Applying Caulk around a Bathtub

Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com demonstrates the process of removing old caulk, and installing new caulk around a bathtub.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Home
• Improvement
• Caulk
• Bathtub
• Repair

[rchandraonline]

I had heard it might be slightly easier on the fingers if they're wetted first before pressing/smoothing the caulk into the gap. Additionally, I wear latex gloves while doing this so that there is close to zero chance I get caulk stuck to my skin (so glove + a little moisture is what I would add). Thanks for showing.

What I was originally looking for was the tile-to-tub interface (whereas this is tub to flooring). My main question is whether there is supposed to be grout behind the caulk.

[HomeAdditionPlus]

@rchandraonline If there is floor tile abutting the tub, yes you should grout there. Then you can apply a grout sealer, and possibly a narrow bead of clear silicone caulk over the grout line where it comes in contact with the tub.

[jmh40guy]

What is the pr way to do this is masking tape on both surfaces leaving your gap in the joint to the desired size. apply caulk take a spoon and smooth it into the joint. Remove masking tape and you will have a machine like application. I do this on boats all day long...it comes out perfect with little mess and not much need for wet rag.

Try it...it's easy and comes out beautiful with a perfect bead. I mean Prefect.

Jim

[hyenalaugh09]

excellent

[bennra26008]

cool vid thxs!!! helped BIG TIME THXS

[JCPAINTWORKZ]

@MaxTallon you can spit on your finger too its quicker and easier!!

[Philc2]

...Or you can squeeze out some caulk and cut off a short cylinder from the end of the tube to 'tool' the caulk bead. You can squeeze the cylinder and scoop along the bead, taking off just the highest spots, squeeze to a tighter radius and scoop along again taking a little more so when you smooth with a spit-moistened finger it won't spread too much. Dry finger or tool to remove excesss & spit-moistened finger to smooth to a glossy finish so there are no 'edges' to catch dirt. Practice once first

[Maxforever2003]

@jmh40guy what a way to do it never thought about it have to caulk my bathroom going to try it thanks.

[MaxTallon]

@juanalvy : try putting a few drops of undiluted washing-up liquid on the tip of your finger before running your finger along the caulk - believe me this works - it really smooths the caulk and prevents it from sticking to your finger. (An old-school handy-man gave me that tip.)

[MorKri71]

I agree with Etherglide.. It's called Cornertape! The system helps you remove old caulk, clean the surface and apply new perfect joints!

[juanalvy]

i tried this, but when i ran my finger down the bead again after removing tape, it got sticky and messed up the bead.