Other Ways to Caulk a Bathtub

About Caulking Bathtubs

• Caulk provides a waterproof seal between the walls that hold the bathtub and tub itself. Proper caulking is important because the weight of the water and the user of the tub can create slight movement of the tub. Caulk is made from materials that are flexible enough to withstand this movement and pressure, preserving the seal so that moisture does not soak the structures that hold the tub.

Caulking Material Choices

• Most caulk materials are formulated for specific tasks. Rubber caulks have toxic odors and should only be used outdoors. Polyurethane caulks are expensive and should only be used where their weather-resistant properties are required. Latex caulk is inexpensive and is commonly used on bathtubs. This type of caulk, however, is not very durable with disappointing results, which may motivate you to find other ways to caulk the bathtub. Silicone is strongly recommended for caulking bathtubs, according to the North American Tile Cleaning Organization. Silicone provides a durable and waterproof seal. Water-based types can be painted to match bathroom walls.

Preparing the Area For Caulking

• Remove old caulk with a utility knife and clean out the open area completely. Clean the area with isopropyl alcohol to remove grease and chemicals. To achieve a smooth and neat effect in your caulking, ensure that you are using the right materials and equipment for the task. Choose a closed cylinder caulk gun instead of a notched gun for better control. Caulk should only go into a space about 3/8-inch deep. If the space to be filled is deeper than this amount, add a caulk rod into the depression to make it shallower. Tape the area around the open space to prevent the material from getting on the tub, tiles and walls.

Caulking Techniques

• Avoid cutting the tip of the caulk tub too large, which will make a precise application of the material more difficult. Hold the tip to the space to be caulked and apply pressure to the handle to extract the caulk. Press the handle only as much as you need to release caulk as you move along the space. Complete one wall area at a time. Smooth the caulk with your fingertip. Other ways to smooth the caulk after application include using an ice cube to lightly press along the length of the material or a plastic spoon. Remove the tape and smooth once more to achieve an attractive joint.