How to Recaulk a Tub or Shower

Contributor

By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(20 Ratings)

Caulk seals the seams between the tub, the shower and the walls. If it's moldy or falling apart, here's how you recaulk a tub or shower.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Remove the old caulk. Cut it from the wall and the tub or shower with a knife or razor blade. It should peel off. Stubborn caulk can be removed with commercial caulk remover. This softens it and you can scrape it away.
Step 2

Clean the seam where the caulk had been with rubbing alcohol or bleach to kill any mildew.
Step 3

Allow the area to dry thoroughly. It should dry overnight or more, depending on the humidity in your bathroom area.
Step 4

Tape around the seam with masking tape or blue painter's tape. Apply the tape to the tub 1/8 inch from the seam and along the wall 1/8 inch from the seam.

Step 1

Place a tube of silicone caulk in a caulk gun and cut off the plastic tip.
Step 2

Put the plastic tip into the seam in one corner of the tub or shower.
Step 3

Pull the trigger and fill the seam with a bead of caulk. Use even pressure on the trigger and pull the caulk gun across the edge of the tub or shower. Do this in one steady motion. The bead should be big enough to completely seal the seam without too much excess.
Step 4

Smooth out the caulk bead with a wet finger. You might want to wear rubber gloves.
Step 5

Do another edge of the tub or shower and continue this until all the seams are sealed with caulk.
Step 6

Wait 15 minutes, then remove the tape.
Step 7

Allow the caulk to dry for at least 24 hours before using the tub or shower.

Comments