Bathtub Caulking Tips
The biggest mistake many people make when it comes to bathtub repair is cutting too much off the caulk tube tip. In general, the size of the hole needs to be around two-thirds of the width of the desired caulk joint. Most caulking jobs only require a narrow bead.
For bathtub caulking, a 1/8-in. diameter hole is generally the right size. Some caulk tubes have to be punched in order for the caulk to come out. Nails are not always long enough, so use a thin, stiff wire as this will prevent you from enlarging the hole at the tip.
You will see 45-degree marks on the tips of most caulk tubes, showing the angle you should cut the tube. However, some pros recommend a blunter angle of around 60 degrees. Regarding the angle of the cut, the key is to hold the caulk gun at the same angle when you are filling the joint.
To apply a smooth caulk bead that is the right size, so you will need to find the best balance between pressure placed on the handle and the speed of the application. The trick is to keep the pressure constant according to the size of the joint. To get a small, fine bead, you have got to move the tip along the joint rapidly. Keep the caulk gun at the same angle and fill the joint as you go along, however, do not worry too much if you leave a gap, as it is easier to make a second high-speed pass than it will be to clean up excess caulk due to going too slowly. You can slow down slightly when dealing with larger caulk joints, just remember to keep the speed steady.
For information about our bathtub repair services, call Rick's Bathtub Refinishing today at (209) 208-6924 to find out what we can offer you if you live in or around the Stockton, CA area.