By James and Morris Carey
The Associated Press

One of the most used and noticeable elements in a bathroom is the sink or "lavatory." The lavatory is front and center - the object of much attention.

Some repairs can be made by an ambitious do-it-yourselfer, while others are best left to a pro. For example, an integral lavatory that is stained or cracked can be changed without removing the countertop. This is achieved by sawing the bowl out of the top and replacing it with a new self-rimming lavatory.

The process is simple. Use a piece of cardboard to create a template of the existing lavatory. Take the template with you when shopping for a replacement lavatory. Choose a model that is slightly larger and that, when installed, will rest on the countertop.

Make sure adequate space is left for faucets or that mounting holes are part of the new bowl. Next, use the template provided with the new bowl to scribe a cut line on the countertop. Use a drill and reciprocating saw to cut out the existing bowl. Be sure to remove the faucet, water-supply lines and the drain and trap before removing the sink.

Unless the faucet is new or in remarkably good condition, replace it with a new high-quality model that will further enhance the appearance of the lavatory and the bathroom. A new drain and trap and water supply lines should also be installed. Seat the new bowl in a generous bead of silicone caulk that travels around the entire circumference of the opening.

This bowl-replacement technique also can be used to replace under-mount bowls - the majority of which are enameled steel. We advise against using an enameled-steel bowl as a replacement model since it is at the bottom of the totem pole in quality. Chips in enameled steel bowls can be repaired and the bowls can be painted; however, your best bet is to replace the bowl and upgrade to a different material.

This isn't necessarily the case when it comes to an enameled cast-iron bowl. The finish on a cast-iron bowl is better and can be more successfully patched and refinished. Unfortunately, a poorly repaired and refinished bowl can look worse than the damaged unit. If you are going to attempt to patch and refinish a bowl, use a high-quality self-leveling two-part epoxy product. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter. The most important step in the refinishing process is to ensure that the existing bowl is absolutely clean.

Although the new finish can be applied with a brush, spraying the finish will render the most professional results. This, however, requires special equipment and an experienced hand. If you want your lavatory to look like new and last a long time, your best tool might be your telephone - to call in a pro.