At the tiled wall surrounding the tub, at the bottom of the tiles where the tiles end and intersect the tub rim, should it be grouted ( epoxy grout)? or leave it open and caulk with silicone caulking? Please advise!
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grouting or caulking? bottom of tiled wall at tub rim
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Caulking always! Fill the tub 50% with water and caulk it. Allow the caulking to dry then drain the tub. If you caulk with no water in the tub poly, fiberglass and composite tubs stretch and tear the caulk when filled. Cast tubs are usually solid enough to not make a difference.
answered Sep 29 at 23:17
Ed Beal
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I always use a color match caulk on any right angle or edge of tile,silicone is not a good idea for too many reasons.
answered Sep 30 at 20:32
Ron emry
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grouting or caulking? bottom of tiled wall at tub rim
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Caulking always! Fill the tub 50% with water and caulk it. Allow the caulking to dry then drain the tub. If you caulk with no water in the tub poly, fiberglass and composite tubs stretch and tear the caulk when filled. Cast tubs are usually solid enough to not make a difference.
answered Sep 29 at 23:17
Ed Beal
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41.7k1 gold badge29 silver badges60 bronze badges
When they are water based and clean a wet finger is a great tool. I will only use tub &tile calking as it has mold inhibitors. The trick is getting the old stuff cleaned out first. With new tub surrounds I will use a 400 grit sandpaper inside the joint then wipe it down and calk the small scratches inside help the sealant hold, some of these surrounds look great because they have a slight coat of wax the sealer fills the void but falls out later, I once had a home owner swear I should be able to purchase this seal that fell out in one piece. - Ed Beal Sep 30 at 0:34
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