I notice in my new house that the shower has a very long and perfect bead of translucent caulk...and the question I have...Which is the best product to use?
(The shower is like fiberglass) ...
Too many choices...Silicone I, Silicone II...and is it better to use a caulking gun or just use those products where you hand apply?
Thanks!
2007-01-26 13:37:43 · 8 answers · asked by porcelainity 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
I used a clear silicone caulk and mold quickly developed in and behind it. I intend to remove as much as possible, wash thoroughly with a chlorine bleach, dry thoroughly, and replace with a white caulk with a mildew preventative, not silicone. I have not had much success with squeezable tubes. They are too hard to squeeze out for an old guy like me, and the end seam has ruptured on me. I prefer a caulking gun. Since your shower is fiberglass, be sure to read the information on the tube of whichever product you decide to use. There are inexpensive tools you can use to make a smooth, near perfect bead. Using your finger is time-honored method, but not with silicone. It doesn't wash off.
2007-01-26 14:06:46 · answer #1 · answered by greydoc6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm assuming you were wanting detailed advice. Scrape out all that old caulk and spray straight bleach everywhere to kill the mildew. Let everything dry good. Be sure to use caulk labeled for shower/tub use. Cut the tip off the caulk so the hole is the size of the bead of caulk for the seams you'll be covering. Have plenty of wet rags ready. Squeeze the caulk out in a continuous bead down each seam.You may want to practice this on a piece of cardboard or something 'til you get the hang of the caulk gun. It's not really hard. Then use a finger to smooth the caulk so it covers the seam evenly-this is where the rags come in! You can wear rubber gloves but still will need to wipe finger. Let this dry according to the instructions on the caulk(usually 24 hours) before using shower. With the prep time,letting everything get good and dry,you may want t o arrange to use a friend's shower if you don't have another because it could take like 2 days before you can have a shower! Good luck-it's really not hard.
2016-05-24 03:54:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The silicone based is the best for shower/tub and that's what it should say "shower/tub" as far as applying it a caulking gun works the best. There's an art to a good caulk job and that is a wet, GENTLE finger and that's not a joke. Cut a 45 degree angle in your tube of caulk and not a large one, if you look close at the tip you'll see the lines engraved in it, pick in between the 1st and second one this should be a good bead for you, take your time a squeeze out your bead of caulk around one wall at a time and with a wet rag moisten your index finger and gently drag it along the bead, if not acceptable take the rag and wipe it off and start over, you'll have plenty to work with. Good luck
2007-01-26 13:55:16 · answer #3 · answered by Les the painter 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I prefer a caulking gun. You can use either silicone or bath and tile sealer. For the best looking bead, apply masking tape on both sides of the crack to be caulked. Apply a 1/4" bead of the caulking material and remove the tape. This will leave you with a straight even bead.Remember that most of the caulking materials require a 24 hour or more curing time before they can be subjected to water.
2007-01-26 13:53:19 · answer #4 · answered by Likalotapus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I prefer the hand tubes of caulk. I think you get a better line and you end up smoothin it with your finger anyway. As far as the kind of caulk, what matters most is what the tube says. If it says it it designed for use with fiberglass, you should be fine.
Also, if the area you would like to caulk is adjacent to a wall, I would look for "paintable" caulk. That way, if your line isn't perfect, you can touch it up with your kid's watercolor paintbrush and whatever paint you used to paint your walls with.
2007-01-26 13:43:32 · answer #5 · answered by christiangirl67 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any silicone caulk is good.... using a caulk gun is easier and less messy.... you can place a small bead where you need and spread w/ your finger.
BEWARE: silicone stinks terribly, but the smell dissipates in a few days.
Be Blessed!
2007-01-26 13:47:04 · answer #6 · answered by ramzee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
either silicone will work well.....i use the tubes that u cut the end off on a 45'o angle and caulk.....trick is to make it a small hole at the tip...
try and use the caulk so that u dont have to "run ur finger over it" to wipe u excess....silicone will smear easy....take ur time and go slow......
lic. gen.contractor
2007-01-26 13:45:48 · answer #7 · answered by bigg_dogg44 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I got "caulked" in a shower once.
2007-01-26 13:42:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋