How to Caulk a Bathtub in 7 Easy Steps

Before caulking your bathtub, drape a rag over the bottom of the tub to protect it from scratches and caulk residue. Make sure it’s large enough to cover the entire length of the tub or use multiple rags if needed. It’s important to take this simple step because it ensures that cleaning up is much easier.

Take the razor blade and scrape the old caulking from your tub. Keep your blade at a low angle as you scrape to avoid scratching your tub. Be thorough so you completely remove the old caulking. If there is any old caulk left, it will prevent the new caulking from sticking properly.

Use a scouring pad and scrub to clean the remaining caulk residue. Then dampen a rag with mineral spirits and run it over the gap for a deeper clean. The mineral spirits help remove the rest of the caulk residue to prepare it for new caulking. Let the surface of the gap dry using paper towels or a hairdryer.

To ensure your caulking is neat, take painter’s tape and lay it in parallel lines. As you lay the tape, leave an opening that is about 1/4-inch wide. By laying down painter’s tape you’ll be able to keep your caulking uniform and the surface of the tub clean.

The best caulk to use around a bathtub is a waterproof, silicone option. When it comes to knowing how to apply caulk, you just need some patience and attention to detail. Place your caulk into the caulk gun, then cut the tip of the nozzle on the caulk to match the width of the gap between the painter’s tape. 

Place the gun to the gap at a 45-degree angle and push out the bead of caulk with steady pressure and speed. Move the caulk gun along the gap until you run it along the entire length of the gap.

With a clean rag, push in the caulk and smooth it out and remove the extra caulk from the gap. As you do this, press the caulking into the gap. Once you’re done, carefully remove the painter’s tape, avoiding the caulking as you pull it off.

Caulking needs at least 24 hours to completely dry, so avoid using your tub to keep it from getting wet. If your tub is the only place to take a bath, use the tub beforehand, let it dry, and caulk your tub afterward.