Utility knife, Putty knife, Grout saw, Single edge razor blade, Caulking gun, Tube Silicone Caulk & Paper towels.
Before After
This is a perfect example of a lousy caulking job. It is latex, the wrong type of Caulking. The after pic is GE white Silicone.
The steps below are my method of re-caulking a vanity top.
Take your time and be persistant, it will happen.
Step OneStep two
Step one is to use a sharp utility knife to cut down into the top of the old caulking gliding your knife along the wall. Step two, cut into the side along the top of the ceramic tile or top of vanity. Use caution as not to cut yourself with the sharp blade.
Step three
Once you have run the knife through both sides of the old caulk, peel back the old caulk. You may have to cut a slit and lift it up with the putty knike to grab it to pull it back..
Step four
With a sharp putty knife remove the excess caulking running the putty knife under the caulk as you pull it up with your fingers. If necessary, run a single edged razor blade to remove any excess left behind. Wipe away all remaining caulk with a paper towel and discard in the trash.
Typical tools for this job, putty knife, utility knife, single edge razor blade, grout saw (only if you have ceramic tile for a back splash). The second pic is a a view of a ready vanity top. Wiped down clean with a disenfectant and dry. Be sure to get any and all loose caulk, grout and dust from surface. Make sure to remove any caulking from sink rim too.
Step five
Applying the caulk. I have chosen white for this application, the ceramic tile is white with gold specs as is the counter top. Run a thin bead of Silicone caulk along the base where the ceramic tile meets the vanity top, using slow steady pressure with the caulking gun. Then do the same at the top where the ceramic tile meets the wall. Start in the corner and go along with out stopping to keep the bead uniform.
Step seven
Lubricate the top of your finger with a little dishwashing liquid. With light pressure run your finger tip along the caulking to smooth out the silicone caulking. This will give a smooth finish to the caulk. Keep a paper towel handy to remove any excess caulk from your finger tip. Pay attention to detail as this is the finished product and remember to run your finger all the way in one direction, not stopping, if you stop, start again from the begining.
After you are done stand back and look at a job well done! Looks like new doesn't it..
Silicone caulking does not fully cure for 24 hours so be sure to be careful not to get the area wet.
