How to Caulk Bathroom Floors
Caulking is typically used on joints where the directional plane changes, such as the intersection between counters and floor or between floor and tub where there would typically be a gap or seam. Depending on the temperature and moisture in the bathroom and whether the tub is in use or not, that seam can grow and contract. Caulk allows the tile of the bathroom floor and the material of the tub, walls and cabinets to expand and contract at their own rates without cracking. It protects the subflooring from moisture, mildew and rot. Caulk also serves as a smooth and attractive finishing edge to joints. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose the right caulk. Different caulks are manufactured for different jobs. Select a tub and tile caulk for caulking bathroom floor joints. It is an acrylic caulk that provides a flexible, watertight seal. It is also mildew resistant and cleans up easily with water.
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Insert the caulk tube into the caulking gun. This is a device that will allow you to apply the caulk evenly through the nozzle of the tube into the joint that you want to seal. Cut the tip of the caulking tube at a smooth 45-degree angle. Since the nozzle narrows to the tip, you can choose how wide a strip of caulk you want to lay. Select a diameter that slightly smaller than the joint in which you will be laying a bead.
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Clean the seam you want to caulk. Make sure it is free of dirt, paint, old caulk or any other particulates. The new caulk will adhere to these extra surfaces rather than the surface below the paint and dirt. This will make it easier in the future for the caulk to loosen from the floor tile and tub and allow in moisture.
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Place the tip of the caulk tube in the joint, and pull the trigger on the caulk gun as you slowly pull the caulk gun along the joint. Keep a steady pressure for a consistent volume of caulk. Apply it evenly along the joint. Make sure the caulk fills the joint. This is called laying a bead.
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Use your finger to smooth the caulk. Run a moist finger along the joint to evenly spread the caulk and to press the caulk into the gap at the joint. This not only creates an attractive finish, but it ensures that the caulk is pressed into the gap against both surfaces. Wipe the caulk off your finger, and wash your finger before the caulk hardens to minimize the mess of trying to remove hardened caulk.
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Allow the caulk to dry overnight.
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Tips & Warnings
Fully release the trigger on the caulking gun, or caulk can still run from the tip of the caulking gun, leaving a mess.
Keep a rag or paper towels nearby to clean up any messes.
Fill a tub with water before caulking tub joints. Caulk works best under compression, so a filled tub will cause the caulk to seal the joint between the tub and floor when the tub is at its lowest point.
