2006-11-02 00:24:42 · 7 answers · asked by carobygirl 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
This is one of the things I do for a living, and alot of these other answers are not good advice. I would need to know the specific situation to advise. Please email me if you would like.
In general, yes you can use caulk to replace grout, but only in certain situations, and then you might find that you need multiple applications. Again, email with specifics and I can tell you exactly what to do, and how to go about it.
2006-11-02 19:28:53 · answer #1 · answered by theminnguy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That depends on where the grout is located. The very bottom edge should be caulking and not grout to allow for movement up and down or expansion. It also helps prevent leaks better by doing so.
All of the rest should be grout. They have a little saw tooth hand tool to remove the old grout. After you remove the old grout and wipe down the surface clean, you can trowel in new grout. Keep the trowel at about 45 degrees. Go over it a second time to smooth it out. Then come back about 10-30 minutes later with a moist spunge to wipe the excess off. Go over it with the sponge about 2-3 times and on the last time follow with a dry cloth. Come back the next day and use a spray can of sealer (can be found a Lowe's and it works much quicker) then give the sealer several hours to dry and you're done.
You normally want to clean and reseal the grout about once every 5 years.
2006-11-02 01:25:09 · answer #2 · answered by devilishblueyes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Grout is a concrete mixture. It is porous. Bathtub grout is usually sealed at initial installation with a waterproof glaze. Over time this glaze wears out and you begin seeing cracks in the grout. Typically, the grout line along the tub and between the tub and tile will crack first. Using clear or colored caulk is the standard repair in this area. It is best if you remove that grout line completely. This will usually expose a fair-sized gap. Use a foam product called gap-filler to fill the void. Then apply your caulking over this for a nice clean finish. If you tub surround is tiled do not use caulking to repair these thin lines of grout. Clean them out with a grout removal tool and replace with fresh grout. Glaze the new grout.
2006-11-02 00:36:49 · answer #3 · answered by mellow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
remove as much as grout as you can. If alot doesn't come of then use paint remover. Leave it on for about 15 mintues but keep an eye on it. Then let it dry. peel it off, then put the caulking ot sealant around the bathtub.
2006-11-02 00:36:25 · answer #4 · answered by skull 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
always remove as much old grout as possible before adding new caulking. remember to let dry before u start and allow enough time for the caulk to dry before using the tub again.
2006-11-02 00:28:19 · answer #5 · answered by special 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, it's just more expensive.
You need to use 100% silicone caulking.
And, it's going to be messy.
2006-11-02 00:29:18 · answer #6 · answered by timc_fla 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not only ok, it's better since it's less likely to crack.
2006-11-02 00:30:03 · answer #7 · answered by daffyduct2006 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋