Painting a darkroom sink

Arches No2

A
Arches No2

  • 2
  • 0
  • 27
The New Dawn

A
The New Dawn

  • 6
  • 0
  • 108
East 10th Street

A
East 10th Street

  • 4
  • 0
  • 109
Ganleys Bend

A
Ganleys Bend

  • 9
  • 1
  • 134

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
184,414
Messages
2,562,323
Members
96,065
Latest member
Jason Abraham
Recent bookmarks
0

ImageMakers

Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2005
Messages
16
Format
35mm
I want to sell a fiberglass darkroom sink. It's stained and I wanted to know if anyone has ever painted one before. I was also thinking of using the spray cans which have the same material in them as is used in truck beds. If I did use the spray, do you think the chemicals will have a negative reaction?

Thanks for the help,
Jim
 

Monophoto

Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2004
Messages
1,690
Location
Saratoga Spr
Format
Multi Format
The best choice would probably be two-component epoxy paint - look for it at a marine supplies place. It's impervious to most chemicals.
 

Deckled Edge

Member
Joined
Jan 25, 2004
Messages
446
Location
Manhattan Be
Format
8x10 Format
Home Depot sells a polyurethane waterproof paint in an arctic-white color. I used it for my plywood sink, and it is still waterproof after three years (knock on plywood). It is a single component, and fairly cheap. It will have to be brushed on unless you have a mighty industrial sprayer.
In applying it to fiberglass, I would scuff the surface with 200 grit paper to give it a tooth to hold the paint; wash it with a warm TSP solution; dry thoroughly and apply two coats. Voila! Ready for sale.
 

John Cook

Member
Joined
Sep 5, 2004
Messages
123
Location
Massachusett
Format
4x5 Format
I suppose it depends upon whether you want to remain friends with the buyer.

Paints are not so permanent as the fiberglass resin. Photo-flo makes them bubble and reticulate, just like paint remover. The only method which will be permanent is to lightly sand the sink (to give it a tooth) and then apply an opaque fiberglass Gelcoat in your choice of color. White is often the best. Look in the yellow pages for a marina, boat dealer or fiberglass supplier. A quart should do it.

Plan B would be to remove the stain with bleach and/or powdered bathroom cleanser containing bleach. Both work very well. But the sink will continue to stain from new developers dumped but not quickly rinsed away.
 
Joined
Aug 24, 2004
Messages
468
Location
Canada
Format
4x5 Format
If it were me looking at buying a sink, and it was newly painted... I'd be asking myself "what are they trying to hide".

I would personally leave it as it is, and suggest options to hide the stain if it's bothersome to the customer. Telling them that you thought of painting it, but wanted to show it as it truly was, would help gain their confidence in you as well.

Just a thought,

joe
 

geraldatwork

Member
Joined
Feb 26, 2004
Messages
413
Location
Hicksville,
Format
35mm RF
I second the bleach try. If bleach doesn't work I would, as mentioned, give the buyer the option to see if they wanted it painted.
 
OP
OP

ImageMakers

Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2005
Messages
16
Format
35mm
Thanks to all for the input. I did try bleach on one sink and it horribly discolored the sink. I tried it on another (first) and worked perfect. I will probably use the Marine paint on the discolored sink.

Thanks again,
Jim
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom