Should I use plumber's putty on acrylic sink?

Question

I have the pretty shinny acrylic kitchen sink by Thermocast from Home Depot. I want to install the metal sink strainer and disposer to it. But, according the instruction on Oatey Stainless Plumbers Putty, I can only use it on stainless steel sinks. Well, there isn't any info anywhere. please help. thanks.

Answer 1

I might have looked at other brands of putty. I've used plumbing putty on many species of sink material, never with any ill effects.

   The putty has no reactive chemicals in to to speak of that would damage any acrylic, a substance that in the general sense, will be in landfills for millions of years beyond any steel substance.

   I notice however in re-reading, you clearly state "Oatey STAINLESS Plumbers Putty" I suspect they may be correct in that sense. Did you read any info on the container, and no offense, but why buy stainless putty for an Acrylic sink??? I seriously doubt Oatey included the word "stainless" in the context of "Will not stain"???

Just my two "sense"

Answer 2

plumber's putty is pretty much the only acceptable water tight sealant used on basket strainers when installing on any sink..... i myself have an almond american standard acrylic kitchen sink and no problems to date at all......you should not have any issues.....

Answer 3

Yes

Absolutely.

Most plumex, (as us refined plumbers call it), is safe to use, except on real marble.

As I just wrote, do not use it on real marble.

Synthetic marble products can receive plumbers putty just fine.

Answer 4

I can't speak of Oatey brand putty first hand but plumbers putty is used and intended for use on cast iron and stainless sinks because it can make acrylic sinks spider crack around the drain hole.  If you have ever had a vanity top in your bathroom that had the drain set with p-putty you probably have seen evidence of this activity around the drain stopper.  For years no one knew what the cause was and plumbers continued to set all drains with p-putty.(some still do)  FYI this takes a long time to occur so many installers don't or didn't know that they were doing it wrong.  The putty will seal your drain instantly while caulk will take up to 24 hours to to dry so pick your poison.

Answer 5

The doc is right, I have used it as well as my father in law (general contractor) with no problems. I don't think I would use anyhting else to install a drain on a sink.