KLS wrote:

On Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:26:39 GMT, "MikeMarr" u44465@uwe wrote:



5. Begin applying the caulk making sure to squeeze some, but not too much
down in the crack between the tub and the wall. Try to use a nice even
pressure while doing this. Go all the way around the tub trying not to put
more than about a 1/4 inch bead of caulk as you go. Some areas will have a
larger gap and you will need to apply more caulk to the area.
6. For the final step some people use their finger and a damp rag, or a
sponge. You want to take your index finger and put it inside the rag kind of
like you where going to shine a shoe or something. And wipe all the way
around the tub using slight pressure and a smooth stroke. Or just wipe with
the sponge using the same pressure and stroke. This will imbed the caulk and
make a smooth professional appearance. Do not use too much pressure or the
caulk will begin to squeeze out of the area of applicatioin. Clean up any
mess with your rag. Allow to dry for the time period suggested by the
manufacturer.



This whole process is very clear, but what I do BEFORE starting Step 5
if I'm feeling anal about having a straight caulk line is to lay down
masking or painter's tape right about where I'd like the line to be.
Then after Step 6, pull up the tape, and voila, a nice neat caulk job.


Painter's tape works for me. There is no need to try to fill space in
or behind the wall. Caulk is to bridge
the gap and seal it off. If you are new to caulking, you might want to
practice. I cut the tip so it is open perhaps
1/8". You want the finished caulk bead to be - in cross section - like
a cove molding.....smoothe and concave
so it doesn't trap water or soap scum. Put down your painters tape so
it is perfectly straight and so that the
outside of the caulk tip rides right on the edges of the tape - then
when you push the caulk gun forward, slowly,
the tip of the tube forms the "cove" and extra is pushed onto the tape.
I've redone caulking when I wasn't
pleased the first time. Nothing better than spit on yer finger for
smoothing it ) Keep damp rags handy.

Vital to have the surfaces perfectly clean of grease and soap scum, and
a wipe with full-strength bleach
before putting on the caulk.

I made the mistake of filling in a gap with caulk once and ended up with
water and caulk running down
the outside of the tub/shower enclosure. More is not always better. If
the gap between wall and tub is
greater than 1/4", you need to get backer rod (foam) to fill the space
behind the caulk.