Yeah, prep work is definitely key. I've seen plenty of DIY resurfacing jobs that looked great at first but started peeling or chipping within months because people rushed through the sanding or cleaning steps. If you're patient and thorough, you can get decent results that'll last a couple years or more. But honestly, sinks take a beating—hot water, cleaning chemicals, dropped razors, hair dryers...you name it. Even the best DIY kits aren't really designed for heavy-duty wear and tear.
If you're looking for something that'll hold up long-term without worrying about chips or cracks coming back, going professional is usually worth the extra cost. I've replaced enough sinks to know that sometimes DIY just delays the inevitable. But hey, if you're careful and realistic about what to expect, it can be a solid short-term fix.
Totally agree on prep work being crucial, but I'd say the DIY kits have improved quite a bit lately. Did my bathroom sink about three years ago, and it's still holding up surprisingly well—though admittedly, it's not our main bathroom, so it doesn't get daily abuse. If you're dealing with a heavily used sink, professional refinishing or replacement might save you headaches down the road. But for a guest bath or powder room? DIY can be a pretty decent option if you're careful and realistic about expectations.
Had a similar experience myself—used an eco-friendly DIY kit on our powder room sink about two years ago. It's held up fine, but honestly, prep took forever. If it's your main sink, I'd lean toward professional refinishing to avoid redoing it sooner than you'd like...
Did mine DIY too, and yeah, prep was a beast...but honestly, the finish wore down faster than expected. If it's your daily-use sink, I'd bite the bullet and go pro. Less headache down the road.
"prep was a beast...but honestly, the finish wore down faster than expected."
Haha, sounds about right—prep's always the sneaky villain in DIY plumbing sagas. If you're going pro, make sure they warranty their finish. Curious, was yours porcelain or ceramic? That can make a surprising difference.
