Does anyone have experience with ChemLink caulk or Sealant (NovaLink, DuraSil, etc)
I am trying take the least toxic route while caulking throughout my home.
Given that, the following ChemLink recommendaitons were made
NovaLink
DuraSil
Trim Caulk
Has anyone had any experience with these products? How do they hold up (shrinkage, mold, mildew, etc)? How have they held up over time? Would you recommend them?
I will need to caulk the following areas:
1. The change of plane between a porcelain tile floor and porcelain tile baseboard. I will adhere the Porcelain tile baseboard to an previously painted wall with thinset.
2. The change of plane between a granite countertop and a porcelain tile backsplash. The tiles will be 18″ x 18″.
3. Around a kitchen sink.
4.Around bathroom baseboards made of ceramic tile
5.Between a painted wall and a fiberglass shower.
6. Between a fiberglass bathtub and ceramic tile floor (change of plane)
7. Inside a ceramic tile shower.
Thanks!
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Replies
Unless you have multiple chemical sensitivity or a similar condition, I would suggest a low VOC adhesive latex caulk such as Phenoseal (colored or clear). These caulks are quick-setting, easy-to-apply, easy to tool, water clean up, yet very durable joint sealants that are perfect for kitchens and baths, paintable and cleanable.
Any caulk used in a bathroom must have some fungicide if you expect it to be durable. The water-based adhesive caulks are much easier to apply than silicone, have very little initial odor and no residual odor. I have not found anything that works better.
Robert,
Thanks for your speedy response!
Yes, I am trying to select products for with MCS in mind.
I will take a look at the Phenoseal TDS and MSDS.
What are your thoughts on Polyether moisture curing products such as ChemLink TrimCaulk?
I have no experience with them. They may have low initial VOC but require alcohol to clean up.
I'd rather use a water-based caulk.
We've used chemlink products for a number of years. Used to be NP-1, now duralink and durasill. We have a sample of the trim caulk, but haven't used it. That being said, we use the products for exterior work, windows and trim and the like where "clean up" involves wiping a finger somewhere. They're great products, personally I haven't seen any failures. I don't know that I would use them in the areas you describe, I'd probably get something with a fungicide as Robert said. As a side note, I know for a fact that durasill can be used in a pool, with water in it, and also as a bead sealant on your car tire. I have some creative co-workers....