How to Recaulk Your Bathtub So It Really Lasts

Last Updated on June 11, 2020 by Ellen Christian

Have you ever wondered how to recaulk your bathtub? We had our bathroom remodeled last year extensively including ripping out the floor all the way to the basement level. At that time, the bathtub was caulked when it was reinstalled. But, for whatever reason, it needs to be caulked again. The caulking that was used is drying out and separating from the surround above it. 

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How to Recaulk Your Bathtub So It Really Lasts

How to Recaulk Your Bathtub

You caulk your bathtub to keep the water from damaging the wall and floor around the tub. You typically caulk between the tub and the bath surround. It’s not a difficult job so it’s something I would rather handle myself rather than pay someone else.

Remove the Old Caulk

How much time this takes will depend on how long the old caulk has been on your tub. You may simply be able to use a putty knife to peel up the end and then pull the old caulk off in a bead. Or you may need to use denatured alcohol or caulk softener if it’s been on a long time. Since ours is fairly recent, getting it up wasn’t that much of a challenge.

How to Recaulk Your Bathtub So It Really Lasts

Wash Thoroughly

Wash the area where the caulk was well. Use a cleaning agent that will kill mold and mildew to be sure that the area is completely clean. You can use a bleach and water solution. Or, if you prefer, try a vinegar, tea tree oil, and water solution. Rinse the area well and allow it to dry completely.

How to Recaulk Your Bathtub So It Really Lasts

Apply New Caulk

Once the area is completely dry, you will need to apply DAP Kwik Seal Ultra Sealant. Trim the edge of the caulk tube and use a long nail to puncture the foil seal. Use the caulking gun to activate the caulk, following the instructions on the tube of caulk. Move the caulk gun slowly squeezing a bead of caulk out as you move. Work slowly to ensure even distribution. You may need to go over areas more than once. A caulk tool kit will be very handy.

How to Recaulk Your Bathtub So It Really Lasts

Clean and Smooth

Using your wet fingertip, smooth the bead of caulk carefully and remove any excess. This will force the caulk in between the lines of the tub and the surround which will help seal the area. Allow it to dry completely according to the directions on the caulk tube. Do not use the shower until it is completely dry.

How to Recaulk Your Bathtub So It Really Lasts

Backed by a lifetime mold and mildew resistance guarantee, this premium siliconized kitchen and bath sealant repels water, liquids, soap scum, stains so the sealant stays looking clean, fresh and new. Plus, it is safe for all surfaces, even granite and marble.

How to Recaulk Your Bathtub So It Really Lasts

 

There are a lot of simple DIY upkeep projects that need to be done around the house. Now that you know how to recaulk your bathtub, will you try?

Here are a few Homeowner Touch-up Tips:

Repair and Refresh Walls

Use NEW ALEX Flex Spackling and ALEX Plus Spackling to fill holes and cracks on surfaces before painting. The result is durable, easy to sand and the repaired areas won’t sink or shrink.

Refresh Kitchen and Bath Hardware

Small features like hardware can visually update a room. Keep in mind brushed metals are trendy and widely appealing when selecting options.

Paint the Front Door

Simply clean the current door, protect edges with painter’s tape, and add a few fresh coats of exterior paint.

Keep Drafts at Bay

Checking for gaps around windows and doors is a smart move whether you’re just moving in or have been in your home for years. EXTREME STRETCH and DYNAFLEX 230 help keep drafts at bay.

How to Recaulk Your Bathtub So It Really Lasts

One of my readers will win a Home Touchup Kit containing:

Painting and spackling:

  • NEW ALEX Flex Spackling and ALEX Plus Spackling to fill holes and smooth out surfaces
  • ALEX Flex Caulk and ALEX Plus caulk for a professional finish on trim and molding
  • Plastic Wood and Plastic Wood-X to fill and repair wood
  • Plus a painting kit to help finish the job with a paint tray, rollers, and brushes.

Seal gaps around windows and doors:

  • EXTREME STRETCH and DYNAFLEX 230
  • Plus a caulk removal tool and caulk gun

Bathroom and kitchen:

  • DAP Kwik Seal Ultra Sealant to keep moisture out

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87 thoughts on “How to Recaulk Your Bathtub So It Really Lasts”

  1. DAP was first produced in 1865 as a sealing wax for food canning. It proved to be a popular product and has been growing ever since.

    Reply
  2. They have putty, plastic wood brands and more! Through innovation and acquisition, the company continued to expand its product line. DAP entered into an exclusive marketing agreement with the worldwide leader in silicone technology in 1980 to market a full line of silicone sealants. In the mid 1980’s, Weldwood® branded adhesives came into the fold.

    Reply
  3. I learned that DAP Rapid Fuse Fast Curing All Purpose bonds virtually everything, including Wood, Rubber, Plastics, Ceramics & Porcelain, Glass, Fabric, concrete, tile and more. It’s great for so many DIY projexts. The possibilities are endless.

    Reply
  4. I learned the roots go back to 1865 when Dicks and Wiggens started out in Dick’s garage. I also learned my bathtub could look new again with this product.

    Reply
  5. After visiting the sponsors website, I learned that in the 1970’s DAP pioneered the development of latex caulking products. It’s amazing how long and far this company has come.

    Reply
  6. I learned that DAP traces its roots back to 1865, when Robert H. Dicks and Elmer Wiggim began producing sealing wax for food-canning out of Dicks’ garage in Dayton, Ohio

    Reply
  7. I have left comments on the following blog posts:

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    Fun Water Balloon Games Using Water Wubble
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    Reply
  8. I learned that Dap actually established its roots back in 1865 when they began making sealing-wax for canning food.

    Reply
  9. i learned to make sure to use materials that can handle high humidity situations when remodeling a bathroom.

    Reply
  10. I learned that it is mold and mildew resistant, which is an absolute must in our Pacific northwest bathrooms!

    Reply
  11. I enjoyed looking at the timeline of the company. I feel very comfortable using products that have been around since 1865! That tells me they are quality.

    Reply
  12. I learned that In 1964, DAP pioneered the development of latex caulking compounds. Thanks.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Reply
  13. I learned that DAP traces its roots back to 1865, when Robert H. Dicks and Elmer Wiggim began producing sealing wax for food-canning out of Dicks’ garage in Dayton, Ohio.

    Reply
  14. I learned that both DIY’ers like myself and professionals use DAP because it bonds many things, is affordable and works well.

    Reply
  15. I have used DAP for years, but they have a ton of products I wasn’t even aware existed, like the foam that doesn’t have to be used all at once.

    Whenever I caulk our tub I put masking tape down to leave nice crisp lines.

    Reply
  16. I never knew there were so many different kinds of caulk. I’m most excited for the KWIK SEAL ULTRA. It can repel water, dirt, stains and soap scum, to prevent mildew and stains.

    Reply
  17. I learned that DAP began back in 1865 producing sealing wax for food canning. They worked from a garage in Dayton, Ohio.

    Reply
  18. I can so use this kit. My spackling is so old in the can and would love to try their flexible type. I have a door than I am currently shoving newspapers into at places to keep out drafts! I have wood to repair too (I’m a procrastinator, I admit) so could use wood filler as well! Great kit and I learned on one of their YouTube vids about one of their products that may work for me their DAP DRAFTSTOP 812 Foam since you can take your time using it.

    Reply

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