Caulking is one of those tasks that can make such a huge difference in the look and feel of your bathroom. But, it’s also something that is often easily overlooked or neglected when we think about home maintenance. Knowing how to caulk your bathroom correctly can ensure that it looks great and protects from water damage for years to come.
How Often Should You Caulk Your Bathroom?
Generally, experts recommend re-caulking approximately every five years. This is especially true for bathrooms with frequent showers as this type of moisture causes caulk to breakdown more quickly than other areas of the house.
What type of caulk do you use in bathrooms?
When selecting caulk for the job, always choose an option that’s specifically designed for bathrooms. This type of caulk is resistant to mildew and can withstand constant exposure to moisture. There are a variety of types of caulk available including acrylic, butyl rubber, silicone and urethane. Silicone-based caulk is the best choice for bathrooms since it’s highly waterproof, flexible and won’t shrink or crack over time.
What Equipment do I need to Caulk a bathroom?
To get started on your caulk project you’ll need a few tools, including: a razor blade, painter’s tape, caulk gun, small bucket of warm water and mild soap, and a dry cloth. Additionally, depending on the type of surface you’re working with (tile or wood) you may want to invest in a grout saw if the area is particularly grimy.
Steps to caulk a bathroom
- Prepare the area: Before applying new caulk make sure that the surface is properly prepared. Any old/cracked caulk should be carefully scraped away with a razor blade or grout saw and clean the area thoroughly with the soapy water. This will remove any residue or dirt that may be present which can prevent the caulk from adhering properly. Once you’ve finished cleaning, dry the area thoroughly.
- Tape off the area: Use painter’s tape to create a straight line around where you plan to apply the caulk. Next, cut the tip off of your caulk tube at a 45-degree angle using scissors or a utility knife; this will help ensure an even application when it comes time to squeeze out the caulk. Make sure that you select a nozzle size that corresponds with the gap you’re filling; small gaps need smaller nozzles and vice versa.
- Apply the caulk: Next, holding onto the tube firmly near its nozzle, pull evenly along the seam you’re caulking – this should be done in one continuous motion to give an even bead of caulk. Once the caulk has been applied, use a damp cloth or wet finger to smooth out any areas that don’t look quite right. This also helps to remove any bubbles and helps the caulk to adhere well.
- Allow caulk to fully cure: Do not touch the area or remove the painter tape until the area is completely dry – usually about 24 hours.
It is finally time to stop ignoring that cracked and peeling caulk around your bathroom. Caulking is an important part of home repair, especially in bathrooms where showers are used frequently. By learning how to caulk correctly, you can not only prevent water damage but also make sure it looks great for years down the line! Follow these steps and you’ll be able to do the job like an expert.
