Caulk is a wonderfully versatile product. There are types of caulk available for use indoors, outdoors, on different substrates, etc. When doing construction or renovation work or even just installing a new fixture, it’s important to select the kind of caulk that is most suitable for that application.
In this article, the experts at Adfast explain which properties to look for in kitchen sink caulk and which type of sealant is best for different kinds of sinks!
Properties required for kitchen sink caulk
Caulk is applied around the perimeter of a kitchen sink to create a watertight seal between the sink and countertop and help hold the sink in place. If water is allowed to leak through the gap around the edge of the sink, moisture can build up and lead to mold growth. Therefore, the best type of caulk for the kitchen sink will be waterproof and mold and mildew resistant.
Kitchen sink caulk should be flexible enough to withstand a certain amount of movement without cracking. It needs to adhere well to the materials used to make the sink and countertop, and it should be safe for use near food.
The best caulk for a kitchen sink
Silicone sealant is the best type of caulk for kitchen use. Silicone is waterproof and non-toxic. It is flexible, durable and rarely cracks. It is capable of adhering to a wide variety of substrates, including metal, glass, porcelain and ceramic. It is mold resistant, and there are types of acetoxy silicone sealant that are treated with fungicide to further increase their anti-mold properties.
The best sealant for a drop-in sink
As its name suggests, a drop-in sink is placed into the countertop from above. Drop-in sinks are characterized by a visible rim that rests upon the counter. A bead of caulk is run along the rim of the sink after installation to create a watertight seal and hold the sink in place. Silicone sealant is best used for this application because of its flexibility and resilience.
The best caulk for an undermount sink
Unlike a drop-in sink, an undermount sink is mounted from beneath the countertop using metal anchors and epoxy. Sealant is then applied to the seam where the sink meets the counter. Whereas caulk is used to help secure a drop-in sink, it is only used on an undermount sink to seal out moisture, and should not be considered a replacement for epoxy. Waterproof, mold-resistant silicone sealant is ideal for this application.
The best caulk for a stainless steel sink
Stainless steel sinks are prone to shifting. Therefore, they require a caulk with enough flexibility to compensate for this movement without cracking. Here again, durable, long-lasting silicone sealant is the best option.
The best caulk for a porcelain sink
Silicone caulk adheres very well to porcelain and ceramic substrates and is available in a variety of colours, including white and translucent, to match the aesthetic you want for your kitchen counter.
AdSeal: first-rate silicone sealant for kitchen use
Adfast is a leading supplier of caulk and sealant for industrial, commercial and residential use. Our AdSeal KB 4800 series silicone sealant is mold and mildew resistant, non-toxic and low in VOCs, making it perfect for your kitchen sink. Contact us today to make the most of our high-quality products!
