Caulking kitchen sinks—and caulking bathroom sinks, for that matter—is probably one of the easier DIY projects you will undertake. Read on to find out about sealing around sinks.
Is caulking kitchen sinks really necessary?
Simply put, yes. Caulking kitchen sinks is an easy step that makes a huge difference. When you create a seal around sinks and fixtures like faucets, you help prevent contaminants from getting between countertops and hardware, thus preserving your sinks and fixtures and giving them a neat and easy-to-clean finish.
The right product for caulking kitchen sinks
When caulking kitchen sinks and sealing fixtures, you need to create a flexible, waterproof seal that spans joints and other gaps. That means you need to look for a product that is capable of producing these kinds of seals and can bond to the materials in your sink and its surroundings. Ideally the caulk is also resistant to mold and mildew.
If there is already a seal around the sink but the sealant is starting to look a bit rough around the edges, simply apply a new layer of Loctite Re-New on top of the existing silicone to create a durable seal. If you need to create a new seal, products like Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile Adhesive Caulk and Loctite PL Heavy Duty Sealant will help you finish your project easily.
How to caulk sinks
When caulking around sinks, you’ll be working with a product that is both an adhesive and a sealant, meaning your surfaces must be clean and dry. As always, stay safe by wearing safety glasses and gloves and by washing your hands when you’re finished. The manufacturer’s instructions will contain more relevant information about safety and product storage.
You can also follow the instructions below when caulking bathroom sinks.
How to recaulk kitchen sinks
After following these two steps on caulk removal and preparation, continue with the instructions in the next section, “How to seal kitchen sinks.”
- Remove old caulk, if necessary. You do not need to remove old sealant when using a product like Loctite Re-New; simply clean the existing caulk with a damp cloth (and perhaps mold cleaner). If you have selected a different product, use a utility knife to cut through the old caulk and pull it away.
- Clean the rim. Use rubbing alcohol or another suitable solvent to remove residue and make sure the new surface can accept the caulk. Let it dry completely.
How to seal kitchen sinks
- Prepare your caulk. Place your product tube in a caulk gun and cut the nozzle to the right size for your seam. Tubes you can squeeze by hand are sometimes available as alternatives to caulk guns.
- Apply your caulk. Apply the product to your seam with a steady pressure to seal around the sink. Smooth application prevents mildew from forming as caulk ages.
- Smooth it out. To create a watertight seal and neat finish, wet your index finger and smooth the caulk against the rim and counter.
- Let it dry. Let the product dry as indicated in the product instructions before exposing it to water.
- Clean up your project area and tools. Clean the caulk tube applicator using a damp cloth and close the cap when you are finished. Carefully cut away excess cured sealant with a sharp-edged tool.