how do i recaulk a tub?

Question

The old caulk is cracked and I need to redo it. What is the correct caulking to use and how do I do it? Thanks!

Answer 1

The other advice is good. The only thing I would add is too caulk the tub with it half full of water. The tub will settle a little with the water in it. If you caulk an empty tub when you put water in it, it may settle and crack the caulk. This way the tub is depressed and when empty will come up a little and when water is added again it will not cause the caulk to cap.

Answer 2

Pretty much any good silicone sealant will do the job, the proper color to match the surround, of course. The not so much fun part is taking out the old gunk. Whatever material it is, you'll most likely have to score under it and over it and hope most of it will pull out. A good sharp putty knife or paint scraper will help get rid of the residue. Then just load your caulk gun with a tube of the new stuff and squeeze gently while moving the tip along the crack between the tub and the surround, slowly and evenly. I generally use my finger to smooth out the excess and then wipe it off with a paper towel. It should dry to the touch in 4 - 6 hours. I wouldn't shower in it till the next day.

Answer 3

use 40% silicone caulk. a wet rag is better than your finger. cut tip of tube at a slight angle, with point in corner of tub and wall. start in a corner. apply pressure to caulk gun til you see slight "puddle" form. keep applying pressure as you move gun to maintain puddle. when finished, use wet rag with light pressure to remove excess and smooth out your bead. be careful not to remove all the caulking. before you start, make sure caulk area is clean and dry. dont use tub or shower for 24 hours p. s. some caulks have foil tube inside tube. if yours does, use nail to puncture.

Answer 4

Remove all the old caulking, and then use DAP to recaulk. After running the bead, use a wet finger to smooth it out.