Caulk Your Tub

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Step

As you can see, the caulk is damaged and needs to be replaced. First, you'll need to gather a few items from the local hardware store. You'll need 1 tube of caulk rated for wet areas; I prefer to use 100% silicone caulk, because it seems to hold up the best. A roll of Painter's tape.

For the DIYer, it makes for clean lines in your finished project.You'll also need a few tools. I use a combination of small handtools to get removal of the caulk done. You may need to use 1 or all 3 of the scraping items. A small chisel, a regular utility knife, and a razor blade for getting the small residue up.

Start by first using the chisel to break loose caulk that is damaged. Use the chisel because it won't damage the finish on the tub. Using light pressure, carefully scrape the caulk around the base of the tub. It should come up fairly easily. If you are replacing silicone caulk, you can grasp a section and slowly pull a whole large piece in one pass.

Once you have the major sections of caulk cleared away, use a utility knife at a flat angle to clear residual caulk from the tub. Finally, use a razor blade to get the tub and walls completely clean of the old caulk.

Before moving to the next steps, take a moment to sweep up any debris left or use a vacuum to remove any loose debris.

Applying painter's tape. When you apply painter's tape, start at the long vertical seams of your tub surrounds. From the top of the tub surrounds, apply tape to within 1/2-inch of the tub. Repeat on all vertical seams.

Next, apply painter's tape to the bottom perimeter of the tub. When you get to the corners, cut the piece of tape about 3/8-inches from the tub surround wall. Fold the piece backwards and make a 45 degree cut for the corner; giving the corner a "rounded" look. Continue on, leaving a space where perpendicular runs intersect.

Replacing caulk. Replacing caulk that has deteriorated is important in that you want to prevent any water infiltration along the base of the tub as well as behind the tub walls. This can lead to costly repairs. To avoid this, replace your caulking at the first sign of deterioration.

Step

Caulking your tub surrounds. Load your caulk gun. Cut the tip of the caulk tube from 1/8- to 1/4-inch with your utility knife. Puncture the inner bag to release the caulk with a metal coat hanger or similar item. Beginning at a lower vertical run of painter's tape, hold the caulk gun at about a 45 degree angle and go vertically up with a steady bead of caulk. When you get to the top, press the caulk gun's release button; or else, caulk will continue to ooze out.

Continue on with the base of your tub until you finish. Immediately place your finger at the top of your vertical runs, and set the caulk with steady pressure until you reach the bottom. If to much caulk accumulates on you finger, use a spare towel to wipe off excess. Continue with the entire surround until you are done.

Before the caulk has time to set, immediately remove all tape and discard. There you have it. You just caulked your tub in less than an hour.

How To Caulk Your Tub