*
I think I posted my original message to the wrong place – I believe it fits better over here. Here goes:
On our master bath vanity, we have two cast iron sinks on a 6×6 tile countertop. The sinks 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 on how I can remedy this rust situation before I move forward with re-doing the grout (and help there would be appreciated too!).
Ken
Replies
*
looks like you're going to have to remove the sink. you may or may not have problems separating the sink from the counter. push or pound with the palm of your (gloved) hand from underneath. rubber mallet may help. nothing hard or you'll pop off pieces of the enamel finish. pouring a little lacquer thinner around the edge of the sink will probably help to release the adhesive.
if you're going to save the sink, treat the rust with (marine) rust remover (i'll get you a brand and name tomorrow) and (maybe) prime with a rust inhibitive spray primer and a little spray enamel to seal in the rusted area.
remove the old grout with a grout saw. it's just a little tool with an abrasive on one edge.
brian
|:-)>|
*ps. BTW, this is why i still install sinks the old fashioned way... with plumber's putty.brian