How Do You Repair a Hairline Crack in a Fireclay Sink?

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So, how to repair a hairline crack in a Fireclay sink?

Let’s find out…

Trust me, as compared to other kitchen sinks, repairing a fireclay sink is quick and easy.

Features such as robust construction, durability, and longevity make a fireclay sink a preferred choice among homeowners.

Do Fireclay Sinks Crack?

Unfortunately, a fireclay sink does crack but the good news is NOT so easily.

In spite of fireclay being a tough material, you can negate the probability of it getting cracked.

Moreover, as compared to sinks such as cast iron and granite composite, a fireclay sink is more prone to crack.

Some of the features that make a fireclay sink a preferred choice among the homeowners include but are not limited to non-porous, acid & alkali resistant, and most importantly, doesn’t discolor easily.

[Must Read] How To Fix A Crack In A Composite Granite Sink?

What Causes a Crack in a Fireclay Sink?

To be honest, there isn’t a SINGLE reason for the cause of the crack in a fireclay sink.

We’ve listed down some of the main reasons that contribute towards a crack in a fireclay sink.

Over Tightening

Over tightening could result in a crack.

What actually happens is, your plumber will tighten the drain or the sink’s collar more than required during the installation process.

And, as a result, over a period of time, it will result into causing a crack in your fireclay sink.

At the beginning of your sink cracking, it will give you an indication by producing an idiosyncratic sound that clearly depicts that the fireclay sink needs your attention.

Failing to act at the right time may aggravate the problem and could even lead to multiple cracks in the long run.

In order to avoid such a problem, you must hire a professional plumber that has prior experience in installation fireclay sinks.

On the contrary, an inexperienced plumber will do you more bad than good so act smartly.

Poorly Made Custom Fireclay Sinks

We, humans, are quite different from one another and so does our choices and preferences.

Some prefer buying ready-made products while other love customized ones.

Fireclay sink isn’t an exception though.

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that a custom fireclay sink can do more bad than good if not customized properly by an expert technician.

Needless to say, a poorly constructed sink would be more prone to cracks.

From my past experience and the knowledge that I’ve gathered over a decade, all I can say is that the complicated sink styles may cause confusion among the makers and in the worst case can lead to mistakes that can cause cracking.

So, it’s always good to opt for a design that is simple yet elegant and classy.

Excess Pressure

In the presence of excess external pressure, definitely, a fireclay sink will crack.

Like any other sink, a fireclay sink also has a limitation to handle pressure.

In fact, an excess of external pressure can lead to NOT only cracks but also distortion in the shape and size of the sink.

Activities such as banging utensils, dishes, and other hard objects on the surface of the fireclay sink can lead to a hairline crack or even worst.

In order to prevent cracking of your fireclay sink, make sure you’re handling the dishes and utensils with utter care and placing them in your sink properly.

So, enough of JAGRAN, isn’t it?

Let’s find out some of the easiest and most feasible ways of repairing your cracked fireclay sink.

Steps Involved in Repairing a Hairline Cracked Fireclay Sink

Well, by following the below-mentioned steps, you would be able to deal with a hairline cracked fireclay sink for sure.

I’ve personally applied them on my sink as well as recommended them to our clientele, and the feedback is promising and positive.

Do let us know your view in the comment section.

List of Required Items

In order to prevent any last-minute misadventure or unprecedented event, make sure you’re ready with the below-mentioned tools and other items.

Abrasive cleaner/ nylon scrub pad

Fire clay repair kit
Sponge/soft cloth
Masking tape

Fire brick
Sandpaper
Polishing paste

Investigate the Crack

It goes without saying that cracks can vary drastically in terms of size, shape, depth, etc.

By identifying the crack correctly, you would be able to deal with it effectively.

Without any doubt, as compared to any other crack, a hairline crack is easy to deal with and gives better results as well.

Quite a few times, people get confused between black marks caused especially by aluminum utensils, pots, etc, and hairline crack.

So, if it’s just another black mark then you would be needing a good quality non-abrasive cleaner to deal with it.

Clean the Fireclay Sink

In order to maximum the benefits from the healing process, make sure the sink is cleaned properly and is free from specks of dirt, debris, dust particles, food particles, etc.

Clean the sink using a soft cloth or a sponge in order to prevent scratches.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners.

Moreover, a fireclay repair kit performs only well on a soiled surface.

Before you move on to the next step, make sure your sink surface is spotlessly clean and free from any obstacles including dust, dirt, etc.

In order to deal effectively with grime and other type of buildups, you must use a nylon scrubbing pad and mildly abrasive cleaner.

Once you’re done with the cleaning process, the next thing that you need to do is to rinse the nooks and corners of yoru sink thoroughly in order to prevent any debacle at the last moment.

The residue left over by the buildup can be easily removed during rinsing with the help of a soft cloth or a sponge.

Before expediting the repairing process, make sure your sink is thoroughly cleaned and properly dried.

Start the Repair

The easiest and simplest way to feel the crack is by rubbing your fingernails over it.

Even though tiny or hairline cracks aren’t visible from your naked eyes still you can feel them by rubbing your fingers against them.

Once you’ve figured out the hairline cracks, the next thing that you need to do is to put a masking tape over the impacted zone.

The damaged area must be highlighted and then a fireclay repair kit must be applied over it.

A fireclay repair kit consists of a healing liquid that needs to be applied inside the hairline and other cracks.

For the best result, you should choose the liquid that resembles your sink color.

Mostly repair liquids give good results as they are made up of long-lasting acrylic paint.

Apply it is a quick and easy process as it comes attached to a touch-up brush on its tip.

Just by removing the cap, the brush will be uncovered.

Irrespective of the crack’s shape, size, depth, etc, you need to apply the liquid in such a way that every crack big or small gets covered fully.

Leave the cracks to dry thoroughly and DO NOT disturb them before 24 hours else you might not get results as per your expectation.

The excessive liquid needs to be removed post drying using a soft cloth or a nylon scrubbing pad.

Other than the repairing liquid, you’ll also find a blue light in the kit which has its own significance.

You need to take out the blue light and shine it over the tape covering the area filled with repairing liquid.

Allow the blue light to shine for approximately 5 to 10 minutes without any disturbance.

Remove the tape and smoothen the repaired area using sandpaper ONLY IF needed.

When it comes to using sandpaper give preference to the ones that have finer grit.

The residue dust post sanding needs to be wiped off using a soft cloth.

Post cleaning the dust, you need to apply a polishing paste over the repair area using a soft cloth or a sponge.

You don’t have to buy polish paste separately, it comes with the repairing kit.

Now, your sink is fully repaired and cracks are filled.

In simple words, your fireclay sink got a new life.

Sinkology SARMOR-401 IQ | Protective Sealant and Polish Fireclay Care Kit

The package includes one 1. 7oz spray bottle of Defend protective sealant, one 1. 7oz bottle of Restore cleaning polish, and one 15″ microfiber polish cloth.

In order to prevent water spots as well as enhance the shine of your fireclay sink, you can try Sinkology.

If applied regularly and properly, it is bound to make your sink look fresh and bright after every use.

The package also includes premium microfiber cloth which can be used multiple times and is machine washable as well.

And, the best part is, it comes with a lifetime warranty which clearly depicts the trust and confidence of the manufacturer in its offering. (Check Current Price On Amazon)

Wrapping Up | How Do You Repair A Hairline Crack In A Fireclay Sink

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.

Secondly, I would like to bring to your notice that I along with my core team have put loads and loads of effort into coming up with this superlative piece of information on how do you repair a hairline crack in a fireclay sink.

And, in case, you liked our effort and want to appreciate us then please do share this post with like-minded people and the ones who are in need of it.

After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?

Cutting long-story-short, prevent is always better than cure.

You can prevent your fireclay sink from getting hairline cracks by refraining it from getting exposed to unnecessary pressure as well as preventing excessive tightening of its drains and collar during the installation process.

At the same time, make sure that you’re choosing a fireclay sink repairing kit that resembles the color of your sink.

That’s all, as of now :):)

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