Self-adhesive caulk/ Sealing a bathtub?
Question:I'm in the process of resealing my bathtub area: I am removing the old caulk but I bought a self-adhesive caulk that doesn't require screws so it would be safer near the pipes. Does anyone have any good tips on how to make sure the caulk is close to the edges and sticks well? Or any general sealing advice?
Answers:
the rule of caulk---especially replacing caulk is lightly scrape or scrub all traces of old caulk and then clean with a solvent preferably alcohol or acetone. i strongly recommend using a 100% silicone for your tub rather than a self adhesive caulk. it seals much better, lasts much longer and is much easier to work with. a good trick for do it yourselfers is to use masking tape to get a good crisp edge. use blue painters tape and run a piece about an 1/8 to 3/8 (depending on how wide an area you are caulking) away from the corner to be caulked on both sides. then after you apply your bead of caulk between the two pieces of tape you can simply use a wet sponge or rag and drag it down the caulk from one end to the other to sculpt the caulk. when the caulk has dried, remove the tape
Im not sure why screws would be a worry, tubs only get screwed into the studs surrounding the tub before the walls are installed which should be to the top edge of the tub.
If your resealing your tub take your time to prep the area, preperation is the key to any repair.
Make sure it is clean of any dirt, debrit or any soap resadue or cleaning agent. It also must be dry.
Simply apply the caulk & moisten your finger tip and run it along the bead of caulk to push into gap.
The moist finger helps slide over the caulking.
Remove any excess caulk with a damp rag then let it cure for a min of 24 hours, if longer even better.
I personally do not like self adhesive for one reason.
After a period of time flys by and the moisture sets in, they come un stuck.
I like grout made myself and putty it in there and last for years and years and years.
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