Bathtub caulking is a process by which you render the gaps between the bathtub and walls, and floor, watertight. Caulking stops water from entering the gaps and affecting the walls and floor behind and underneath the bathtub. Caulk, a putty-like substance, when applied properly seals these gaps.

Over years of use, the caulk around your bathtub may start to peel off. Moisture invites mildew. The black spots you notice on the caulking around the tub is mildew feeding off the caulking.

Caulking the Bathtub

When installing a new bathtub you need to carry out caulking. Old bathtubs may require re-caulking. For durability it is essential that a good quality mildew-resistant caulk be selected. Cheap quality caulks are not durable and may easily be affected by mildew. Within a short time you may require to redo bathtub caulking. There are various types of Silicon-based and Acrylic or Latex-based caulks.

Some Tips On How To Caulk Your Tub

 

• Manually scrape out the old caulk. Razor blades and scraping tools can be used. Take care that bathtub surfaces are not scratched.
• Remove all traces of soap scum, body oils etc from the surface. Rubbing alcohol is ideal as it leaves the surface spotlessly clean.
• Ensure the surface to be caulked is perfectly dry.
• Fill around half the bathtub with water. Failure to do this is a serious error.
• Get into the bathtub. Apply masking tape to both the surfaces leaving a gap for filling. Fill the mildew-resistant caulk you have selected, around the joint.
• Smoothen the caulk with a wet finger tip or a rubber spatula. The masking tape can be peeled away leaving an elegantly neat bathtub caulking job.
• After allowing a minimum of 24 hours for curing, your bathtub is ready for use.