Caulking a Tiled Tub or Shower
The purpose of caulking a tub or shower is to simply keep water from destroying your inner walls. This pliable and waterproof adhesive is applied to joints where walls, tub, and floor meet.
Begin by testing in several areas (particularly towards the bottom) for a loose or “spongy” wall. Caulking will not correct this condition. This wall must be replaced as water has leaked through the missing grout or caulk and deteriorated it. If unattended, the wall interior will become moldy. Protect the walls from further damage with an additional shower curtain if you wish to continue showering during repairs. (See “replacing a tub/shower wall.”)
Tools and materials you will need:
1. Caulking Gun. I like the dripless type. Caulk I use Polyseamseal, Tub and Tile.
2. Scraper This is a good detail scraper. It holds a disposable utility knife blade.
3. Grout saw Use this to clean the grout in between tiles.
4. Putty knife Use this to get into those nasty corners where other tools may not work.
5. Mini glass Scraper Use as a detail finisher only. This will hold the razor blade more securely in place.
6. Wallpaper scraper knife, 4″ This is my main caulk-removing tool. Using both hands makes the job easier and safer.
7. Broom Use to keep the tub clean. (a small plastic dust pan is helpful).
8. Non-Sanded Tile Grout Use to fill any voids between tiles.
9. Sanding sponge to remove any metal marks left by the knives, lime deposits, and to clean the grout between tiles.
10. Sponge to finish smoothing out the caulk.
Protective eyewear
Kneeling pad — to protect the tub, shower floor, and yourself.
Gloves — protection from sharp tools as well as chemical allergies.
Trouble light — showers are often dark.
Let’s get started.
1. Close the tub/shower drain to keep debris from falling into it.
2. Remove the old caulk with the wallpaper-stripping knife (see #6 on page 1 above)
Using both hands, cut close to horizontal then again close to perpendicular with several strokes until the old caulk is completely removed. Stubborn pieces can also be remove by using a gentle chopping motion with this knife.
3. Finish removing small pieces of caulk with the utility knife scraper (#2 above), the mini glass razor scraper (#5 above) and/or the sanding sponge (#9 above). Like all work, preparation is key to a clean profession job.
4. Apply caulk over clean and dry areas only. If you discover any water “bleeding” from any joint, stop and let this completely drain and dry (this could take overnight). Applying caulk over a wet joint will trap unwanted moisture and prevent the caulk from adhering to the joint and, further damage the wall.
Squeeze out only enough caulk to complete one line at a time. Caulk sets-up very quickly so, smooth it out with a “wet finger” as soon as you can followed by a damp sponge before proceeding to the next line. Work fast and try not to hesitate. You should end up with an even concaved line of caulk. Don’t worry. If you mess-up, simply remove the caulk and reapply.
It is unnecessary, wasteful, and more effortful to apply any more caulk than what is needed to fill the gap … remember, you are caulking not cake decorating. Check each line thoroughly before proceeding to the next … if you missed anything, merely add a dab more and use a wet finger to smooth it out.
Let the caulk dry over night before showering … it skins-over quickly but, it is still not cured.
5. Clean any mold (black stuff) from the tile grout by working the edge of the sanding sponge along the grout line. This is usually sufficient. If not, a light scraping with the grout saw will do the job. The sanding sponge will also remove lime deposits from the tile (you can also use vinegar, “Lime Away,” or “CLR.”).
6. Carefully inspect between each tile for missing grout. You must fill these voids before showering. Apply the unsanded premixed tile grout with your finger (or plastic spreader). Wipe off the excess with a damp sponge. Caution: don’t wait too long to wipe off the excess as it is difficult to remove when dry. The grout self cures in 2 days (keep dry by not showering or, install a protective curtain).
Keep your walls beautiful and mold free. Squeegee (good) then, sponge (better) or towel (best) your walls after showering. Gel-Gloss (liquid or spray) will keep your tile shinny and clean.
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