Home maintenance can be a complex and scary beast, especially because not every homeowner has the time or the inclination to become knowledgeable about the topic.

Since most people don’t think about home repair until there is a problem, plenty of people are clueless when it comes to the odds and ends of their homes.

I’m going to answer one of the most common questions I see about kitchens and kitchen maintenance. A question about one of the most perplexing things the unaware might encounter in their kitchen: that little black pad under their kitchen sink.

What Is The Black Pad Under The Kitchen Sink?

The purpose of the black pad glued to the underside of a metal kitchen sink is a type of baffle or sound deadening patch. Stainless steel sinks are very good at amplifying noise vibrations, and this patch will help to absorb the vibrations.

The black pad you found under the kitchen sink reduces these vibrations and dampens the sound made by water and/or kitchen utensils.

Pro-Tip: If the black pad under your kitchen sink falls off, you can simply glue it back on and it will fulfill its primary function like normal.

There is a second type of black pad found under kitchen sinks. This second type resembles a rectangular mat, and it is typically made of rubber or felt. The purpose of this pad is to protect the delicate wooden surface of your sink cabinet from spills and leaks.

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, then it’s likely that your sink doesn’t have a black pad underneath.

A steel sink with a sound deadening patch

Do All Kitchen Sinks Have Black Padding?

Not all kitchen sinks will have a black pad glued to their underside. So, if you take a peek under your kitchen sink and don’t see one, don’t fret. This doesn’t mean that your sink is defective or that it is inferior to one that does.

If your kitchen sink does not have a black pad attached to its underside, you may likely find some form of undercoating to reduce noise and improve insulation.

This layer of undercoating, which is usually made out of a spongy foam-like material, is applied to the underside of metallic sinks to significantly reduce vibrations and, thus, reduce the noise made by your running water and dishes as they are washed.

Whether you find a black pad or a layer of undercoating underneath your kitchen sink will depend on the particular model of sink you have. Some manufacturers will even include both a black pad and a layer of undercoating to provide exceptional levels of insulation and noise reduction.

And if your sink happens to have neither, don’t worry. As it turns out, undercoating a kitchen sink is a rather simple fix, and installing a black pad is even easier.

How To Undercoat A Sink Or Replace The Undercoating (How To Replace Sink Sound Pads)

First, sand down the outer surface of the sink to eliminate any imperfections and smooth patches.

After you have completely sanded down the undersurface of the sink, wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth to remove any debris and dust. This is the only way to ensure that your undercoat adheres properly to the metal surface.

Next, apply a layer of primer to the underside of the sink. Use a clean paintbrush or a small roller. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

Use a clean brush and apply a coat of your preferred undercoating paint. Make sure to apply an even coat that covers the entire surface since any uneven patches will reduce the undercoating’s efficiency. Once dry, you may apply a second coat to maximize the effects of the undercoating.

Plumber replacing the black pad under the sink

It is as simple as that. All you need is a bit of sandpaper, a bit of primer, a brush or two, and undercoating paint. As long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and apply the coat of undercoating properly, you can expect years of useful life.

On the other hand, if your sink used to have a black pad underneath and it fell off, replacing it is even simpler.

Once you have purchased the replacement pad, clean the area of the sink’s underside on which you wish to install the pad. Make sure it is free of debris and dry, before removing the backing off and pressing the pad on its desired spot.

And, voila! You now have a brand new black pad under the kitchen sink.