I am installing a new stainless steel kitchen sink. Do you recommend plumber's putty or silicone sealant for the rim?

I like the durabilty of the silicone but it is a mess to clean up.
Thanks!

Oh boy, here we go! Perhaps you are not aware of the VOLUMES which have been shared on this topic here!

Anyway, I have recently been using silicone more, and it's not so bad! You need to better estimate the proper amount or size of bead. Obviously "not enough" is no good, but unlike putty where " more is better" because you just roll it off, silicone is harder to clean the excess. Denatured alcohol is an excellent cleaner....water is no good, and mineral spirits don't work that well.

Silicone works fine but what everyone makes the mistake of doing is trying to wipe up the excess right away.

Wait a hour and it pulls right up like a rope with no problems whatsoever.


So more is better to achieve that ability to pull it up like that. Smaller amounts require a flat edge or screwdriver to cut the seal at the edge of the ring.



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I use BOTH, If I use Silicone, I load it up, lightly press it in wipe the excess off the BOTTOM, PLace the gasket and the slip washer tighten the assy, let the excess that squeezes out on top stay RIGHT where it is, let it cure and then using a razor blade cut around the drain and pull off the excess.

PlumbCat TM 2003


Plumbermandan

Boy, Silicone has jumped to an early lead. I'm a silicone man too. Dunbar makes a good point about setting up. Let it get rubbery, it will make removal easier. Where's Coach?

Time for a momentum shift! Putty! Truth be told either will work well. Far more important is the selection of the basket strainer and proper installation. I recommend using a double cup basket strainer as they can be tightened much easier than the type that has a large dia. nut to tighten. I rarely see those large nut units installed correctly. Also avoid using plastic units as they lack the strength needed for a leak free seal. If you use anthing other than the double cup basket strainer make sure that you glue it in with silicone its your only chance not to leak. I prefer a good solid mechanical conection myself that is why I use the double cup strainer and putty.



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the question is what to put under the rim of the sink.
a good grade of latex caulking is best. easy clean up and a lasting seal.
putty was used for years but i question it's longevity in that application.
cast iron or porcelain sinks are always set in good caulking but they don't have clips to secure them.
sealing the faucet or strainer to the sink is another topic.
if you do use silicone, denatured alcohol cleans it up. (before it sets up)

i agree with packy. i for one have NEVER used putty under the rim of a sink.

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Sorry, I should have read more than putty vs silicone Packy is correct latex caulk under the rim.

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Our sink came with silicon...it was a pain to work with...but it seems fine...

i couldn't disagree with latex, however.... nice and easy to work with.

Didn't read into it enough. Agree to agree!

Flip a coin. That is an ongoing debate and those that prefer one are never persuaded to change by debating the other side.

Wait around for an hour...what happens if you don't have an hour and want to test tight away????.Real Plumbers use Putty

test what?

Right on Coach!

[www.herchem.com]
Look at this. I might give it a try.

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"You can't get there from here"
Berry/Buck/Mills/Stipe



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