Looking for a caulking tip-
#1
Looking for a caulking tip-
I have completed my tile installation on the tub surround. The tile and grout are bone colored while the tub is bright white. I have bone silicone caulk that almost matches the grout. I also have a standard white silicone caulk. Both are 100% silicone.
Which would be better to use where the tile meets the top of the tub in order to get a clean job?
Which would be better to use where the tile meets the top of the tub in order to get a clean job?
#3
I think I would use the bone colored, something like Bisque.
Around here (San Diego) there are tile suppliers that have many colors of both sanded and non-sanded caulk. I can usually find a very close match to the grout.
I'd also recommend cloth rags and denatured alcohol to clean off the excess caulk.
Around here (San Diego) there are tile suppliers that have many colors of both sanded and non-sanded caulk. I can usually find a very close match to the grout.
I'd also recommend cloth rags and denatured alcohol to clean off the excess caulk.
#4
Which would be better
It is horrible stuff, mold will eventually grow under it and then you will be asking how to fix.
Try one of the newer silicon based bathroom caulks with microban. Have been using it for years and it great!
#5
If we get everyone to quit using silicone caulk, then you couldn't use your silicone based bathroom caulk with microban, could you? The key to using any product in a shower or other wet area is to have it completely dry before applying it, and letting it dry completely before running water over it. Mold has a tendency to grow behind caulks and it won't stop until you pull all the old out and dry it out again.
#6
Now that you have brought up the silicone and mold thing- I always thought to use 100% silicone, but reading all this makes me question that.
Which caulk should be used? Silicone, siliconized..... most all of them say something about mold free or mold resistant.
Which caulk should be used? Silicone, siliconized..... most all of them say something about mold free or mold resistant.
#7
It's bathroom "Siliconized latex".
Don't get me wrong, 100% Silicon has it;s place but not in a bathroom.
I've spent months, well many hours, scraping out clear silicone caulk with black mold behind it. Years later the replacement caulk is still looking good.
Just dont do it!
Don't get me wrong, 100% Silicon has it;s place but not in a bathroom.
I've spent months, well many hours, scraping out clear silicone caulk with black mold behind it. Years later the replacement caulk is still looking good.
Just dont do it!
#8
Forum Topic Moderator
The black mold behind the caulking is more of an indication that the tile and behind wasn't good and dry prior to applying the caulking. I've seen a lot of siliconized acrylic latex caulk that had mold.
#10
Forum Topic Moderator
Be sure to give it plenty of time to dry! Taking a hair dryer and passing it across the joint will often bring out moisture that is trapped behind.
#12
Forum Topic Moderator
Correct, if there is any moisture still in the wall a hair dryer or a heat gun will usually draw it out.