How To Caulk A Refinished Bathtub

Helping homeowners in Michigan renew bathrooms since 2005

Caulking A Refinished Bathtub

Caulking a refinished bathtub or new bathtub is a fairly simple process that can help prevent water damage and keep your bathroom looking clean and well-maintained. Here’s a general outline of how to do it:

Caulking a bathtub

How to caulk a bathtub:

  1. Clean the bathtub to be caulked. Use a putty knife or scraper to remove any old caulk or sealant, and use a mild cleaner to remove any dirt or grime.
  2. Make sure the area is completely dry before proceeding.
  3. Cut the tip of the caulk tube. Most caulking guns have a built-in cutting tool by grip, which you can use to trim the tip of the tube to the desired width.
  4. For a bathtub, a bead that is about 1/4 inch wide is usually sufficient.
  5. You can also use a squeeze tube of caulk, typically the squeeze tubes of caulk are more controllable than the caulk gun.
  6. Apply the caulk. Starting at one end of the bathtub, hold the caulk gun or caulk tube at a 45-degree angle and apply a continuous bead of caulk along the seam where the bathtub meets the wall.
  7. Be sure to smooth the caulk as you go, using a caulk smoothing tool or your finger. I prefer using my finger and wiping the access caulk off my finger every 2 inches or so.
  8. Smooth and remove excess caulk. Once you’ve applied a continuous bead of caulk along the seam, use a caulk smoothing tool or your finger to smooth the caulk and remove any excess.
  9. Be sure to wipe your finger or tool frequently to avoid creating a messy finish.
  10. Allow the caulk to dry. Most caulks take about 24 hours to fully cure, so it’s important to avoid using the bathtub or shower for at least that long.
  11. Enjoy your newly caulked bathtub! With proper care and maintenance, your new caulk should last for several years.

Our preferred brand of caulk for a refinished bathtub is Poly-Seam Seal Tub & Tile Caulk found at most big box home improvement stores.

If your bathtub is starting to look dingy, stained or hard to clean it also might be time for a tub refinish to go along with your new caulking. Check us out here for more info on bathtub refinishing.