How to Fix Caulking Error

[CRLLS]

It might also not be good anymore. You could try contacting the mfg, they might be able to tell you if that formula of that age was paintable (or just do it). Formulas for many of these things have changed due to regulations on low volatile compounds.

I had a tube of pure silicone caulk, it wasn't all that old, and it wasn't dried out or thick, so I thought it was OK. But a day later, it hadn't dried at all! Turns out that can happen, the drying compounds off-gas or degrade or something. It was a real mess removing all that gunk. Now, before tackling any big project with silicone caulk, I squeeze some out, and let it dry for 1/2 hour, and it should at least form a good skin by then. If not, toss that tube!

-ERD50

TA, the "water cleanup" statement on the tube would indicate that it is not Silicone. Silicone is not water soluble. It is very likely that it is paintable. Try dabbing a bit of latex paint on a small a small inconspicuous area. If the paint doesn't take, it should be easy to remove.

 

[Just_Steve]

Truncated

So that's my story on mixing powdered grout with 100% Silicone.

-ERD50

Great story and yes I would have been over the edge with an exchange like the one you had.

 

[Music Lover]

It was kind of interesting how I came to that. When I remodeled the bathroom, I purposely chose a grout that had color matching caulk, both sold at Home Depot (PolyBlend brand, FYI).

But the caulk failed within a month. I figured it was my error, that maybe it was still too damp behind the caulk when I applied it (maybe the thin-set for the tile was still releasing some humidity?). So I pulled it out, ran fans on everything 24 hours/day for a week (using the other bathroom at this time anyhow), to make sure it was dry. Re caulked it, let it dry for a 4 days - it lasted 1 week! Was getting all gummy.

The caulk was not 100% silicone, but the product info sheet said:



and:



I ended up in a testy exchange with their product group, they were condescending saying "I was not familiar with the product", really odd (that's why I read your product info!).

hah, I found the exchange - do I sound upset?



Oh boy. Anyone who has remodeled a bathroom will probably understand how worked up one can get over something like this. Never again!

So I searched for alternatives, and wondered about adding the powdered grout to clear 100% Silicone caulk. I tried a small sample, seemed to be OK. But I was afraid something in the powder might cause the Silicone caulk to degrade over time.

The funny thing was, lots and lots of people on-line said "you are crazy, you can't do that, it won't work!" But those people never tried it. Then I found a guy who sells a kit to do this, and he seemed to have plenty of happy customers. His kit is not needed, but it makes it convenient, he sells empty tubes and bags to mix/move the caulk, and has instructions on his site (or did at the time ~ 10 years ago). So I went with it, and it is still just fine 10 years later.

So that's my story on mixing powdered grout with 100% Silicone.

-ERD50

I just used the same product 2 days ago!! My original intention was to use regular tub and tile caulk and add some of the grout powder.