Knowing how to seal kitchen sinks (or bathroom sinks) is a valuable DIY skill, and it’s easier than you think. Why bother with the cost of hiring professional help when you can do it yourself? Our guide to sealing kitchen sinks tells you what you need to know.
Creating a seal around the kitchen sink is a simple step often overlooked by DIYers. Sealing around kitchen sinks or sealing a sink drain with silicone will keep your sink in good condition and prevent future problems. Using a high quality, waterproof sealant prevents water and debris from entering the gaps. If you want to avoid mould and water damage, sealing kitchen sinks (or bathroom sinks) is a must.
Just follow these steps to put a seal around a kitchen sink.
- Remove old sealant. Scrape it off with a putty knife or cutting tool. Make the job even easier with UniBond Silicone Sealant Remover.
- Clean the area. Avoid exposing the surface to water. Spray a cloth or paper towel with household cleaner and clean the area. Wipe dry. Then clean again with bleach, before rinsing and leaving to dry.
- Prepare the silicone sealant. Insert the cartridge in the sealant gun and cut the nozzle to the desired width, close to the tip. Test the flow on a piece of scrap material.
- Apply the sealant. When you’re happy with the flow and you’re sure that the surface is completely dry, apply the sealant around the sink. Even pressure is important; maintain a steady flow to create a smooth layer of sealant that prevents moisture and mildew.
- Smooth the sealant. For the best results, use a tool like this UniBond Smoother & Cutter Tool.
- Remove excess sealant. Use white spirit or silicone sealant remover.
- Wait for the sealant to dry. Avoid exposing the new sealant to water until it’s completely dry. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for required time.
Naturally, any sealant you use for sealing bathroom sinks or kitchen sinks must be waterproof and mould resistant. UniBond sanitary sealants are specially designed for use in the kitchen and bathroom; they create strong, flexible seals and offer long-term protection from mould.
If you need to get a job done quickly and want to be able to use the sink soon after sealing, use UniBond Speed Sealant. You can use the sink again just one hour after application.