How To Caulk Your Shower

There is no expiration date on caulk. but when it begins to peel and turn different colors around your bathtub or shower, you will know it is time.  Luckily, caulking requires just a few tools and materials, making it an easy DIY project for handy homeowners of every skill level.



Tools and Materials:
-Caulk Scraper
-Chemical Caulk Dissolver
-Caulk for bathtubs and showers
-Utility knife
-Antibacterial dish soap and sponge
-Painter's tape
-Caulk gun
-Paper towels



Remove Old Caulk



If you decide to use a chemical solvent (optional), apply the chemical and wait as long as the instructions recommend.  This might require a few extra hours before scraping.  If you don't want to use chemicals, cut a line through the center of the caulk with your utility knife.  Scrape away the rest. Take care not to scratch up,your bathtub or shower wall.



Clean Surface And Let Dry



Make sure the edge where you will caulk is clean and smooth.  Scrub any mold and mildew with antibacterial soap.  Wait until it dries to continue. or else the caulk will have trouble adhering.  To speed drying time, set up a fan or follow along the edge with a hair dryer.



Tape Edges



When the tub and wall have dried, tape along the edges of both.  This ensures the caulk line looks uniform and makes less of a mess.  Keep the tape on the tub about 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch from the wall and the same distance up the surface of the wall.



Apply Caulk And Smooth



Cut open the tube of caulk with your utility knife, being careful not to cut the hole too wide.  Run a bead of caulk between the tape.  Smooth the caulk with your finger.  Wipe your hands and any excess caulk with a wet paper tool.

*If the caulk is too thin, it will not fill the gap.  If it is too thick, it will make a mess.  If you are unsure, do a small stretch, smooth it down with your forefinger and see if it covers from tape to tape.



Remove Tape And Let Dry



Starting at one end, peel the tape around the tub.  Do the same with the wall.  After pulling off the tape, you might notice edges where the caulk does not sit on the tub's surface.  Without disturbing the bulk, smooth down the edge with your finger.


*Fresh caulk needs to cure for at least 24 hours, but check on your product for specific directions.



Best of luck on your DIY project.  I hope this was helpful.



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