How to Refinish a Cast Iron Sink: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Learn how to refinish a cast iron sink with Bondo and Rustoleum. Step-by-step DIY refinishing guide with before-and-after photos.

Facebook graphic featuring the title 'How to Refinish a Cast Iron Sink' overlaid on an image of a glossy, refinished antique cast iron sink, with the website URL sunshinevalleywv.com.

Antique high-back kitchen sinks bring timeless charm to any home, but years of wear can leave them looking far from their best. Instead of replacing a vintage piece, why not restore it? My husband and I recently learned how to refinish a cast iron sink and were able to transform it into a stunning focal point for our kitchen.

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In this post, I’ll walk you through how we repaired dings and dents using Bondo and gave the sink a smooth, shiny new enamel surface using the Rustoleum Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit. With a little elbow grease and patience, you can breathe new life into your antique sink, too!


a sneak peek of the antique high back kitchen sink in our farmhouse kitchen. Before learning how to refinish a cast iron sink.
A sneak peek of the sink in the kitchen. I can’t wait to get it installed now that it’s refinished!

Why I Chose to Restore This Sink

I’ve always dreamed of having a vintage sink like this in my kitchen. When I came across this one on Facebook Marketplace for such a great price, I just couldn’t pass it up. For its age, it wasn’t in terrible shape, but it definitely showed years of wear with rust, stains, and a few dings.

The character and charm this antique high-back sink will bring to my kitchen are truly invaluable to me, and that’s why I knew I had to learn how to refinish a cast iron sink. I wanted to preserve its history while giving it a fresh new life—and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

Why Refinish an Antique Cast Iron Sink?

Antique sinks are built to last but often show their age with chips, stains, rust, and general wear. Restoring one not only saves money but also preserves the craftsmanship and character of a bygone era. Whether you’re tackling a family heirloom or a vintage flea market find, refinishing can restore its beauty and functionality.


Materials You’ll Need

Here’s what we used to refinish our sink:


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Step 1: Preparing the Sink

Preparation is the most important step in ensuring a smooth, durable finish. Here’s how we prepped our antique sink:

1. Thoroughly Clean the Surface

We started by scrubbing the sink with a non-abrasive cleaner to remove years of grime, rust, and stains. For stubborn spots, a little extra elbow grease with a sponge worked wonders.

2. Repair Dents and Dings

Our sink had several dings and gouges in the cast iron surface. To fix them:

  • We mixed the Bondo All-Purpose Putty according to the package instructions.
  • Using a putty knife, we applied the mixture to the damaged areas and smoothed it out as much as possible.
  • Once the Bondo cured, we sanded it with 400-grit sandpaper to create a seamless surface.

3. Sand the Entire Sink

Next, we sanded the entire sink with 400-grit sandpaper to roughen the surface, which helps the refinishing paint adhere properly. For particularly smooth spots, we went over them with 600-grit sandpaper.

4. Tape and Protect Surrounding Areas

We taped off the edges of the sink and covered nearby surfaces with plastic sheeting to prevent any stray refinishing paint from landing where it shouldn’t.


Step 2: Applying the Rustoleum Refinishing Kit

The Rustoleum Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit is perfect for giving sinks a glossy, durable finish that mimics new enamel. Here’s how we applied it:

1. Mix the Refinishing Paint

The kit includes a base and activator that need to be mixed thoroughly in a disposable container. Make sure to wear gloves and a mask during this step, as the fumes can be strong.

2. Apply the First Coat

Using a foam roller, we applied a thin, even coat of the refinishing solution. For corners and tight spots, a small foam brush came in handy. Be sure to work quickly—the paint starts to set fast.

3. Apply Two More Coats

After letting the first coat dry for about an hour, we applied two more thin coats for full coverage and a smooth, glossy finish. Each coat dried for about an hour before the next application.


Step 3: Curing and Finishing Touches

Once the final coat was applied, the sink needed to cure for three full days before it could be used. This waiting period is essential for the refinishing paint to set properly and achieve maximum durability.

After the curing period, we carefully removed the painter’s tape and gave the sink a light wipe-down to remove any dust. The result? A beautifully restored sink that looks brand new!


Before and After Photos: A Stunning Transformation

Antique high-back kitchen sink with rust, stains, and discoloration, showing years of wear before refinishing. Learn how to refinish a cast iron sink


Before: The sink was covered in rust, discoloration, and years of wear.

Refinished antique high-back kitchen sink with a smooth, glossy white enamel finish, restored to its original charm. How to refinish a cast iron sink

After: The sink now shines with a bright, glossy enamel finish, ready to take center stage in our kitchen.


Tips for How to Refinish a Cast Iron Sink Successfully

  1. Don’t Skip the Prep Work: Proper cleaning, sanding, and taping are critical for achieving a smooth, durable finish.
  2. Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: The fumes from the Bondo and refinishing kit are strong, so open windows and use fans if working indoors.
  3. Be Patient with Curing: It’s tempting to use the sink right away, but waiting the full three days ensures the finish will last.
  4. Use Thin Coats: Thin, even coats prevent drips and streaks in the final finish.

Why This Project Was Worth It

Learning how to refinish a cast iron sink took time and effort, but the results were well worth it. It saved us money compared to purchasing a brand-new sink and allowed us to preserve a beautiful piece of history. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about tackling a DIY project like this and seeing the transformation firsthand.

If you’re considering learning how to refinish a cast iron sink, I hope this guide gives you the confidence to take on the challenge. It’s a project you’ll look back on with pride every time you use your sink.

Our DIY Farmhouse Journey

We’ve been DIYing this old farmhouse into our dream home, and this sink restoration is just one of the many projects we’ve tackled. Every project brings us closer to creating a space full of character and charm. Here are a few of our favorite DIYs so far:

We hope these projects inspire you to add a personal touch to your own home!

Pinterest graphic showcasing the before-and-after transformation of an antique high-back cast iron sink refinished with Rustoleum. Includes the title 'How to Refinish a Cast Iron Sink: Step-by-Step Guide' and features the website sunshinevalleywv.com.

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