How to seal a bathtub #caulking #foryou #goviral #melbourne #construction, by Caulking Melbourne on YouTube. 1 min 6 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 6 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours plus 24 hours drying
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Scrape out the old sealant with a utility knife or sealant remover. Pull out every loose strip and cut along the edges where it clings to the tub and tiles.
Clean the joint with rubbing alcohol or a silicone cleaner and let it dry fully. New silicone will not stick to soap scum, dust or damp surfaces.
Run masking tape along the tub edge and the tile line to keep the bead straight and narrow.
Load the silicone tube into the caulking gun and cut the nozzle at a 45 degree angle to about 5 mm wide.
Push the bead into the joint at a steady pace, keeping the nozzle tip in contact with the surface. Fill the gap in one pass.
Smooth the bead with a wet finger or a silicone smoothing tool in one continuous stroke. Press the silicone into the corner.
Peel off the masking tape straight away while the silicone is still wet, pulling away from the joint.
Leave the sealant to cure for about 24 hours before using the bath or shower. Check the tube for the maker's exact time.
Tips and common mistakes
Never seal over old silicone, because the new bead will peel off within weeks.
Fill the tub with water before caulking if it flexes, then drain after smoothing so the bead sets in the loaded position.
Keep the bead thin and even, since thick blobs trap water and grow mould.
Work in a ventilated room and wear gloves if your skin is sensitive to silicone.
Questions
Can I use silicone over the old sealant?
No. Cut or scrape the old bead out completely first. New silicone only bonds to a clean, dry surface.
How long before I can shower?
Most bathroom silicones need about 24 hours to cure. Check the tube label and wait the full time before getting it wet.
Why does my new sealant go mouldy so fast?
Damp, poor ventilation and leftover soap residue are the usual causes. Dry the joint fully and use a mould resistant bathroom silicone.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
