Had to laugh at the “wood was basically mulch” bit—seen that too many times, and it’s never pretty. I get why folks want to try a DIY kit, especially if it’s just a hairline crack and you catch it early. With the right prep (and yeah, that isopropyl wipe is no joke), you can squeeze a few more years out of an old sink. But the second you spot any water underneath, it’s like playing whack-a-mole with rot and mold.
“If there’s any sign of leaking, it’s usually cheaper in the long run to just swap the sink.”
Couldn’t agree more here. People underestimate how fast water can wreck cabinetry—by the time you notice soft spots or that musty smell, it’s already too late. I’ve patched up more than a few “fixed” sinks where the repair looked fine on top but was quietly leaking underneath for months. Honestly, sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves a headache (and wallet) down the road.
If you’re dead set on DIY, treat it like auto body work—prep is everything... but know when to call it quits. Some cracks are just ticking time bombs.
Had a similar situation last year—thought I could outsmart a hairline crack with one of those “miracle” kits. Looked perfect for about six months, then I noticed the cabinet floor was starting to bow. Turns out, the tiniest leak can do a number on particle board. I’m all for rolling up my sleeves, but after that, I just replaced the whole thing. Sometimes it’s not worth the gamble, especially if you value your weekends (and your sanity).
Been there. Those "miracle" kits can buy a little time, but like you said, even a pinhole leak will wreck particle board fast.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen people patch and repatch, then end up replacing the whole cabinet anyway. Usually better to just fix it right the first time—saves money (and headaches) down the road.Sometimes it’s not worth the gamble, especially if you value your weekends (and your sanity).
