How to Caulk a Bathtub with Silicone (easier than you think)

Beth Allen of HIP Chicks shows female homeowners simple steps to re-caulk a bathtub. Perfect for DIY beginners, new home owners, and single women tackling a home on their own.
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L I N K S
Website: www.DIYHIPCHICKS.COM
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D I S C L A I M E R - Due to the varying conditions of every home and every homeowner’s skillset, DIYHIPCHICKS assumes no responsibility for damages, losses or personal injuries as a result of following this guidance. Before beginning projects, review all plans, know your skill level, confirm building codes or regulations, and seek local experts if any questions or doubts remain. Read and follow all safety guidelines stated here or by any additional resources cited. By engaging in these home repairs and improvements, you agree that you do so at your own risk.

[@NaturalMonty]

3/16/21: Thanks to you, it took me 3 days and under $20.... I caulked my bathtub, sink and toilet. This was a challenge!! but wow everything looks so clean!!! Your video has been a blessing. March is women's month -- you are my She-ro!!

[@78dogrun]

Took you three days to caulk? Lol

[@arnitakelly4388]

1

[@benwest5293]

@@78dogrun First, they did the tub, sink, and toilet and might not have done them all on the same day. Second, they might have had to redo part of it. There's no need to be rude. If any of us were experts, or really anything but beginners or first-timers with this, we wouldn't be here watching a tutorial video.

[@notyouraveragejoe448]

@@benwest5293skill issue

[@greys4627]

This video helped me SO much. It was my first time touching anything like it, and I'd like to say I did a damn fine job. Thank you!!!

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Go you

[@katiedunn4148]

Thank you. Clear directions. No expensive tools to purchase. You rock.

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Happy to help

[@ZteveW]

I love a woman who knows how to DIY. Thanks for the info. After watching this video, it was not necessary for me to watch another.

[@Laura-ps3tb]

I had zero desire to learn this but can't afford the ridiculous massive amounts of money contractors charge, I also want to feel empowered and not like a helpful victim in my own house! I decided to track my hours and pay myself for the time so I can use that money toward things I really want!! Great explanation - easy to understand and worked like a charm!!!

[@DIYHIPChicks]

YOU MADE MY DAY!!! Keep going! You can do it

[@cantedavis92]

What you said about tracking your time and paying yourself (allowing yourself to spend on you) is amazing. I'll remember this for myself lol

[@nikkiberns1365]

We kept thinking my sister’s newly-purchased (but older) home had a busted pipe or clogged drain because showering kept dripping (sometimes pouring) into the kitchen below the tub….nope! Old caulk, no seal 😅 I’m super glad I found this video so I can surprise her with a not-leaky shower/tub! UPDATE: turns out the original owners never even caulked the tub in the first place 😳 they assumed the grout was enough 😩 Thanks to your video, I fixed it!

[@mc50992]

I messed up my first attempt before finding your video. I feel much more confident tackling this again tomorrow morning. I think that the advice about the alcohol and letting me know that I can add more immediately afterwards and then just smooth it out were the most helpful for me. Thank you.

[@valsan428]

Just what I was looking for! Fast, simple, and to the point!!!

[@cailreagh6062]

All of the instructions were so clear and she was very easy to follow. Fantastic video! Thank you so much. It helped a lot

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Glad it helped!

[@itsbarbie1018]

Thank you for this !! Love seeing a women do these type of videos makes me motivated 🙌🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💜

[@shedroids]

Thank you! Simple, straight.. awesome!

[@TERCESISM]

Thank you so much from another woman! I’m the one that tackles house projects so I’m ready to do this soon for our shower

[@Chapol99]

Very nice tips to follow. I never leave home without using 3M Caulk Remover first, to loosen old caulk. But, your use of alcohol and wet cloth were new to me. Thanks for being so clear.

[@rayblox4859]

Short and on point.

[@user-cq7td2bm9t]

Love your explanation and vibe!!! I am going out right now to get the materials to re-caulk my bathtub. Thank you!!

[@drwolfpoint]

Thank you for posting this video, the house we moved into needed some fresh caulking to make the otherwise clean bathroom look great. Your tutorial was very helpful.

[@LoudlabsNYC]

Thank you I'm going to do this!

[@ljwinterjr4771]

Great video on caulking a tub with silicone caulk. I have one correction having to do caulk not adhering to old caulk. I checked with GE some years ago about this very question. The customer service guy told me that it actually adhered great to itself. That was what I was hoping, because I had caulked my shower stall floor 4 years ago and it had two little specific but relatively small places that were starting to develop mold. One was in a corner and one was along a long joint along a long caulk run. So after talking to the cust service guy, I carefully cleaned those two areas. then cut out those two sections, scrubbed the area where I had removed the caulk with rubbing alcohol, made sure everything was dry, and re-caulked those two little sections using the GE silicone caulk on top of itself. I let it cure overnight and it was perfect! The caulk adhered great to itself and now that it's been about 3 months has passed and the new caulk has slightly dulled, you can't even tell the difference between the newly caulked joints and the old stuff -that's been there for a good 4 years! What a terrific time saver!! And I didn't have to buy a whole new caulk-gun tube of caulk. I was able to buy a small plastic tube of it online at Walmart for a lot less, -Way to make a great product GE! I used their standard 100% silicone white waterproof bathroom/kitchen caulk the original caulking of the whole stall, and then bought the smaller tube of the same product to recaulk the two areas that were starting to show some mold in the caulk.

[@SusanFigiel-ne8jo]

Thanks for the tutorial! Just finished caulking the bathroom!

[@NaturalMonty]

3/10/21: didn't want to spend $$ hiring someone, and have been putting this off. You have shown I can do this and will. Thank you~

[@DIYHIPChicks]

This makes my day. Good luck

[@alexisv1810]

Thank you!!!! Perfect video for my apartment.

[@DIYHIPChicks]

You're so welcome!

[@holocene2164]

What a useful, well-explained video. Thank you!

[@julieballantynebrown4365]

Thank you so much!!! Not my favorite project, but it worked. The utility knife was a great idea.

[@karenkohler5820]

Thanks so much, Beth. Super helpful. Nice to see you again!

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Hey there. HI! Hope you are well

[@troy5292]

For cleaning, I found that a nylon type dish brush is good. I move one direction and twist the brush to get all the debris out and away. It's easier than using a paper towel. I also find it helpful to use some painters tape to give me a good guide for clean lines. Just remove the tape at an angle up and away from the caulk, and remove the tape promptly, before the caulk starts to dry. If the caulk dries first, you'll have a little area that will be more prone to mold and mildew.

[@TrilithiumBanditKelsey]

Thank you for posting this!

[@jottrn2359]

Thanks for the tips! And for the many opportunities for "that's what she said" jokes.

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Ha. I have three sons. I know all those jokes. I have to try not to laugh sometimes myself

[@geroshi11]

Very informal. Thank you

[@tuckerallen1421]

Super useful, thank you!!

[@Steve-wm1ol]

Very useful information. Thank you.

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Funnygenderman]

I’m staying with my mother right now while she goes through a divorce, and with that, comes her feeling like she has a lot to handle and can’t be independent. He originally caulked the tub, and did honestly a GOD awful job, molded in record time and looks awful. I was able to redo it and teach her how with this video, and she feels a little bit more capable today, thanks to you.

[@Imjesseaf]

Thanks! Perfect caulk video! 🤘🏻

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Thanks. Hop over to my website and join the newsletter. I offer free classes too. ww.diyhipchicks.com

[@sbh0007]

I recenly re-caulked the sink. Gained some confidence. Now on to the tub soon.thanks for the video. I had a strong vaccum to suck up the old chunks of old caulk, helped in a fast cleanup (vaccum must be the simple one not one of those good expensive ones)

[@shedwilliams1305]

Just what I needed. I got all the right information and you showed how easy it was to apply it.No hard to find tools and thks for the tip on how long the caulk really lasts vs. how long some manufacturers say. Thanks so much.

[@HTMediaOne]

Great Tutorial

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Thanks!

[@delilahpena4813]

Very great video and instructions!

[@DIYHIPChicks]

THank you

[@rajas1432]

Very simple, informative and helpful 👍 Thanks

[@DIYHIPChicks]

You are so welcome! I am teaching a new class in Feb if you are interested. diyhipchicks.simplero.com/page/350876

[@isaacrobinson8465]

Thank you for the simple tips and tricks. Especially the tip about using the right color of caulk the matches your tile. I mean duh I said to myself. Couldn’t believing I didn’t think about that.

[@girlandcats13]

Thank you! This was super helpful!

[@DIYHIPChicks]

YAY. Hope you were super successful

[@KitWriter]

Hi. I’m a dude and a first time home owner. I searched KZbin for “caulking tub” and yours came up first. Good job on your channel name; I was looking for a woman’s channel because I have learned as a first time home owner that a lot of guys will talk about model and serial numbers of tools, of glue types, of the chemistry of the bonding process, and I don’t need any of that. I wanted what this video has: -clean and prep explained concisely -less than 50 tips on how to do it right -a link-to video on how to cut the caulk nozzle -lots of encouragement. Much respect. Subscribed to your channel. Outstanding video. May I suggest when you show minutiae details like the spreading the caulk, give viewers a brief close-up of how you beaded it and spread it. I think I used the right amount but it’s my first time doing it. 😅 Thanks again for a no-nonsense video. It was perfect.

[@tiffanyboyd3683]

This video was extremely helpful and another tip I would add is cutting the applicator tip at and angle help.Thank you

[@cuyoung1568]

Thank you so much👍🏼

[@TheHottuna66]

Great video thanks

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@hernanbarski814]

Thank you!!!! GREAT video.

[@DIYHIPChicks]

TY

[@SarahSedehiRealty]

This is an amazing video, so simple! I only had to watch it one time to understand even tho I have never caulked before! Will let you know how I do! Thank you!!!!

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Glad it was helpful! LMK how it goes

[@garbageworld9367]

Well, how did you do?

[@mrbigg7255]

Excellent video

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Thank you very much!

[@smariegalski3641]

Thank you!!!

[@gzy9988]

Great content and comments

[@DIYHIPChicks]

You are so welcome! I am teaching a new class in Feb if you are interested. diyhipchicks.simplero.com/page/350876

[@hectormendozayamamoto5499]

This vid helped w the excess caulk

[@trollingmoocow7584]

Instructions confusing got caulk stuck in my best friend

[@bendelaughter]

Thank you so much! I saw an additional tip somehwhere to actually fill the tub all the way as well. It weighs the bath down and allows you to fill the cracks even better with the caulk.

[@DIYHIPChicks]

I've heard that too. I figure my 155 lbs ought do the trick😅

[@mileswinslow7553]

I've got some caulking to do today. This helps...

[@ME-hv9kx]

Thanks for this video …

[@DIYHIPChicks]

My pleasure

[@nancyyancy5199]

My tub is ready for caulking today ! Got it all cleaned yesterday. Some of the grout from the tub line does appear to be missing, about 1/2 inch up only on one or 2 tiles. I want to put caulk there. I like your tips because they are brief and to the point. Thank you!

[@AidPast]

I have the same issue. Did you just apply caulk, or did you re-do the grout first?

[@diekatze9361]

I bought a expensive removal tool , what a waste . I used the straight edge box knife and my 5 and 1 . Thanks for the tips .. P.s also a Kneeling pad for some of us old people is highly recommended .

[@markfcoble]

Thanks! Good tips. Job today...icky shower.

[@kindadiagonallydismal]

I love watching beautiful women talking about caulk.

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Ha Thanks for the compliment. I have heard all those jokes before. I have a husband and 3 adults sons. Gotta roll with the humor

[@Madebysunnybutterflies]

This is great thank you! When I pulled out the old caulking some of the grout came with it. Should I replace the grout before recaulking?

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Sorry for delay. You can if you want but do not have to if gap in not very big

[@dispatchdiva7870]

Your directions were very helpful. I used a tube of silicone calk, clipped the end and punctured the tube as shown. It was so difficult to get the caulk out of the tube! I have never had a problem like that. I even switched caulk guns. Same problem. Im going to buy the squeeze tube. My hands hurt at this point.

[@HummhummDinger-yb1nf]

Absolutely fabulous !!!!!

[@DIYHIPChicks]

TY

[@internet123ism2]

My old caulk was rock hard. Used a hair dryer to soften it. Also Used goo gone.

[@athens202]

Very helpful and straightforward, thank you! The rubbing alcohol tip is super useful. And I appreciate the comment about how long caulk tends to actually last. Do you have any thoughts on how to prolong its life?

[@annieaucoin1817]

I’ve read elsewhere that it’s a good idea to fill the tub with water before starting so that the weight of daily use is accounted for and helps with stretching/wear and tear! If that makes sense.

[@kellykelly-fp1jg]

@@annieaucoin1817Very very important!

[@WilliamPeck1958]

nice ... I'm doin' it tomorrow, Lowe's tonight!

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Have fun!

[@WilliamPeck1958]

@@DIYHIPChicks the house is on the market!!!! have a look ... 1012 Hollins St. Baltimore, see Zillow

[@karamash4303]

Thanks so much for this video. I had a few problems getting going: not sure if it was the old $5 caulk gun we've had in the garage for ages or something wrong with the new tube of caulk, but it would not come out hardly at all. Tried cutting a larger hole in the end of the tube but that did not help. Bought a $15 caulk gun and a fresh tube, and it worked beautifully. Just caulked the bathtub! Now on to the sink and shower. Note: I bought the Allway caulk remover tool as well as the razor scraper you used. Both working together were what I needed to get all the old caulk out.

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Yay!.. Glad you got it done. and grew your DIY skillset in the process. You go girl!

[@mjrussell414]

Yes, a better quality caulking gun does work much better.

[@Nick-4K]

Wow. You really know how to handle that caulk.

[@darylnd]

Thank you! I'm recaulking (and replacing the pressure balancing units) in our two showers now. The original caulking wasn't terribly well done. Our place is about 25 years old. But I am having a devil of a time with my utility knife and a painter's tool, so I'm going to give a scraping tool a try. The walls are artificial stone, not tile, and the caulk is quite thick (except where the voids are).

[@DIYHIPChicks]

You got this girlfriend!!!!!

[@darylnd]

@@DIYHIPChicks LOL!!! I'm an old dude!

[@avavictoria863]

The last comment could've been stated much earlier...."don't remove the grout". Geeze I get all obsessive and may very well have attempted to get out the gritty grout. Thanks for this video

[@clairsprenger1036]

I wish I would've watched this earlier. Tub is scratched and I've definitely been taking out grout too. Fortunately this is only a temporary fix for the next several months before I eventually re-do my bathroom. Maybe I'll paint my bathtub...or leave it? Oh well. Thank you for the video!

[@itsmesteve1081]

Thanks. My mom didn't listen to her manager and the plumber or me and started using the bathtub pretty much right after they left and now there is a couple holes in the caulk. I plan to buy some at the store and replace her caulk for her to avoid any possible problems with the manager, but I don't know if I'm just making a big deal out of it.

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Broken caulk is always a concern. Sorry I didn't respond sooner. Doing massive remodel in my basement. Making new content. Hope you got mom's tub taken care of!

[@AidPast]

I think I mistakenly removed some of the grout below the tiles, so much that I see some gaps underneath. Is it OK to just cover these gaps with caulk, or should I grout first? Thanks.

[@yogidemis8513]

I'm dying🤣🤣 I know, I know!

[@christine6059]

I find that using painter’s tape on both wall and tub gives a much cleaner line.

[@asamples333]

How long do you think this takes on a tub that size?

[@StephenGibney]

How long does the caulk take to dry?

[@suiko2fan2]

I know I shouldn't be so immature, but I can't help myself sometimes, I kept saying "that's what she said" a lot in this video...lol

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Ha! I have a husband and three adults sons. I have heard them all. I have to try not to laugh sometimes myself

[@Rushgirl82]

I ALWAYS emphasize the L when I say caulk lol

[@blakemoreln]

I like to pull the caulk away. You do not want your caulk going up the wall and out on the tub..

[@diivama1724]

😂😂😂😂

[@CRobJones]

😂😂😂😂

[@marciajohnson5143]

Since I've been a DIYer for years, your video on caulking the tub was confirmation of what I had done. Do you have any videos on putting that caulk around the faucet and air release? Do I loosen the screw to get behind the air release/vent, or just go around the outer edge?

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Great job on doing it right. As for faucet trim kit. apply caulk where it meets tile wall. I would not loosen screws and go behind

[@theradiantchild]

I love fresh caulk

[@natoyajames3285]

Great video but how do you get rid of the mildew?

[@DIYHIPChicks]

If scraping away old caulk doesn't get tied of mold/mildew, spray area w bleach based bath, tile cleaner, let dry 24 his before recaulkiing

[@lambertj.2892]

tape the edges up with blue painters tape, then apply the caulk. much easier!!

[@twistedexistence3603]

Quick and very informative! Thank you! Now I should clear my browser history, so my girlfriend doesn't find out that I was up all night, watching 'caulk' videos =)

[@DIYHIPChicks]

That is funny

[@albertmo1722]

Hi Beth, Should we kill the mold and mildew before applying the caulk? Best, Albert

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Yes. Clean the area with bleach and let it dry before reapplying caulk.

[@helentew1453]

Do you have to fill the bath after putting the sealant on?

[@DIYHIPChicks]

I did not. Some prefer to do that. I think my body eight during the caulking work was enough to weigh down.

[@WilliamPeck1958]

This is good, helpful, thank you. But I'm convinced they grouted the base (last time to the tub, it's hard as a rock and looks like grout (two key clues). I put Goo-Gone Caulk Remover on it, and it didn't budge. So it's not coming off. Can I just caulk over top of it?

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Hi William. If the grout is intact and clean you can caulk over it. It is not uncommon to see both grout and caulk along that perpendicular joint. If you want more caulk help, grab my PDF. diyhipchicks.com/caulk-guide/

[@tjedwards4254]

No man can watch this without giggling.

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Ha. I have a funny husband and three grown sons. I have heard it all!

[@mousepotato581]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one😅

[@barrybebenek8691]

Great vid…but I’ll suggest one thing. If there’s grout between the tub and the tile, YES get it out. The space between the tub and the wall tile should only have chalk in it. It’s flexible in that space for a reason. A tub with water and a person is very heavy compared to an empty one. The tub needs to move up and down. Grout there will just crack/crumble over time. 🇨🇦

[@AidPast]

So do we put chalk back in there? Maybe it’s chalk that came off under the tiles in my case and I thought it’s grout.

[@barrybebenek8691]

@@AidPast Yes put new chalk back in there. (You can’t mistake chalking for grout. One is rubbery; the other like cement).

[@liberatedhippything]

I've been recaulking my tub because my kids keep taking all their toys and DEMOLISHING my work. Every two months stg. Lol. Their impulse control is like non existent. The rubbing alcohol tip is so helpful tysm. Oh, AND LADIES WHO SUFFER LIKE ME WITH THIS. they actually have caulking tip covers if you need it to stay in the bathroom! So you can save your leftovers from the initial job now.

[@Mscookie3131]

Why is it so hard to find grey caulk for the shower, that’s a good quality. Any recommendations?

[@DIYHIPChicks]

I hear this all the time. We need a revolution where we get silicone quality caulk in designer colors. Is that so hard to ask? I have used Color Fast brand but it doesn't last more than 2-3 yrs. Sorry I don't have more advice for you

[@bsavannah61]

How did you get the tiles so white?

[@DIYHIPChicks]

I don't know. They look beige to me ;)

[@jasonbigelow1403]

I have a bathtub exactly like that and around the back corners the top edge of the tub moves when I push down on it so I think this movement happens when someone gets in the tub or when it fills up creating a gap. Any solution for this?

[@DIYHIPChicks]

You need to really inspect this area. The tiles should be firmly inplace, If not there could be damage to the wall behind and mold or wood rot could be happening. This is a bigger issue.

[@javierrante]

Expected a man out of a stereotype life based thinking, but this video is much better. Mom can also teach you DIYs and very well explained. Thank you. I'll subscribe

[@nondoautolopez8675]

LOL gangbusters love it

[@pillowzzzbox3466]

Do u have to use a caulk gun? I don’t have one. I’m trying to recaulk my tub ASAP. Also I thought u can clean it with Clorox bleach? So there’s no mold?

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Hi. Yes you can clean w bleach before caulking. Alcohol does remove any residual gunk. You can use handheld tube. Its just a little clumsier to do

[@rroubaix]

Whoever installed our tub/shower used grout (not caulk) to seal around the bathtub. The caulk is not cracked and some missing pieces. Can I just caulk over the grout?

[@DIYHIPChicks]

SOrry for delay. Yes if the grout in clean, mold free and intact you can apply bead of caulk in front for more water leak prevention

[@adfadf9785]

What about the sealing around the drain in the bathtub? I have leak markings on the ceiling below where my bathtub is and I think its the sealing around the drain that is the culprit. Please help.

[@DIYHIPChicks]

Sorry for delay. Caulk will not seal the tub drain. If that is leaking you should consult a plumber. Sorry

[@KevBounce]

I cut my caulk at an angle and found the caulk was uncontrollable. Is it best to cut a straight line across the tip?

[@KevBounce]

Awesome. Thanks.

[@TheLoneMitten]

In case anyone was wondering, she said caulk 28 times in this video.

[@negusdawoo]

reinstall what now ~

[@nunyabisnis1448]

i noticed you use silcon and calk as though you are using the same product i know there is a diffrence but some people might not but i digress have you known or herd of using non ammonia glass cleaner after you spread it on with the calking gun but befor you spread it with your finger this step is very important with regular acrilic tub and sink calking you can smear with a wet finger and remove excess with a rag and bucket of water but silicone is a totally different animal you wither have to mask off what you dont want to get it on or you use the ammonia free glass cleaner trick just asking to better my skill thats all thanks

[@eboycampbell7305]

Soapy water on your finger works well as well. Doesn't adhere to your finger and is good for tooling.

[@allison8076]

Depends on the caulk! Some specifically say not to use soapy water because it interferes with their mixture

[@indigowolf556]

11/2022 this is my first kind of DIY project. I live in a rental and my landlord used the wrong kind of caulk. And it was turning orange and it was totally gross. On top of that he used chunks of it and my bathtub doesn't have nice pretty tile like this one does it's in the house from the 50s and it has that plastic vinyl whatever it is and it's gross but can't do anything about it. So this is pretty self-explanatory. There is about a 116th opening between the top of the tub and where the wall is so I'll probably have to do a couple of little lines with that but I think I can handle this. I tried doing the molding that you can buy but that just didn't work at all. So I'm up for this challenge thank you very much

[@marciajohnson5143]

The orange stuff isn't from the wrong caulk. It is from a mold/fungus.