How to caulk a bathtub is a process many may find slightly intimidating, but really involves a simple process. Whether your bathtub caulk has gotten moldy or you are installing a new tub surround, caulking a bathtub is one step that is vitally important. A bad caulking can be both unsightly and invite unnecessary mold growth. The same principles used to caulk a bathtub can be used for kitchen and sink caulk work as well.
The first step in caulking a bathtub is usually to remove old caulk. To do this, use a box knife, a razor, caulk removing tool, or any kind of object that allows you to scrape the caulk from the bathtub, wall, and tub surround. Removing every last bit of caulk is necessary to make sure the finished work looks as perfect as possible. Once most of the old caulk is taken off, use a flat razor blade to remove the last traces.
Once the surface is bare, clean it thoroughly. Depending on what kind of debris is present, use a gritty scrub to clean, but finish by rubbing the surface with bleach. Let the surface dry completely.
How to Caulk a Bathtub
Once the surface is completely dry, caulking a bathtub can be done in a few different ways. If there is a gap between a tub surround and the bathtub itself, a larger amount of caulk may need to be applied. The easiest way to do this and have the end result look beautiful is to use blue painter’s tape.
With a larger amount of bathtub caulk, it becomes increasingly difficult to smooth it out and quite easy to end up with peaks, points, and uneven edges. Run painter’s tape in straight lines on both sides of where the caulk will be, about one quarter inch out on each side. Make sure the tape is carefully placed—as straight as possible and either curved or cut to 90-degree angles in the corners.
If there is no gap and the tub surround and bathtub are flush, there is no need to lay down any painter’s tape.
Tubes of caulk have pointed tips so that you can cut an opening that will suit the amount of caulk you need. If you have a small, even seam to cover, cut closer to the tip. If you have a larger gap to cover, cut farther up the tip. You will only go along the seam once with the caulk. If you attempt to put a second layer, the result will be messy and difficult to clean up. Cut an opening at a slight angle.
Start at one end of the seam you need to caulk and apply even, steady pressure to put down a “bead” of caulk that is the same size the whole way. You can stop and start if needed, but try to make the caulk as even and clean of a single line as possible.
For smaller seams with little caulk applied, you can use your finger to smooth the caulk out. Press it into the seam and wipe excess off your finger when it gets to be too much.
For larger seams, using your hands is still possible, but you may want to wear latex gloves. Clean your hands more often as there will be more excess caulk. You can also use a tool to spread caulk evenly, but as long as it is pressed down and spread smoothly, there is no need to go out and buy anything extra for this step.
Remove the tape carefully and allow the caulk to dry for the amount of time specified on the container.
Kristin Kendle - Kristin Kendle is both an editor and a writer. She currently works as an editor, and writes for Live Your Life e-zine, Demand Studios, and ...
