Caulking The Kitchen Sink

Tools:

bucket and towel
caulking gun
utility knife
5-in-1 painter's tool
flat-head screwdriver
duct tape
nails
safety goggles
caulk
rubber gloves
bleach

1. Cut along the base of the sink with the utility knife and peel away old caulk (figure A). Go all the way around the sink.

2. Clean out remaining caulk with the painter's tool or putty knife.

3. A big flat-head screwdriver comes in handy for scraping out old caulk behind the sink (figure B).

4. Make a solution of one part bleach to three parts water and wipe around the sink to remove mildew. Wear safety goggles and rubber gloves when working with bleach.

5. Trim the nozzle of the caulk tube at a slant using the utility knife and pop tube into the caulk gun.

6. Run a bead of caulk around the sink (figure C). Go slowly and be patient. Let the caulk dry for 24 hours before using the sink. Also wait until the caulk is dry before trimming away any mistakes using the utility knife.

7. Here's a little bonus tip for saving remaining caulk: Place nail in the tip of the caulk tube, then wrap a piece of tape around the tip (figure D). This will keep the caulk usable for about two months, but not much longer.