How to Caulk a Bath Tub

Caulking a bath tub can be a horrible task for people. Learning how to caulk a bath tub does not have to be difficult. Don't get me wrong it will still take the time to do it, but you can learn to do it right. When your bath tub starts lifting or cracking it is time to remove it. Let's jump right in the tub here and get started.

The old caulk will need to be removed first. You can use many things with a edge on them. The best and easiest way to remove the old bath tub caulk is a utility knife razor. A single edge razor can be used to get the caulk off also. Many people have used screw drivers, butter knifes and many other gadgets to get the bath tub caulk off. The razor blade breaks the seal of the caulk that is left. Sometimes once you have it started you can lift and pull a whole piece off at one time. The area must be free of all old caulk before you can start with the new bath tub caulk. There are a couple of hand tools out there also to remove old caulk. I have not found any of them that actually work. They all look very nice and you think wow, this really looks like a great tool to get the bath tub caulk off. Well, don't do it, they really don't work the best. Sure, they work slightly, but you will have to still use a utility razor to clean up.

The final step is to make sure the area is clean. Once you have made sure the bath tub area is clean you can look at starting your bath tub caulking project. When you are looking for a good caulk look for a caulk that states it is made for water areas, such as bath rooms and kitchens. Another factor is look for a caulk that clean up with soap and water. Make sure the caulk will adhere to your bath tub and the surrounding surfaces. Check the directions on the tube of caulk to make sure it will work for you. These will work better and last longer for you. They will have a couple of different colors for you to pick from. The most popular color for a bath room is a bright white color. There is a light tan or clear that can also be found very easily. Make sure you have a caulk gun also. The caulk gun does not have to be a real expensive one. If you are only gong to caulk once every couple of years you don't need to spend a lot. You can get a better working caulking gun if you spend a couple more dollars, but they all do the same job in the end..

The true key to caulk the the bath tub is the bead of caulk that you lay down. You will need to move at a nice even pace with the caulk gun to get a nice bead. The other critical part of caulking the bath tub is to make sure you do not cut to much tip off. The smaller the hole on the caulk tube the better you will be. The tip should also be cut on a angle. The smaller tip also gives more control over the flow of caulk. You don't want large amount of caulk coming out the tube. The more caulk the more it will turn into a big mess. Do not use to much caulk, a small bead which closes any gaps between surfaces is all you need. You don't have to use a lot of caulk to get the job done.

Now, let's just say you get a bead of caulk your not happy with and need to clean it up a little. This is why you picked caulk that cleans up with water. Now, you can take a wet piece of paper toweling and your finger to shape the bead of caulk. Take your finger and run it along the bead shaping it to fit the angle. The excess caulk will collect on your finger, use the wet paper towel to keep your finger clean from excess caulk. Now, it you keep the tip small on the caulk tub you should not have that much caulk to clean up. The caulk will need some time to dry before you expose it to large amounts of water. Follow the directions on the tube of caulk that you purchased.

Once the job is down can use a rubber band and some plastic wrap to to seal the tube if it did not come with a cap. Make sure you have not missed any areas and that there are not gaps in the caulking. You have now caulked you own bath tub. Just stand back and enjoy your work.

Remember, safety first with all home projects.