How To Repair Chips on Porcelain Tubs and Sinks

updated Jun 5, 2019
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(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

I recently moved into a very old home and inherited a gorgeous claw foot tub. It’s pink, gigantic, and nearly perfect in every way, except for one issue: the porcelain around the drain has been worn away, leaving a very unsightly, uninviting rusty ring in my otherwise dreamy tub.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

While I have plans to keep this tub around, its not currently in the budget to have it refinished. I needed a quick, inexpensive solve that would bring the eyesore level down a notch, and protect the tub from becoming even more rust-stained until I could have it professionally restored. My best option? An easy/inexpensive porcelain touch up kit from the hardware store.

What You Need

Materials

  • Porcelain Touch-Up kit
  • Lacquer thinner, rubbing alcohol, or acetone
  • Rubber gloves
(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

Instructions

  1. Clean the surface with soap and water, making sure any loose debris has been removed. Make sure the area is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
  2. Apply a thin layer of the touch-up to the problem area. Let the application dry completely, then apply another layer if necessary. Should you make any mistakes, use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to clean up the area.

3. Let the area dry overnight before exposing to water.

While the touch up around the drain doesn’t match the original surface completely, the price was right and I decided I could live with it until I had the budget to have it restored.

More great tips and tutorials: Cleaning Basics