Caulk leached up through granite counter top
#1
02-05-10, 07:48 AM
Caulk leached up through granite counter top
I just installed a granite vanity top in my bathroom. To adhere the granite top to the vanity base, I used polyseamseal caulk in four spots. The next day I notices darkend circles on top of the granite where the caulk was applied under the granite. Will these circles go away and should I wait for them to go away before I seal the top?
#2
02-05-10, 03:22 PM
Welcome to the forums! They probably won't go away. The polyseamseal has an oily base, and it is just finding its way to the top. You may wait a week or so to see if it subsides, but I doubt it. What did the granite manufacturer suggest as far as an attachment medium? Caulk is not used as an adhesive.
#3
02-05-10, 03:26 PM
Group Moderator
That's odd. The only thing I could imagine is that since polyseamseal is latex (unless you have a different kind) you have moisture (water vapor) coming out of the latex caulk that is making the spot. If so, yes it should go away (try blowing it with a hair dryer and see if it evaporates). You would definately want to wait and see if the spots dry out or go away. I agree that a different adhesive should have been used... one especially for granite.
#4
02-05-10, 05:34 PM
You're right that it is latex, but it seems to be more "oily" than pure latex caulk we use. Don't know, but surely it isn't supposed to be used on granite. Granite will absorb most anything. Maybe the OP will have good luck with the hair dryer in getting it dissipated.
#5
02-05-10, 08:24 PM
Thanks for all the posts! After doing some research it is pretty obvious now that polyseamseal was a bad choice. I only wish I did the research BEFORE installing the granite! I tried using a hair dryer with no affect. I put a fan on it and will leave it that way overnight. If the spots don't fade, I will have to replace the top. The good news is Home Depot agreed to replace the top at no charge. The bad news is I will probably tear up the wall and maybe the vanity base trying to remove the granite.
If I get a new granite top....what adhesive should I use? 100% silicone?
If I get a new granite top....what adhesive should I use? 100% silicone?
#7
02-05-10, 10:22 PM
Use 100% silicone as XSleeper says, but don't put it between the granite & vanity top. Instead set the top in place, then run a bead of silicone around the inside perimeter of the vanity where the top sits on it. That way the top can be removed by just cutting the silicone with a utility knife. If you'd rather, you can use clear silicone and run the bead around the outside of the vanity. Either way be sure to clean first with denatured alcohol. Good luck
