Frequently Asked Questions For Jamico UCAULKIT



1) What Is UCAULKIT?

2) Where Do I Use UCAULKIT?

3) How do I remove the grout from the joint to apply the caulk?

4) For a grout repair, do I need to cut out "all the grout" in the joint before applying the caulk?

5) Can I just fill in the crack or worn area with the caulk and not cut anything out?

6) On a new installation, how do I keep grout out of the joint if I'm going to caulk that particular joint?

7) How do I make UCAULKIT blend in and look the same as the existing grout?

8) After applying UCAULKIT in corners or against windows, how do I create a uniform finish?

9) Do I need to worry about staining the tiles or walls with UCAULKIT?

10) Is UCAULKIT a water clean-up product?

11) How do I clean cured UCAULKIT off a surface if a mistake is made?

12) How long before I can walk on the installation?

13) Can I paint over the UCAULKIT?

14) Can I stain over the UCAULKIT if I want to change my color?

15) How long can I expect UCAULKIT to last?

16) Can I use UCAULKIT in exterior applications?

17) Can I use UCAULKIT around pools or spas?

18) Can I use UCAULKIT in showers and tub surrounds?

19) If the joint is wider than ¼", can I use UCAULKIT?

20) Is UCAULKIT mildew resistant?

21) What is the recommended application temperature for UCAULKIT?

22) Does UCAULKIT remain flexible after it cures?

23) Can I use UCAULKIT on stucco to repair cracks or joints?

24) Where can I find additional information regarding this product?

Q. What Is UCAULKIT?
A. UCAULKIT is a professional grade, single component caulk designed to match the color and texture (sanded and non-sanded) of the different grout manufacturers' colors available today. Although UCAULKIT is a "caulk" and not a "joint filler", its formula allows it to properly replace grout whenever the application presents itself. The appearance of the caulk next to the grout is virtually unnoticeable, thus giving a uniform appearance for a proper installation. - Top

Q. Where Do I Use UCAULKIT?
A. UCAULKIT can be used to repair well-worn and cracked grout joints, but should always be used on new installations to replace grout wherever movement is a concern. A good example of movement between surface areas is where the floor and walls meet, tub and wall, sink and countertop, countertop and wall or backsplash, window and wall, cabinetry and tile, door thresholds and interior expansion joints. - Top

Q. How do I remove the grout from the joint to apply the caulk?
A. Three different tools are generally used;
1) A grout saw is the least expensive and can be purchased at any DIY store. 2) A 4 inch grinder with a dry cut masonry blade is another option. (Note: Both of these suggestions create dust and precautions should be taken for this.) - Top

Q. For a grout repair, do I need to cut out "all the grout" in the joint before applying the caulk?
A. Generally yes, but because UCAULKIT is a sealant and should be used with a backer rod or some filler behind/below it, some contractors cut halfway down or cut a V shape in the joint before applying the caulk. (See Backer Rod use @ www.tileusa.com) - Top

Q. Can I just fill in the crack or worn area with the caulk and not cut anything out?
A. Some contractors have been known to do this as a quick fix. In worn or cracked out joint areas, UCAULKIT is ideal. However, on a joint that has cracks through it but you wish to leave the grout in, UCAULKIT repairs it temporarily because you are basically "band-aiding" the cracked area and it will not last long. - Top

Q. On a new installation, how do I keep grout out of the joint if I'm going to caulk that particular joint?
A. Grout your installation as usual and try to keep the "caulk" joints as clean as possible and free from the grout mixture. Should you get grout into this joint in error, while the grout is firm yet crumbly, scrape that grout out with a tool of the same width. Now you can caulk this joint. - Top

Q. How do I make UCAULKIT blend in and look the same as the existing grout?
A. Use of a hydra-sponge (purchase at any DIY store) and water will get the desired look. Fill a 5 gal. bucket with water approx. 2/3 full, dunk and then wring the sponge out and gently rub in a circular motion across the UCAULKIT before it cures. (Note: You will need to dunk and wring your sponge out several times as you wash.) You should now start to see a similar look to the grout. Stop washing the immediate area and focus on cleaning the area around the caulking. - Top

Q. After applying UCAULKIT in corners or against windows, how do I create a uniform finish?
A. The UCAULKIT tool is perfect for this, as it is designed to work in corners to wipe away excess caulk. - Top

Q. Do I need to worry about staining the tiles or walls with UCAULKIT?
A. Caution should always be taken to make sure ceramic or stone tiles are not susceptible to staining. Always do a test in an inconspicuous area to determine any issues. We do recommend that you use a low adhesive tape on all baseboards, walls, etc. before applying UCAULKIT. - Top

Q. Is UCAULKIT a water clean-up product?
A. Yes, water or water combined with a neutral based soap works well to clean tools or areas where a caulking needs to be cleaned. - Top

Q. How do I clean cured UCAULKIT off a surface if a mistake is made?
A. Any paint stripper for latex based paints will break down UCAULKIT. A gel-type stripping product is recommended for accurate application, but use caution as paint strippers can cause harm to some surfaces. "Fully read and understand the instructions and hazards on any paint stripper product". - Top

Q. How long before I can walk on the installation?
A. 48 hours before foot traffic is acceptable. - Top

Q. Can I paint over the UCAULKIT?
A. Yes. UCAULKIT is paintable after an initial cure with latex or oil based paints. - Top

Q. Can I stain over the UCAULKIT if I want to change my color?
A. Yes. UCAULKIT is not porous; the stain may look like it was painted on. - Top

Q. How long can I expect UCAULKIT to last?
A. For an interior application, your life expectancy is usually between 2 to 5 years provided the proper cleaning and installation instructions are followed. - Top

Q. Can I use UCAULKIT in exterior applications?
A. Yes, the life expectancy will be less than the interior application and your color may fade due to ultraviolent rays. In areas where patios are covered and the UV rays are only intermittent, the life expectancy will be similar to interior applications, but the color may still fade. - Top

Q. Can I use UCAULKIT around pools or spas?
A. No. Pure urethanes or 100% silicone caulks are better suited for these areas. The UV rays and the severe environment chemicals create in the water of pools and spas are generally too harsh for UCAULKIT. However, from an aesthetic stand point urethanes and silicones tend to be less appealing in color and texture. - Top

Q. Can I use UCAULKIT in showers and tub surrounds?
A. Yes. UCAULKIT is designed to be used in intermittant water areas (showers and tub surrounds allow water to run down and out a drain). If a re-caulk is performed, then you must dry out the shower or tub out thoroughly as moisture effects the curing cycle. - Top

Q. If the joint is wider than ¼", can I use UCAULKIT?
A. Yes, in sanded applications, we have had success up to ½". You may require more than one application to the joint. After the first day of cure, a crack down the middle of the caulked joint will occur due to shrinkage, (UCAULKIT s a sealant, not a joint filler) so a second coat is now needed to fill in any effected areas. Simply, reapply over the first application. - Top

Q. Is UCAULKIT mildew resistant?
A. UCAULKIT is mildew resistant at full cure. However, good maintenance practices are recommended as dirt & soap scum on the surface of the caulk will support mildew growth. - Top

Q. What is the recommended application temperature for UCAULKIT?
A. For best results, apply UCAULKIT when temperatures are above 40°F and rising, but not above 95°F. - Top

Q. Does UCAULKIT remain flexible after it cures?
A. Yes. UCAULKIT is designed to feel hard to the touch, but its elastomeric qualities are still intact to allow for any movement. - Top

Q. Can I use UCAULKIT on stucco to repair cracks or joints?
A. Yes. Sanded UCAULKIT is similar in texture and color. Just remember, UV rays in exterior applications reduce the life expectancy and over time may lighten the color. - Top

Q. Where can I find additional information regarding this product?
A. Product information and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available on our website at www.jamico4u.com. - Top

USTAINIT stain features

  • Change or renew the color of
    grout.
  • Seals and protects grout from
    stains* and moisture.
  • Extremely durable, with
    expected wear of up to 15
    years.
  • Water based, applies and
    cleans easily.
  • Interior and exterior use.
  • Available in most grout
    manufacturers colors, no
    minimums.
  • USTAINIT MSDS
  • USTAINIT Product Info Sheet


  • UCAULKIT caulk features

  • Available in sanded or smooth
    textures.
  • Blends in to repair cracked out
    grout joints easily.
  • Mildew resistant.
  • Ideal for Stucco crack repairs.
  • Cleans easily with water.
  • Available in most grout
    manufacturers colors, no
    minimums.
  • UCAULKIT MSDS
  • UCAULKIT Product Info Sheet


  • Color Palettes

  • USTAINIT Grout Colors
  • UCAULKIT Caulk Colors