How to Caulk a Bathroom Sink
Caulking creates a moisture-proof barrier between the sink basin and the surrounding countertop. If water collects around the faucet or forms pools on the countertop after use, it may be a sign that the caulk is no longer functioning as well as it should. When the caulk around your bathroom sink becomes discolored, cracked or covered with mildew, it's time to replace it. Caulking around a sink is one of the simplest and least risky home repair projects, and it can be completed in minutes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Paint scraper
- Scrubbing sponge
- Cleanser
- Paper towels
- Caulking cartridge
- Caulking gun
Instructions
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1
Scrape away old caulk from around the edges of the sink basin with a small paint scraper or a painter's tool. Remove all traces of old caulk.
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2
Clean the sink and the countertop around the basin thoroughly with a cleanser and a scrubbing sponge. If there are any traces of mold or mildew, use a bleach-based cleanser to kill it. Dry the area with paper towels.
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3
Load the caulking cartridge inside a caulking gun according to the manufacturer's instructions. This job requires only a narrow stream of caulk, so trim the nozzle of the caulk near the tip. Use a razor cutter, and cut it at a 45-degree angle.
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4
Place the nozzle up against the seam between the basin and the countertop and hold the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle from the countertop with the angle of the cut tip facing directly into the seam. Apply caulk using gentle, steady pressure around the entire seam. Move slowly yet consistently. If you move too slowly, you'll end up with a glut of excess caulk; too fast, and you'll create a broken line.
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5
Press a damp paper towel into the seam, and pull it along the length of the seam, using your fingers to smooth the top of the caulk and press it firmly into the seam. If you're dissatisfied with the result after the first attempt, try again with a fresh paper towel.
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Let the fresh caulk dry for at least a day before using the sink.
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Tips & Warnings
If you've never caulked before, an acrylic latex caulking formula is a good choice as it's odorless, easy to clean and applies smoothly and consistently. Silicone formulas are trickier to use but last longer. Clean the tip of the caulking gun with a damp paper towel if it becomes clogged during use. For caulking jobs in tight spaces, caulk is also available in squeeze containers, which eliminates the need to use a bulky caulking gun.
Be careful when scraping up old caulk not to scratch your sink or countertop. Use a plastic-bladed scraper to scrape caulk from a plastic counter.
