Caulking my bathtub

crisp · 09-11-2010, 05:51 PM

The caulking on my bathtub is starting to fall apart. So I plan on putting in new caulk. I have some questions that I hope some of you can answer.

1.At my local Home Depot, they have a DAP caulk in a squeezable tube for under 3 bucks and a GE brand over 3 bucks. Are all caulk the same or do you get what you pay for?

2. Do I need to get a silicone based caulk. I was told that silicone is not that pliable.

I plan on following the directions from this site.

http://www.wikihow.com/Caulk-a-Bathtub

Thank you.

**oh'mike** · 09-11-2010, 06:38 PM

100% silicone caulk-------Yes you do get what you pay for. Use a caulking gun.

The instructions on that site will work but are not the easiest or best.--Mike--

crisp · 09-11-2010, 07:31 PM

What do you recommend in terms of instructions and materials?

**oh'mike** · 09-12-2010, 02:51 AM

Here is the method that I use. Most granite counter top installers use the same technique.

You will need a tube of quality Silicone caulk--G.E. kitchen and bath is one. A caulking gun--
-a roll of paper towels---and a spray bottle of Greased Lightning or 409.

Remember this---silicone will stick to any clean DRY surface--it will NOT stick to a wet soapy surface.

You are going to apply the silicone --using a small opening in the tube--then spray the caulk line with Greased Lightning--wet your finger with some also--then 'tool' the line with your finger,removing any excess to the paper towels.

Remember to start at the lowest section so no soapy spray can run onto an area that still needs caulking.

I suggest that you make a few practice tries on some scrap--just to get the feel for the job.---Mike---

COLDIRON · 09-12-2010, 09:06 AM

Clean off all traces of old caulk first then wipe entire area with alcohol it will get rid of all traces of soap and dirt for a good surface prep.

jlhaslip · 09-12-2010, 12:24 PM

Use masking tape to define the border of the caulking, fill the tub with water, caulk as per above, remove the tape and the excess caulking and run your finger around it one more time to finish.
It may require that you get nekkid and climb into the tub,

, so lock the bathroom door in case the other occupants of the building attempt entry.

Leave the water in the tub for a few hours or so before draining. Overnight is better.

crisp · 09-12-2010, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlhaslip

Use masking tape to define the border of the caulking, fill the tub with water, caulk as per above, remove the tape and the excess caulking and run your finger around it one more time to finish.
It may require that you get nekkid and climb into the tub,

, so lock the bathroom door in case the other occupants of the building attempt entry.

Leave the water in the tub for a few hours or so before draining. Overnight is better.

I heard about filling the tub with water. What does that do? What happens if I do not do it?