Bathtub Caulking Type

Jodi M

A bathtub/shower/tub surround was purchased from Home Depot two or three years ago. (The surround is separate from the tub). It said on the instructions that silicone caulking was not to be used. The homeowner used mildew-resistant silicone as there was no other caulking that said mildew-resistant on it.

It is not sticking properly and is getting mouldy behind the caulking. The caulking needs to be removed and the mould cleaned out.

What type of caulking is out there that is mildew-resistant, suitable for bathroom use, good for vinyl but isn't silicone?

Thanks.

bauler

I've used Dap Kwik Seal. I bet there is no exhaust fan in that bathroom? Never seen any instructions where you couldn't use silicone. One thing about silicone once it dries the next bead of it will not stick to it. You must completely clean it out, pita.

Jeff (socal)

I agree with Bauler. Also HO probably never cleaned (scrub) the shower for 2 years. Dap Kwik Seal is probably the best silicone based caulk out there.

dshcontracting

Polyseamseal works great too. It's adhesive and sticks to anything.

troubleseeker

I haven't found anything yet that will not eventually get moisture seeping behind it an support mildew. A couple applications of bleach and water sprayed onto it will usually kill the mildew. I like polyseamseal over silicone beacaue it is much easiewr to work.

Danahy

I'd have to ask myself if the water is pooling in the areas of the caulk? Perhaps alittle buildup of sorts to aid in this?...

Double-A

Increase your ventilation in that bathroom for starters.

I prefer silicone for surrounds, but if the manufacturer says don't use it, then they might have a suggestion as to what to use. A latex is going to need to be replaced every 2 years or so. Be sure to get it extra clean before you caulk. Let it all dry and use some bleach in the water to be sure any mold there is dead.

Dap makes several types of latex based caulks with a mildew resisting additives in them.

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Edsollen

I've been doing cultured marble surrounds for 20 years and this system works for me. Clean the area with denatured alcohol and bleach, then repeatthe cleaning process again and use GE silicone specified for kitchen and bath. Ventilation is crucial in oreventing mildew, a rough rule of thumb is the bath mirror should be clear 10-15 minutes after the shower is complete.

ThePaintStore

Any good exterior caulk will work fine. Most are designed for expansion and contraction found on exterior surfaces and contain mildewcide. Check the label for the federal spec numbers, those will usually tell you they are tested and of good quality. One I would recommend is the Benjamin Moore 465. It meets both ASTM and Federal TT-S standards and is recommended for showers and tubs. Hope that helps.

Tub_Guy

I agree, Polyseamseal is the best caulk on the market. I seem to get great results form the "Shower in 2 Hours" caulk. I use this to my advantage when I do my jobs. My customers just eat it up the fact that they can shower shortly after I'm done!

boman47k

Not really sure where I got mine, but it said the same thing in the instructions.

user15686

The reason you are getting the mold is because the caulk is separating from the surface it was applied to. The reason, it is separating, is because the surface was not primed before installation of the silicone. What you need is silicone primer.

Snow Man

.................Phenoseal Products Rule.

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homework

I pefer Laticrete, in the box stores its sold in the tile asiles. Just make sure to check the label each color comes in sanded and non-sanded.

Proud Plumber

The reason certain types of surrounds do not call for silicone is because certain products call for preparation for silicone to be effective. In other words it wont stick. Polyseamseal, and Dap work pretty good. however, it is porous and will mildew. I agree if caulking does not sick properly moisture will get behind it and it will cause mold to grow.

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Bill

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neolitic

PolySeamSeal makes a tub caulk
line that doesn't grow mildew.
Bonds to damn near anything
clean.
Have been using theirs for nearly
30 years without problems.

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Garasaki

My shower says the same thing. I bought this:

(PL Tub Surround Shower Adhesive) you can check their website for it, I am not allowed to post links yet

(3 ws) stickwithpl.com/Products.aspx?ID=Tub-Surround-Shower-Adhesive

to use on it, but maybe I should get the Polyseamseal instead>??

world llc

try a tetra polymer sealant like solar seal
that or grout caulk

Teetorbilt

3M 5200 and tell them to clean/ventilate the shower once in a while. The mildew resistant stuff is all hoo-haw/short term.

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canuck

I use Tremco 830. As far as caulking goes it is very difficult to work with but once it's there its permenent. Used it in a carwash and haven't seen any mildew forming as of yet(6 months.) It's Xylene based so you need xylene for the cleanup.

Best sealant I've ever used.

http://www.tremcosealants.com/commer...tail.asp?id=30