Home Warranty
How to Caulk a Shower or Bathtub Like a Pro
Make your bathroom look fresh and new again when you seal the deal on your shower or bathtub with these quick caulking tips.
When water gets behind your tub or shower tile, it creates a warm, damp environment that’s the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Before long you’ll start to notice a musty odor you can't get rid of. But a moldy bathroom isn’t something you just have to live with. All it takes is a little bit of research and patience to learn how to caulk a shower or how to caulk a bathtub like the pros do.
Things to know before you give it a go
Recaulking a bathtub or shower creates a watertight seal. An added bonus is that when you recaulk a bathtub or shower, it will also make the bathroom look newer and brighter while getting rid of mold and mildew.
Below you’ll find simple tips so you understand the proper technique and materials for a clean, professional finish that not only looks great but also prevents water damage. Learn the signs that you have a problem, then dive into how to go about cleaning out the old caulk and how to recaulk a bathtub or shower.
Signs your tub or shower is ready for new caulk:
- The caulk is at least five years old
- The caulk is discolored
- The caulk looks dried out or cracked
- The caulk is beginning to peel
- Pieces of the caulking are missing
- Mold and/or mildew are growing on the surface or just below
Tools you need to have on hand before you start:
- Caulk gun
- Oscillating tool
- Putty knife
- Rags
- Razor scraper
- Utility knife
Materials to make it all happen:
- Caulk that contains mold and mildew prevention additives
- Caulk remover
- Masking or painters tape
- Mineral spirits
- Paper towels or rags
Expert tip: Make your project easier by choosing a water-based caulk sealant like "Phenoseal" for effortless cleanup.
4 steps to prep before you recaulk a bathtub or shower
Chances are, you’re perfectly capable of handling a recaulk job on your own without having to call on a Pro. Just make sure you don’t overlook the critical step of removing all the existing caulk.
1. Cut and peel the existing caulk
The first step in how to recaulk a bathtub or shower is using your utility knife or an oscillating caulk removal tool to slice through the caulk along the walls, then along the floor of the tub or shower.
2. Loosen and remove the remaining caulk
- Squirt caulk remover on the caulk that’s left and give it time to work.
- Scrape off all the old caulk with a razor scraper.
- Wipe with a rag or paper towel.
3. Clean the bare tiles and grout
- Now that the old caulk is gone, you can remove any loose grout between the walls and the tub or shower floor.
- Treat any mold in the grout along the wall/tub gap with a mold-killing product.
- Scrub the grout and then rinse off the mold killer with water and let it dry.
- Use a hair dryer to speed the up the drying process.
4. Tape the gaps
- Mask the wall corner gaps first. Start by locating the biggest gap between the tub/shower and walls. That’ll tell you how far apart to space the two rows of tape.
- Tape the walls above the tub or shower floor.
- Then apply tape to the tub or shower floor.
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3 steps to start recaulking a bathtub
With the prep work done, it’s time to apply some new caulk. Here are the three steps to follow:
1. Cut, push, and apply
- Cut the nozzle tip of the caulk tube to match the width of the gap you’ll be caulking. Cut a blunt 20-degree angle.
- Holding the caulk gun at a 90-degree angle to the gap, push a small bead of caulk slightly ahead of the tip as you move the gun forward and keep applying pressure.
- Only apply enough caulk to fill the gap.
2. Wipe with your finger
- Wet your finger with water. Then start at an outer corner.
- Wipe your finger across the caulk to create a rounded bead and remove excess caulk from the gap.
3. Peel off the tape
- While the caulk is still wet, lift one corner of the tape along the tub and pull it off at a steep angle
- Peel the tape from along the wall.
- Remove the tape from the wall corners last.
And there you go! Now you know how to caulk a bathtub or shower like a Pro.
Even if you’re not a seasoned DIYer, recaulking a bathtub or shower is pretty simple. It’s also a fairly small fix that can make a big difference in the look and feel of your bathroom.
Things to keep in mind: Newly applied caulk can take a few hours to dry to the touch—and 24 hours or more before it’s cured. Once you make sure the bathroom is well ventilated, leave the caulk to dry. Check the manufacturer's directions for the amount of time for the caulk to be fully cured. And make sure you don’t use the bath or shower until the caulk is fully cured to prevent mold, mildew and water damage from happening again.
Don’t Worry. Be Warranty, with American Home Shield®.
Knowing how to caulk a shower or tub can help you not only stay on top of your home’s maintenance, but give you some much needed peace of mind. So can the right home warranty plan. Find additional support and protection with a home warranty from American Home Shield. We can cover parts of your HVAC, electrical systems, kitchen appliances, and much, much more.
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