Can't get this caulk off!!

Katy H Jordan

We are installing a new direct-to-stud shower surround, keeping our old base. I've removed everything down to the studs on the walls, but I cannot get the caulk to come off. I've used the worthless tool that comes with the caulking kit I have, I've tried a box cutter/utility knife - nothing. I mean, not a sliver, not a crack. I have a Dremel rotary tool (which is fantastic) - can I get some advice on wether I should try using it for this stubborn stuff?

plummen

Picture,are you sure its caulking and not construction adhesive?

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Posting from a concrete bunker under a non descript barn

Katy H Jordan

I know for sure it's caulk on two of the three sides, as some of it came off when the tile came down, and what's left is clearly caulk and is coming off a little bit at a time. What's at the back wall looks the same, it's just much more stubborn. I tried to get a couple of pictures but my camera is worthless. If it is construction adhesive v. caulk, is there any good way to get it off withouth damaging the base itself?

plummen

If its construction adhesive like pl400 or something like that youre in for a workout,maybe a sander even
If its that old dried out poly seam seal stuff,I really hate it!
I personally like painters caulk,yeah I know lots of people dont like it.
Anyway its easy to put on just get your thumb wet and smooth it out,and cleans up with soap/water.
And if you have to recaulk it every couple years you can scrape it off easy enough
Silicone on the other hand is tough to clean up and smears really easy in my book anyway

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Katy H Jordan

*sigh* I knew this was going to be more elbow grease.

When I redid our powder room last year, I used clear silicon caulk on the vanity. It was definitely smear-happy (and smells so strong!!), but I really like that it's pretty much invisible. They used painter's caulk on our guest-bathroom tub along the floor. We've only been here about 2.5 years, but so far so good.

Alan

sometimes a wood chisel works really well for a caulking scraper.

Just be careful with it.

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Javiles

Get a commercial heat gun, be very very careful apply heat slowly then work it up, again be very careful.

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oh'mike

A multi-tool works wonders on hard caulk---

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a_lost_shadow

There are also some caulk remover products that will soften up, and sometimes dissolve, the caulk. Depending on the caulk, you'll probably have mixed results. I had some that softened right up. Another section a foot away would have gone faster with a chisel. Also a final warning, if you use one it'll get messy.