Water will easily seep into the bathroom walls and can make the walls damp and cracked. The solution that is needed is by caulking, especially in the bathtub. Be sure to caulk the tub properly to prevent water from seeping into the walls.
Step
Step 1. Carefully inspect the joint between the tub and the wall
Clean all used putty, mold and mildew, as well as any layer of dirt on the edges of the tub. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the tub. Use a cloth with denatured alcohol (unfit for drinking/impure) to clean the damp areas in the corner between the wall and the tub. It's a good idea not to use pure alcohol (70%) to clean the bathroom because it contains oils that can leave residue (and cause skin irritation).
Step 2. Use a putty that is intended for bathroom surfaces
There are several color options and prices. Silicone putty is usually more expensive than regular putty. However, one of the advantages of silicone putty for kitchens and bathrooms is that they usually contain ingredients to prevent mold and mildew from nesting.
Step 3. Apply duct tape or tape to the side of the tub and the side of the wall (as in the picture) where the gap will be putty
This is a technique that is usually used by skilled craftsmen to make sure the putty is properly placed and doesn't fall out. There should be a gap of about 3mm - 4mm for the gap between the 2 duct tapes.
Step 4. Attach the putty tube to the caulking gun
Use scissors or a knife to cut the nozzle. The opening should be neither too small nor too large so that the putty can pass smoothly. Silicone putty tubes usually have a very thin layer to prevent the putty from drying out. Pierce the coating with wire, nails or other sharp objects through the end of the pipe.
Step 5. Before use, it's a good idea to try the compressor gun first
Press the trigger so that the putty starts to come out of the end of the pipe. The putty should come out smoothly like glue, not dripping or spraying. Remove the trigger to make the putty stop coming out.
Step 6. Guide the end of the pipe at the gap to be caulked
The placement of the end of the pipe should be slightly above the surface of the gap, almost touching. When starting pay attention to the putty that comes out. Put the putty on the gap steadily without rushing. Before the caulk stops, quickly release the trigger for a moment and press it again to caulk neatly. Don't stop until you reach the corner of the wall.
Step 7. Repeat for each gap, usually on 3 sides of the wall
Step 8. When the caulking stops, don't forget to release the trigger on the compressor gun to stop the caulking from escaping
Step 9. Smooth and smooth the putty between the two duct tapes
While smoothing, use your hands to press the putty into the gaps, then remove any remaining putty. Have a tissue or towel ready to clean your hands if necessary.
Step 10. Remove the duct tape before the putty starts to dry
Putty can look neat but it's a good idea to use your fingers to smooth it down a bit for a slick finish. Allow the putty to dry for 24-36 hours before it gets wet.
Tips
- Put a rag to place the compressor gun so the putty doesn't drip all over the place.
- To prevent the duct tape from sticking for too long, which could cause unwanted cracks in the silicone, cut the duct tape into sections (such as one wall per section) with a knife or scissors. This way, the gaps in the wall can be caulked easily and the duct tape can be partially removed before it sticks too long. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the tub.
- Be sure to remove all old putty and any adhering mold before installing new putty. Make sure it's really clean, including cleaning from the dregs that seem difficult to remove.
- After removing all of the duct tape, make sure to clean any traces of duct tape. The former is a little sticky and as a result dust can stick to the surface if not cleaned.
- Fill a glass with warm water, add 2-3 drops of dish soap, then stir with your fingers until smooth. Don't get foamy. Using this liquid, dip your fingertips to make it easier to clean the silicone and prevent the silicone from sticking to your hands.
- Fill the tub with water up to 3/4 of the way while the silicone putty is drying. This is done to make the caulk flexible against the weight of the tub and prevent the caulk from becoming damaged or cracked once it dries.
- Putty the walls one by one because silicone putty usually wears off quickly.
- To completely stop the putty coming out of the compressor gun, remove the plunger catch on the compressor gun every time you put the gun down.
- The process is more or less like decorating a cake.
- To clean used putty you can use a flat-head screwdriver (be careful not to scratch the surface).
- The putty must be installed tightly along the gap to prevent water from seeping through.
- Silicone putty is very very sticky and is not easy to clean from hands. Therefore, it is best to use latex gloves when applying silicone putty.
- In installing the duct tape in a straight line, you should use a tool. One way is to use a wooden handle or plank. Look for cheap, straight, and small. Divide into 3 parts according to the length of the wall to be putty or you can use one for three sides. Place the wood on the surface of the tub. Use the wood as a pedestal to put duct tape on the wall. Then place it on the side of the wall and attach the duct tape to the tub. Feels easier, right?
- To clean silicone putty off your hands simply use a tissue or plastic bag. It's easier to clean your hands and you don't have to worry if your hands get sticky.
- If the entire tube of putty is not used or is not used up, it is best to plug the nozzle with a small stick or nail and cover it with plastic or tape. Putty can be stored for a while.
- Putty can be smoothed with wet fingers, a plastic spoon, or ice cubes.
- To clean mildew and stubborn stains, you can use a tissue that has been dipped in bleach by placing it on the part you want to clean. Leave the tissue on until the stain is gone. The cleaned part is allowed to sit for a while before continuing to caulk. It would be better if you clean stubborn stains well in advance of caulking the bathroom with new putty.
- This is a little off topic, but these tips can help a bit. When installing ceramic tile on the edges it is better to use silicone putty rather than grout. The grout slurries break easily and as a result water can seep into the edges of the floor or wall, while silicone caulk remains flexible even when dry. The grout can be colored to give a nice pattern to the ceramic crevices, though it may not be a good choice for bath edges. For these tips it is worth using silicone putty or even pure silicone.
- When smoothing putty, it's a good idea to start from the end to the middle of the wall. Then start again at one end and finish at the putty meeting in the middle. Try to avoid making lumps at the putty joints. This can be done by gently smoothing and lifting your finger slowly while smoothing the meeting.
- Have a trash can near the tub to dispose of any remnants of putty, tissue, and duct tape.
- It's easy to clean and smooth out excess putty with a tissue or other household cleaning liquid, such as "Cif" or "Mr. Muscle."
