Still feels weird paying extra for tape though... anyone ever try the blue stuff from the dollar store? Wondering if it’s any good or just a waste.
I’ve tried the dollar store blue tape a couple times, mostly out of curiosity (and, yeah, not wanting to pay $7 for a roll). Honestly, it’s hit or miss. Sometimes it sticks too much and pulls up paint or leaves residue, other times it barely sticks at all and lets caulk seep underneath. The name-brand stuff is more consistent, especially if you’re doing detailed work around tile or fixtures. I get the frustration with the price though—feels like you’re paying for branding half the time.
If you want to avoid waste and chemicals, there are reusable silicone caulk guides out there. They’re not perfect for every edge but can help cut down on tape use. I’ve also had decent luck just using a damp finger and a steady hand, but that takes practice and patience (and a lot of paper towels).
Waiting for caulk to cure is always annoying, but skipping that step just means redoing it sooner. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way—moldy edges after six months because I rushed it. Not worth it.
If you’re looking to save money and reduce waste, maybe try taping only the trickiest spots and freehanding the rest? That’s worked for me in smaller bathrooms. Just my two cents.
Yeah, the dollar store blue tape is a gamble. I tried it once when I ran out halfway through re-caulking a tub (classic). Ended up with more cleanup than if I’d just skipped tape altogether. That stuff either welds itself to the tile or falls off before you even start. I’ve had better luck using a putty knife as a guide—just wipe it between passes. It’s not fancy but it works, especially for straight runs. The name-brand tape stings at checkout, but it’s saved me a lot of swearing over the years.