Caulk the Kitchen Sink

Caulk can help keep water from seeping beneath the rim of your kitchen sink. Since it dries out and cracks over time, it needs to be replaced periodically to help keep the area it seals clean and dry.

Steps

  1. Make sure the rim of the sink is clean and dry.
  2. Remove any old caulk from the rim with a utility knife.
  3. Cut through the old caulk and pull it free from the rim.
  4. Clean up the area with a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove any old caulk residue and to ensure a clean surface ready to accept new caulk.
  5. Let the sink's rim and counter edge dry completely.
  6. Apply painter's tape to the counter next to the rim, leaving a thin gap for the caulk to be applied. This will make clean up easier and ensure a straight, even caulk job.
  7. Cut off the tip of the caulk tube with a utility knife.
  8. Make the cut only as large as the opening around the sink to avoid having too much caulk come out at once.
  9. Insert the tip of the caulk tube into a caulk gun and push the plunger of the gun up into the back.
  10. Prime the tube by squeezing the trigger a few times until the caulk rises to the tip of the gun.
  11. Place the tip of the gun against the edge of the sink's rim where it meets the countertop.
  12. Slowly squeeze the trigger to release a thin line of caulk around the edge of the rim.
  13. Keep moving the gun as you squeeze the trigger, holding the tip of the gun tight up against the rim for a tight application.
  14. Apply the caulk all the way around the rim of the sink from one end to the next.
  15. Pull away the painter's tape from the counter.
  16. Wet your index finger and smooth the caulk against the edge of the rim and the counter. This will provide a watertight seal. Press the caulk firmly against both edges of the rim and counter, sliding your finger as you go.
  17. Re-wet your finger frequently to ensure it slides easily against the caulk.
  18. Wet a paper towel with water.
  19. Use the wet paper towel to wipe up any excess caulk or caulk that has strayed too far from the edge of the rim.
  20. Let the caulk dry for at least 24 hours before using the sink and surrounding area to prevent it from getting wet too early.

Tips

  • Use a kitchen and bath caulk. Caulks made specifically for these areas will last longer in wet environments than all-purpose caulks will.

Warnings

  • The area where the caulk is applied has to be perfectly clean and dry before the caulk can be applied. Any dust, moisture or old caulk will cause the new job to fail. If in doubt, wait overnight after cleaning the area before applying the new caulk.

Things You'll Need

  • Utility knife
  • Paper towels
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Painter's tape
  • Caulk
  • Caulk gun
  • Water

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Sources and Citations

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