I've installed a couple of new sinks myself over the years, and yeah, sealing them properly is always trickier than it looks on those DIY videos. Seems straightforward until you're down there, cramped under the cabinet, trying to maneuver silicone caulk into a neat bead without making a mess. The struggle is definitely real.
About the silicone mats—I haven't personally tried one yet, but after reading this thread I'm tempted. My main hesitation has always been the cleaning factor too. I have one of those metal grids right now, and it's decent enough for protecting dishes, but the little rubber feet eventually get gunked up, and it's a pain to clean around the wire structure. Maybe silicone mats are easier in that regard? Being able to quickly rinse or even toss them in the dishwasher sounds appealing.
On the other hand, I wonder if water tends to pool underneath them. I'm a bit paranoid about moisture buildup leading to mold or discoloration after a while, especially on lighter-colored sinks. Has anyone noticed issues with staining or mildew underneath these mats?
Either way, tackling a kitchen project like this deserves some kudos. Every time I've thought "this'll be easy," I've ended up spending half the weekend troubleshooting something unexpected. You're definitely not alone in finding out home improvement projects rarely go as smoothly as planned...
Totally relate to the silicone caulk struggle—every time I think I've mastered it, I end up with sticky fingers and uneven lines. Curious about the silicone mats too...do they really dry out underneath, or is it a hidden mold trap waiting to happen?
I've had mixed luck with silicone mats. They're great at protecting surfaces, but yeah, moisture can get trapped underneath if you're not careful. I usually lift mine every few days just to air things out...better safe than moldy, right?
"I usually lift mine every few days just to air things out...better safe than moldy, right?"
Fair point, but honestly, silicone mats can be more trouble than they're worth. I've seen plenty of kitchens where moisture sneaks underneath unnoticed, causing discoloration or even warping over time. If you're really worried about protecting surfaces, maybe consider a breathable liner or even just a simple drying rack setup. Less hassle, less mold risk, and fewer surprises down the road.
I had a similar issue when we redid our kitchen last summer. Thought silicone mats were the way to go, but after a few weeks, I noticed some weird discoloration starting under the sink area. Turns out moisture was getting trapped underneath, just like you mentioned. I switched it out for a breathable mesh liner—basically just cut-to-size shelf liner material—and the difference was noticeable almost immediately. No more damp smell or worrying about hidden mold.
If you're still set on silicone though, maybe just make sure you're lifting it regularly to let things air out. But honestly, I found the breathable liner easier, cheaper, and way less hassle overall. Plus, you can toss it and replace it whenever it starts looking worn or stained. Just my two cents from someone who's been there...
