off, scrape and dry, apply new white calk and let dry for 2 days and within a month it still starts to peel off. Should I get the clear sealant?...like the rubbery kind? Would that be better than the white calk? Any other ideas on what I could possibly be doing wrong would be appreciated. Thanks.
2007-02-15 07:29:29 · 10 answers · asked by Corona 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Your funk is melting it off the tile.
2007-02-15 07:36:47 · answer #1 · answered by Patrick H 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
First question is: Is the wall and surrounding material(s) dry or perhaps have some form of mildew or mold on it? It's possible that the walls and surroundings are too moist for the caulking to stick. The other possibility is the caulk is the wrong kind for bathroom wall use. When in doubt, because of its superior strength and durability, use silicone. It's waterproof, has a good heat tolerance and is flexible enough for most temperature changes of the surrounding materials! The second question is: What did you use to clean off the walls after removal of the old caulk? You could still have some cleaner residue left on the showers' wall AFTER clean-up. Use some acetone after water and bleach clean-up to be sure of a residue free surface next time! If the shower has tiling, use a grouting material and then a good sealant over the grouting to help prevent mildew and staining!
2007-02-15 07:42:57 · answer #2 · answered by mangamaniaciam 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try this:
Use a putty knife to remove most of the caulk, take a straight edge razor(Use a holder too) and clean the caulk again. Let it dry for 2 days before trying to caulk. After dry time, take rubbing alcohol and clean the entire surface. Wait and let it evaporate completely. Cut the nozzle tip at a 45 degree just under size of the largest area to caulk and begin in a corner. Apply a steady bead along one wall and then take a moist finger and smooth the caulk down and remove the excess. Use a paper towel to clean your finger as needed.This is the finish you will always see so take your time to make it look nice. Don't saturate the caulk with water, just wet your finger ( I use a wet towel) to keep the caulk from sticking to me. Repeat procedure for the remaining walls.
Let dry per manufaturers recommendations.
A note here: Caulk is not intended to bond loose surfaces. If you walls move, no caulk will stay. I learned that even a little give will allow the caulk to come away. If you have something like a shower stall, after you clean the old caulk out, try to see if there is any play in the wall. YOu may have to reapply the liquid nail to the surround if it is loose.
2007-02-15 09:11:54 · answer #3 · answered by Ann S 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have seen this problem many times. Usually it is caused by water that is held in the walls. It will either not let the new caulk fully cure on the back side or it will not hold where youcant see it because the material is saturated. You can try scraping the old caulk out and letting it sit unused for a week or two, if you have another bathroom, and let it air dry the best it can. Then recaulk it again. It may or may not work. There may be no way to cure the problem without ripping out walls and starting over.
2007-02-15 22:42:45 · answer #4 · answered by ender3113 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure the caulk you are using is approved for bathrooms. Change what you clean your tub with. Allow the caulk to dry in cool conditions for 3-4 days, and make sure you thoroughly clean the surface (scrape, use rubbing alcohol) before applying.
Chances are something oil-based is preventing the caulk from adhering.
If none of those suggestions work, you better stop taking showers and have your water tested before your skin starts peeling off rapidly!
:)
2007-02-15 07:42:59 · answer #5 · answered by ITSakunspiracy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Caulking isn't good for tiles in the shower. You need to go to home depot and pick up a bucket of tile grout. You scrap off the caulking and then apply the grout with a spatula (ask the employee at home depot for the right tool - since I can't remember the name) anyway, apply the grout into the corners of the tiles and wipe off excess if necessary. Let Dry. You Will be fine.
2007-02-15 07:39:47 · answer #6 · answered by Sasha 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
you are doing the right things, but I would also try to wet the caulk when you are applying so that it sinks into the grooves better. The white caulk is the best for showers.
2007-02-15 07:38:06 · answer #7 · answered by Water weasels 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
make sure the surface is clean and free of residue from the previous caulk, also make sur the surface is good & dry before application. Go to Lowe's to buy it, and ask the sales guy what would be the best brand/texture for your situation
2007-02-15 07:37:28 · answer #8 · answered by margarita 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Make sure the caulk is specifically for bathrooms first. If it is, it's probably what you are cleaning it with. If you are cleaning with a cleaner that has bleach or ammonia, that's probably the culprit.
2007-02-15 08:10:56 · answer #9 · answered by surelycoolgirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
peel off old caulk. it must then be CLEANED thoroughly. ( dust, etc.) then clean with alcohol. clear or white doesnt matter so long as it is tub & tile (for bath use) its on the tube. good luck
2007-02-15 07:40:45 · answer #10 · answered by earlanon 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋