Re Caulking shower insert

[CrowRiverRat83]

Hey guys, I'm having trouble trying to reseal the seams in my basement plastic shower insert. I've tried a few times now only to have the caulking turn to mush after a shower or two. I have cleaned and dryed the area everytime before application, and have waited up to 36 hours before showering, and it still turns to mush. I'm using 100% silicone bath sealent. Any tips? Thanks.

[cavalierowner]

That's really weird! I've never seen or heard of that happening before. Have you tried a fresh tube of caulk? I've seen really old silicone with a weird texture to it and threw it out without using it. Are you removing all the old caulk? New silicone won't stick to old silicone, but I don't think that should make the new stuff turn to mush.

[Surface Tension]

Like cavalierowner said, you have to clean the old silicon out first. Hard to do that because of the thin film silicon leaves behind.

Depending on the the size bead 36 hours might not be long enough for the silicon to fully cure.

The outside of the bead might have flashed but inside hasn't cured.

[CrowRiverRat83]

Thanks guys. I have been removing the old stuff, but I guess I will be more detailed next time. Also I think I will try letting it set up longer.

[jeffreyd]

what about scuffing up with some light grit paper to ensure the old silicone is off and also to give it a better holding area? I hate doing recaulking, can never seem to get the right size bead or really get it as clean as i need it to be. Good luck

[Redlantern]

Might try Dap caulking. It's latex based and is really easy to work with. Cleans up with water. The downside to this is that it will need to be redone after a couple of years but it is much easier to clean out the old stuff than silicone.

[remington 300]

heres what ive been using,its called florCraft ceramic tile and fixture caulk

its a sanded caulk which gives it strength and it resists mold and mildew,

cures in 72 hours,you could probably even seal it with a grout type sealer but i havent needed too. i get the stuff at menards. try it you will like it.

mike.