Bathroom caulking question..

[hemispheredancer]

I have seen enough of the nast, mildewy caulk on my tub. I pulled off the old stuff using my nail and a razor blade. I gave it a good spray of Tilex to kill and bleach out what is there. How long do I have to wait to caulk? The tube of caulk that I will use says it is tack free in 30 minutes and 24 hrs. cure time and their website says to wait 24 hrs. to use the tub. That is going to stink to not take a shower tomorrow!! Any tips to offer for a smooth caulk??

 

[Dan Murphy]

A sugestion is to fill the tub with water before you caulk. This will pull the tub down a bit from the wall above it and make the joint wider. Then apply the caulk and let it set and cure. Then drain. If you do it without water, when you do add all the weight of the water, it can pull the caulking apart more easily.

 

[hemispheredancer]

Thanks Dan! I have read your post after I did the job. DH is gone chasing Bambi this weekend and I have asked him to take care of this for me. Needless to say, it never got done so I decided to tackle it myself. We don't take many baths anymore. I have gotten the kids to take showers moreso than anything. Baths are few and far between. I will do my 'do in the kitchen sink tomorrow and wait till the evening to shower. Thanks!!!!