How to Caulk a Bath Tub

Nice caulk line!

If there is one trouble spot in every bathroom, it is the area where the wall and tub meet. There have been numerous products created to caulk this problem area, but the mildew will get you every time. Properly caulking a bathtub, particularly the area where it meets the wall, is crucial in the battle for a shiny white bead. In most cases where mildew has formed, the best course of action is to remove the old caulk and replace it with a nice, smooth and shiny bead of caulk.

Things You'll Need

• Quality bathtub caulk
• Water
• Paper towels
• Caulk gun
• Utility knife
• Spray cleaner
• Razor blade scraper

Instructions

1. Remove the old caulk by cutting the bead where it meets the wall and the where it meets the bathtub. This is the hardest part of the process, so take you time and be sure to get all of the old caulk out. Use the razor blade scraper for the flat surfaces.

2. With a good spray cleaner, clean the area thoroughly and dry with paper towels.

3. Starting in one corner, apply a bead of caulk half way down the wall. Be certain to fill the gap completely. Wet your finger and run it along the top of the bead. Be careful not to apply too much pressure. The smoothing of the caulk may take several attempts to get the desired look.

4. Repeat the process from the other direction to meet the caulk line in the center. Then go from the corner out to the outside edge of the tub at both ends of the bathtub.

5. Slowly and carefully, caulk the area where the tub meets the floor.

6. Clean excess caulk while still wet with either a paper towel or a wet finger.

Tips & Warnings

• For gaps wider than 1/8th inch, repeat the whole process a second time over the first application after allowing it to settle.

• Always use a wet finger when smoothing or cleaning as a dry finger causes smudges that are difficult to clean once dry.

• Try different smoothing techniques with a wet finger to find the one that gives the desired result.

• To avoid mildew, be sure to dry the floor area by the caulk line after showering.

• Don’t allow any dried caulk to fall into the bathtub drain.