The tube of GE Silicone II said it should cure in 24 hours. I made sure the tub was clean and dry for two nights prior to caulking. I have left the window open to help it dry but I am wondering if the humidity from the beach is slowing the drying process. It's been warm here in So. Cal as of late so I expected it to dry faster. Any tips?
2006-11-21 17:25:46 · 6 answers · asked by Huh? 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Sounds to me like you installed it too thick.
When you squeeze out the caulk bead, you're supposed to run your finger along it. (Use rubber gloves, if you must.) Squeeze out a foot or two, then run your finger over it. Do another foot or two, etc. Pros get very good at putting down a continuous 1/8" bead all the way then running their finger once with no excess. It's beautiful.
The purpose of this finger run is twofold:
1. It pushes the caulk back into the joint between the two materials perfectly (there's no better tool in this case than your finger).
2. It reduces the amount of caulk to only what you truly need. The directions on curing assume you installed it correctly.
It should end up about a 1/16" thick at worst case. Curing something that thick is easy. Curing something that is 1/4" or larger is going to take a week (maybe more).
The full size bead will need to be removed and re-done because it won't do what it's supposed to do. It has not been pushed in deeply between the materials and is, therefore, simply sitting on top. Besides caulk not being IN the joint, the shape will actually let water sit on top and leak between caulk bead and the material.
Sorry to bear bad news, but the caulk will come out with a window scraper razor blade real nicely.
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2006-11-21 18:07:17 · answer #1 · answered by James H 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Probably is the humidity. Maybe try you hair dryer on low heat for a half hour or so , going slowly around the tub edge.
(Hint: Next time don't use silicone, use the regular bright white plumbing caulk. It won't separate from the tub like silicone will.)
2006-11-21 17:32:44 · answer #2 · answered by paulbyr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may want to try a different caulk. Humidity can hault drying process for that sort of thing, also using too much of it. Did ya get the one that was labeled "tub/tile"? The tub/tile one is for areas that are exposed to alot of water, so it dries quick and stays flexible.
2006-11-21 17:33:34 · answer #3 · answered by censored_4_tv 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yeah if you live in a coastal area it could be sticky for awhile or even stay that way--depending on the caulk you use. sometimes it stays a little sticky but is still cured enough to start using the shower/bath. i'd say you've waited long enough and should go ahead and use the tub/shower and see what happens!
2006-11-21 17:33:54 · answer #4 · answered by KJC 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
RECHECK TOO MAKE SURE YOU USED THE RIGHT TYPE OF CAULK.SOME ALSO HAS ADHESIVE IN IT AND IT TAKES A BIT LONGER. TRY NOT TO HAVE ANY HUMIDITY IN THERE. DONT USE WATER AT ALL AND IF YOU HAVE A FAN IN THERE KEEP IT ON FOR A COUPLE DAYS.TOO MUCH HUMIDTY IS MOST LIKELY THE PROBLEM. REMEMBER NO WATER IN THERE NOT EVEN THE STEAM FROM THE SINK. GOOD LUCK AND DONT WORRY IT WILL DRY.
2006-11-21 18:36:13 · answer #5 · answered by lastchild1516 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should have used TUB and TILE caulk.Some silicone dont dry hard and feels sticky.oops
2006-11-22 02:19:52 · answer #6 · answered by Larry-Oklahoma 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋