Caulking a bathroom sink is required when you use a drop-in model. This is because these designs hang from the top of the counter by their rims, and there is a small gap between the rim and counter where water, dirt, and debris can collect. Caulk will fill these gaps and make sure your sink will be held in place firmly and that your bathroom counter top is watertight. When the old caulk begins to peel, crack, or discolor, replace it right away to avoid any leaks or damages to your counter.
1. Use a utility knife to cut out the old caulk. Trim along the area where the sink meets the counter, being careful not to scrape your sink or counter top. Peel the old caulk away. For any stubborn caulk, scrape it with a paint scraper or putty knife. You can also use denatured alcohol to remove any remaining caulk that you aren’t able to scrape or pull off.
2. Clean around the sink using dish soap and water. Disinfect using a mix of bleach and water or alcohol. This will remove any grease, dirt, dust, and molds that might have collected under or along the gaps between the bathroom sink and counter top.
3. Let the sink and counter dry completely. Make sure no water has seeped into the gaps.
4. Once the bathroom counter and sink are dry, create a template for the caulk using painter’s tape. Place the tape on either side of the caulk line around the sink. Try to make it as straight as possible, leaving about a ¼ inch space between the tape and sink. Press it firmly into place using your fingers. The tape will serve as a guide to ensure your caulk job is clean and professional-looking.
5. Prepare your caulk tube. Read the instructions on how to properly open it because some nozzle designs have an inner foil lining that you should puncture, while others have a plastic seal that must be cut off at a 45-degree angle.
6. Load your tube into a caulking gun and push the plunger into the back of the tube. Prime it by gently squeezing the trigger.
7. Hold the gun at a 45-degree angle to the caulk line marked by the painter’s tape, lightly squeeze the caulk out, making sure the caulk gets into the gaps around the rim completely.
8. Use a wet finger to gently smooth the caulk to give it a professional finish and to make sure all spaces between the bathroom sink and counter top are completely sealed.
9. Replace the seal or cap of the caulk tube.
10. Before the caulk skins over, remove the painter’s tape by lifting it at a 45-degree angle away from you, then gently pull it up.
11. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess caulk while it is still wet. If the excess caulk has already dried, you will have to scrape this off.
12. Let the caulk dry for 24 to 72 hours before using your bathroom sink again. The drying time may vary depending on the caulking product you used, so it is best to check the label.
