Touching up bathtub caulk

Posted by Jimmy on October 30, 2009, 12:05 pm

I just re-caulked a bath tub for the first time. In one spot, I took
off a little too much caulk when smoothing the bead, and when the
caulk dried, a harline gap formed between the caulk and the edge of
the tiles, about an inch long.

I used an acrylic tub caulk. Is there any way to fix this by adding a
little bit of caulk in the gap, or some other product? If I do have
to remove everything and recaulk it, can I redo just that caulk line,
or do I have to redo the whole tub?

Jimmy

Posted by on October 30, 2009, 2:38 pm

> I just re-caulked a bath tub for the first time. =A0In one spot, I took
> off a little too much caulk when smoothing the bead, and when the
> caulk dried, a harline gap formed between the caulk and the edge of
> the tiles, about an inch long.
> I used an acrylic tub caulk. =A0Is there any way to fix this by adding a
> little bit of caulk in the gap, or some other product? =A0If I do have
> to remove everything and recaulk it, can I redo just that caulk line,
> or do I have to redo the whole tub?

Redo the whole tub? You can't possibly be serious...

You can do whatever you want. Patching up the gap is fine but you'll
see the patch. It will look a lot better if you do the whole line over
so you can hide the gaps in the corners.

Posted by norminn@earthlink.net on October 30, 2009, 3:04 pm

Jimmy wrote:

> I just re-caulked a bath tub for the first time. In one spot, I took
> off a little too much caulk when smoothing the bead, and when the
> caulk dried, a harline gap formed between the caulk and the edge of
> the tiles, about an inch long.
>
> I used an acrylic tub caulk. Is there any way to fix this by adding a
> little bit of caulk in the gap, or some other product? If I do have
> to remove everything and recaulk it, can I redo just that caulk line,
> or do I have to redo the whole tub?
>
> Jimmy

Did you wipe the tub and tile with bleach prior to caulking? If not, I
would re-do the whole thing, as you are likely to have mildew growing
under the caulk; will cause, at least, discoloration and constantly
fighting more mildew growth. I would use nothing but silicone caulk for
tub or shower. I've redone almost every caulking job I've
undertaken...practice, practice, practice :o) I also tape the edges
with painters tape and remove the tape right away. On the tub side,
tape isn't as helpful because if a little caulk squeezes beyond the edge
of the tip, you can let it cure, trim with razor blade, and peel off the
extra little bead.

Posted by DerbyDad03 on October 30, 2009, 3:57 pm

wrote:

> Jimmy wrote:

> > I just re-caulked a bath tub for the first time. =A0In one spot, I took
> > off a little too much caulk when smoothing the bead, and when the
> > caulk dried, a harline gap formed between the caulk and the edge of
> > the tiles, about an inch long.
> > I used an acrylic tub caulk. =A0Is there any way to fix this by adding =

> > little bit of caulk in the gap, or some other product? =A0If I do have
> > to remove everything and recaulk it, can I redo just that caulk line,
> > or do I have to redo the whole tub?
> > Jimmy

> Did you wipe the tub and tile with bleach prior to caulking? =A0If not, I
> would re-do the whole thing, as you are likely to have mildew growing
> under the caulk; will cause, at least, discoloration and constantly
> fighting more mildew growth. =A0I would use nothing but silicone caulk fo=

> tub or shower. =A0I've redone almost every caulking job I've
> undertaken...practice, practice, practice :o) =A0I also tape the edges
> with painters tape and remove the tape right away. =A0On the tub side,
> tape isn't as helpful because if a little caulk squeezes beyond the edge
> of the tip, you can let it cure, trim with razor blade, and peel off the
> extra little bead.

re: ...practice, practice, practice...

If you really want to learn how to caulk, replace all of the windows
in your house. Considering the windows themselves (inside and out) and
all of the gaps around the aluminum and/or vinyl trim, there's a lot
of caulking to do.

Start at the upper back, or at whatever window is the hardest to see.
By the time you work your way around to the most visible windows,
you'll be pretty d*mn good at it. If time allows, practice on all of
the interiors first since that bead will be covered by trim.

re: I also tape the edges with painters tape and remove the tape right
away.

I used to use tape, but I always ending up with a ridge that needed to
be smoothed anyway.

Now I use the right amount of caulk for the size of the gap (using
backer rod if needed) and smooth it with a wet finger.

I still hate caulking, but I'm not *afraid* of it anymore.

Posted by Jules on October 30, 2009, 5:19 pm

On Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:57:39 -0700, DerbyDad03 wrote:

> If you really want to learn how to caulk, replace all of the windows
> in your house. Considering the windows themselves (inside and out) and
> all of the gaps around the aluminum and/or vinyl trim, there's a lot
> of caulking to do.

I was just doing some of mine yesterday (not replacing - but the previous
owners had never sealed them inside. I did the exteriors last year, just
never got around to the interior - but I figure they leak cold air from
within the walls, so I'm best doing them now the weather's getting
cooler)

> Now I use the right amount of caulk for the size of the gap (using
> backer rod if needed) and smooth it with a wet finger.

Yeah, me too. Hardest part I always found was knowing when to back off on
the gun's trigger so it stops oozing out at the right spot, rather than
caulk pouring out long after I'm done :-) Got it down to an art these
days, though...

> I still hate caulking, but I'm not *afraid* of it anymore.

I've never minded it. Painting I hate, though. If there's somewhere I'm
not supposed to be getting the paint, that's where it'll end up... I
usually delegate painting jobs to the wife.

cheers

Jules

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