Caulking Bathtubs and Showers  

Showers and bathtubs are caulked to prevent water from creeping under or around the tile joints between the tile and the tub or around the shower pan. Leaky caulk in your bathroom should not be ignored or the tile will come loose from the trapped moisture. If the deterioration from water seepage is too severe the repair can be time-consuming and expensive. And if it is necessary for a major repair you may not be able to use the bathtub or shower for several days while it dries. Caulking bathtubs and showers or a ceramic tile shower may be a messy task but it must be done if the caulk deteriorated. Caulk is a combination of glue and a sealant. Caulking works because it’s a strong glue and a flexible sealant which makes it ideal for sealing joints between dissimilar materials or a joint that has movement around it.  In the damp environment of a bathtub or shower the correct caulk keeps the water from seeping into the wall material behind the tile. If you have loose tiles in the bathroom or anywhere else it, should be repaired by removing the old and installed new calk. Although this is a relatively easy DIY project for the homeowner it does require some patients.

Removing the old caulk:

Silicone caulk can be removed with a sharp, single-edged razor in a razor blade holder. Be careful to keep the razor angled low so that you don't scratch the bathtub or shower pan, especially fiberglass shower stalls. A utility knife can also be used to cut the caulk from between the tiles and the tub, especially in deeper pockets and corners. If you have a porcelain bathtub, little black lines will appear on the porcelain as you scrape off the caulk. These marks can be removed quite easily by wiping them with alcohol.  It may be necessary to use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften hard water-based caulk. The hot air will soften the caulk and make it easy to remove. Avoid overheating the area.

Once the old caulk is removed clean the area thoroughly. Wipe the joint down with denatured alcohol and allow it to dry for a few minutes. The alcohol does a good job of cleaning off any remaining soap scum or grease that was dislodged by removing the old caulk. Vacuum the area to insure all residue has been removed.

About bathtub and shower caulk:

·       Choose the right caulk for your bathtub or shower. You really have several choices, acrylic latex, PVA (polyvinyl acetate), 100% Silicone or Siliconized Acrylic Latex. If you are caulking a tiled enclosure or a ceramic tub, you can use any bathroom-type, mildew-resistant caulk. My preference is PVA and acrylic latex caulks because they are more mildew resistant and are long-lasting.  Cleanup is easier because they can be washed off with soap and water.  v

·       For a fiberglass tub with ceramic tile walls or a completely fiberglass sectional enclosure I recommend a 100% silicone caulk. It is also recommended by many fiberglass enclosure manufacturers. It is very easy to work with and has good smoothing qualities and is easy to remove.

·       Polyseamseal Tub and Tile Adhesive Caulk is one of the more mildew-proof PVA caulks available on the market.  Whichever caulk you chose to use do not use an exterior caulk in the bathtub or shower.  They are not designed for interior use. Only use caulks designed for bathrooms.  Choosing either the Acrylic latex,  PVA (polyvinyl acetate), 100% Silicone or Siliconized Acrylic Latex caulk.

Applying the Caulk:

·       Apply the caulk directly from the small plastic tube or use a caulking gun. 

·       Don't cut too large an opening in the end of the tube. The larger the opening the more likely you are to over caulk the joint. The trick to neat caulking lies in not applying too much caulk to the joint.

·       Use your fingers to lightly smooth the caulk.

·       For latex caulk, have a small bucket with a damp sponge nearby. The sponge is to wipe off your fingers as they accumulate caulk, and also to keep your finger moistened so they slide on the caulk without sticking to it.

·       For pure silicone caulk, have a roll of paper towels handy and a damp sponge. Use the towels to wipe off any caulk that may get on your hands and the sponge to moisten your clean fingers for smoothing, as with the latex caulk.

·       Do all the vertical seams in a tiled enclosure first, then the back wall, then both sides. Do the outside of the enclosure last.

·       Apply a1/4 inch wide bead right into one of the joints. Using your finger, moisten it with the damp sponge, and glide it along the joint, pressing the caulk evenly into the joint .  

·       As you finish a section add a little caulk to areas that need it and smooth it in with your finger. You must work quickly as the caulk begins to skin over dry) in a couple of minutes.

After completing the caulking of your bathroom or shower, let the caulk dry at least overnight before using it.