I totally get the hesitation about DIY vs. pro, especially with something like a sink that's front and center every day. From what I've seen, professional refinishing usually holds up pretty well—assuming you go with someone reputable. A friend of mine had hers done professionally about three years ago, and it still looks great. She paid around $200-250 if I remember right, but prices can vary depending on your area and the extent of the damage.
Humidity definitely matters. Pros usually have specialized ventilation setups or at least portable dehumidifiers to control moisture during curing. It's not just experience—though that helps—but also having the right tools and environment to ensure the epoxy cures evenly and fully.
Honestly, I'd lean toward hiring someone for this one. DIY epoxy repairs can look decent at first but often start peeling or discoloring after a year or two...and then you're stuck redoing it anyway. Plus, sinks deal with constant water exposure, so any flaw in sealing becomes a bigger headache down the line.
Just my two cents from seeing plenty of DIY fixes gone wrong over the years!
"DIY epoxy repairs can look decent at first but often start peeling or discoloring after a year or two...and then you're stuck redoing it anyway."
Pretty much spot-on here. I've seen a ton of these DIY kits used, and while some people do manage a decent job, the longevity just isn't there. Couple things to think about:
- DIY kits usually don't have the same quality epoxy that pros use. They're often thinner, less durable, and more prone to chipping or peeling down the road.
- Surface prep is crucial. If you don't get it perfectly clean and properly sanded, the epoxy won't bond correctly. Pros have specialized equipment for this—it's not just sandpaper and elbow grease.
- Humidity and temperature control make a difference. Without proper ventilation and moisture control, curing can go sideways fast. Uneven curing leads to weak spots and premature failure.
- Warranty matters too. Most reputable pros offer at least some guarantee on their work. DIY kits? You're pretty much on your own if things go south.
That said, I'm not totally dismissing DIY here. If it's a small crack or chip in an area that's not super visible, you might be okay giving it a shot yourself. But if your sink's front-and-center and you're picky about aesthetics, I'd strongly suggest going with a pro.
One more thing—be careful with pricing expectations. The $200-250 range mentioned earlier sounds about right for smaller jobs, but if your sink has extensive cracking or damage, you might be looking at a bit more. Always get a couple quotes first, so you know what's fair in your area.
Bottom line: DIY can save you money upfront, but it's usually short-term savings at best. For something you'll see and use every day, professional refinishing is probably worth the extra cost and peace of mind.
I've gotta say, my DIY epoxy fix has held up surprisingly well—going on four years now. Maybe I just got lucky or something, but I spent extra time sanding and prepping the surface. Definitely agree that prep is key, but you don't always need pro gear. Just patience, good ventilation, and a weekend without distractions...and maybe a bit of luck too.
Nice job getting four years outta that DIY fix—pretty impressive. Totally agree about patience and prep; sometimes a careful DIY beats hiring pros, especially if you're eco-conscious and wanna avoid unnecessary replacements. Glad it worked out for ya.
- Four years from a DIY sink fix is definitely solid—nice going.
- Prep and patience are key, for sure. Seen too many rushed jobs fail fast.
- One tip: next time, consider epoxy resin specifically formulated for porcelain or ceramic. It bonds stronger and handles temperature swings better.
- Also, sanding lightly around the crack before applying the epoxy helps adhesion—just don't go crazy and scratch it up too much.
- Totally get the eco-conscious angle; repairs often beat replacements environmentally.
- Had a client once who DIY'd a similar crack, lasted about 3 years, then called me in to redo it. Turned out their prep was spot-on, but they used general-purpose epoxy. Switched to porcelain-specific stuff, and it's holding strong 5+ years later.
- Anyway, good job making it last this long.
