Plumbing – How long should I let caulking dry before exposing to water

1. You will have to remove it and reapply.

2. The trick is soap. Have a bowl of water and a bar of soap. Dip your finger in the water then rub it on the soap before using it to smoothe the silicone.

Alternative 1: Cut out the old caulk. Then take a heat gun, or if you don't have one, a hair dryer, and blow into the crack to speed up the evaporation. Use your judgement about how long to do this. Make sure you don't heat any adjoining cold glass or it may crack. You can shield glass with a wide bladed spackling knife, or ever a board. You could also set a fan up on something and let it blow several hours. To make sure the crevice is dry, take some toilet tissue and force it as far down in the crack as you can. Then pry it back out. If it comes out dry, caulk.

Alternative 2: Cut out the old caulk and let it air dry. Whenever rain is forecast, use duct tape to completely cover the area. After the rain finishes, uncover. If rain is forecast while you're waiting, reapply duct tape. After a week of air drying it should be dry. Then caulk.