How to Recaulk your Bathtub
Caulk is used to prevent water from creeping under tile around the tub, as well as the joints where walls meet. If the caulk is missing or slipping, this may result in loose tiles as well as costly water damage. Recaulking is easy and inexpensive and definitely saves money down the road. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Surface cleaner
- Sponge
- Utility knife
- Hair dryer
- Alcohol
- Tube of caulk
- Caulk gun
Instructions
-
-
1
Clean the surface thoroughly with soap scum remover and a sponge.
-
2
Cut the old caulk out with a utility knife. Be very careful to angle the razor so that you do not scratch the tub, especially if it is plastic or fiberglass. If the caulk is too hard, you can heat it up with a hair dryer to soften it.
-
-
3
Wipe the joint with alcohol and allow it to dry; this will remove any remaining soap scum. Be sure to get rid of any little pieces of caulk under the edges of the tiles. Allow the joint to dry thoroughly before applying caulk.
-
4
Cut a hole in the tip of the caulk tube. Do not cut the hole too large as this will result in overcaulking.
-
5
Apply a bead of caulk into one of the joints. Use your finger to press the caulk evenly into the joint as you move along the joint. If you have applied the right amount of caulk, the smear will be smooth, neat and even. If you used too much caulk, wipe the caulk out of the joint and try again.
-
6
Apply caulk to the other joints in the same manner. You must work quickly because caulk tends to dry fast and may clump up. Do the entire tub in one sitting to ensure a smooth, complete finish.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You can also purchase a commercial caulk remover to help soften the old caulk.
Silicone caulk should be used on fiberglass. It is soft, easy to use and can be removed very easily. The surface must be completely dry to use.
Polyvinyl acetate caulk can be used on any surface and is completely mildew-proof.
Allow the caulk to dry overnight; do not allow the area to get wet.
Never use exterior caulks on your bathtub surface.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
