How To Apply Bathtub Caulk
Once the old caulk is gone remove any loose grout between the walls and the tub or shower floor.
How to apply bathtub caulk. Remove the existing caulk first before setting a smooth new layer to seal the seams for years to come. Last but not least let the. Caulk is also used to seal showers bathtubs and sinks. Check the caulk in your bathroom.
Next apply another strip of tape along the wall 1 8 inch from the joint. Apply the tape to the tub 1 8 inch from the joint. Scrub the grout and then rinse off the mold killer with water and let it dry. Clean the surfaces one last time with mineral spirits.
Apply either silicone or latex caulk with a caulk gun or squeeze the product straight from the tube. Treat any mold in the grout along the wall tub gap with a mold killing product. If you apply caulking over old caulk it won t provide a strong bond and will result in leaks and cracks in your new caulk leaving your bathroom vulnerable to ongoing water damage. Removing the old caulk as needed and preparing the surfaces is very important for an effective caulk application and repair.
Now the caulking will go between the two pieces of tape making straight smooth lines. Apply tub and tile caulk into the joint and smooth it with your finger an old teaspoon or a caulking spreader. Depending on the condition of the caulk you may be able to free it easily with the help of a putty knife image 1. Caulking is needed for many common home improvement projects.
If any of the caulking is left over on the tub the new caulking won t stick. Wipe along the caulk line with a wet finger to remove any excess. To prep the surfaces remove the old caulk with a retractable razor blade scraper. This guide shows how to caulk around a bathroom sink including how to remove old caulk how to apply caulk and how to use a caulk gun.
Use a hair dryer to speed the drying. For caulk joints in corners such as where wall tile meets a tub sink or countertop a caulk removal tool works great. The key spots to check are areas that are regularly wet such as the corners and base of a freestanding shower and the end of a bathtub where a shower head hits. If the caulk around your bathtub is cracking old or just in need of an update applying new caulk yourself is easy to do with a few tools from your local hardware store.
Take the razor blade and carefully pry the old caulking off the tub.