Submitted by climbtigerfrog t3_zz1htn in DIY
firstLOL t1_j2b6rkh wrote
Reply to comment by Jstepson in What shower caulk to fill a wide (1/2") gap by climbtigerfrog
You'll get better adhesion to the shower floor and tile if, instead of using a finger, you use a profiling tool (ideally an angled one, not a concave curve that you'd get with the finger).
Concave silicone in areas that get a lot of water (like showers) mean the part that is doing most of the 'work' to keep water in the shower (where the top and bottom edges of the silicone meet their respective surfaces) is often very thin. A suitable straight angle avoids this issue.
One other good thing to do is wipe the area thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol before applying the silicone (giving enough time for it to effervesce evaporate away). Silicone hates soap residues, grit, and especially grease (another reason not to use a finger!), and alcohol is great at getting rid of all three.
damarius t1_j2baa6z wrote
>effervesce
I think you mean evaporate. Isopropyl alcohol doesn't have bubbles. Yes, nitpicky grammar nazi-ish I know. That's how I roll.
Edit: I should have added that this sounds like a sound approach to resolving the problem but I'm not a professional.
firstLOL t1_j2cvdts wrote
Thanks, grammar angel on my shoulder! You are correct, though effervesce is a much more fun word to say.
climbtigerfrog OP t1_j2bp72k wrote
Thanks!
Kleenexexpress t1_j2cb3i5 wrote
I noticed our friend here said to wait an hour before pulling your tape. Not to nitpick but I was taught to pull your tape immediately after your final swipe. But what do I know, I don’t even tape when I do these types of caulk jobs.
Bldaz t1_j2dohq5 wrote
Silicone will start drying before you finish applying, tape will pull it off more the longer you wait. I don’t use tape My choice 1 -That needs to be cleared out first. 2-You can use a silicone grout that matches the existing grout or Try Amp caulking very little sag. Just a simple reminder there’s a 1/4-1/2 “ lip extending upward on that tub you can’t see. Curious if that sub floor is sagging
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