I'm replacing failed caulk around a bathtub. The gap between tile and tub is narrow along one wall but wider near the corner, where the previous bead looked like a lumpy rope. I removed the loose old material and let the area dry. Would you use backer rod where the gap is wider and then one continuous silicone bead, or is there a better way to keep the finished joint neat and flexible?
Replacing caulk around a tub when the gap width varies
- home-improvement
- replacing
- caulk
- around
128
1 reply
For the narrow part, just keep the same joint profile and don’t overwork it. The trick is making the whole run look intentional even though...
For the narrow part, just keep the same joint profile and don’t overwork it. The trick is making the whole run look intentional even though the gap isn’t perfectly uniform.
Do you usually tool it with a finger or a caulk tool? I never know which gives the cleaner finish in a bathroom corner.
1 reply
Backer rod where it’s wide is the right move. It keeps the silicone from sinking in too deep, and the bead looks cleaner instead of like it...
Backer rod where it’s wide is the right move. It keeps the silicone from sinking in too deep, and the bead looks cleaner instead of like it was fed through a pastry bag by someone angry.
I’d second that. If you try to fill a wide gap with just caulk, it tends to crack or sag later.
1 reply
I’d also tape both sides before you run the bead. Pull the tape while it’s still fresh and you get a much nicer line.
I’d also tape both sides before you run the bead. Pull the tape while it’s still fresh and you get a much nicer line.
One small caution: don’t jam the backer rod so tightly that it pushes the bead out of shape. It should support the caulk, not act like a plug.