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jshxx OP t1_j2ei8ed wrote

Reply to comment by Uncanevale in Help Please - How to get a straight line of grout? by jshxx

Thank you!!

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amboogalard t1_j2enmv5 wrote

I’m really glad you’re taking this advice; the floor will flex differently than the walls, as does tile from skirting, so it would just be crack city. A flexible caulk is 100% the way to go. Or a wood corner bead (looks like a long stick with a side profile like 1/4 of a circle); less cleaning, though some caulks do much better with resisting grime than others.

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Atari_Enzo t1_j2ewq6i wrote

DAP Alex Plus White Acrylic caulk is your solution here.

https://youtu.be/9riTpAjyfLM

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happyimmigrant t1_j2fd6cy wrote

This Alex really let me down on my last project, it has been cracking like hell. Had great luck in the past but wouldn't risk it again

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m3galinux t1_j2fgsqo wrote

Same here. Worked great 3-4 years ago, but tried it again last month and it was awful. Consistency was all over the place and cracked like crazy once dry. Maybe they changed something in the formula recently?

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0LowLight0 t1_j2fjftl wrote

GE Silicone II is flexible and can be used anywhere there's going to be moisture or movement.

My favorite is Polyseamseal. Done deal.

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jeffprobst t1_j2fuhcq wrote

Agreed that silicone is the way to go for areas with moisture, but they can be more of a pain to clean up since they're not water soluble. Acrylic caulks can be cleaned up with water before they're dry so it's a bit more forgiving if you're not a caulking pro.

In theory, both should be good for areas with movement but I've heard silicone holds up a bit better over time.

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WelcomeTheLahar t1_j2fnaoh wrote

Fair warning on white caulk: most of it isn't intended to hold up as a finished surface. It tends to yellow with age (and maybe uv exposure?) So if you want it to look best you should paint it. This does of course depend on the product you use. The more silicone a caulk has the harder it is to get paint to stick to it. And there may be some white caulk that doesn't yellow. I can't tell you one though!

As a post lower down says a "shoe molding" aka quarter round is the right product for this job.

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FireWireBestWire t1_j2fg4vl wrote

And if you watch a couple of videos on caulking it will give you some tips on how to get it straight and even. The back of an old toothbrush handle works very well if you want to tool it after your line.

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