Countertop caulk: Everything you need to know for a flawless finish

Don’t let that kitchen remodel leave you feeling drained. Our guide explains everything you need to know about countertop caulk. We’ll explain how to seal a sink to a counter, how to caulk around granite, and how to find the best caulk for kitchen counters.

• How to seal a sink to countertop
• Caulking around granite countertops: What you need to know
• The best countertop caulk for the job
  

How to seal a sink to countertop

Countertop caulk is an important part of protecting the health of your kitchen. Without a tight seal, water can seep beneath the rim of your sink causing damage. It’s important to check the seal regularly for cracks and mold, and replace immediately if you notice compromises.

If you’re sealing a new sink or replacing old caulk, the steps are the same. Here’s how it works:

1. If replacing old caulk, completely remove old caulk residue.
2. Clean the area with alcohol and let dry.
3. Apply painters’ tape to both borders of the sink. The tape will act as a guide, making neat lines.
4. Cut the tip off the caulk tube to the desired bead thickness.
5. Puncture the cartridge and insert it into the caulk gun.
6. Test the bead stream on a disposable surface.
7. Starting at an edge, place the tip of the cartridge in the joint and apply steady pressure to the trigger dispensing the caulk in an even stream around the perimeter of the sink.
8. Smooth the bead with a wet finger or tool.
9. Remove the painters’ tape and allow for cure time to be reached before using the sink.

Removing the tape sometimes leaves an edge at the sealants outline, or pulls up a small amount of sealant. If that happens, a second smoothing step is necessary after removing the tape.

Caulking around granite countertops: What you need to know

Granite is a tough, durable stone that doesn’t scratch easily. Its strength and beauty make it a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. The steps for caulking around granite countertops are the same as any other caulking job (see above for instructions).

The most important thing to keep in mind when using granite countertop caulk is that the chosen sealant is natural stone compatible, to avoid staining through a non-suitable product.
Also make sure that the color is matching. You want to choose a clear, almond, or similarly colored caulk for countertops. Granite can be darker in color, so choosing a white caulk will leave you with mismatched obvious bead lines around your countertops.

The best countertop caulk for the job

For caulking kitchen counters, it’s important to get a caulk that’s designed to provide a tough, watertight, mold-resistant seal.

Loctite 100% Silicone is a top choice. It holds up to extreme temperatures and contains Mildewcide, a property that prohibits the growth of mold. It comes in two color choices, white and transparent, making it flexible with color matching.

Another star product for caulking kitchen counters is Loctite Polyseamseal All Purpose Adhesive Caulk. This caulk is handy for any job around the house including securing backsplashes and sealing sinks. It comes in three color options: clear, white, and almond. And it’s paintable, making it perfect for use on colors that are tough to match.