Do it Yourself: How to Caulk Your Tub

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

17 Jul 2006 06:03 AM

Putting in a new tub? Maybe your existing tub is just looking a little worse for wear. Aside from making your tub look better, you can save yourself a lot of money with this simple do it yourself project.

For less than $20.00 worth of supplies and under half an hour of your time, you can avoid paying a plumber or a handyman for a service call, and you may also avoid hundreds, even thousands of dollars in repair bills.

Old caulk can develop mildew and it can also allow leakage, causing water damage to walls and floors. Look for caulk that protects against mildew.

Let's Get Started:

1. Begin by removing the old caulk. A paint scraper is a good tool for this project and you should be able to scrape away damaged caulk fairly easily. If it proves tough to remove, you may need to apply caulk stripper, following the label instructions.

2. Once the old caulk is removed, clean the area thoroughly, including the edge of the tub and the base of the wall.

3. Next, fill the tub about as full as you would when drawing a bath for an adult. The weight of the water shifts the tub in a slight downward direction. If you apply caulk without filling the tub, and then add water, the weight of the water may crack the caulk or prevent it from sealing properly.

4. Dry the edge of the tub and the base of the wall if necessary, and apply painter's tape or masking tape to both, leaving a small space between tape strips where the caulk goes. This will help you apply a nice straight, neat, line of caulk.

5. Apply the caulk in the needed areas then gently remove the tape, pulling away from the caulk as you go.

6. Wet the back of an old spoon or other smooth, slightly rounded object and use it to smooth the fresh caulk. Press gently but firmly until you have smoothed all of it and have an even application.

7. Allow the caulk to dry completely. The directions on the label should offer guidelines, but at least one day from the time of application is advisable.

8. It is now safe to let the water out of the tub, but it is best not to use the tub for at least twenty-four hours.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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