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UpgrayeddSmurphy t1_j5kz5ca wrote

Typically, this isn't an edge that would necessarily need caulking. What should've been done is bring the surface tile flush to the face of (or just proud) the wall tile, so the grout edge is on the flat of the wall, instead of the corner of the transition.

Secondly, an 1/8th on an inch is minimum for a grout edge to bind well, and this looks too thin, which is likely what's giving you problems.

You should remove as much of the grout that's in there, maybe use an angle grinder with a diamond wheel, or dremmel to help widen the gap just a scotche.

Make it clean as possible, and wipe it down with something like mineral spirits. Tape the two outside edges and then caulk it with a good shower n tile caulk (dap 3.0 I like), making sure to "push" it in deep.

The alcohol will help dry it out before the caulking, cuz any water left in there is just going to fail your silicone. Also: it says 2 or 3 hour "shower ready", but I always recommend letting it cure overnight before you get it too wet.

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eagleslanding OP t1_j5l0pck wrote

Thank you! This is very helpful and glad to hear that I’m not totally incompetent for having issues here

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Teamrocketgang t1_j5mkf0n wrote

Wear a dust mask while grinding the grout! That dust is not good for you

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eagleslanding OP t1_j5mpzsj wrote

Thank you! Is N95 sufficient or do I need a respirator?

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Teamrocketgang t1_j5mutc5 wrote

A regular dust mask from Lowe's or Home Depot would do the trick, but if you want to spring for a 3M half face respirator you can usually find one that has a combination particulate and vapor filter cartridge. P95 or P100 filters are your friend for anything cementitious you are grinding. Very occasional grinding with a dust mask will not be too bad, but repeated exposure damages your lungs. Just make sure to ventilate the space well and maybe try to use a shop vac to capture the dust as you generate it or even consider using water as you grind to cut down on dust even getting into the atmosphere. A respirator is an easy safeguard though in case you don't want to mess around with all of the other dust control systems. Make sure it's snug on your face though

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howard416 t1_j5n90tm wrote

Technically, any mask meant for filtering breathing air is a respirator. N95 is alright, we called for that any time concrete would be cut or drilled dry. But you would need to take care that it's fitted well. If you can't find any regular masks that fit well you might need to go with an elastomeric half-mask or something.

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