How to Caulk a Bathtub in 7 Easy Steps

Refresh the caulk on your bathtub for a watertight seal

White tiled bathtub by an open window
Photo: Ivan Hunter / Stockbyte / Getty Images
White tiled bathtub by an open window
Photo: Ivan Hunter / Stockbyte / Getty Images
Jacqueline Quach
Written by Jacqueline Quach
Contributing Writer
Updated Oct 11, 2022
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
COMPLETION TIME
3 hours
COST
Up to $25
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Razor scraper
  • Caulk gun
  • Rags
  • Non-abrasive scouring pad
SUPPLIES
  • Caulk
  • Painter’s tape
  • Mineral spirits

Is discolored or cracked caulk marring your otherwise beautiful bathroom? If the caulk around your tub is overdue for a refresh, there’s an easy fix. Break out the caulk gun and get to work. In just a few hours, your bathtub—and bathroom as a whole—will look new again.

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  1. Prepare the Bathtub

    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.

  2. Remove the Old Caulk

    Worker using razor blade to scrape off old bathroom sealant
    Photo: kelvinjay / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    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.

  3. Scrub the Residue

    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.

  4. Tape the Bathtub

    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.

  5. Apply the Caulk

    Worker applying caulk to a bathtub with a caulk gun
    Photo: yunava1 / Adobe Stock

    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.

  6. Smooth Out the Excess

    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.

  7. Let the Caulking Dry

    White subway tiles with black grout
    Photo: Garrett Aitken / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    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.

DIY Caulking vs. Hiring a Pro

Caulking your bathtub is a straightforward task, but it does require you to be comfortable using tools like a razor scraper or a caulk gun. If you’re unsure about whether you can DIY your next caulking job to your desired results, you can always have a professional do it. 

For handy homeowners, the supplies for a DIY bathtub caulking costs about $21. If you’re more comfortable having a professional do it instead, it costs about $20 to $25 per hour to hire a handyperson.

Frequently Asked Questions

When buying caulk, look for ones labeled for tub and tile. These have either acrylic latex or silicone compounds. This allows the caulk to stick to smooth surfaces and prevent mildew from forming. 

If you caulk over old caulk, your new application won’t stick, which is why it’s important to completely remove the old seal. However, once you apply the new caulk properly, you can get 5 to 10 years out of the new seal around the tub. 

You can use other ways to seal the space where your tub and the bathroom tile meet. Using sealant tape, epoxy sealer, and spray foam can be just as effective as caulking your bathtub. When using alternatives to caulk, the one that is best for you depends on your preferences. 

Sealant tape takes less time and effort to use, which is why some homeowners prefer it. Meanwhile, epoxy sealer creates a smooth and glossy finish that can complement your bathroom. Lastly, spray foam is waterproof and can act as insulation for your tub.

If you don’t caulk your bathtub, then there won’t be a watertight seal between your bathtub and the wall tile surrounding it. As a result, water can seep into the wall and the floor and cause the perfect breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Not only does this require costly repairs, but mold can be harmful to those breathing it. 

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Learn more about our contributor
Jacqueline Quach
Written by Jacqueline Quach
Contributing Writer
Jacqueline Quach is a freelance writer who specializes in home, tech, fashion, and beauty.

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