Caulking on Countertops: How to Install & Other FAQs
Caulking, which means sealing gaps with filler products, is not a difficult task. But you can experience some troubles if you don’t do it right, so it’s still important to learn the correct way to do it. There are several different products you can use, and some work better than others, so it’s best to learn all about them first.
If you want to learn how to caulk on your countertops and to find out some answers to questions you might have in mind, keep on reading.
How to Install Caulking on Countertops
If you are planning to install caulking on your countertops, here are the things you need to do:
Buy an elastomeric or silicone caulk for your countertops. They are both water-resistant, so they would work well for your kitchen. However, while you’re shopping, you should take note to pick a colour that would match well with your current aesthetic.
Next, pull the plunger of the caulking gun all the way back. Then, insert it in the tub of the caulking product of your choice. Once it’s in, squeeze the tube a few times so you can advance the plunger.
Once you’re ready, cut the tip of the tube. Do note up to where you cut since the end is tapered. The farther you cut, the larger the hole will be. Be very careful with the hole you make, and make sure it is not too big to work for your needs.
Now’s the time to apply the caulk. Just squeeze the tube repeatedly until the caulk is visible. Then, pose the gun at a 45-degree angle before making the caulk come out, and then move the gun as smoothly as possible to cover the gap.
When you reach the end of the bead, relieve the pressure lever next to the trigger and lift the tip away. Immediately cover it with a rag, as the material will keep coming out.
Smoothen the bead by tooling it or running your finger alongside it. Once the job is done, don’t forget to clean your finger with acetone.
How to Clean Caulk off Laminate Countertops
If you make a mess and you need to clean caulk off your counter, here’s what you can do. Get a gelled silicone caulk remover like Silicone-Be-Gone. You just have to spread the remover over the laminate countertop. Wait until it softens and follow the rest of the instructions from the manufacturer. Once the caulk is removed, use a damp microfiber cloth and rub the area clean to make it look good as new.
How to Choose the Right Type of Caulk for Countertops
There are numerous caulk options you can choose for your countertops. Polyurethane and silicone are the most popular to go for as they do work best.
If you have glass countertops, you should use silicone and siliconised acrylic. On the other hand, you can also use gutter sealant or caulk, also known as butyl rubber, for different countertop styles.
Final Thoughts
By caulking your countertops, you can quickly refresh the look of your kitchen. However, if you want to do caulking right, make sure you follow the information you got from these tips today.
If you need caulking and sealing services, you should hire Quality Seal Australia. We operate under the guidance of Australian building standards and deliver satisfaction through our passion, knowledge, and experience. Contact us today to learn more.