How to Fix a Crack in a Porcelain Tub or Sink

With a porcelain repair kit, you can do more than mend the crack in your tub or sink; you can mend your nerves, too. The task is easier than you might think.

1. Prepare the epoxy by following the directions on the porcelain repair kit. You probably will have to mix the contents of the two bottles together in a plastic container before letting the epoxy sit for 30 minutes. Don't let the unusual name rattle you; epoxy is simply a tough glue that binds through hardening.

2. Sand the crack in the porcelain to smooth the edges around it. Remove the sanding dust with a microfiber cloth, then clean the area with a cotton ball soaked with acetone. Nail polish remover will be fine. Allow the acetone to dry, or dry the area with a blow dryer.

3. Isolate the crack by framing it with painter's tape. This step will help you immeasurably by allowing you to train your eye on the crack itself.

4. Put on a face mask to protect yourself from the epoxy vapors. Ventilate the work area with an exhaust fan or box fan. In the worst cases, epoxy can trigger dizziness, headaches and nausea.

5. Dab the epoxy into the crack with the brush that should be in the porcelain repair kit. If the brush is too wide, use a toothpick or cotton swab to guide the epoxy into the crack.

6. Remove any excess epoxy by running a razor blade over the surface. Allow the epoxy to harden. Follow the directions on the kit; the epoxy might need 24 hours to set.

7. Remove the painter's tape. Inspect your work for precision once the epoxy has had time to settle into the crack. Although the glue is often labeled self-leveling, you might have to help the process along by running a razor blade over the surface again to achieve a smooth surface.