I think you're on the right track with having a pro's number handy. Epoxy can be pretty forgiving if you're careful, but it's definitely not foolproof. I learned that the hard way when I tackled a similar sink repair a couple years back.
Mine was also a hairline crack, purely cosmetic, and I figured I'd just patch it up myself. Picked up a DIY epoxy kit from the hardware store—not the cheapest one, but not exactly premium either. I spent forever prepping the surface, sanding it down, cleaning thoroughly, and taping off edges. The application itself went smoothly enough, but I got impatient during the curing stage. Instructions said something like "allow 24 hours," but after about 12 hours it felt dry to the touch, so I assumed it was good to go.
Big mistake. Within a week, the epoxy started peeling at the edges and yellowing slightly. Ended up looking worse than before I started. Had to call in a professional anyway to redo the whole thing properly...which cost me more in the end than if I'd just hired someone from the start.
"Rushing the curing process is usually what leads to disappointing results (speaking from experience here...)."
Definitely agree with this. Patience is key with epoxy—no shortcuts. Also, ventilation matters more than you'd think; those fumes can get pretty intense. If you do go DIY, maybe set up a fan or open windows wide enough to get good airflow.
One thing I'd mildly disagree with though is leaving it alone entirely if it's cosmetic. For me, even minor imperfections bug me every time I see them, especially in places like sinks or countertops that I use daily. But that's just me being picky.
Anyway, whichever way you go, hope it turns out better than my first attempt did...
Good points about patience and ventilation. I'd also add, from an eco-friendly perspective, that epoxy isn't exactly the most environmentally friendly option out there—it's pretty chemical-heavy. If you're leaning DIY, maybe look into a more sustainable repair kit or at least one with lower VOCs. I've had decent luck with those, and they're easier on your lungs too. Just something else to consider...
"If you're leaning DIY, maybe look into a more sustainable repair kit or at least one with lower VOCs."
Fair point about the eco-friendly angle, but honestly, I've tried a few of those "green" repair kits and found them pretty hit-or-miss. Sure, they're easier on your lungs (definitely a plus), but durability-wise... eh, not always convinced. Had one patch job start peeling after just a few months—ended up redoing it with epoxy anyway.
That said, maybe I just haven't found the right brand yet. Has anyone here actually had a sustainable kit hold up long-term? I'd be curious to know if there's something reliable out there that I've overlooked. Because if it's just gonna fail and need redoing, that's not exactly eco-friendly either...
I've had mixed results with eco-friendly kits too. One thing I've noticed is that prep work makes a huge difference—especially with sinks. If the surface isn't cleaned thoroughly and sanded lightly beforehand, even the best eco-friendly kits tend to peel or chip pretty fast. Maybe that's partly what's going on? Curious if you did any special prep before applying yours...
"If the surface isn't cleaned thoroughly and sanded lightly beforehand, even the best eco-friendly kits tend to peel or chip pretty fast."
That's interesting...but honestly, I did follow all the prep instructions carefully—cleaning, sanding, drying, the whole nine yards—and still ended up with some peeling after just a few months. Maybe it's partly about the kit itself? Or possibly how much daily wear and tear your sink gets? Mine's in a high-traffic bathroom, so maybe that's a factor.
I'm starting to wonder if eco-friendly kits just aren't as durable overall. Has anyone tried comparing them directly with standard kits or professional refinishing? I'm curious if there's really a noticeable difference in longevity or if it's mostly marketing hype. Just thinking out loud here, because I'd hate to redo this project again anytime soon...
