Whenever you replace the caulk around your tub or shower you can give new life to your bathroom at a minimal price. Check the caulk in your shower or tub and see if the caulking has began to turn dark with mildew. If it has it is probably time to remove the old caulk and replace it with brand new caulking. The main purpose of caulking is to protect your walls from water damage but it can also make your bathroom much more clean and fresh.

Choose a caulking that is formulated for a bathroom and is mildew resistant. Avoid caulking that is made for exterior surfaces because it will not withstand use in a bathroom. Also when you purchase your caulking don't purchase the cheapest caulking that you can find. A quality caulking will have a good moisture barrier and will last much longer. It will also resist mold and mildew better.

To complete this project you will need a caulking gun if you do not have one already. You can purchase a caulking gun cheaply at any paint or hardware store. You will also require a utility knife, a putty knife and some old rags to clean up.

Begin by removing all of the old caulking. Using a utility knife cut along the edge of the caulking away from the surface. Usually after you began cutting the caulking, you can pull it off in large sections. Use a putty knife to remove any stubborn caulking which still remains.

Thoroughly scrub the areas where the caulking has been removed using bleach. This will kill all mildew that may still remain. Let the area dry completely before you begin to apply caulking.

Next, fill your tub with water. Water weighs eight pounds per gallon. Once your tub is full of the eight pound gallons of water in addition to your own weight, the tub will flex which will drop down and away from the wall which will cause the caulked joint to open. It is important to caulk the joint when it is as wide open as it possibly can be so that the new caulking will last much longer. After you have filled the tub with water, cut the tip off of your tube of caulking and apply a fresh bead of caulking directly to the joint where the old caulking was removed. Once you have applied a bead of caulking to the entire area, use your finger and run it along the fresh caulking in order to even it out. You may wish to wet your finger first as this helps to keep the caulking smooth.

Let the new caulking dry for at least twenty four hours before you use your tub or shower so that the new caulking can cure. If you need to clean up any excess caulk you can use a wet rag.

You need to inspect the caulking around your tub or shower and also around the sink on a regular basis. Water can cause a great deal of damage when the caulking is not replaced after it has began to deteriorate.

Re-caulking your tub or shower will require a little time and hard work but it is worth the effort.

Copyright (c) 2008 Smoky Mountain Painting

About the Author:
The author has over thirty years experience in the home improvement industry and is the owner of Smoky Mountain Painting in Pigeon Forge Tennessee.

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