If i was to caulk my tub?
Question:How long before I caulk do I have to not use shower or bath and how long after can I not use the shower or bath? The old caulk is almost all gone already could there be moisture behind the shower surround stuff? Is this a problem? Is there any particular caulk I should use? Do I need a gun or could I just use my hands? Can you explain how to do it? Or possibly just come over and do it for me? only kidding but I do need help with this I have to get it done is disgusting and moldy looking. Thanks
Answers:
First remove all of the old caulk & make sure all surfaces are clean & dry. Overnight drying period should be sufficient in most cases.
They do make caulk in a squeeze tube, but it costs more, & is'nt as consistent as tube caulk.
Pick up a caulk gun (a dripless one is best).
Usually 2 tubes of kitchen & bath caulk is enough to do a standard tub/shower.
Caulk comes in a choice of colors, white being the most popular, but there's no quality difference if you want a different color.
Buy a good quality caulk(DAP is excellent).
A home improvement center can help you with getting the right materials for the job.
Get a couple rolls of cheap paper towels as well.
When you're ready to caulk, cut tthe tip of the tube of caulk about 1/2" back from the point & pierce it. A good caulk gun comes with a nail like piece of metal riveted to the bottom front of the gun.A Use that to poke down into the opening in the tube tip & wipe off caulk.
Place the caulk into the gun & push the plunger arm until it makes contact with the "push piston" just inside the caulk tube.
Start from the top back side of the tub/shower surround & work across from one corner to the other, distributing an even bead of caulk into the crack.
Do the sides next starting from the top again.
With a wet finger, gently smooth caulk into an even concave consistent bead.
If you mess up, do'nt worry wet caulk is very forgiving.
If excess caulk builds up on your fingers, wipe it off with hte paper towels.
A good dry time is 24 hours.
Hope this helped you out, good luck!!
They have squeeze tubes so no gun needed it should have 24 hrs. to cure if its wet behind the wall it should be dried out first try a hair dryer but not too close or you could burn down the house apply caulk and smooth with your finger Good luck
PS remove all old caulk and clean area
do all the things that he mentioned above but i find that wiping the surface with denatured alcohol prior to applying the caulking gives better adhesion. also make sure that you use 100% silicone caulk, done right you will get many years of service before you must do it again
Above suggestions are all great, I just want to add a little detail. A painter's tape on both sides of the joint will give you a professional-looking job!
Before recaulking, remove existing caulk so that you can start from scratch. To be on the safe side, wait 24 hours before and after the work to be done.
Removing the caulk isn't as hard as it appears. One company makes a product called Caulk-Be-Gone and another makes an Adhesive & Caulk Remover, two commercial products that can assist you in the job. These products are specially formulated to soften caulk for easy removal.
After the caulk has softened (it may take a few hours), remove it with a plastic putty knife. Clean the joint with paint thinner and wipe the area dry with a clean rag.
Then clean the joint with this famous mildew cleaner:
1. Add 1 quart of liquid chlorine bleach to 3 quarts of warm water.
2. Add 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent.
3. Mix thoroughly and place in a spray bottle.
4. Spray the mixture onto the mildewed area. Let it sit until the black mildew turns white. Rinse with fresh water.
Although this mixture is mild, don't forget to wear gloves and eye protection and make sure the area is well ventilated. Make sure the detergent you use is ammonia free. Mixing bleach with a solution containing ammonia can release a dangerous gas harmful to your lungs.
Immediately after eradicating the mildew, use a hair dryer or a hot air gun to thoroughly dry out the area. The joint can now be re-caulked.
Use a roll of blue painter's masking tape for a professional-looking job. Apply the tape to the tub 1/8-inch from the joint. Next, apply another strip of tape along the wall, 1/8-inch from the joint. Now the caulking will go between the two pieces of tape, making straight, smooth lines.
Apply tub and tile caulk into the joint and smooth it with your finger, an old teaspoon, or a caulking spreader. Immediately remove the tape by pulling it out and away from the freshly caulked joint. Be careful not to touch the caulk. Let it dry. You simply won't believe how beautiful your job will look.
More Related Questions & Answers...