How To Recaulk A Sink

Caulking the rim of a sink prevents water from seeping under the sink. Over time, the caulk can crack and lose its seal. If you’ve detected moisture under a bath or kitchen sink, look at the caulk for visual evidence of deterioration. When wondering how to recaulk a sink, you don’t need to remove the sink. You’ll only be scraping away the old caulk and then applying fresh caulk.

Step by Step Directions:

1. Wash the rim of the sink thoroughly and dry it completely.
2. Position the blade of a utility knife against the counter surface and cut the seal.
3. Now cut the seal where the caulk connects with the sink itself.
4. Scrape away the caulk. You may want a putty knife in addition to the utility knife to remove the old caulk.
5. Take your time to ensure that you remove all old caulk that is accessible.
6. Wash and dry the rim area again. Use the scrubber side of the sponge to take off caulk residue.
7. Apply strips of masking tape around the sink rim. Leave a narrow space clear where the new caulk will go.
8. Install a tube of silicone caulk in a caulk gun. It’s up to you if you use clear or white caulk.
9. Cut the tip of the caulk tube with the utility knife.
10. Squeeze the caulk gun trigger until caulk comes out of the tip.
11. If you want, practice applying caulk on something you can throw away to get the hang of working the gun.
12. Position the tip of the caulk tube against the seam where the sink meets the counter.
13. Squeeze the gun trigger as necessary and put a bead of caulk around the sink.
14. Wet your finger and run it around the newly caulked edge. Push a little to force caulk into the cavity.
15. Wipe caulk off your finger and wet it again as needed.
16. Once you’re satisfied with the caulking, remove the tape. Pull tape outward from the sink rim to void disrupting the new caulk.
17. Allow the caulk to dry for a day before using the sink.