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    Home » Home Remodeling » Bathroom

    Published: Jan 29, 2021 by Rachel

    How To Caulk A Bathtub or Shower Surround

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
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    Learn how to caulk a bathtub or shower surround like a professional. Make your spa look like new again with the best tips and tricks for caulking, removing caulk, and using quality tools.

    Collage with before and process tips and title reading How to Caulk like a professional  caulk tip, caulk gun and bathtub caulk.
    Contents show
    1 STOP USING A CHEAP CAULK GUN!
    2 How To Remove Old Caulking
    3 Step-By Step Instructions for Caulking a Bathtub or Shower
    4 Caulking Frequently Asked Questions
    5 How To Caulk a Shower or Bathtub Surround

    Sooner or later we all have to recaulk items in the house. From caulking baseboards to installing wainscoting to our beautiful kitchen island and much more, I have refreshed caulk on so many items. This simple guide will show you the how to remove old caulk and the best tips for caulking a tub or shower. Don’t let peeling or discolored caulk ruin a much needed spa day any longer. No need to be intimidated, as anyone can get professional results!

    STOP USING A CHEAP CAULK GUN!

    One of my best tips is to avoid using the cheapest caulk gun. It’s only a few dollars for a slightly nicer caulk gun and the benefits are so, so worth it. This is one of the caulk guns that I use and love because:

    • With cheap caulk guns, the caulk often drips long after you have released the trigger (and you end up wasting caulk and a bunch of paper towels every time you set the caulk gun down). This one is a dripless caulk gun! No wasted caulk.
    • It comes with a handy pin attached that easily pierces the foil barrier inside the tube.
    • The trigger spring allows for more even caulk distribution.
    • Squeeze tubes are really only good for small areas. Your hands will hurt if you try to do a whole window or shower surround.

    *If you use viscous materials (such as sanded caulk or adhesives), have a BIG job, have poor hand strength, arthritis, or would just like something that doesn’t require you to squeeze as much, get a high thrust caulk gun. This is the one that I use as well for bigger jobs.

    Demonstration of piercing a tube of caulk with caulk gun.

    How To Remove Old Caulking

    The first thing you gotta do is get ALL of the old bathtub caulk off the bathtub or shower. This can be a bit tedious for sure but there are some special tools that make this job a bit simpler.

    • If caulking a flat surface (not underneath tile like in this surround, I dig and peel the caulk out with this caulk remover tool. I use a putty knife to scrape the sides away from the tub.
    • How to remove caulk in a bathtub with a wide gap – if you need to get in deeper, needle nose pliers like these, work great to pull out any bits that have gotten stuck in the crevice.
    • To remove excess caulk from the bathtub after the majority of caulk is removed, take a window scraper and carefully scrape the old caulk residue from the tub surround and tile. Be careful not to gouge the tub though!
    Bathtub with moldy caulk that has deteriorated.

    Make sure the structure and grout doesn’t have any cracks or pits.

    If the tile and surround look good, vacuum and remove any dirt or dust. Clean the surface of any mildew or soap scum too. Spray a 10% bleach solution into the area of the caulk and allow to sit for at least a few minutes. Wipe up with a clean, dry cloth and allow to air dry overnight. You can also use denatured alcohol.

    Caulk removed from a bathtub surround under the tile.

    Step-By Step Instructions for Caulking a Bathtub or Shower

    Watch the Video to See it in Action

    Step 1 – Create a straight line using painters tape on both sides of the seam. Make sure to burnish (press into the wall so there are no bubbles) both sides well.

    Demonstration of how to tape a bathtub for caulking.

    As you can see, I only put tape on one side in this tub installation. The reason being was that the tile on tip has a very uneven stone edge, so I worried more about caulk getting up under the tape and creating an ugly look. The tub below shows our installation in a beveled edge subway tile bathroom.

    Taping both sides of a caulk seam as example for a straight line of caulk on a bathtub surround.

    Step 2 – Cut the Caulk Tube at an angle similar to what your hand position will be. If you just cut the tip flat at a 90-degree angle, you will have more wasted caulk and a round bead rather than an angle bead. Higher quality caulk guns often come with a piercing tool, or you will need something to insert in the tube to pierce the foil.

    How to cut a tube of caulk at a proper angle for maximum distribution.

    Step 3 – Lay the Caulk. Position the tip in the seam area and move in a straight line with the bead of caulk. Make sure there are no gaps or huge globs as you move along. Also make sure to fill the space pretty well so it doesn’t cave in.

    Step 4 – Smooth out the caulk. Perfect caulk lines do not necessarily require a tool. I have used a ton of different tools, and my personal favorite in my index finger. Fingers have just enough flexibility to go over any ridges while keeping the caulk nice and smooth. Put on some latex gloves and make sure they are tight fitting around your finger (no ridges or ripples).

    However, I understand that I do have small hands I generally recommend this wedge tool if you do not feel confident with just your hands.

    *Pro Tip – A dab of dish soap rubbed over the gloves keeps caulk from sticking to your finger.

    Make sure there are no gaps or pin holes in your caulk. As you move along, keep even pressure. Generally, I go over once to get any excess caulk and then a second time to smooth out completely, moving from end to end in one sweep.

    Step 5 – Pull Up the Painter’s Tape. Make sure that you can see the edges of the tape, or you will have odd ridges when you pull the tape up.

    Allow the caulk to fully cure for the recommended time on the directions before exposing it to water.

    After photo of caulked bathtub and shower combo.

    So there you go! Now you can truly get professional looking caulk and no more nasty, moldy ring around the tub!

    More Home Repair Tutorials

    • How to Caulk Baseboards the Easy Way
    • How To Install Wainscoting
    • Save Money Replacing a Vanity
    • How to Install Cabinets

    Caulking Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Best Caulk to Use in a Shower?

    In my experience, this latex caulk is easier to work with than 100% silicone caulk. However, I will say that the 100% has generally held up better in areas prone to problems such as mold or deep gaps. 100% silicone caulk is messier to work with and seems to stick to everything.

    How long should the shower or bathtub dry before caulking?

    I recommend spraying the caulking area with a 10% bleach solution and letting sit for a few minutes before wiping away. Then let the area dry 24 hours or overnight before caulking.

    How Long should the shower or bathtub dry after caulking?

    Most caulk is water resistant within 2 hours, but it is best to wait for a full cure, or about 24 hours before exposing to water.

    Do I need to fill the tub with water before caulking?

    Absolutely not. If the tub flexes enough to pull away from caulk, it’s time for a new bathtub or it’s installed incorrectly. Or worse, there is a subfloor problem. See my post on best bathtubs for information and ideas.

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    Freshly added caulk to a bathtub surround.

    How To Caulk a Shower or Bathtub Surround

    Learn how to Caulk a Bathtub or shower surround like a professional. Make your spa look like new again the best tips and tricks for caulking, removing caulk, and quality tools.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Project Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Author: Rachel
    Cost: $15

    Tools

    • Caulk Remover Tool
    • Flat Scraper Blade
    • Needle Nosed Pliers
    • High Quality Caulk Gun

    Supplies

    • 10% Bleach Solution
    • Painter's Tape
    • Bathroom Caulk in Matching Color waterproof, non-paintable
    • Paper Towels
    • Latex or Nitrile Gloves

    Instructions

    Remove the Old Caulk

    • Remove the old caulk using the caulk remover tool and a flat scraper blade to remove all traces around the surround. If the tile and surround look in good repair, vacuum and remove any dirt or dust. Clean the surface of any mildew or soap scum too.
      A caulk scraper removing the caulk on a baseboard.
    • Spray a 10% bleach solution into the area of the caulk and allow to sit for at least a few minutes. Wipe up with a clean, dry cloth and allow to air dry overnight.
      A corner of a bathtub rim with the caulk removed.

    Caulking the Surround

    • To create a straight line of caulk, use painters tape on both sides of the seam.
      Painter's tape along a bathtub edge in preparation to caulk the edge.
    • Cut the caulk tube at a 35-45 degree angle. If you just cut the tip flat at a 90 degree angle, you will have more wasted caulk and a round bead rather than an angle bead.
      The tip of a caulk gun cut at a 45 degree angle.
    • Position the tip in the seam area and move in a straight line with the bead of caulk. Make sure there are no gaps or huge globs as you move along. Also make sure to fill the space pretty well so it doesn’t cave in.
      Caulk being spread with a caulking gun into a crevice with both sides taped.
    • Smooth out the caulk with your index finger or a caulk smoothing tool. As you move along, keep even pressure. Generally, I go over once to get any excess caulk and then a second time to smooth out completely, moving from end to end in one sweep.
      A caulk smoother tool being used to smooth out caulk on a bathtub.
    • Pull up the painter's tape. Make sure that you can see the edges of the tape, or you will have odd ridges when you pull the tape up.
      Painter's tape being carefully pulled up to reveal a clean edge of caulk.
    • Allow to cure according to directions before exposing to water.
      Freshly added caulk to a bathtub surround.

    Notes

    My Favorite Tool for Smoothing Caulk
    My index finger. A dab of dish soap rubbed over the gloves keeps caulk from sticking to your finger. Fingers have just enough flexibility to go over any ridges while keeping the caulk nice and smooth. Put on some latex gloves and make sure they are tight fitting around your finger (no ridges or ripples). A dab of dish soap keeps the caulk from sticking to your finger!
    Buy a Quality Caulk Gun
    If you use viscous materials (such as sanded caulk or adhesives), have a BIG job, have poor hand strength/arthritis or would just like something that doesn’t require you to squeeze as much, get a high thrust caulk gun. This is the one that I use for bigger jobs.
    Tried this Project? Tag me Today!Mention @CravingCreative or tag #CravingSomeCreativity!
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sue McGowan says

      September 02, 2019 at 9:30 pm

      5 stars
      When I was buying caulk, a carpenter in line behind me recommended smoothing the caulk lime with a plastic spoon that has been dipped in water. It really did work. The painters’ tape is genius for keeping mistakes at bay. Thank you for the tutorial.

      Reply
    2. Pam says

      April 06, 2019 at 4:02 am

      5 stars
      I would have never thought of using painting tape to help me get a nice smooth line , I wish I would’ve seen this three weeks ago when I was re-caulking my farmer sink

      Reply
      • Rachel says

        April 06, 2019 at 2:51 pm

        Oh no, I bet it looks perfectly good though. Unfortunately, there will always be next time that something needs re-caulked. Of course, you might live closer then and I can do it, lol.

        Reply
    3. Taylor Bishop says

      April 03, 2019 at 12:31 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for this advice for caulking a bathtub. It’s nice to know that you should try to make sure the area is clean and dry beforehand. Maybe it could be good to clean the area the day before so you can be sure it’s ready for caulking the next day.

      Reply

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