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:
How to caulk a bathtub:
- 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.
- Make sure the area is completely dry before proceeding.
- 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.
- For a bathtub, a bead that is about 1/4 inch wide is usually sufficient.
- You can also use a squeeze tube of caulk, typically the squeeze tubes of caulk are more controllable than the caulk gun.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Be sure to wipe your finger or tool frequently to avoid creating a messy finish.
- 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.
- 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.