Surface Rust / Cracking at Kitchen Sink hole - Should I repair it or ignore it?

[Peter Harris]

I have an older Kohler cast iron kitchen sink that has some cracked enamel and some rust showing at the faucet hole. The old faucet, a Moen, got very hard to swing side to side, so I contacted them and they sent me a new one for free (YEAH MOEN).

Upon removing the old faucet (lots of rust under the sink) i found the top surface, under the old faucet, had some rust staining and it appears the enamel surface is cracked.

I suppose I could replace the whole sink, but, I'd rather not spend the $300 or so for the sink and the hassle of redoing all the plumbing.

So, I have a couple of questions:
1. should I repair the cracks?
1a. If I should repair it, do I grind down the enamel first?
1b. What type of enamel repair coating should I use? Enamel Paint? Epoxy? Something else?

2. should I just coat the surface over the rust

with paint or epoxy or??

3. should i just install the new faucet over the existing hole and hope it lasts another 5 years or so?

 

[Dj2]

There are guys out there who re-glaze cast iron sinks and tubs, a job that is not cheap with mix results. Most re-glazing job last less than 5 years. If you rather DIY, you can get a re-glazing repair kit.

Get an estimate (if you are lucky to find a re-glazer) and do the math.

However, from the pic, the situation is not severe. I think you could get 5 years, keeping in mind that the rust is only going to get worse.

I would replace the sink. There are sink options out there, cheaper than CI and just as good.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

The rust is going to be covered by the faucet trim, right? POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating can be brushed onto rust like that for future protection. It is available in a 4-ounce can.

Super Iron Out may be useful for removing a stain in an area that has surface rust in the enamel in an area that will show.

 

[Peter Harris]

Thanks for the advice. I decided to do nothing and wait for problems down the line. The replacement Moen faucet went in without a hitch (can't say the same for the shutoff valves I replaced...)

I might've tried the POR 15, but, my sink isn't Mopar orange or Chevy engine red - and that stuff is seriously expensive (and, yes, I saw it came it clear too).

 

[Reach4]

I might've tried the POR 15, but, my sink isn't Mopar orange or Chevy engine red - and that stuff is seriously expensive (and, yes, I saw it came it clear too).

My suggestion was only if the existing rust would be covered by the faucet trim. I was thinking black, in a 4-ounce can.

I was unaware of the POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating in clear. Thanks.

I have used slow epoxy into dried rust hoping that would soak in. I wonder if working wax or grease into the hidden rust would be a good idea to limit future rust.