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How To Remove Scratches from Acrylic Sinks (STEP-By-STEP Guide)

How to Remove Scratches from Acrylic Sinks

How do you remove scratches from acrylic sinks? A scratch is a big concern for homeowners, but you can remove it with some of our tips.

Due to its nature, the acrylic sink is prone to scratches more than other plastics.

These scratches are unattractive and can reduce the durability and quality of the sink. There is a need to know how to remove scratches from the acrylic sink to solve this issue.

How to Remove Scratches from Acrylic Sinks

Do Acrylic Sinks Scratch Easily?

Acrylic sinks are some of the most durable sinks; however, their downside is that they scratch easily. They are pretty vulnerable to scratches due to their nature.

Sharp or abrasive objects can quickly fill in scratches on an acrylic sink. It is why a precaution every acrylic sink user must note is to avoid using abrasive cleaners on it.

This plastic material is weaker and lighter than others; hence, it is prone to scratches. Even sharp utensils like knives and forks can cause scratches on acrylic sinks, so be careful when placing them in an acrylic kitchen sink.

Can You Get Scratches Out of Acrylic?

Removing scratches from acrylic sink depends on the level of damage, and most times ends up as a simple task. You should know that you can get scratches out of acrylic.

The damage can range from light to deep and sometimes beyond repair. To examine the depth of the scratches, run your fingernail lightly over the scratched part of the plastic.

Light scratches are felt at the surface, while your fingernail will get caught in the scratches if it’s deep. You should also evaluate the depth of the deep scratches, as anything above 5mm is irreparable and such acrylic should be let go.

Sometimes you may need to go for an acrylic sink crack repair (I have a related guide on fireclay sink crack repair) rather than getting the scratches out.

How to Remove Light Scratches From an Acrylic Sink

Light scratches from an acrylic sink are easily removed because of their light nature. Before removing these scratches, you need to ensure that the scratches are light and not deep or irreparable.

You can use your fingernail to determine this by scraping it gently over the scratched area. If your fingernail isn’t caught in the scratches, it’s most likely a light one.

Beware of misjudging a crack for a light scratch. Once you have identified that you need to remove light scratches, you can proceed accordingly. Below are the materials needed and steps to remove light scratches from an acrylic sink.

Materials Needed:

  • 800 and 1200 grit sandpapers.
  • Water for soaking the sandpapers.
  • Soft clean rags.
  • Acrylic/plastic polish.

Step 1: Scrub The Scratches

Take and wet a piece of 800 grit sandpaper and then rub it in circles over the scratched area. At the same time, alternate with a dry 800 grit sandpaper.

You can switch both wet and dry grit papers for 2-3 minutes. During this, ensure you pause at least every 30 seconds to check the status of the acrylic.

Continue this process until you notice the scratch fading, usually represented by a slight haze on the acrylic.

Don’t sand an area too long to avoid the acrylic softening due to heat from the friction of sanding.

Step 2: Stop Sanding

Stop sanding when the scratch is barely noticeable. The sanded area may appear frosty or with more scratch marks, but you don’t have to worry. It would clear out after the whole process.

Step 3: Buff the Scratches

Buff the acrylic/plastic polish in small circles into the sanded area to remove scratches, haze, or frostiness. Buff until the sink surface is smooth, then leave it to dry. Avoid buffing a specific area for too long.

Step 4: Repeat the Process

Take the 1200 grit sandpapers and repeat the same process. Continue rubbing until all the scratches disappear.

Step 5: Dry and Polish

Finally, with a soft rag, dry the scratched area dry area. You can then restore the shine of the plastic sink with the acrylic polishing compound after removing its scratches.

How to Remove Deep Scratches From the Acrylic Sink

First, identify a deep scratch through the identification method explained under light scratches. For deeper scratches, you will need more effort than that light scratches.

Deep scratches are of varying depth, and they require different removal processes. If the scratches are beyond 5mm, the acrylic sink may not be irreparable. But if it’s less than that, then you need to act according to the steps below:

Materials Needed:

  • 600, 800, and 1200 grit sandpapers.
  • Water for soaking the sandpapers.
  • Soft rags.
  • Acrylic/plastic polish. 
  • Heat gun.

Step 1: Scrub the Scratches

Because deeper scratches require more effort than lighter ones, you need to start with 600-grit sandpaper.

Take a piece of 600 grit sandpaper, wet it, and then rub it in circles over the scratched area. At the same time, alternate with a dry 600 grit sandpaper.

You can switch both wet and dry grit papers for 2-3 minutes. During this, ensure you pause at least every 30 seconds to check the status of the acrylic.

Continue this process until you notice the scratch fading, usually represented by a slight haze on the acrylic. Don’t sand an area too long to avoid the acrylic softening due to heat from the friction of sanding.

Step 2: Keep Scrubbing

Take the 800-grit paper and repeat the process.

Step 3: More Scrubbing

Take the 1200 grit sandpapers and repeat the same process. Continue rubbing until all the scratches disappear.

Step 4: Use the Heat Gun

If there are still scratches, after using the 1200 grit sandpapers, you will need to use the heat gun. Aim the heat gun at the remaining scratches and hold it three to four inches from the acrylic surface.

In a sweeping position, continuously move it back and forth; this process will soften the acrylic and make the scratches disappear.

Please do not keep the gun too close to the acrylic or allow it to linger on a specific spot; it can cause the area to warp or blister.

Step 5: Dry and Polish

Finally, with a soft rag, dry the scratched area. You can then restore the shine of the plastic sink with the acrylic polishing compound after removing its scratches.

Can Acrylic Sinks Be Refinished?

The long-wearing nature of plastic sinks, primarily when used in the bathroom and kitchen, allows them to look faded or outdated before they deteriorate.

A way to solve this is to refinish them. So, yes, acrylic sinks can be refinished. Refinishing can make it appear brand new by restoring its luster and beauty.

You can refinish acrylic sinks by scoring out scratches and stains and then applying paint as a finishing touch.

When you want to refurnish your plastic sink, you would need to remove it from its location to allow the process to go smoothly.

How to Restore Shine to Acrylic Sink

When you remove the scratch and dent from an acrylic, you need to restore its shine as a finishing touch.

Sometimes you may need to restore the shine of your plastic sink covered in tea, coffee, or other stains. Here is how to go about it.

Materials Required:

  • Soft clean rags
  • Acrylic polishing compound
  • Liquid dish detergent
  • Bleach

1. Prepare for Scrubbing

Wet the soft rag and apply enough liquid dish detergent.

2. Scrub the Sink

Use the soap-filled cloth to scrub the sink in small circular motions. Do not wipe in broad irregular strokes as it may leave streaks.

3. Rinse the Sink

After scrubbing, rinse with cold water.

4. Dry and Polish

Dry the sink, then apply the polishing compound with a soft dry rag. Ensure you use the polishing compound according to its manufacturer’s instructions. There, your sink’s shine has been restored.

Restore Shine to an Acrylic Sink With Stains

Step 1: Prepare a Bleach Solution

Dilute the bleach in a ratio of a quarter cup of water to one tablespoon of bleach.

Step 2: Apply the Solution to the Sink

Dip a soft rag in the bleach solution, and press it on the stained spot for a few minutes. Avoid leaving the bleach solution on the sink for too long due to its intense nature, which can damage the acrylic. You may need to check the manufacturer’s information regarding the use of the bleach.

Step 3: Scrub the Sink

Scrub the sink as explained under the steps for restoring the shine of a stain-free sink.

Step 4: Rinse the Sink

Thoroughly rinse the sink to remove all traces of bleach and soap.

Step 5: Dry and Polish

Then dry and polish the sink as explained in the steps for restoring the shine of a stain-free sink.

Can You Recoat an Acrylic Sink?

Recoating or resurfacing a plastic sink is a way of maintaining it to keep it from deteriorating. So, yes, you can recoat an acrylic sink.

Recoating your plastic sink allows it to regain its shine and look brand new. It can also be a means of switching things up in home decoration.

You can recoat your acrylic sink with old or contemporary colors. It’s pretty easy to resurface an acrylic sink, meaning you can do it yourself.

All you need are materials for recoating, time, and your will and determination to make it work.

Is Acrylic Good for a Bathroom Sink?

Of course, acrylic is suitable for your bathroom sink. The acrylic material is durable and versatile, making it an excellent choice for bathroom sinks. It is available in various colors and shapes and can take on different sizes.

Another factor that makes acrylic suitable for bathroom sinks is that it can withstand temperatures as high as 185⁰C or 365⁰F.

You can give your bathroom a fancy home decoration look by using acrylic for the bathroom sink. The material is shiny and will brighten your bathroom for sure.

Can You Use Acetone on an Acrylic Sink?

A crucial piece of information required by acrylic sink users is the use of acetone on the sink. Acetone is a petroleum-based solution, and petroleum-based products are harmful to plastic sinks.

So, no, you cannot use acetone on an acrylic sink. As a strong solvent, acetone is hazardous to your acrylic sink since it can melt and disfigure it.

Also, this solvent will pass through the sink into the plumbing system. Acetone is more dangerous to the drainage system and the environment where it would be released.

It may extend to water treatment facilities, and there may be exposure to wildlife and the ecosystem, causing harm to them.

How Long Do Acrylic Sinks Last?

Acrylic sinks are durable; hence, they last for years. With proper maintenance, you may use a quality acrylic sink for decades. Proper care involves regular cleaning (Here’s my detailed guide to cleaning an acrylic sink) and sometimes polishing.

While acrylic sinks are durable, they can quickly deteriorate when exposed to petroleum-based products. It’s best to avoid using such products in the plastic sink.

They also get scratches around abrasive objects like sponges or cleaners and sharp things like utensils quickly. Such a situation reduces the durability of the sink, and in no time, you may need to replace it.

Can You Paint an Acrylic Sink?

Yes, you can paint an acrylic sink. When the color of an acrylic sink starts to fade or get dull, painting may be a way to rejuvenate it.

Sometimes you may feel like changing the tone or color of the sink; you can do that with paints. Paints can stay easily on an acrylic sink, so painting is not an issue.

You may use oil-based or latex-based paints. Spray painting is also an option. When painting an acrylic sink, it is best to paint it at once and not in bits to prevent layering.

You may also need to protect yourself with a face mask to avoid inhaling the paint fumes during this activity.

How Do You Remove Paint From an Acrylic Sink?

Removing paint from an acrylic sink requires specific know-how. You need to know the paint type and its density before removal.

Oil-based paints are best removed with a spray lubricant, while latex paints are removed by rubbing alcohol. Spray the lubricant or rub alcohol on the paint, depending on its type, for about 15 minutes.

You may need to leave the removal solution longer if the paint has been on the acrylic sink for a long time. If it’s thick, you will need to remove it in layers.

Apply the removal solution, wait for some minutes, and then scrape away the paint. Do this repeatedly until all the paint comes off.

Can You Use Bleach on an Acrylic Sink?

Yes, you can use bleach on an acrylic sink. Certain stains cannot be removed by only water and soap. Using bleach can help eliminate such a tough stain on an acrylic sink.

Here is how to do it! First, fill up the sink basin with warm water and pour a cup of bleach into it.

Then, allow the solution to sit in the basin for at least 5 minutes. You may need to leave the solution for more than five minutes if the stain has been in the acrylic sink for a long time.

Once you are done soaking, dip a soft sponge in the solution and use it to scrub away the visible stains. Note that you shouldn’t add bleach directly to the acrylic sink. Adding it to warm water is the best method.

Read More: How to Prevent Stainless Steel Sink from Scratching.

Wrap Up

In this guide, you have discovered that acrylic sinks scratch easily, and you can get the scratches out. You have also learned to remove light and deep scratches from plastic sinks (Here I have also written a details guide about cleaning a plastic sink). You must have noted how to restore shine to an acrylic sink and remove paint from it.

This guide also provides answers to refinishing, recoating, and using acetone and bleach on acrylic sinks. With this guide, you now know how long acrylic sinks last and that they are good as bathroom sinks. Did you find it helpful?