How to recaulk a bathtub?

Question

Already took off old stuff just need to put on new stuff but how?

Answer 1

First clean the area with rubbing alcohol to remove soap scum and other possible dirt. This way the caulk will adhere better.

Just squeeze a bead of the caulk at the intersection of tub and wall and smooth it with your wet finger. Wipe off access of the caulk to leave a nice neat line of caulking.

Answer 2

In addition to smoothing the bead with your wet finger, I'd also recommend putting some masking tape above and below the desired caulk line.  Then, after you smooth it, remove the tape (while the caulk is still wet) so that you have nice, sharp, smooth lines.  Simply smoothing it will likely leave ragged edges, otherwise.

If the tub is fiberglass, especially, I would also recommend filling the tub with the normal fill level of water to add some weight to the tub.  This way, if the tub were to flex from the added weight after the job is complete, the caulk doesn't have to "give" as much with the movement of the tub.  That being said, I didn't do it on my steel tub.  It makes access to the caulking job more difficult.

Answer 3

Make sure the areas clean by using alcohol. Use a caulking gun with a sealer that is suitable in a wet situation