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On our master bath vanity, we have two cast iron sinks on a 4×4 tile countertop. The sinks’ lips sit on top of the tile (as oppossed to hanging underneath the counter). This application is now approx. 9 years old. We are now seeing red streaking coming from under the edges of the sink – telling me that rust has set in. It is discoloring the tile grout.
I plan to replace the grout (pointing me in a direction to get general instructions for that would be great!). Before doing that – how do I remedy the rust issue on the sinks. I can’t actually see the rust as it appears to be just under the lip of the sinks. Also, removing the sinks I believe will be problematic as it is my understanding they were glued/caulked to the tile countertop.
All suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Ken
Replies
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We have well water with a high iron content that leaves stains in sinks, shower, dishwasher, etc. This product does wonders to get rid of the stains (we buy it at the local hardware store):
http://www.ironout.com/
*You could probably paint the cast iron with something like Rustoleum rusty metal primer and then paint with a good quality paint. I would probably clean the area susceptible to rust thoroughly with a steel brush and paint it with some type of catalyzed automative primer/paint system (since I have some sitting around) or an epoxy paint. This would require removing the sink to clean and paint, however. There are also solutions available at hardware and auto parts stores that react with the rust to form some type of black compound that is supposed to inhibit further rusting. I don't remember the name of the stuff and have never used it, but others have told me it works. If you went this route, I think you are still supposed to remove any loose rust, but perhaps you could just raise the sink up enough to brush off the loose stuff and apply the compound without taking the sink clear out (although once you got the sink that far, taking it clear out shouldn't be much more work.)
*In terms of replacing the grout, there's a book by Michael Byrne called "Setting Tile" which has an excellent step-by-step process for installing grout. His method of cleaning is somewhat unique and I think works very well also. I have seen the book at my local HD, and they have it at Amazon.com also. Also I think there was a cover artilcle in FHB recently (last year?) about grouting.Make sure when you're grouting that the joint where the tile meets the sink is sealed with 100% silicone caulk instead of grout, which may crack and allow moisture to penetrate, causing more rust.