Okay so i live in an apartment and i cant EVER get mant. out here to fix this... the stuff thats between the tiles is missing and it looks gross and then the white rubber stuff that sits between the tub and the tile is coming off in random places.... what is this stuff called and would i be able to fix this junk myself???The white stuff that connects the tubs looks like that white stuff they use to connect the base boards to the hardwood floor...
The white stuff between the tiles is grout or a substance you can buy in any hardware store and apply yourself. The rubbery stuff around the tub is caulking which also can be bought at a hardware store. Be sure to ask for types of caulking for specific uses, such as tubs. That goes for the grout as well.
The white stuff between the tiles is GROUT! Yes you can grout your own tiles easily! And the white stuff round the bath is silicone and you can do this easily too. Go to a DIY store and but the ready to use grout and apply it as per the instructions on the tub and the same with the silicone! Should not take too long and looks loads better when done! Also this protects against water damage to the walls etc. Good luck!
Ok, easy answers. Stuff between the tile = Grout Stuff that lines the space between tiles and tub = Silicone sealant. Its not hard to replace, especially if your just spot filling. Go to a home improvement store, ask to be shown to the selection of grout (Growt) and match the color. Also buy sealant for the grout, as it keeps the moisture out. As for the Silcone sealant, just take a safety knife, cut into it, peel it off like a strip. Make sure you clean up the area before you reapply. You will need a tube of silicone, a caulk gun, and a safety knife. Simply load the tube in the gun, and cut a 45 degree (ish) angle in the tip of the tube. Face the hole you cut into the area, and press the caulk gun trigger. Slowly move down the edge of the tub, until you reach the end. About 5 inches before you reach the end, behind the trigger, is a switch that releases pressure on the tube from the gun, and slows the flow to a stop. Once the grout dries, in about 24 hours, apply the sealant with the brush bottle it should come with. It is a clear coat. You CANNOT get the walls wet during this process, or else you will seal water inside your walls, and youll be looking at a much bigger job later.
The material between the tiles is called grout. You will want to use unsanded grout. First clean the tiles very well, mix the grout with water to a paste like consistancy. You can also buy premixed grout, but more expensive. Use a rubber grout trowel to force this paste in between the tiles, holding the trowel at a 45 degree angle. Let dry for a few hours, and then use a damp sponge to wipe off the surface of the tiles. Finally, seal the grout lines with a grout sealer. Actually, this is an easy job for a DIYer. The white stuff that seals the tub to the wall is called silicone sealant. First remove the old silicone, and then clean the area. Then clean it again, and then clean it again, and finally, wipe down the area with rubbing alcohol. Did I mention you should clean the area? Silicone does not seal well to any greasy area. Soap scum is grease based. Next, take a caulking gun, load the caulk, snip off the tip, puncture the tube with a nail, and apply caulk to the seam. Don't worry if it looks messy. Once the bead of caulk is applied, use your wet finger to smooth it out the way you like it. Caulk can be cleaned up with water, as long as it hasn't dried. Let dry 24 hours, and you are in business. All the tools and materials I have mentioned can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowes. I figure you can do the whole project for less than $50.
