours |
| Porcelain Kitchen Sink | Thermal cracks, staining, drain erosion | Kitchen | None | 3 to 5 hours |
| Pedestal Sink | Worn enamel, discolouration, aged finish | Bathroom (heritage homes) | None | 3 to 5 hours |
| Farmhouse / Apron Front | Apron chips, waterline stains, basin wear | Kitchen | None | 4 to 5 hours |
Is kitchen sink refinishing actually worth it?
Replacing a kitchen sink means disconnecting the plumbing, potentially cutting into the countertop, removing the old unit, installing a new one, reconnecting water lines, and resealing everything. That runs $1,500 to $3,000 or more depending on the sink type and countertop material. Refinishing costs a fraction of that, takes a single visit, and the sink stays exactly where it is. For any porcelain or cast iron kitchen sink where the basin is structurally sound, refinishing makes more financial sense than replacement.
Which Service Does Your Sink Need?
Send us a photo showing the damage and we will tell you the exact service, timeline, and price. Every estimate is free.
How We Refinish Your Sink
Every sink gets the same 5 step process whether it is a bathroom vanity or a kitchen basin. Shawn completes the entire job in a single visit, typically 3 to 5 hours. Here is exactly what happens from the moment he walks in to the moment you have a finished sink.
Step 1: Inspection and Surface Preparation
Shawn inspects the sink to identify every chip, crack, rust spot, and area of enamel loss. He then masks off the surrounding countertop, backsplash, faucet, and any exposed plumbing to protect them from dust and overspray. The sink surface is sanded by hand, starting with 40 grit to remove the damaged top layer and create a rough bonding profile. A second pass with 150 grit smooths out the scratch pattern so the coating lays down evenly. No acid etching is used at any point. Sanding is the only surface preparation method.
- Full damage assessment before any work starts
- Countertop, faucet, and backsplash fully masked
- Two stage sanding: 40 grit then 150 grit
- No acid, no chemical etching
Step 2: Chip Repair and Surface Smoothing
Every chip, pit, and crack gets filled with a professional grade filler compound that bonds to the substrate. For cast iron sinks with exposed metal, the rust is treated and the area is sealed before filling. Each repair is sanded flush with the surrounding surface so you cannot feel where the damage was. This step is what separates a professional job from a DIY attempt. Hardware store repair kits give you a brush and a bottle. Shawn builds each repair up in layers, lets each layer set, and sands it level before moving on.
- Chips filled and sanded flush with the basin surface
- Rust treated and sealed on cast iron sinks
- Layered repair technique for deep chips
- Surface checked by hand for any remaining rough spots
Step 3: Bonding Agent Application
A bonding agent is applied to the entire prepared surface. This is the layer that makes everything stick. It creates a chemical bridge between the original sink material and the urethane acrylic topcoat. Without a proper bonding agent, refinishing coatings peel within months. This is the step that most DIY kits skip entirely, and it is the main reason DIY sink refinishing fails. The bonding agent needs to be applied at the right thickness and allowed to reach the correct tack before the topcoat goes on.
- Full basin coverage including drain area and overflow
- Chemical bond between substrate and topcoat
- Controlled tack time before next step
- The step DIY kits skip, and why they fail
Step 4: Urethane Acrylic Coating Application
The topcoat is a professional urethane acrylic finish applied in multiple thin, even passes. This is not the brush on epoxy paint you find at hardware stores. It is a spray applied industrial coating that self levels to create a glass smooth surface with no brush marks, roller texture, or drip lines. The finish colour is China White, a clean bright white that matches standard bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Multiple passes build the coating to the correct thickness for durability and water resistance without runs or sags.
- Spray applied for a smooth, even finish
- Multiple thin passes, no runs or drips
- China White finish matches standard fixtures
- Industrial urethane acrylic, not hardware store epoxy
Step 5: Final Inspection and Curing
Shawn inspects the finished surface under direct light to check for any imperfections, thin spots, or texture inconsistencies. The masking is carefully removed, and the area around the sink is cleaned up. The coating needs 24 hours to cure before you can use the sink. During that time, no water should touch the surface, no objects should be placed in the basin, and no cleaning products should be used on or near it. After 24 hours the sink is ready for normal daily use. Shawn walks you through the aftercare instructions before he leaves.
- Surface inspected under direct light for any flaws
- Masking removed and work area cleaned
- 24 hour cure time before use
- Aftercare instructions provided on site
Do you need to disconnect the plumbing to refinish a sink?
No. The sink stays exactly where it is. We work around the existing plumbing, faucet, and drain hardware. Everything is masked and protected during the job. This is one of the biggest advantages over replacement, where a plumber has to disconnect water lines, remove the drain assembly, and reconnect everything after the new sink goes in. With refinishing, you skip all of that. The faucet and drain stay connected the entire time. The only thing you need to do is avoid using the sink for 24 hours after the job is finished.
Want to See This Process in Action?
Send us a photo of your sink and Shawn will tell you exactly which steps your job needs and how long it will take.
Sink Refinishing Cost in Toronto
Sink refinishing starts at $450 for most bathroom and kitchen sinks across the GTA. The final price depends on the sink type, the amount of damage, and whether you have a single or double basin. Below is exactly how the numbers break down and what you would spend on a full replacement instead.
What Affects Your Price
Three factors determine the final quote. Click each one to see how it changes the number.
Porcelain and fiberglass bathroom vanity sinks are the most straightforward jobs and sit at the starting price. Cast iron sinks require additional rust treatment and surface repair before coating, which adds to the preparation time. Pedestal sinks include the column and back splash area in the refinishing scope, so they take slightly longer. Kitchen sinks tend to have more damage from daily impact and thermal stress, which means more chip repair work before the coating goes on. Farmhouse sinks include the exposed apron face as part of the job, adding surface area and preparation time.
A sink with light surface wear and a few small chips is a faster job than one with deep pitting, widespread rust, or dozens of chips that each need individual filling and sanding. Light damage means minor staining, surface roughness, or two to three small chips. Moderate damage means multiple chips, some rust staining, and areas of enamel loss. Heavy damage means deep cracks, exposed substrate across large areas, active rust, or previous failed repair attempts that need to be stripped before we can start. The more repair work the sink needs before coating, the longer the job takes and the higher the price.
A single basin sink is one surface area to prepare and coat. A double basin kitchen sink has two separate bowls, a divider wall between them, and more edge area around the drain openings. That nearly doubles the preparation and coating time compared to a single basin. The divider wall is one of the hardest areas to coat evenly because of the angles involved, so it requires extra attention during the spray application step. If you have a double basin sink, mention it when you send your photos so the estimate reflects the actual scope of work.
What Full Sink Replacement Actually Costs
Most homeowners underestimate replacement costs because they only look at the price of the new sink.
| Replacement Cost Item | Typical Range (GTA) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New sink (material cost) | $200 to $800 | Porcelain, cast iron, or composite |
| Plumber (disconnect and reconnect) | $300 to $600 | Water lines, drain, supply valves |
| Installation labour | $200 to $500 | Removal of old unit, fitting new one |
| Countertop modification (if needed) | $300 to $800 | Different cutout size or mounting style |
| Disposal and cleanup | $50 to $150 | Old sink removal from the property |
| Total Replacement Cost | $1,050 to $2,850+ | Before tax, not including unexpected issues |
How much does it cost to refinish a kitchen sink vs a bathroom sink?
Kitchen sinks generally cost more to refinish than bathroom vanity sinks because they take more abuse and need more repair work before coating. Kitchen basins have thermal cracks from boiling water, chips from dropped cookware, and drain area erosion from constant use. A bathroom vanity sink with light wear sits closer to the starting price. A heavily damaged double basin kitchen sink with rust and multiple chips sits at the higher end. Send us a photo and we will give you the exact number for your specific sink.
Get Your Exact Price in 24 Hours
Send a photo of your sink and we will reply with a fixed quote. No surprise charges, no obligation. The price we quote is the price you pay.
Should You Refinish or Replace Your Sink?
This is the first question most Toronto homeowners ask. The answer depends on the type of damage, the sink material, and what you are trying to accomplish. Here is an honest comparison so you can make the right call for your situation.
| Factor | Refinishing | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Starting at $450 | $1,500 to $3,000+ installed |
| Timeline | 3 to 5 hours, same day | 1 to 3 days including plumber scheduling |
| Plumbing | Not touched. Faucet and drain stay connected | Full disconnect and reconnect required |
| Countertop Risk | Zero. Sink never leaves the countertop | Cutout damage, cracking during removal, resizing for new unit |
| Disruption | One room, one visit, minimal noise | Multiple trades, demolition, water shutoff |
| Usable After | 24 hours after job is finished | Immediately once plumber reconnects |
| Waste | Nothing goes to landfill | Old sink, packaging, and construction debris |
| Result Lifespan | 10 to 15 years with proper care | 15 to 25 years depending on material |
| Warranty | 5 year warranty included | Varies by manufacturer and installer |
Which One Makes Sense for You?
Real scenarios Toronto homeowners bring to us, and the honest recommendation for each.
Chipped bathroom vanity sink in a condo
The porcelain has three or four chips and some surface staining. The sink is structurally sound and fits the vanity perfectly. Replacing it means finding one that matches the cutout dimensions and paying a plumber for half a day. Refinishing fixes the chips, removes the stains, and gives you a fresh white surface for a fraction of the cost.
Rental property turnover in Scarborough
The bathroom sink is yellowed, rough, and stained from years of tenant use. The landlord needs it looking presentable for the next tenant without spending $2,000 on a new vanity and sink combo. Refinishing restores the surface in one visit and the unit is ready to show within 48 hours.
Heritage pedestal sink in a century home
The sink is original to the house and finding a period replacement in the right size is nearly impossible. The enamel is worn and stained but the fixture is solid. Refinishing preserves the original piece and gives it a fresh finish that works with a bathroom renovation without losing the character of the home.
Cracked through to the base material
The crack goes all the way through the porcelain and into the cast iron or fiberglass underneath. You can feel a ridge or gap in the material. Water is reaching the other side. This is structural damage, not surface damage. Refinishing coats the surface but cannot repair a crack that has compromised the sink body itself. This sink needs to come out.
Changing sink type entirely
You want to go from a drop in bathroom sink to an undermount, or from a standard kitchen basin to a farmhouse apron front. Refinishing restores the existing sink in place. It cannot change the shape, size, mounting style, or configuration. If your renovation calls for a different type of sink, replacement is the only path.
Active leak through the basin floor
Water is dripping through the bottom of the sink into the cabinet below. That means the basin material itself has failed, not just the surface coating. This is water damage waiting to spread into the subfloor and surrounding cabinetry. The sink needs replacement and the surrounding area needs inspection for moisture damage before a new unit goes in.
Can a previously refinished sink be refinished again?
Yes, in most cases. If the existing coating is peeling, flaking, or was poorly applied, we sand it down completely, remove any loose material, and treat it the same way we would a factory original surface. The key is proper preparation. A sink that was refinished with a brush on epoxy kit from a hardware store usually peels in sheets, which actually makes removal easier than sanding through an intact factory finish. We have re-refinished sinks across Etobicoke, Mississauga, and North York where the previous job failed within a year or two.
Not Sure Which Route to Take?
Send us a photo and Shawn will tell you honestly whether your sink is a refinishing candidate or whether replacement makes more sense. No sales pitch, just a straight answer.
DIY Sink Refinishing vs Professional Results
Hardware store sink refinishing kits cost $25 to $50. A professional job starts at $450. That price gap makes DIY tempting, and we understand why homeowners try it. But the results are not the same, and the reasons come down to materials, tools, and preparation that a kit cannot replicate.
What You Get With a $30 Kit
- Brush or roller applied epoxy that shows every stroke
- No bonding agent step, coating sits on the surface
- Single component epoxy that yellows within months
- No professional sanding preparation, just a light scuff
- Strong chemical fumes with no ventilation equipment
- 48 to 72 hour cure time before you can use the sink
- Peeling and chipping begins within weeks to months
- Uneven finish with drips, runs, and brush marks
- No warranty, no recourse if it fails
What You Get With Shawn
- Spray applied urethane acrylic with a glass smooth finish
- Dedicated bonding agent creates permanent adhesion
- Industrial coating that resists yellowing and staining
- Two stage sanding with 40 and 150 grit for proper bonding
- Professional ventilation and safety equipment on site
- 24 hour cure time, shorter than most DIY kits
- Coating lasts 10 to 15 years with proper aftercare
- Smooth, even finish with no visible application marks
- 5 year warranty on every job
Why DIY Sink Reglazing Fails
These are the five failures we see when homeowners call us to fix a DIY job that went wrong.
The coating lifts off in sheets, usually starting around the drain area where water contact is heaviest. This happens because DIY kits skip the bonding agent entirely. The epoxy sits on top of the old surface without a chemical bridge holding it down. The first time standing water sits in the basin for any length of time, it works its way under the coating edge and the peeling starts. We strip the failed coating, prepare the surface properly, apply a bonding agent, and refinish it with urethane acrylic so it actually stays.
DIY kits give you a brush or a foam roller. Neither one produces a smooth finish on a curved basin surface. The epoxy is thicker than regular paint and does not self level the way the instructions suggest. You end up with a sink that looks obviously painted. Every brush stroke is visible, especially when light hits the surface at an angle. One homeowner in Mississauga told us her kitchen sink looked worse after the kit than before. Professional spray application puts down thin, even coats that self level into a uniform finish with no texture.
Most DIY kits use a single component epoxy that reacts to UV light and chemical exposure over time. The bright white finish you applied starts turning cream, then yellow, then a dingy off white that makes the entire sink look dirty. This is a chemical breakdown of the coating itself, not a stain you can clean off. Urethane acrylic coatings are formulated to resist UV yellowing and hold their colour for years. The difference is in the chemistry of the material, not in how carefully you apply it.
The chemicals in refinishing products produce fumes that require proper respiratory protection and ventilation. DIY kits mention this in the fine print but do not include the equipment. Opening a window is not adequate ventilation for these materials. Homeowners report headaches, dizziness, and throat irritation during application. Some kits contain methylene chloride, which is a serious health hazard in enclosed bathroom spaces. Professional refinishers bring respiratory equipment and ventilation systems to every job because the materials demand it.
The $30 kit seemed like a bargain compared to $450 for a professional job. But when the coating starts peeling six months later, you are back to where you started, except now there is a layer of failed epoxy that has to be removed before the surface can be properly refinished. Stripping a failed DIY coating adds preparation time to the professional job. You end up spending $30 on the kit plus the cost of a professional refinishing. That is $480 total instead of $450, and you lived with a peeling sink for six months before making the call.
Are DIY sink refinishing kits worth it for a quick cosmetic fix?
If you need a sink to look presentable for 60 to 90 days and you understand the coating will not hold up to daily use, a kit can serve as a temporary measure. Some landlords use them to get through a showing. But for a permanent fix on a sink you plan to use every day, the materials in a DIY kit are not designed for that level of wear. The epoxy is thinner, the bonding is weaker, and the finish degrades under water and chemical exposure far faster than a professional urethane acrylic coating.
Tried a DIY Kit That Did Not Work?
We fix failed DIY refinishing jobs across the GTA every week. Send us a photo and we will tell you what it takes to get your sink looking right.
Why Toronto Homeowners Choose Us
We are not a franchise. We are not a call centre that dispatches whoever is available. When you book with us, Shawn shows up, does the work himself, and stands behind it with a 5 year warranty. That is how every bathtub repair, shower refinishing, and sink reglazing job gets done.
One Person, Start to Finish
Shawn inspects your sink, prepares the surface, applies the coating, and does the final quality check. No subcontractors, no rotating crew. The person who quotes the job is the person who does the job. You know exactly who is coming into your home and who is responsible for the result.
Done in 3 to 5 Hours
Most sink jobs are completed in a single morning or afternoon visit. You do not need to take a full day off work. You do not need to arrange alternate bathroom or kitchen access for your family. Shawn arrives, completes the work, cleans up, and leaves. The sink is ready to use 24 hours later.
No Plumbing Work Needed
The faucet stays connected. The drain stays in place. The water supply lines are not touched. You do not need to hire a plumber before or after the job. Everything is masked and protected during the refinishing process. This alone saves you $300 to $600 compared to a sink replacement where plumbing disconnect and reconnect is mandatory.
Professional Urethane Acrylic Coating
We use industrial grade urethane acrylic, not the brush on epoxy found in hardware store kits. This is a spray applied coating that self levels to a glass smooth finish and resists yellowing, staining, and chipping under daily use. It is the same professional material used on bathtub reglazing jobs that last 10 to 15 years.
Free Estimates With Photo Assessment
Send us a photo of your sink and we will reply with a fixed price quote. No in home visit required for the estimate. No pressure, no sales pitch. If your sink is not a good candidate for refinishing, we will tell you that too. The quote you receive is the price you pay. No surprise add ons when Shawn shows up.
5 Year Warranty on Every Job
Every sink we refinish is covered by a 5 year warranty against peeling, flaking, and coating failure under normal use. If something goes wrong with the finish within that period, we come back and fix it at no cost. This warranty covers bathroom vanity sinks, kitchen sinks, pedestal sinks, and every other sink type we service across the GTA.
How do I know if a refinishing company is doing quality work?
Ask three questions. What coating material do they use? If the answer is epoxy, that is a lower grade product that yellows and peels faster than urethane acrylic. How do they prepare the surface? If they skip sanding and use only a chemical etch, the coating adhesion is weaker. And who actually does the work? If they send different technicians to every job, there is no consistency in quality. We use urethane acrylic, we sand with 40 and 150 grit, and Shawn personally handles every job.
Ready to Get Your Sink Looking New?
Send a photo, get a fixed price, and book a date that works for you. That is the entire process.
Every Sink Material. One Proven Process.
Not every sink is the same material, and not every material responds to refinishing the same way. Shawn adjusts the surface preparation and coating technique based on what your sink is made of. Here is what that looks like for each type we work on across the GTA.
Porcelain Over Cast Iron
The most common sink we refinish in Toronto. Heavy, durable base with a factory porcelain glaze that chips and stains over decades of use.
Porcelain over cast iron sinks were the standard in Toronto homes built from the 1940s through the 1990s. The cast iron body underneath is practically indestructible, but the porcelain glaze on top wears down over time. You will see dark spots where chips have exposed the iron, rust stains around the drain, and a rough texture where the glaze has eroded. We sand the entire basin with 40 grit to remove loose material and open the surface, then follow with 150 grit to create a profile the bonding agent grips to. The urethane acrylic coating bonds directly to the prepared porcelain and seals the exposed iron underneath so the rust stops spreading. These sinks are everywhere in Scarborough, North York, and East York, especially in bungalows and split levels from that era.
Solid Cast Iron
Found in older Toronto kitchens and utility rooms. These sinks weigh 40 to 80 pounds and are nearly impossible to remove without damaging the surrounding cabinetry.
Solid cast iron kitchen sinks are built to last a lifetime, but their surface coating is not. After 30 or 40 years, the enamel finish turns rough, stains permanently, and develops pitting around the drain area where standing water sits. Replacing one of these sinks means cutting it out of the counter, hiring a plumber to disconnect and reconnect everything, and dealing with the weight. We have refinished solid cast iron sinks in homes across the Annex, High Park, Roncesvalles, and older Etobicoke neighbourhoods where tearing out the original kitchen sink would mean tearing up the countertop with it. The 40 grit sanding cuts through the old enamel buildup, and the urethane acrylic coating gives you a fresh white surface without touching the plumbing or the counter.
Fiberglass and Acrylic
Lightweight sinks found in newer condos, rental units, and builder grade bathrooms. Scratches and dulls faster than porcelain but responds well to resurfacing.
Fiberglass and acrylic sinks are what builders install when cost matters more than longevity. They are lightweight, easy to mould into vanity tops, and inexpensive to manufacture. The downside is that the gel coat finish dulls and scratches within five to ten years of daily use. Hard water leaves mineral deposits that etch into the surface, and abrasive cleaners accelerate the wear. We see these constantly in condo buildings across downtown Toronto, Mississauga, and the new builds in Vaughan and Markham. The preparation is lighter than cast iron because fiberglass is softer, but the bonding agent and urethane acrylic coating process is the same. The result is a hard, smooth finish that outlasts the original gel coat by years. This is one of the fastest jobs we do, often completed in under 4 hours.
Vitreous China
A ceramic material fired at high temperatures. Extremely hard and non porous, but chips easily on impact and the damage is permanent without professional repair.
Vitreous china is the material used in most bathroom sinks sold at hardware stores today. It is fired ceramic with a glass like surface that resists staining under normal use. The problem is impact damage. Drop a glass bottle or a metal razor onto a vitreous china sink and you get a chip that goes straight through the glaze into the white clay body underneath. These chips cannot be touched up with paint because the surface is non porous and nothing sticks to it without mechanical preparation. We sand the chipped area and the surrounding basin to create a surface profile the bonding agent can grip. The urethane acrylic fills the chip, blends with the surrounding area, and creates a uniform finish across the entire basin. Common in bathrooms throughout Leaside, Bayview Village, Lawrence Park, and midtown Toronto.
Pedestal Sinks
Freestanding sinks common in century homes, powder rooms, and heritage properties. Replacement often means custom plumbing work and finding a matching footprint.
Pedestal sinks are a special case because replacing one is rarely straightforward. The plumbing is exposed, the drain and supply lines are configured for that specific pedestal height, and many of these sinks are original fixtures in homes that are 80 to 100 years old. Finding a replacement that matches the floor bolt pattern, the plumbing height, and the style of the home is either expensive or impossible. We refinish pedestal sinks in place without removing them from the wall or floor mount. The basin, the pedestal column, and the back splash area are all sanded, primed, and coated as one piece. We have done this in heritage homes across Cabbagetown, the Annex, Parkdale, and the Beaches where the original fixtures are part of what makes the house worth preserving.
Farmhouse and Apron Front Sinks
Large, deep basin sinks designed for heavy kitchen use. The exposed front panel shows every scratch and stain, making cosmetic wear hard to ignore.
Farmhouse sinks are built into the cabinetry with the front panel visible. That exposed apron face is the first thing anyone sees when they walk into the kitchen, and it takes the most abuse from pot edges, dish racks, and daily contact. Replacing a farmhouse sink means pulling it out of a custom cabinet opening, which almost always damages the surrounding woodwork. A new farmhouse sink may not be the same depth or width, so the cabinet needs modification too. We refinish the entire basin and apron face in one visit. The 40 grit sanding removes old stains and surface damage, and the urethane acrylic coating covers the full interior and front panel with a smooth, uniform white finish. Popular in kitchen renovations across Etobicoke, Oakville, Burlington, and the older homes in Mississauga where the original farmhouse basin is still solid but looks worn out.
Sink Material Quick Reference
How each material responds to our refinishing process.
| Sink Material | Surface Prep | Coating | Cure Time | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain Over Cast Iron | 40 grit then 150 grit sanding | Urethane acrylic | 24 hours | 10 to 15 years |
| Solid Cast Iron | 40 grit then 150 grit sanding | Urethane acrylic | 24 hours | 10 to 15 years |
| Fiberglass / Acrylic | Light sanding, 150 grit | Urethane acrylic | 24 hours | 8 to 12 years |
| Vitreous China | 40 grit then 150 grit sanding | Urethane acrylic | 24 hours | 10 to 15 years |
| Pedestal (various materials) | 40 grit then 150 grit sanding | Urethane acrylic | 24 hours | 10 to 15 years |
| Farmhouse / Apron Front | 40 grit then 150 grit sanding | Urethane acrylic | 24 hours | 10 to 15 years |
Can you refinish a stainless steel sink?
No. Stainless steel does not hold a coating the way porcelain, cast iron, fiberglass, or vitreous china does. The surface expands and contracts with temperature changes in a way that causes any applied finish to crack and peel. If your stainless steel sink is scratched or dull, a professional polishing service is your best option. We focus on materials where the urethane acrylic coating bonds permanently and lasts. If you are not sure what your sink is made of, send us a photo and Shawn will identify the material and tell you whether it is a good candidate for reglazing.
Not Sure What Your Sink Is Made Of?
Send a photo and Shawn will identify the material, assess the damage, and give you a fixed price quote. No guessing, no in home visit needed.
How to Make Your Refinished Sink Last
The coating we apply is industrial grade urethane acrylic that lasts 10 to 15 years under normal use. But "normal use" means following a few simple rules, especially in the first 48 hours while the finish cures. Here is exactly what to do and what to avoid.
The First 48 Hours Are Critical
The urethane acrylic coating needs 24 hours to cure to the touch and 48 hours to fully harden. During this window, the surface is vulnerable.
No Water Contact
- Do not turn on the faucet for any reason
- Do not place anything in the basin
- Do not touch the coated surface
- Keep the bathroom or kitchen door open for ventilation
- Keep children and pets away from the sink area
Light Use Only
- You can run cold water briefly for hand washing
- Do not fill the basin or let water sit
- Do not use hot water yet
- Do not place heavy objects in the sink
- Pat dry after each use instead of leaving water to air dry
Full Normal Use
- Hot and cold water are both safe
- Fill the basin normally for soaking
- Wash dishes, shave, brush teeth as usual
- The coating is fully cured and hardened
- Follow the ongoing care guidelines below
Ongoing Care for Your Refinished Sink
These habits protect the coating and keep the finish looking new for years.
Do This
- Clean with a soft cloth or sponge and liquid dish soap
- Rinse the basin after each use to prevent soap residue buildup
- Wipe down the surface after brushing teeth or shaving
- Use a non abrasive bathroom cleaner for weekly cleaning
- Place a rubber mat in kitchen sinks to cushion pots and pans
- Run cold water before adding hot to prevent thermal shock
- Dry the basin after the last use of the day to prevent water spots
Avoid This
- Abrasive cleaners like Comet, Ajax, or Barkeeper's Friend powder
- Steel wool, Brillo pads, or rough scrubbing sponges
- Bleach, drain cleaners, or any product containing acetone
- Dropping heavy metal objects directly into the basin
- Leaving standing water with hair dye, nail polish, or harsh chemicals
- Using suction cup accessories that pull on the coating surface
- Placing sharp edged items directly on the basin without a mat
Safe Cleaning Products for Refinished Sinks
| Product | Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Dawn Dish Soap | Daily cleaner | Cuts grease without scratching the urethane acrylic surface |
| Scrubbing Bubbles (non abrasive) | Weekly cleaner | Foam formula lifts soap scum without mechanical scrubbing |
| Fantastik All Purpose | Spray cleaner | Safe on coated surfaces, no harsh solvents |
| Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (used gently) | Spot cleaner | Removes scuff marks with light pressure only |
| White vinegar diluted 50/50 with water | Mineral deposit remover | Dissolves hard water rings without damaging the coating |
What happens if the coating gets scratched or chipped years later?
Minor scratches from normal daily use do not affect the integrity of the coating. A surface scratch that does not go through to the original material underneath is cosmetic only. If a chip occurs from a hard impact, the affected area can usually be touched up without refinishing the entire sink again. If the damage happens within the 5 year warranty period and is the result of coating failure rather than impact damage, we come back and fix it at no charge. Homeowners in Toronto, Mississauga, and across the GTA can call us directly to schedule a warranty inspection.
Questions About Your Refinished Sink?
Shawn provides aftercare instructions in person on every job. If you have questions later, call or message us anytime.
Your Sink Reglazing Questions Answered
These are the questions Toronto homeowners ask most before booking a sink reglazing job. If your question is not listed here, send it to us and Shawn will reply personally.
A professionally refinished sink lasts 10 to 15 years with proper care. We use industrial grade urethane acrylic coating, not the brush on epoxy found in hardware store kits. The lifespan depends on daily use habits, cleaning products, and following the 48 hour curing instructions after the job is completed. Every sink we refinish is covered by a 5 year warranty against peeling, flaking, and coating failure.
Sink reglazing starts at $450 in Toronto and the GTA. The final price depends on the sink type, the extent of the damage, and whether the sink is a single or double basin. A full sink replacement typically costs $1,500 to $3,000 or more once you factor in the new sink, plumber fees, installation labour, and potential countertop modifications. We provide a fixed price quote from a photo so you know the exact cost before booking.
We refinish both kitchen and bathroom sinks. Kitchen sinks made of porcelain over cast iron, solid cast iron, and fiberglass are all good candidates. Bathroom vanity sinks, pedestal sinks, and vitreous china basins are also refinished regularly. The only sink material we do not refinish is stainless steel because the coating does not bond permanently to that surface.
Most sink reglazing jobs are completed in 3 to 5 hours in a single visit. Shawn arrives, prepares the surface, applies the bonding agent and urethane acrylic coating, does a final inspection, and cleans up before leaving. The sink is ready for light use after 24 hours and full normal use after 48 hours.
No. The faucet stays connected, the drain stays in place, and the water supply lines are not touched. Everything is masked and protected during the refinishing process. You do not need to hire a plumber before or after the job. This alone saves $300 to $600 compared to a sink replacement where plumbing disconnect and reconnect is required.
Yes. We cover the entire Greater Toronto Area including Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, East York, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Burlington, Ajax, Pickering, and Whitby. The same pricing, process, and 5 year warranty apply regardless of location within our service area.
Still Have a Question?
Send us a message or call Shawn directly. No automated phone system, no call centre. You talk to the person who does the work.
