Caulking Resurfaced Tubs

Just in case you didn’t know, caulking is a process used to seal up any weaknesses or seams in metal or porcelain to prevent any leakages in future. It used to be applied to ships, but is applicable in other containers that must not leak by nature, such as bathtubs. When a bathtub gets older and appears to be past its best, it can be resurfaced and caulked again to make it appear as good as new.

Make Your Bath As Good As New

Caulking resurfaced tubs is especially important because the protection that was there before resurfacing has obviously been removed and thus the tub may be prone to leaks. Any water that does leak down the side of a tub can weaken the walls and floor by and below it so it is paramount that caulking takes place as soon as the tub is set to prevent damp degradation to your bathroom.

Caulking Materials

Tar was traditionally used in caulking, but the materials are a lot more sophisticated now. Materials used for caulking resurfaced tubs include silicone, polysulfide and acrylic based putty sealants that are designed to set and remain intact for a number of years.

They are watertight but cannot be painted over because they will not allow anything to stick to them. This is why the resurfacing has to take place before caulking.

Step-By-Step Guide To Caulking

1. Caulking will not adhere to anything that is evenly slightly damp and so the conditions present when caulking resurfaced tubs is of paramount importance. As soon as the tub is set, wipe it down with a dry rag to remove any excess moisture. It may be wise to use a hair dryer because not only will it dry the surface, it will also blow away any excess dust particles that may cause weakness in the caulking.
2. When caulking a resurfaced tub, the wall that you will caulk it to should also be dry and clean so remove any excess soap, caulking and mildew from that too. Old caulking is easily removed when warn, so use the hair dryer to soften it before using a razor blade to peel it off.
3. Tape half a centimetre above the tub on the wall to mark a point where caulking on the resurfaced tub should reach. Any that does go above that line will be removed with the tape later.
4. Choose a white caulk so it can easily be seen and load it into a caulking gun for application. Just cut the tip off and away you go!
5. Work your way around the edges whilst caulking the resurfaced tub. Be sure to keep your finger on the trigger of the gun and pull it backwards, away from the direction in which it is pointing so that the caulking is spread in a straight line and does not overlap itself. Be sure to completely cover the link between the tub and the wall.
6. Stop every time you get to a corner and change direction, as you would if you were drawing a square. Always clean the tip of your caulking gun when you stop too. This ensures that progress is even.
7. Finally, when caulking of the resurfaced tub is complete, make sure the sealant has settled. Wet your index finger and run it over the caulking to push it into any gaps that may be left. Don’t liger over one particular place though. Leave it for a day to set properly before using the tub, although remove the tape after ten minutes so as not to disturb the set caulking later on.

Caulking resurfaced tubs really is as simple as that. It is not a major task and can be accomplished in less than an hour, but taking the time to do it properly will save you much hassle in the future.