How To Caulk A Shower
Caulk that seals the seams around a shower enclosure, walls, and floor deteriorate over time. Mildew can creep into the aging caulk and create a dirty appearance. Removing old caulk and adding new caulk is a fairly straightforward DIY project, however of course Oliver is always here to tackle this project for you. Learning how to caulk a shower only calls for affordable tools and supplies. You’ll need to choose a latex or silicone caulk rated for the moisture levels found in bathrooms and kitchens. If you haven’t caulked anything before, get an old board and practice laying down straight beads. You’ll pick up the skill and improve right away.
Technically, you could manage without a caulking gun, but it’s a low-cost tool that greatly improves results.
Tools Needed
- Utility knife
- Putty knife
- Bucket and rags
- Painter’s tape
- Caulking gun
Step by Step Directions:
- Take the utility knife and cut out strips of old caulk from your shower.
- Use the putty knife to scrape off clinging bits of caulk.
- Stubborn caulk residue may require you to apply a special caulk removal product.
- After removing all of the old caulk, mix a solution of 2 parts water to 1 part bleach in a bucket.
- Wash the newly exposed area with the bleach solution to kill mildew residue.
- Allow the area to dry completely.
- Mark off both sides of each seam that you intend to caulk with painter’s tape.
- Position tape parallel to the seams to ensure straight edges for all caulking.
- Cut about 1/4 inch of the caulk tube’s tip off with the utility knife.
- Don’t cut a hole larger than you want the bead of caulk.
- Practice running the caulking gun on an old board if needed.
- Once you feel confident with the caulking gun, run a complete bead of caulk along your first seam.
- Wet your finger and smooth the caulk bead to an attractive and consistent level along the seam.
- Remove the tape while the caulk is still wet.
- Repeat the process on all seams.
- Let the new caulk cure for 24 hours before running the shower.
Oliver Offers Bathroom Remodeling Services
Although learning how to caulk a shower will freshen up your bathroom, you may want to remodel eventually. Homeowners in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware have turned to Oliver for bathroom remodeling services for decades. Our talented team of home remodelers, electricians, and plumbers can transform your bathroom into the oasis you’ve always dreamed of. Ask us for an estimate today!