How to Tile Shower Joints With Caulk

Prevent damage to your shower by caulking the joints.

When you install a new tile shower, it is essential to caulk all of the joints. Caulk will prevent moisture from seeping behind or under the tile, which can lead to mildew or mold. Choosing a caulk that matches your grout color will help the lines blend in and look professional. You need to apply caulk around fixtures, soap trays, windows and where the wall meets the floor or ceiling.

Things You'll Need

• Painter's tape
• Moisture-resistant caulk
• Caulk gun
• Scissors
• Caulk smoothing tool

Instructions

1. Apply painter's tape around all of the joints you will be caulking. Align the tape with the edge of the tile, making sure all of the gaps in the tile are exposed.

2. Insert a tube of moisture-resistant caulk into a caulk gun and trim the tip of the tube with a pair of scissors.

3. Apply a bead of caulk, wide enough to fill the joint, along all of the shower joints.

4. Smooth the caulk bead out with a caulk smoothing tool or a damp finger.

5. Remove the tape from around the caulk, before it dries, without touching the wet caulk. Remove one piece of tape at a time.

6. Allow the caulk to dry, according to the manufacturer's directions, before using the shower.

References

• National American Tile Cleaning Organization: Caulking a Tile Shower
• Dummies.com: Caulking Your Tub and Shower