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Old 01-30-2017, 03:59 PM   #1
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best caulk?

so.... 2 projects need caulk and I have my own preference: 3M 5200. it's a very tough Marine caulk. maybe too tough?

I need to caulk over the screw heads on the replacement bathroom fan, on the roof. Whatever ETI uses?
I am re-caulking the bathroom. Every bit of silicone is discolored and moldy. I want something that will cover the old stuff. Most of the silicone tubes say "remove old caulk" yeah well that ain't gunna happen. So some brand that will cover effectively, the old, mold?

I am also replacing all the steel screws that are rusty with stainless steel.

I'll post some pics. before and after!

steve
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Old 01-30-2017, 04:17 PM   #2
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I need to caulk over the screw heads on the replacement bathroom fan, on the roof. Whatever ETI uses?
I am re-caulking the bathroom. Every bit of silicone is discolored and moldy. I want something that will cover the old stuff. Most of the silicone tubes say "remove old caulk" yeah well that ain't gunna happen. So some brand that will cover effectively, the old, mold?
I didn't think ETI used any silicone on these trailers. But I can tell you, the ONLY thing that will stick to silicone is... silicone. If it really is silicone, you might get something to stick for a while, but it will fail. And you know how that goes. Getting it off won't be easy because it won't ALL fail.
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Old 01-30-2017, 04:42 PM   #3
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Steve, just to be clear, are you sealing the new fan on the exterior, and recaulking inside the bath?
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Old 01-30-2017, 04:44 PM   #4
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I have caulked a lot of bathrooms and the one thing they all had in common was that all of the old caulk was removed. It takes some work but the results are far less desirable if the old caulk is left in place. My favorite is GE silicone II. Loren
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Old 01-30-2017, 04:55 PM   #5
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I would avoid 5200. While incredible stuff, it's meant to be permanent. I've used it for a sailboat through-hull depth finder, but not for something that might need to be removed in the future. 4200 is better in that scenario, but the old caulk will need to be removed first.
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Old 01-30-2017, 05:08 PM   #6
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I use what Reace uses - ProFlex.
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Old 01-30-2017, 05:13 PM   #7
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I use what Reace uses - ProFlex.
Does he use that inside? I was of the idea of was an exterior caulk only.

Like Loren, I mostly use GE Silicone II, and clean out all the old before recaulking in kitchens and baths.
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Old 01-30-2017, 05:14 PM   #8
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Does he use that inside? I was of the idea of was an exterior caulk only.

Like Loren, I mostly use GE Silicone II, and clean out all the old before recaulking in kitchens and baths.
Oops, inside - never mind..... And even silicone doesn't stick to silicone residue for long in my experience.
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Old 01-30-2017, 05:31 PM   #9
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Oops, inside - never mind..... And even silicone doesn't stick to silicone residue for long in my experience.

No, it's all good Eric. I needed a reminder for my taillight caulking.
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Old 01-30-2017, 05:37 PM   #10
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No, it's all good Eric. I needed a reminder for my taillight caulking.
For the roof I like the Dicor Lap Sealant (Self Leveling), it makes a really nice looking application, even for someone as bad at decent caulk line as I am.

It and the ProFlex are expensive. I use our vacuum sealer and seal them up in that after each use and so far has keep them usable.
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Old 01-30-2017, 05:59 PM   #11
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No, it's all good Eric. I needed a reminder for my taillight caulking.
Just piced up a fresh tube as another upper tail light has warped causing a gap. Not easy to find but a local RV parts store had it for $9.
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Old 01-30-2017, 07:00 PM   #12
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Flatpick,
5200 is known as satan's glue in boatyards. If it is for a new, permanent installation underwater use it. But I can't think of a good place for it on your trailer.
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Old 01-30-2017, 07:11 PM   #13
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I always carry a tube of Dicor Self Leveling Lap Sealant & one of ProFlex. I do wish both were available in a small, 2 -4 oz squeeze tube, but they are still be best sealing caulk.

For indoor work I prefer a Latex caulk, however it must be applied to dry joints & allowed to dry (sometimes up to 2 weeks) before it gets wet (I discovered that attempting to use it for a leaking shower vent - first rain & it disappeared!
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Old 01-30-2017, 07:21 PM   #14
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I always carry a tube of Dicor Self Leveling Lap Sealant & one of ProFlex. I do wish both were available in a small, 2 -4 oz squeeze tube, but they are still be best sealing caulk.

For indoor work I prefer a Latex caulk, however it must be applied to dry joints & allowed to dry (sometimes up to 2 weeks) before it gets wet (I discovered that attempting to use it for a leaking shower vent - first rain & it disappeared!
Having both those great products in small handy tubes would be nice, for sure. Maybe use a couple of those Coghlan's squeeze tubes, meant for stuff like jam.

We do use acrylic latex caulk for some purposes, but not in wet spaces, as it just has not performed as well as the silicone stuff. The clear is somewhat opaque, which for some more decorative caulking can be beneficial.
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Old 01-30-2017, 08:33 PM   #15
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Steve, just to be clear, are you sealing the new fan on the exterior, and recaulking inside the bath?
Jim, no fan on the outside will be butyl tape under the lip and some kind of sealant around the screw heads.

The inside job is caulking along the sink and the trim that runs around the belly of the head.

BTW- I waxed the entire head! WOW! Shiny!

steve
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Old 01-30-2017, 09:15 PM   #16
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BTW- I waxed the entire head! WOW! Shiny!

steve
Thanks for a great tip. I never thought about waxing the shower but that sounds like a good idea. Loren
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Old 09-02-2022, 01:39 PM   #17
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After six years of ownership, I've noticed some caulk cracking above one of my front running lights. I'm also seeing cracking above my exterior oven vent cover.

Question: How do I remove the old caulk without scratching up the gelcoat?
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Old 09-02-2022, 02:14 PM   #18
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After six years of ownership, I've noticed some caulk cracking above one of my front running lights. I'm also seeing cracking above my exterior oven vent cover.

Question: How do I remove the old caulk without scratching up the gelcoat?
Use a plastic chisel that you can get at Harbor Freight in a set of four. For about $10 . Easy does it.
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Old 09-02-2022, 04:27 PM   #19
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Another place....https://www.amazon.com/s?k=plastic+c..._ts-doa-p_3_15
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Old 09-02-2022, 05:03 PM   #20
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I'm a big fan of Lexel for all my RV projects...
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