Is it worth reglazing a kitchen sink?

Question

A kitchen sink in one occupied unit is pretty worn out and needs attention. It's built into the counter, which is covered in tiles.

I am reluctant to replace the entire counter over a sink, so I was thinking of reglazing it, but I've learned that "reglazing" is not the same as reapplying the original porcelain glaze. It is an epoxy coating that looks like the original, but is far less durable. (This would explain why no reglazer would give warranty on a kitchen sink, and they all seem pretty pessimistic about the lifetime.)

So it seems like reglazing is inappropriate for heavy-use sinks, like in the kitchen (it's still okay for bathtubs and bathroom sinks). Can anyone with more experience comment on this?

Valerie Hiscoe · Answer

How much of an investment is reasonable for the amount of rent you're getting? Will the occupants consider moving out if something's not done? Will you be able to increase the rent because of what you've done with the sink if they do move? When they do move (for whatever reason) will you then be considering replacing the countertop etc?

I'd fix a leaky pipe, replace a broken fridge and invest in maintenance of a heating/cooling system - a chipped sink, not so much.

Depending on the importance of repairing the sink and the cost of reglazing, taking into account whether or not you'll be replacing the whole counter in the forseeable future, I'd either get it reglazed (do it again if it wears out incredibly in five years) or buy a do-it-yourself kit and touch up the chips, scratches, or whatever is bothering you. Then again, maybe for the market you're serving and for keeping the tenants you have in place, it's really a necessity to replace the whole counter with granite or something.

The return on investment is your best deciding factor. Don't be taken advantage of.