How To Replace Bathtub Caulk

Depending on the condition of the caulk you may be able to free it easily with the help of a putty knife image 1.

How to replace bathtub caulk. Treat any mold in the grout along the wall tub gap with a mold killing product. Ask this old house general contractor tom silva demonstrates the correct materials and techniques required for re caulking a bathtub. This step by step tutorial shows you how to properly go about your next bathtub caulking project in order to ensure a watertight seal and pristine white finish. To caulk a bathtub first use a razor scraper to gently remove any old caulk around the tub.

For this job tom sliced away the old acrylic latex caulk with quick sharp strokes of a 5 in 1. Before you can re caulk the tub you need to remove the old stuff entirely it can be a time consuming task but it s. The caulk around a bathtub looks pretty nasty when it begins to peel away. Use painter s tape to cover any surfaces around your work area that you want to keep clean and dry.

Apply the tape to the tub 1 8 inch from the joint. Next apply another strip of tape along the wall 1 8 inch from the joint. Take the razor blade and carefully pry the old caulking off the tub. Before applying new caulk around your bathtub shower or sink you must firsts remove the old caulk.

Apply tub and tile caulk into the joint and smooth it with your finger an old teaspoon or a caulking spreader. Step 2 clean the surface area thoroughly after all the old bathtub caulk has been removed sand down the area to remove any burrs so you have a smooth surface for the caulking. Scrub the grout and then rinse off the mold killer with water and let it dry. Subscribe to this old h.

Once the old caulk is gone remove any loose grout between the walls and the tub or shower floor. New caulk doesn t stick to old caulk so if you fail to remove the old stuff the new caulk can t form a watertight seal leaving the potential for moisture to seep into areas where you don t want it. Check the caulk in your bathroom. 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 any of the caulking is left over on the tub the new caulking won t stick. Now the caulking will go between the two pieces of tape making straight smooth lines. Keep the angle of the blade as low as possible and watch the caulking to see if it s being cut.