How to seal the gap in your tub to floor transition with caulking!!, by Olivia Saad on YouTube. 1 min 16 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 16 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Slice along both sides of the old caulk with a utility knife and pull it out. Scrape the tub edge and floor with a caulk remover until no rubbery bits are left.
Wipe the joint with rubbing alcohol or a degreaser and let it dry completely. Silicone will not stick to soap scum, dust or damp surfaces.
Push foam backer rod into any gap deeper than about 6mm so the caulk has something to sit against.
Run painter's tape along the tub and the floor, leaving only the joint exposed. Press the edges down firmly.
Load a tube of 100% silicone into the caulking gun and cut the nozzle at a 45 degree angle, about 6mm from the tip.
Run one steady bead along the whole gap, keeping the nozzle tip in the caulk. Overlap the ends rather than stopping and starting.
Smooth the bead with a caulk tool or a fingertip dipped in water, then wipe the tool clean between passes.
Peel the tape off while the caulk is still wet, pulling it away from the joint at a low angle.
Leave the seal alone for 24 hours before running water or showering.
Tips and common mistakes
Cut the nozzle smaller than you think you need; you can always widen it but you cannot shrink it.
Use bathroom-grade silicone labelled mold resistant, since ordinary decorator's caulk cracks in wet areas.
Never cut toward your body, and keep your free hand behind the blade when trimming old caulk.
Do not use grout in this joint, because the tub and floor move slightly and the grout will crack.
Questions
How long before I can use the bathtub?
Wait at least 24 hours, and longer if the room is cold or humid. Silicone skins over fast but needs a full cure underneath.
Can I caulk over the old caulk?
No. New silicone will not bond to old silicone, so the bead lifts within weeks. Strip it back to bare tub and floor first.
How do I get a smooth line?
Use painter's tape on both sides and smooth the bead before the caulk starts to skin, which is usually within five minutes.
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.
