If you are planning a DIY bathroom project, you are probably going to need bathroom caulk sooner or later. But which product should you choose, and how do you use it?
Many projects involving bathroom caulk are critical to preserving the structure of your bathroom. Proper sealing protects your counters, walls, floors, and more from moisture and mold while making your fixtures look clean and fresh. The products you purchase and the procedures you follow depend on whether you need to seal a seam in your bathroom or simply repair unsightly caulk.
Remember: bathroom caulk is an adhesive and a sealant, so the surfaces you apply it to must be clean and dry. And, as always, play it safe: wear safety glasses and gloves, and wash your hands after use.
You can caulk your bathroom to new and existing seams
You do not need to remove the old sealant when using a bathroom silicone sealant like Loctite RE-NEW. Simply clean the existing caulk with a damp cloth (use a mold cleaner, if necessary) to make sure it is free of contaminants.
Spread the product over the old seal. Then, smooth it out with its attached nozzle for a perfect finish.
Not satisfied with your results? You can immediately remove the sealant with a damp cloth and start again. If you are applying the product to a vertical joint, you should apply it from the bottom up. Watch this video for more tips.
Prepare your product. Place your caulk tube into a sealant gun and cut the nozzle to the proper size for your seam. If you do not want to use a caulk gun, consider purchasing a tube you can squeeze by hand.
Apply fresh caulk to your seams. This step is relatively easy, and smooth application prevents the formation of mildew. Apply the bathroom caulk to your seam with a steady pressure.
Clean up your work area and tools, no matter which product you use. Carefully cut away cured sealant with a sharp-edged tool.
When you caulk your bathroom, your main goal is to create a flexible, waterproof seal (also called an elastomeric seal) between joints and for other gaps, like cracks. That means you will need a caulk capable of forming waterproof, flexible seals.
If you are looking for a color other than the usual suspects (brown, black, clear, white, gray), you will most likely have to paint your caulk and choose your product accordingly. You can paint most urethane and polyurethane caulks, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use masking tape to maintain clean edges for sealing your bathroom, you can remove it after the work is complete
If your bathtub or shower has already been caulked but the bathroom sealant is on its last legs, you can simply apply another layer of a product like Loctite RE-NEW to create a lasting and durable seal. When creating either a first seal or a new seal, products like Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile Adhesive Caulk and Loctite PL Heavy Duty Sealant will help you finish your project quickly and easily.