With a couple of inexpensive tools and these tips, re-caulking your tub is a simple DIY job. So get ready to roll up your sleeves and update your bathroom by getting rid of that grungy looking line of caulking that is around your bathtub right now and replace with a brand new line of caulking.
Items Needed for Re-Caulking
*Putty knife – with about a 1-2 inch wide blade
*Rubbing alcohol and clean cloth
*Tube of white or clear silicone caulking
*Caulking gun**
*Scissors
*Caulking finishing tool or rubber gloves
**Some varieties of silicone caulking do not require a caulking gun to apply. Read directions on tube or packet before purchasing a caulking gun.
How To Remove old Tub Caulking
Press the putty knife blade flat on the tub, against the old caulking, and begin scrapping all the old caulking from the tub’s edges. When done scrapping, clean away all of the old caulking by using a vacuum cleaner attachment hose. Clean and prep for the new caulking by saturating the cloth with rubbing alcohol and wiping all around the caulking area.
Fill and Load
Fill the bathtub full of water before going any further with this DIY project. Without the added weight in the tub prior to applying the caulking, the caulking will crack when you take your first bath.
Load the tube of silicone caulking (if using the type that needs a caulking gun) into the caulking gun. Using the scissors, cut the tip off the tube at a 45 degree angle, ¼ inch down the tube.
Start in the Corner
Start applying the caulking in one corner of the tub. Press the tip of the tube against the tub/wall seam and squeeze the handle to dispense a bead of caulking thick enough to cover the gap. If the bead of caulking does not cover the tub/wall gap, the opening of the tube is not large enough, cut a little more off the tip of the tube (at a 45 degree angle). Apply the caulking all around the perimeter of the tub. Try to lay down one continuous bead of caulking by keeping the caulking gun moving once you have gotten started.
Finish and Done
Use the finishing tool to smooth and seal the caulk. If you didn’t purchase a finishing tool (about $3), put on one rubber glove and use tip of index finger to smooth out the caulk around the tub.
Place a large head nail into the tip of caulk tube to seal it until it’s needed for another DIY project. Leave water in tub and let caulk dry on tub overnight before using tub.