Throwing money down the drain? You need porcelain sink repair!

A porcelain sink repair or a tile chip repair? This guide tells you about the types of repairs you can undertake yourself without calling in a professional.

All these terms – porcelain, ceramic, enamel. What do they mean? Well, ceramic and porcelain are made from fired clay, the difference is that porcelain is non-porous, so it doesn’t need to be glazed like ceramic products. Enamel is the finish applied to the ceramic or, on older fittings, cast iron.

With a ceramic sink repair, it will usually be the enamel that needs fixing. If the enamel chips on a cast iron tub, you need to fix it right away, or the metal will rust.

It happens! You drop something heavy on a tiled floor and a tile chips. You may also get some movement in the house causing tiles to crack. Whatever the cause, you must decide whether to replace the tile or to repair it.

If you have a matching tile, then it is always best to break out the damaged tile and replace it, but if not, there are ways to repair the problem. Epoxy gels are best for vertical surfaces, but putties can be used for both the floor and wall. Here’s what you should do for an effective ceramic tile repair:

1. Clean the damaged area with a wet cloth.
2. Mix the epoxy resin and hardener in equal amounts, in accordance with the instructions. Putties should be kneaded between the fingers (always wear gloves for this) or by using a putty knife.
3. Apply the putty with a knife, forcing it into the joint.
4. Use a damp cloth to smooth off the repair and remove any excess material.
5. If the chip is at a corner or the edge of the tile, use the knife to form a joint so the repair is not so obvious.
6. Once cured, you can paint the putty to match the tile.