Bathroom caulking is the process of covering the joint between two surfaces to prevent leakage and protect both surfaces from water damage. Bathtub caulk is typically silicon, latex or silicone rubber that is applied with a tube and gun. The bathtub should be thoroughly cleaned before caulking. If it has been caulked before, there must be no residue on the surface for proper adhesion.

To prevent leaks that can damage floors and walls, it’s important to know how to caulk your bathtub. Caulk should be applied any time there is a gap between the tub surface and wall surfaces. If you’re not sure if your tub needs caulk or not, use this guide below to check for gaps.

1) Remove any existing caulking with a utility knife or razor blade. Clean off residue with mineral spirits.

2) Use masking tape along the top edge of the tub where it meets the tile or other finished wall-surface materials. Seal around fets as well.

3) Caulk along the edge of the tub, squeezing a bead about 1/4″ wide from an 8-inch caulk tube, using a caulking tool.

4) Smooth out the caulk with a wet finger or paper towel. Let dry completely. Wipe off any excess that’s on surfaces other than where it’s supposed to be and then wipe down once more with mineral spirits before you paint over it if necessary.

5) Protect surrounding flooring by laying old towels between them and tub surface. Also pull up rug in bathtub area for protection as well as around perimeter of bathtub; protect baseboard as well (place baggies over baseboards).

6) Mix grout on countertop or mixing board using a drill with a mixing paddle. Fill gaps around top of bathtub, forcing grout into all spaces and smoothing out completely with a damp sponge or paper towel. Let dry overnight.

7) Remove masking tape from surrounding surfaces while grout is still soft so it doesn’t pull paint off when you remove the tape. Clean away any residual grout dust around edges that could damage your wall surface through repeated contact during shower use. Wipe down entire bathtub area once grout has hardened to finish cleaning up the job site .

Now that you have been given this valuable information on how to properly caulk your bathtub, make sure you keep it clean by mopping regularly and painting over any mildew spots that form.

Mildew spots can be cleaned with a solution of one quart bleach, one cup baking soda and two cups water, mixed in a bucket. Pour the solution on mildew areas and let it sit for several hours before scrubbing with a nylon brush or garden-variety scrub brush . Rinse well with clean water to remove all traces of chlorine bleach. If you have any questions about your bathtub’s proper caulk, feel free to consult your local plumber.

 

For more information, contact Vinny’s Jersey Plumbing, located in Wayne, New Jersey.  We also service other cities in New Jersey, such as Cresskill, Verona and Ridgewood.