Re-caulking Between Granite Countertop and Backsplash

by Pegg
(St James City, Florida, USA)

QUESTION:

The bead of silicone between my black granite countertop and backsplash is turning white and rubbery.


Water does get on it from the sink. They used a clear caulking instead of a color (black). Should I try to remove it and re-caulk?

ANSWER:

Yes, go ahead and re-caulk the kitchen backsplash and countertop seam if it is breaking down, coming loose, changing color or otherwise looking bad.

Why it is turning white is a bit of a mystery to me, but they may have used clear because the black may have stood out too much... unless both the granite countertop and backsplash are black.

You should carefully remove all the original caulk first though, clean both surfaces well with acetone, make sure completely dry and use 100% silicone caulk.

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Clear Shiny Caulk on New Black Quartz Countertops
by: LEE

Brand new quartz countertop and backsplash in flat black color.

The installer used clear caulking which is shiny and very noticeable. Any suggestions?

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Tear out the caulk and re-caulk with a matte black 100% silicone caulk.

You may have to hunt around a bit and/or test a couple to find one that isn't too shiny. Most caulk will have a bit of a sheen.

Clear caulk is often used with the idea that it will allow the natural color and pattern to show through a little and blend better.

But if the gap is large, or the caulk line is thick, or poorly applied, then clear silicone can look pretty ugly vs. a colored caulk.

The other option is to paint the caulk with matte black if the caulk is paintable.

But pretty much any paint you use will eventually come off especially around the sink areas where the caulk is constantly exposed to water.

Replacing the caulk is the best long-term solution.
Help with mildew in granite countertop caulking
by: Anonymous

I have relatively new kitchen (18 mos.) and already have black behind my faucet (only), despite the clear caulking.

I can only assume water got in even though I see no breaks can I remove only part of the run?

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Behind the kitchen sink faucet is a trouble area in most kitchens. This space is often narrow and thus hard to clean well but is always wet and warm. Perfect conditions for mold and mildew growth.

First, use a Mold & Mildew Stain Remover. This may solve the problem.

Keep it on hand along with your best granite cleaner and use regularly.

However, it may be that the mold/mildew has grown into the caulk or moisture has gotten behind the caulk and mold is growing there.

The caulk may look intact but it can be hard to see small gaps or areas where the caulk is not sealed well. And with constant exposure to water some will get behind he caulking.

If the mold is still there after cleaning with the above mildew cleaner product, then yes.... you'll need to remove and replace the caulking.

It's fine to remove only part of the run of caulk. Just overlap the ends a bit with the new caulking.
Caulking discoloration - removal
by: Anonymous

The caulk between my granite and tile backsplash turned dark yellow, even 15 feet away from the sink! We plan to remove it and re-caulk with clear 100% silicone. Any suggestions for removing the old caulk?

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

There's no trick really. Just carefully scrape it out using a stiff flat plastic scraper tool. Then clean grout line with acetone.
Granite backsplash vs bead of silicone
by: Anonymous

I love the look of a granite counter and tile backsplash (with bead of silicone) but my kitchen adviser is recommending a short (2"? 3"?) granite blacksplash to prevent water damage along the seam.

Do you also recommend this?

==== Countertop Specialty comment:

Maybe I don't understand completely, but there will still be a seam with a granite backsplash just like with a tile backsplash.

And what will be damaged from water? The granite? No. The tile backsplash? No. The silicone caulk? No.

You should install whatever style of backsplash that you like. If installed well, the seam won't ever be an issue.
Exact same problem
by: Anonymous

I could have written this as ours is doing the same. It actually did it from the very beginning of having our quartz installed. We are scheduled to have ours redone with black because I think they should be aware of the problem.

Since scheduling this, every communication from the company refers to the necessity to not use it for 24 hrs as if we used it too soon in the first place, but we didn't even have plumbing in for well over 24 hrs. So, yes, why it turns white IS a mystery.

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