about caulk but my award-winning (I need the new sarcasm mark) photos were too bad to post…Hope your Friday is fabulous and your coffee robust! (www.homesanctuary.typepad.com)Jamie
Coffee Mug
Who cares about caulk? you ask. Everyone should care about caulk. We should more than care. Without caulk, our windows would be even draftier, our back splashes would have unsightly gaps, and we would constantly be yelling at our teenagers to get out of the shower because the water is pouring into the family room. Epiphany: Caulk is ultimately responsible for family harmony.
Caulk can also protect you from the evil mold, born when moisture seeps into places where it ought not to go.
I have tried many different kinds of caulk, usually from a squeeze tube. I thought a tube would be easier. It isn’t. This go-round, I used a two dollar caulk gun. It is not complicated, and there is no clean-up. Go for the gun. Also, I used a caulk recommended by Gary Sullivan, home improvement guru. Polyseamseal. It is awesome. Easy to use and looks great!
Caulking is not difficult, but it does take a bit of time and patience. Here’s how:
- Remove old caulk. I used a putty knife and plastic tool that looks like a citrus peeler. Since the old caulk had crumbled and was pulling away from the tub anyway, it was fairly easy to remove.
- Clean area thoroughly. I used a mildew removing spray. A bleach and water mix would also work. Be sure there is no mold or mildew in the crevice you will be caulking. And be careful with the fumes. All of the mildew removers seem to be pretty nasty stuff.
- Let area dry thoroughly.
- Cut off the tip of the caulk. Start small; you can always cut more off, but you cannot put more back on. (Profound…I know.) My $2 gun came with a secret cutter in the handle. What will they think of next?
- Practice squeezing the trigger, pushing caulk onto a paper towel. Make opening larger, if needed.
- Apply caulk to the gap between tub and tile walls (in my case). Use even trigger pressure, holding the gun at about a 45 degree angle.
- Most tubs will have three sides that require caulking. Do a short side first, applying caulk end to end. Release caulk pressure so caulk doesn’t continue to ooze out while you lay the gun down (on paper towels, please!)
- Get a couple of wet, but not dripping, paper towels. Using a damp finger (long pretty nails are a bad thing–:) ), run your finger along the bead of caulk. This forces it into the gap and gives a smooth, finished look. Carefully, clean up any leftover caulk from the tub or tile with a damp paper towel. It must be cleaned off immediately.
- Continue the same steps for the other two sides.
- Read the directions on the caulk you chose about how many hours or days should pass before showering. Follow those directions. I speak from experience…This isn’t the first time I’ve caulked this tub.
***TIP: Start in a corner. I am not sure why, but it is easier. Somewhere I read to fill the tub about 1/2 full of water, to weigh it down…I tried this once and found it to be a pain. And a mess. And I hurt my back since I wasn’t able to be inside the tub while I caulked. Please excuse my whining.
***Another TIP: When you are finished, put a heavy duty nail in the end of the caulk (if it didn’t come with a cap), kind of like a bottle stopper.
Enjoyed my first visit to your blog. How entertaining and informative. We’ve all “had our day” with caulk and I do think your “Caulk with Moisturizing Lotion” would be a winner. Happy weekend!
Hi Jamie,
Thanks for stopping by, I replied to your comment over on my blog. Basically I’d say if you can afford to get a DSLR(even a second hand one) go for it. I love the photos I get from mine they are much better! I’m a Canon fan but the most important thing is to get one that feel right in your hand. You need to be sure you can hold it steady – I went and handles them in the shop then searched online, then bought in Singapore!
Jade
Hmmmm, all I ever needed to know about caulking and so much more! WE have done quite a bit of it in our home ownership lives. Can’t say I like it much but thanks for the tips anyway!
Thanks for stopping by, Star! Have a great weekend.
Jade, thanks for the answer and advice. I hadn’t considered used, but I just might!
Lea, thanks for saying Hi! Love your blog title. Happy weekend back at ya’!
hey there. what’s the new sarcasm mark you mention???
Hey, Dawn! I saw it on the morning news a few weeks ago…Maybe something to download? (I only half-listened.) I think it was a curlicue with a dot in the middle called a “sarc mark”. I need it on my keyboard!
Wow so much info. Thanks! I’ve done some caulking since we’ve owned this home. I’ve never felt real sure of myself though. I think I’ll be an expert from here on out! In fact you’ve kind made me just want to caulk something…
Have a great weekend!
I lost my comment
Let me try again.
Great info. on caulking…I’ll caulk with authority from here on out! Thanks! I even feel like finding something to caulk right now
Have a great week!
Thanks, LydiaCate! Kind of a mundane topic, I know, but I’m awfully proud of my kids’ tub…I guess I’m getting a little better with practice. Too bad I don’t practice ‘cleaning’ more often.
I’ll try your caulk brand recommendation…I HATE this chore but it needs doing again.
Pendy, it’s only been a couple of weeks, but immediately this caulk looked better than the last stuff I used. Good Luck!