Can a porcelain sink be fired again to repair surface cracks

porcelainsink

I have a very large pedestal bathroom sink that has some micro cracks in the glazing. The cracks are around the drain plug. I think this damage occurred before I purchased the home by the owner tightening the joint too tight. It is an expensive sink and I hate the idea of putting it in the trash, but it is getting impossible to keep those cracks free of dirt.

If I can find a local place that has a big enough kiln, can the sink basin be fired again to repair the cracks, or another layer of glaze applied, then fired?

Best Answer

In theory, yes. But with any refiring, there's a chance of introducing new defects, like bubbling and so forth. The larger the piece, the more difficult it is to ensure all of it heats up uniformly. Otherwise you'll get more cracks than you started with. I have no experience with commercial services doing what you ask for on this scale (bathroom sink), but apparently some exist.