"matching" caulk doesn't

[Rosetheweaver]

This forum has saved my bathroom remodel several times already, and it isn't even half-way done yet. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have a problem that I haven't seen the like of here yet, and crave your advice:

I'm using TEC984 sanded in Almond. Today I opened the first tube of TEC984 sanded caulk in Almond, and it's DRAMATICALLY lighter than the grout. It was all ordered at the same time, from the same place. What can I do?

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[Madison Mike]

Is the caulk lighter right out of the tube or have you done a test and let some dry for 24 hours? Sometimes color matched caulk is lighter or darker when fresh and it dries closer to the intended shade.



Mike
Madison, WI

[Shaughnn]

I agree with Mike here. Try a test board of the grout and caulk next to each other and let them cure for a day. If they are still very different, take your test board to your supplier and ask what solutions they recommend. I haven't used TEC caulking so I can speak to it's accuracy in matching.
shaughnn

[Rosetheweaver]

The caulk was right out of the tube, and the grout had been curing for a couple of days. I will do the side-by-side, 24-hour cure test before I go back to the supplier. Hopefully, the match will develop. I was hoping there would be an answer like this. Now I'll be able to sleep tonight! :calm: Thanks so much, you guys -- you've averted a potential meltdown!

[Tool Guy - Kg]

That almond-colored Tec caulk will darken as it dries. Give it some time. :)

[claycarson]

Above posters make sense to me. Don't declare it a crime scene yet.

But if it dries 'off' by a lot, take it back to store and ask for a new tube. I've had some bad batches.

Also, it can go bad sitting on shelves. Some setting materials only has a reliable shelf life of 6 months.

But, to be realistic, colored caulk is never a perfect match to the grout. Never.

TEC products are good overall, in my experience. Their sanded caulk dries fast, but that could be good or bad.