Bob Vila Radio: Kitchen Sink Caulk
To protect your kitchen cabinets from water damage, the rim of your kitchen sink should always be sealed with a good bead of silicone caulk. Since it dries out and cracks over time, you’ll need to replace it now and then; here’s how.
Photo: irepairhomes.ashworthconsulting.com
Listen to BOB VILA ON KITCHEN SINK CAULK or read the text below:
Scrub and dry the area, then remove the old caulking by cutting it with a utility knife and pulling it away from the seam. Clean any leftovers with rubbing alcohol, making sure you get it all off. Let the area dry completely before continuing, since new caulking won’t stick to old caulking or wet surfaces.
Use painter’s tape for a straight line, squeeze a bead of caulk into the seam, and wipe the excess off with your finger. Keep the bead small; tooling it is much easier if you wet your finger first in a cup of water mixed with a little dish soap.
Remove the tape and clean up any strays with a wet paper towel. Be very sure to let it cure for at least twenty-four hours before using the sink, since getting the new caulking wet could compromise it.
Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.
For more on kitchens, consider:
Award-Winning Budget-Friendly Kitchen Makeover
Kitchen Sinks
DIY Kitchen Makeover (Without the Renovation)
