Recaulking bathtubs and showers is one of the most important bathroom maintenance tasks for preventing water damage, mold, and costly repairs down the line. However, when caulking is not done properly — whether due to using the wrong materials or rushing the application — it can become unsightly and problematic within months.
Here’s a “before and after” example from a customer who had a caulking problem (left) and reached out to Help Me Henry for a professional caulking job:
Makes a big difference, right? When caulking is done right, it should last for years — not months.
If you want to re-caulk a tub or shower yourself, here are three key tips to ensure long-lasting, clean results:
#1 – Completely Remove the Old Caulk
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is caulking over old material. New caulk will not properly bond — often leading to trapped moisture and mold or mildew growth (as seen in the “before” picture above) — unless all of the old caulk is fully removed. The surface must be clean, dry, and residue-free to create a strong, watertight seal that lasts
More than two-thirds of the time I spend on caulking jobs is dedicated to prep work and ensuring I have a clean starting point before I begin re-caulking.
#2 – Use 100% Silicone Caulk
For any bathtub or shower, 100% silicone caulk is the best option. Silicone is fully waterproof, flexible, and resistant to mold and mildew — making it ideal for wet bathroom environments. Cheaper latex or painter’s caulks often crack or peel, leading to leaks behind the tub.
I use GE Supreme Silicone — Kitchen & Bath for all of my bathtub and shower caulking jobs.
#3 – Apply a Smaller Bead for Better Control
When applying new silicone caulk, start with a small bead. Applying too much silicone at once can quickly become messy. Excess silicone is difficult to remove and often results in uneven lines and a poor appearance. It’s much easier to add a little more than it is to clean up too much.
Bonus Tip: Keep the Nozzle Tip Clean
Keeping the nozzle tip clean helps apply silicone smoothly to the bathtub or shower surfaces. I keep disposable paper towels with me to wipe the nozzle every few seconds to ensure a professional-looking finish.
Got questions? I’m happy to help! Feel free to reach out by email at [email protected] or by phone/text at 732-507-5327.
Help Me Henry provides clean, precise, and long-lasting results for families in Somerset County, NJ. We do the prep work others skip — so the job is done right the first time.