Caulking

Caulking is an easy home improvement project.

These easy instructions will show you how to fix caulking around your tub and shower.

Here you will find easy to understand information as well as other helpful tips.

IMPORTANT!
Before installing any caulking, the surface MUST be completely clean and free from any grease or soap scum.

Helpful Caulking Information

Caulking is made for many different purposes. You must know where it is that you want to use it. Information on this page is about caulking that is designed to be used in the bathroom on tubs and showers.

To make the application of caulking for this situation the easiest, we are using Silicone caulk which comes in a tube or in the a little squeeze tube, like those pictured.

To apply Silicone caulking, you will need a quality Caulk gun such as that shown in the picture. Simply insert the tube of caulking into the caulk gun. I will tell you when to cut the tube a little bit later.

For any caulking to really adhere to the tub or tile surface, you must remove any and all old caulk and clean it thoroughly. Rubbing alcohol is very effective for cleaning these surfaces and removing any soap scum. Just use a rag or papertowel saturated with alcohol and clean the area to be caulked. The alcohol will evaporate nearly as fast as you apply it.

If you have never used a caulk gun before, you might want to experiment with it on a board or other surface that gives you a chance to learn how to caulk. It's not hard, it's about learning how hard to pull the caulk gun trigger which controls how much caulking actually comes out and how fast to move along. It is very easy to apply too much caulk to the joint. Don't do that! You can always go back over a "low" area of caulk and apply a little more.

Using a sharp knife, make an angled cut about 1/4" down from the tip of the tube. Just make sure the cut results in a smooth line. Assuming the tube is still in the caulk gun, then push the "arm" of the gun towards the tube of caulk. It will stop moving once you contact the end of the tube. You are now ready to start caulking your tub joint.

Place the cut end of the caulk tube into the corner of the joint near the bottom. Gently squeeze the caulk gun until you see some caulk start coming out of the tube. Carefully slide the caulk gun along the joint attempting to move at the same pace as you progress. DO NOT let a large amount of caulk build up anywhere along the way. You must keep the caulk gun moving along.

When you do reach the end of the joint, raise the caulk gun away from the joint and see if it stops pushing additional caulk out of the tube. If it doesn't, then pull out on the arm a little. This will remove pressure from pushing caulk out of the tube.

Wet your index finger with rubbing alcohol and carefully smooth the caulk line into the joint by moving your finger along it. You will have to stop and wipe your finger on a papertowel and re-apply additional alcohol each time.

You should now see a beautiful, new and smooth joint that will repell water for years to come.

This is the same way you would apply other types of caulk for other purposes around your house.

Web Updates

I will continually add new improvement projects, repair and maintenance information, remodeling ideas as well as general tips and ideas for turning your house into your home. So be sure and check back often for new additions.

Return from Caulking to Winter Maintenance Checklist

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