For a stainless or metal sink (such as those commonly found in kitchens), you'll want to use a silicone-based caulk. For a porcelain sink (more common in bathroom spaces), a latex-based caulk will be a better fit. When choosing caulk, it's also important to select a color that will best suit the space.
For sealing a kitchen sink, or anywhere water could be present, choose a GE-branded 100% silicone sealant, like GE Tub & Tile Silicone 1® sealant. This sealant is 100% waterproof, permanently flexible and has 7-year mold-free product protection,1 so you can create a lasting, mold-resistant and watertight seal.
Both plumbers putty vs caulk silicone are sealing compounds. They're both designed to create a watertight fit for drains, fittings, showers, sinks strainers, and more. While plumbers putty is more traditional, silicone caulk is a great modern alternative. Either is acceptable for fixing a drain.
Silicone caulk is the go-to option for sealing around plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, and faucets, and for any caulk joints on the tile in wet areas.
While caulk is long-lasting on solid, unmoving surfaces, silicone sealant's flexibility means it lasts longer in areas with higher moisture. Using silicone sealant in a bathroom for sealing cracks in the tub and shower will create a more durable seal without needing to frequently re-apply.
Sealing joints on a damp surface should be strongly avoided, since silicone sealants generally do not adhere as well to moist substrates. If you want durable joints, never apply sealant in rain, freezing rain, snow or heavy fog.
Most new faucets include a gasket of some type to create a seal between the faucet and the sink, but it's still a good idea to apply a bead of clear silicone caulk to the bottom of the faucet and the bottom of the gasket to ensure a good seal.
Hercules® Plumbers Caulk™ is a commercial-grade, easy-to-use, single component, siliconized acrylic-latex non-sag caulk. It forms a flexible, durable, mildew and UV-resistant waterproof seal on interior and exterior surfaces.
Because of this, you do need something in addition to the bead of adhesive or sealant around the rim of the sink to support that weight. Silicone on its own definitely has holding power, but it must not be the only thing doing the work.
Afterwards, apply a bead of silicone caulk around the drain hole in the sink. Then, apply a second bead along the underside of the drain flange. Drop the drain flange carefully into the drain hole before applying pressure and pushing the flange down into the hole, making sure to get a tight seal between the two.
Acrylic-latex caulk, also known as latex or general-purpose caulk, is water-based and provides excellent adhesion to most common building materials, including wood. Unlike a silicone sealant, it is paintable once cured, produces fewer fumes, and can be cleaned up with mild soap and water rather than a chemical solvent.
Caulk makes your surface airtight and watertight. Silicone sealants, on the other hand, remain flexible for years which make them ideal for areas that are prone to expansion and contraction. Silicone has strong binding properties that can be applied to almost any surface both indoors and outdoors.
Silicone and Caulk are both commonly used as sealants, but they are not the same thing. Caulk is composed of silicone components but the difference lies in elasticity. Using silicone as a sealant will provide objects with more flexibility; the ability to expand and contract freely.
The key difference between the two is the material compound. Plumber's putty is soft sealing material and that means it won't harden over time, making it easy to disassemble or remove after several years. Silicone on the other hand, dries up and hardens over time, making it difficult to remove or work with again.
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.
Apply the caulk all the way around the rim of the sink from one end to the next. If you need to stop your line at any time, overlap the start of the new line with where you finished the last one. Pull away the painter's tape from the counter. Take the tape off while the caulk is still wet.
Both plumber's putty and silicone are sealing compounds designed to provide a water tight fit for pop up drains, sink strainers, undersides of fittings, showers and drains. Plumber's putty is more traditional while silicone caulking is a more modern product, but either one (in most cases) can get the job done.
As previously mentioned, silicone sealant is waterproof—so the mould doesn't actually grow on the surface of the product itself. Mould needs a damp surface on which to develop, and this is simply not possible on the sealant itself.
Because of its elasticity, any movement in the joint should be tolerated and the silicone won't tear. That's why it's better than acrylic caulk for larger joints. Silicone is ideal for rooms with higher moisture levels (like kitchens and bathrooms) as it is water-resistant.