Before exploring when it's time for resealing (and the best type of sealant for the job), you may wonder why you should seal a kitchen sink in the first place.

Put simply, the kitchen sink is one of the most moisture-prone areas of a home. So, to avoid costly water damage, you want a watertight seal. This is where sealing comes in. Using a caulk or sealant along the sink's seam ensures that moisture cannot penetrate down to the cabinets and cause damage. It can also help prevent mold and mildew from growing in hard-to-reach cracks between the countertop and the sink.

In addition to the moisture-related reasons why you should seal a kitchen sink, there are a couple of other reasons why sealing the sink is common practice. A sealed sink is much easier to clean thoroughly, and it is more professional and aesthetically pleasing.

Signs It's Time to Reseal a Kitchen Sink

Now that you understand the primary reasoning behind sealing a kitchen sink, you may wonder how to know when the sealant needs to be redone.

Thankfully, because the sealant around the edge of the sink is easily visible, it is quite easy to tell when a kitchen sink needs resealing. You may be unsure when to reseal if you don't know what you are looking for. This may lead to water damage or severe mold problems in the kitchen, which can lead to needing to replace the kitchen sink altogether.

So, to prevent this much more costly repair, here are a few key signs to look out for.

• You notice leaking underneath the sink
• You see mold or mildew growing in the crease between the sink and the countertop
• You find the sealant around the sink is not smooth and even, or you find pieces missing or fraying up
• You notice severe staining or discoloration

Choosing the Right Sealant for a Kitchen Sink

If you are going through the process of resealing a sink, you want to ensure you are using the right tools. While it may be tempting to use whatever kind of caulk or sealant you have around already, you must consider the best caulk for the sink if you want lasting results.

So, what are you looking for when choosing a sealant for a kitchen sink? The key properties you want from your chosen sealant are as follows.

1. Waterproof
2. Durable
3. Flexible
4. Heat-resistant
5. Mold- and mildew-resistant

Types of Caulk

There are three types of caulk that you can use to seal a sink. These are silicone, acrylic, and latex. Each has its benefits, and all three can work to reseal a kitchen sink. But to find the best option, let's explore each type of caulk in more detail.

Silicone Caulk

Silicone caulk is made of silicone polymer. It is available in clear and colored forms. It is easy to apply and can be used on many types of surfaces — including metal, ceramic, and porcelain.

It is a popular choice for kitchens because it is well known for durability and resistance to water and heat. Silicone sealant is also flexible, making it a good choice for sinks since they may often move or vibrate.

Acrylic Caulk

Acrylic caulk is made of acrylic polymer. It can be applied on a variety of surfaces — such as wood, plastic, and metal. It comes in clear and colored options and is paintable as well. This makes it a good choice for areas that will be seen or very specific color preferences. It is relatively easy to apply and can also be cleaned with soap and water.

However, while it is more affordable than silicone caulk, it is less durable.

Latex Caulk

Latex caulk is made of acrylic latex. It is easy to apply, and you can use simple soap and water to clean it. Like acrylic caulk, latex caulk is available in clear and colored forms and is also paintable.

However, this caulk may need to be reapplied more frequently as it is less durable than silicone.

Which Sealant is Right for This Project?

Given the properties of each of these caulks, we can confidently say a silicone sealant is the best suited for sealing a kitchen sink. Silicone is the most durable and heat-resistant of the three and provides the most longevity — meaning you won't have to worry about resealing the sink for a while. It is also the most flexible of the three, which can be especially important for a stainless steel sink that may expand when heated.

Get the Best Silicone Sealant for Sinks at Silicone Depot

Silicone sealant is one of the most useful tools you can use in the kitchen to avoid water damage. When you use silicone to seal a kitchen sink and clean and maintain silicone sealant well, you can see incredibly long-lasting results.

Check out Silicone Depot for the best selection of silicone sealants, and get started on your next project today!