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How to Clean Paint Off a Porcelain Sink

This post is sponsored by Bon Ami.

How to Clean Paint Off a Porcelain Sink

Years ago my husband found this really cool old porcelain sink in an abandoned house in the middle of nowhere. He and his brother loaded it up (which was difficult because it’s extremely heavy) and he took it home to use in the yard. It has since sat in our side yard where my husband has used it to clean paint brushes and other things he uses out in his shop. Needless to say, it’s been somewhat beat up. After much research and trial and error, I want to teach you how to clean paint off a porcelain sink. It wasn’t easy!

How to Clean Paint Off a Porcelain Sink

How to Clean Paint off a Porcelain Sink

I’ve read a lot of articles that make it seem like getting paint off of porcelain is easy, but this was not my experience. I tried paint thinner, bleach, baking soda and lemon and a manner of other products, to no avail. Then I was sent a package of rags, sponges and Bon Ami. Since Bon Ami claims to be a gently and nontoxic cleaning powder I thought I would give it a shot.

How to Clean Paint Off a Porcelain Sink

I desperately want to get this sink cleaned up so I can use it in our newly remodeled bathroom. I’ve been sharing the remodel process in my Instagram Stories, but we’ve yet to bring in a vanity. That’s because I am working the dirt, paint and rust out of this cool old porcelain sink. I’m still attempting some of the more serious rust stains, but Bon Ami has been a bit of a miracle on the paint and even some of the minor rust stains.

How to Clean Paint Off a Porcelain Sink

Because there are no harsh chemicals in the Bon Ami, it is safe to use without gloves, and you won’t need a mask because there’s no strong smell either. All you really need is a bit of water, a sponge or rag, the Bon Ami and a lot of elbow grease. Wet the sink first and clean off any dirt that is easy to just wipe off, then sprinkle on the Bon Ami. Using a wet washcloth, create a paste and start really scrubbing on those paint spots. The paint on our sink was water-based, so I can’t say for sure if this will work the same for oil-based paints. I was pleasantly surprised to see the blue paint (which has been on there for about 8 months) and the red paint (which has been there since my husband got the sink about 5 years ago) disappear! 

How to Clean Paint Off a Porcelain Sink

I’m telling you, I scrubbed and scrubbed on this sink with different products over the past couple of weeks and NOTHING was getting rid of the paint. In addition to the paint, many of the dirt stains came off with the Bon Ami and elbow grease. My arm tuckered out so I’m going to attempt the next section of the sink, and give the first section another go to see what else I can get out. Bon Ami is an excellent product to have around the house during your spring cleaning efforts as it polishes surfaces clean without scratching! Use it in the kitchen, bathroom and other areas that need a good clean with a biodegradable cleanser.

About the author

Emily Buys

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