Re-Caulk a Tub or Shower
Cracked or moldy caulk lets water seep behind the tub — leading to rotted subfloors and ceiling stains below. A 30-minute job prevents a $3,000 repair.
Tools
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Materials
- +Look for "Kitchen & Bath" on the tube. Avoid "tub & tile" acrylic caulks — they fail faster in wet conditions.
Steps
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1
Remove the old caulk
Score along both sides of the bead with a utility knife, then pull the strip out. Use a plastic caulk-removal tool to dig out anything stuck. Get every shred — new silicone won't bond to old.
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2
Clean the surface
Wipe with isopropyl alcohol to remove soap film and mildew spores. Surface must be bone-dry before you caulk.
Tip: Fill the tub with water first. The weight pulls the tub down slightly; caulking with the tub empty means cracks reappear when someone steps in. -
3
Tape the lines
Run painter's tape along both sides of the joint, leaving a ~1/4" gap where the bead will go. This gives you a crisp, professional line.
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4
Lay the bead
Cut the tube tip at a 45° angle, opening sized to your joint. Steady, continuous pull along the joint — don't stop mid-line.
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5
Tool the bead and pull tape
Run a damp fingertip (or a silicone smoothing tool) along the bead once to shape it. Pull the tape immediately while the caulk is wet.
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6
Let it cure
24 hours before water exposure. Drain the tub now if you filled it.