How to Recaulk a Bathtub Fast and Easy

Over time your bathtub’s caulking can get ugly black marks that are hard to clean and remove. Instead of frustrating yourself each time you take a bath or shower when you see those ugly spots, you can do the recaulking of your bathtub fast and easy. Follow these steps:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Caulking gun
• 1 tube of silicone sealant (white)
• Utility knife
• Brush
• Screwdriver (or any tool to break the silicone seal)
• Paper towel

1. 

   Gather the tools and materials for recaulking the bathtub. Keep them within reach so you will proceed smoothly with the job.

2. 

   Take a utility knife and start scraping off the old caulking from your tub. Slide the knife under the existing caulk along the edge of the tub and along the walls. Some of the old caulk will come off and some will stay. Apply enough pressure to scrape off the caulk that is harder to remove. Do this all around the bathtub.

3. 

   Use a brush to clean the debris. Make sure that the surface is free from any old caulking.

4. 

   Wipe the section with a paper towel to further clean the surface and get it ready for the application of the new caulk.

5. 

   Break the seal from the silicone tube. Load the tube into the caulking gun then start applying the caulk around the surface where you just removed the old caulking. Keep the caulking gun steady as you run the caulk from one corner of the bathtub and all around the edge.

6. 

   Gently run your damp index finger on the caulk and smooth it out all along the tub. Wipe the excess off from your finger with a paper towel. Do this until you are done all around the tub.

7. 

   Let the new caulking to dry for 24 hours before using the bathtub again so it dries up properly.

Resources

• How to Caulk a Toilet Base
• Pro Caulk Complete Caulking Kit
• Seal 'N Peel Removable Caulk
• Permatex 29247 The Right Stuff Caulking Gun

[MariM]

on 3/14/2009 Very good instructions.5*

[texasparky]

on 3/12/2009 Wow, this was really good! Nice job...Here's one more tip: (1) Caulk every other day. This way you won't have to ever take a shower again, because, after all, you're waiting for it to dry!

[mangomina]

on 3/5/2009 Thank you! I need to do this. 5*s and a rec :)

[sanderdoe]

on 3/5/2009 Thanks for the excellent and well written article. Your steps are clear and simple and easy for anyone to follow.

[writedesign]

on 3/4/2009 I had to do this just last month. 5*rec