specialized clear caulk for granite seam thats often wet???

[victor voul]

I have a granite countertop that constantly develops problems in the seam behind the faucet where thebacksplash and counter are seamed. Because it is virtually impossible to keep this area always dry, the silicone clear caulk I use to maintain this seam always degrades in a few months softens and peels off. Is there a type of clear caulk that can hold up for this common problem?? Thanks for your help! Jim

[m Ransley]

Silicone should not degrade unless strong soaps are used or mold is impeding the caulks bonding. Try scraping out the ould caulk with a razor blade , being sure to be to clean granite , clean with a new scouring pad to remove any soap residue and clean the area with bleach to remove any mold. Old silicine caulk will never bond. Get a new tube from a store that sells alot of caulk and check the expiration date. Ive had old silicone tubes that never dry or fail to bond. Shelf life can be

1 yr on some caulk. You could talk to DOW that manufactures most caulks and tile stores for the right product. Automotive caulks may be tougher. On my granite regular colored caulk was used and Ive had no degradation. I would suspect the caulk or surface prep, contaminents, mold- soap scum.

[John Hines]

Aquariums are made of silicone, and don't fall apart in few months.

As long as you can't peel up an edge on the silicon, it should be good for a few decades.