Crumbling caulk or mold and mildew in the crevices of your bathtub or shower are signs that it’s time to recaulk. I was amazed at how easy it is to recaulk a tub, and you will be, too.
Gently scrape out the old caulk, clean the edges you’re going to caulk with water, dish soap, or alcohol, and then apply the new caulk at a steady pace, about 12 inches at a time.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Tools:
- Caulk gun
- Plastic putty knife
- Utility knife
Materials:
- Caulk remover
- Painter’s tape
- Cleaning solution. It depends on the method you choose to eliminate build-up and what type of debris has accumulated. You may need one or more of these: mild soap, white vinegar, baking soda, or rubbing alcohol.
- Wiping/cleaning materials: cloth rag and sponge
- Caulk
Step 1: Remove Existing Caulk
Most home improvement stores sell chemical caulk removers that are formulated to soften the old caulk so it comes out easily.
Simply spray the caulk remover on the old caulk and wait for it to work based on the manufacturer’s directions.
Then use a utility knife or putty knife to gently scrape away the existing caulk. Be careful not to scratch or damage the tub.
Step 2: Clean the Area
After scraping off the caulk, remove the residue and clean the area with a wet rag or sponge and mild soap. Rinse with warm water.
Here are some other things you could do alternatively, or that you may need to do depending on the build-up:
- Instead of using mild soap, clean the area with rubbing alcohol and dry it with a dry paper towel or rag.
- After removing the remaining residue with a putty knife, wipe the area with white vinegar and a soft sponge to clean it and eliminate any mold.
- Soap scum can be removed by first wiping the area with a wet sponge, putting a little baking soda on the scum, and scrubbing until it is clean.
- Grout lines can be scrubbed with a grout cleaner and a toothbrush.
Let the surface dry before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Apply Painter’s Tape
Put painter’s tape about ⅛ inches from the seam you’re caulking on both sides. This will help you apply the caulk in a straight line, and the tape will catch any excess caulk.
Some DIYers do not use tape. However, the tape is a good way to ensure the caulk comes out evenly. When you become a pro, you can skip this step.
Step 4: Prepare the Caulk Gun
Cut the tip of the caulking tube at a 45-degree angle. Puncture the inside of the tube with the tool on the caulk gun. Load the caulk gun with the caulk.
Step 5: Apply the Caulk
- Apply the caulk to the seam at a steady and smooth pace. Cover a small space at a time, about 12 inches.
- Smooth the caulk with your finger, a damp rag, or a damp paper towel. Apply gentle pressure in one continuous motion.
- Remove any extra caulk with your finger or a damp wipe.
You may need to apply another layer. If so, follow the same steps for the first layer, smoothing it with a wet finger or cloth.
Tips for applying the caulk: If the caulk piles up, you’re probably going too slowly. If the flow breaks or is too thin, you’re most likely applying it too quickly.
Step 6: Remove the Tape
- Remove the painter’s tape as soon as you finish the whole tub.
- Smooth any edges with your finger or a wet cloth. Use the cloth to get rid of smudges.
Step 7: Give the Caulk Time to Cure
Do not use the bathtub for at least 24 hours. The caulk needs enough time to cure so it effectively bonds with the tub. The type of caulk you use determines its dry and cure time, which are two different things.
Types of Caulk for Bathtubs
The three types of caulk typically used for bathrooms are silicone, acrylic latex, and a blend of the two. Here is how they compare.
Silicone caulk is waterproof, elastic, and durable. It prevents mildew and mold growth, but it does not smooth onto the surface easily, has an odor, and needs to be cleaned with mineral spirits.
Acrylic-latex caulk smooths easily, has a barely noticeable odor, and can be cleaned with water. Acrylic caulks are not as strong as silicone and may need to be replaced sooner, but cleaning up and replacing acrylic is easier.
Silicone-acrylic blends combine the best qualities of silicone and acrylic. Hybrids do not shrink like acrylic caulk or crumble in temperature changes, so hybrid caulks are durable and flexible.
Dig In
Recaulking a tub or shower isn’t difficult once you master the techniques fir removing the old caulk and applying the new.
For more on improving your bathroom, check out these articles:
- How to Tile a Bathroom Wall
- How to Change a Bathroom Light Fixture
- How to Install a Bathroom Vanity Light
- How to Hang a Bathroom Mirror
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Main Image Credit: Jason / Adobe Stock Free / License
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