Restoring Your Solid Surface Sink

By
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and restoring older homes. One of his specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the 1920s, including galvanized water pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more. His home repair articles for The Spruce span more than 10 years.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 04/15/22
Reviewed by
Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier
Reviewed by Deane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
Corian Integrated Kitchen Sink

Dupont / Corian

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 17 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $10

Solid surface acrylic resin countertops have captured the hearts of homeowners for years. And solid surface sinks are popular for many of the same reasons. These sinks are typically installed as under-mount sinks but may also be integrated directly into the countertop. Another variety of solid surface sinks are drop-in style.

Solid surface acrylic resin sinks and countertops are made by different companies and have various names such as Corian, Wilsonart, Formica, Avonite, Staron, and so on. These acrylic resin materials are not the same as quartz composite materials such as Cambria or Corian Quartz.

The weakness of solid surface is that it loses luster over time and can look dull and dingy due to grime and scratches. Sometimes solid surface tops can crack and need repairing, but most often sinks just look bad. A thorough cleaning with a strong cleaner and, if necessary, sanding with fine sandpaper can help restore an old solid surface sink to its former glory.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Scrub sponge or scouring pad
  • Stiff-bristle nylon scrub brush
  • Power sander (optional)

Materials

  • Cleanser (with bleach) or other cleaner
  • 400-grit sandpaper (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

    Choose a cleaning product that is recommended by your sink's manufacturer. DuPont, the maker of Corian solid surface, says to use an ammonia-based cleaner. Other manufacturers may recommend Soft Scrub, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, or baking soda and salt.

    Also gather a scrub sponge or a scouring pad, such as a Scotch-Brite Greener Clean pad, as well as a stiff-bristle nylon scrub brush.

    cleaning materials

  2. Spread the Cleaner

    Wet the sink and spread your cleaner all over the sink basins. Leave the cleaner on the surface for the maximum recommended period. Cleaners with bleach often can be left on overnight (not more than 16 hours).

    cleaning powder in sink

  3. Scrub With a Sponge

    Scrub the sink surfaces with the abrasive side of a scrub sponge or a scouring pad. Apply more cleaner and scrub some more.

    scrub sink

  4. Scrub With a Brush

    Scrub in and around the sink strainer and other hard-to-reach areas with a scrub brush, reapplying the cleaner as needed.

    scrub sink

  5. Sand Out Minor Scratches

    Inspect the sink for scratches that were not removed by the scrubbing. Sand remaining fine scratches with 400-grit sandpaper, either sanding by hand or with a small power sander.

    sanding the sink

  6. Buff and Rinse the Sink

    Buff the sanded areas with the scrub sponge or scouring pad to blend them with the surrounding surface. Rinse the sink thoroughly.

    Now that you’ve gone to this effort to restore your solid-surface sink, maintain it by regularly cleaning it with an abrasive cleaner and pad. It’ll be much easier if you keep up with it rather than dealing with years of buildup all at once.

    restored sink