Alexei Volkov
Caulk is a flexible material used to seal gaps in showers, preventing water damage. Over time, caulk can become stained, cracked, or mildewed, and will need to be replaced. This process is known as recaulking and can be done at home as a DIY project. It is important to remove old caulk and residue before applying new caulk, and to use the correct type of caulk for your shower material. This guide will explain how to recaulk a plastic shower, covering the steps from preparing the surface to applying and finishing the new caulk.
How to Re-Caulk a Plastic Shower
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to re-caulk | When the caulk is visibly stained, peeling, cracking, mouldy, loosening or missing |
| Tools | Plastic putty knife, utility knife, caulk remover, rag, sponge, baking soda, tape, caulk gun, razor scraper, oscillating tool with flexible scraper blade, electric multi-tool |
| Cleaners | Bleach and water solution, isopropyl rubbing alcohol, mineral spirits |
| Caulking products | Silicone caulk, sanded caulk, 100% silicone sealant, AMP Kitchen & Bath Sealant, Specially formulated siliconized latex |
| Preparation | Remove old caulk, clean surface, wipe down with isopropyl rubbing alcohol, kill mould with bleach and water solution, dry area, renew surfaces with Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit |
| Caulking technique | Cut nozzle tip to match gap width, hold gun at 90-degree angle, push bead of caulk, smooth with wet finger, apply tape to floor, remove tape when caulk is still wet |
| Drying time | At least 2-3 days |
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What You'll Learn
Removing old caulk
Removing the old caulk is the first step in recaulking a plastic shower. It is important to remove the old caulk before applying a new one, as caulking joints in a shower are highly visible.
To remove the old caulk, start by scraping off as much of it as possible with a plastic putty knife. Be careful not to use a metal scraper, as it can damage the porcelain. Try to loosen an edge and pull off the caulk in strips. Work carefully to avoid scratching or damaging the nearby surfaces.
Once you have removed as much of the old caulk as possible, use a caulk remover. Squirt the caulk remover onto the remaining caulk and let it work its magic. Then, use a razor scraper or a utility knife to scrape away any remaining residue. Wipe the area with a rag to ensure all the old caulk is removed.
If there is still some residue left, use a no-scratch plastic scouring pad to scrub it away. You can also use mineral spirits on a rag to remove any stubborn residue. If there is any mould or mildew present, wash the area with a bleach and water solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Rinse the area thoroughly and let it dry completely before applying new caulk.
It is important to clean the surfaces of the shower before recaulking to remove any soap residue, mould, or mildew. You can use a wet sponge and baking soda to scrub away any grime or soap scum. Make sure to rinse the area well and allow it to dry before applying the new sealant.
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Cleaning the surface
To prepare the surface for recaulking, start by scraping off as much of the old caulk as possible with a plastic putty knife or a flexible putty knife. Be careful not to scratch or damage the nearby surfaces. You can also use a utility knife or an oscillating tool equipped with a flexible scraper blade. Try to loosen an edge and pull off the caulk in strips.
After removing the bulk of the caulk, use a caulk remover. Squirt it onto the remaining caulk and let it work its magic before scraping off the remnants with a razor scraper. Wipe the area with a rag to ensure all the old caulk is gone.
Next, you'll want to clean the surface. If there is any residue left, use a no-scratch plastic scouring pad to remove it. Then, wipe down the area with isopropyl rubbing alcohol. If there is any mould or mildew, kill it by washing the area with a bleach and water solution (one part bleach to ten parts water). Rinse the area well and let it dry before applying new sealant.
If you notice any grime or soap scum in the area you'll be recaulking, wipe the area with a wet sponge and then sprinkle baking soda over the wet surface. Use the sponge to scrub away the baking soda, taking the soap scum with it. Finally, ensure the grout is clean and free of haze.
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Choosing the right caulk
Type of Caulk
The two primary types of shower caulk are silicone caulk and latex caulk. Silicone caulk forms a stronger seal and is more durable, making it ideal for areas exposed to water. It is also effective in preventing mould and mildew. Latex caulk, on the other hand, is easier to work with and is often preferred by beginners. It offers flexibility and maximum adhesion. If you want the best of both worlds, consider a hybrid sealant that contains both silicone and latex, such as DAP Kwik Seal Plus.
Adhesion Properties
When caulking a plastic shower, adhesion to the specific plastic material is crucial. Look for a caulk that specifically mentions "adhesion to [specific plastic type]." This will ensure that the caulk properly bonds and adheres to the plastic surface, preventing it from pulling away or cracking.
Tint and Colour
Caulk comes in various tints and colours to match different surfaces. If you don't want the caulk to stand out against the tiles, consider using a tinted silicone caulk that blends in with the colour of your shower. Clear shower caulk is also an option, as it contains special inhibitors that protect against mould and mildew.
Water Resistance and Mould Inhibition
Since you're caulking a shower, it's essential to choose a caulk that is 100% waterproof and resistant to mould and mildew. Look for products that offer lifetime mould resistance and are specifically designed for use in kitchens and baths. This will ensure that your caulked joints remain intact and free from water damage.
Temperature Considerations
Consider the temperature range within which the caulk can be applied. Most types of caulk must be applied when the temperature is between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the bathroom is within this temperature range before starting the caulking process.
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Applying the caulk
Before applying the caulk, ensure that you have cleaned the surfaces of the shower to remove any soap residue, mould, or mildew. You should also wipe down the area with isopropyl rubbing alcohol. If you notice any mould or mildew, wash the area with a bleach and water solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water), then rinse and let it dry.
Now, you are ready to apply the caulk. First, cut the nozzle tip of the caulk tube to match the gap width. Most guides recommend cutting at a 45-degree angle, but some suggest a blunt 20-degree angle instead. Puncture the inside of the tube through the tip to get the caulk flowing.
Hold the caulk gun at a 90-degree angle to the gap and push a bead of caulk slightly ahead of the nozzle as you push the gun forward, continuing to apply pressure. Apply only enough caulk to fill the gap. Run a bead of caulk along the seams slowly. Don't use too much on your first pass. The simplest way to apply caulk is to lay a continuous thin line and then smooth it into place using a wet finger.
If it's an especially long run, tool the bead of caulk you just put down before starting the next bead. Then start at the other end and caulk to meet where you stopped the first run, to avoid creating a glob.
Finally, apply tape to the tub or shower floor. Lift a corner of the tape along the tub and pull it off at a steep angle while the caulk is still wet. Then, remove the tape along the wall, removing the tape from the wall corners last.
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Finishing and drying
Once you've applied the caulk, you'll need to let it dry. This can take some time, so be prepared to wait at least two to three days before using the shower again. During this time, the caulk will form a strong seal, ensuring your shower is protected from water damage.
It's important to remove any tape while the caulk is still wet. Start by lifting a corner of the tape from the tub and pulling it off at a steep angle. Then, remove the tape from the walls, leaving the tape in the corners for last.
If you find that the caulk has dried before you've had a chance to remove the tape, don't worry. You can still try to lift the tape, cutting through any thin layers of dry caulk. For thicker lumps, use a sharp utility knife to carefully cut through the caulk.
To achieve a smooth finish, you can use the back of an old spoon to gently tool the caulk. Some professionals even use ice cubes, as caulk will not stick to the wet surface of the cube. This technique will help you create a seamless and professional-looking finish.
Additionally, if you want to improve the appearance of your shower surfaces, you can use a refinishing product. A two-part epoxy acrylic product, such as the Rust-Oleum Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit, can be rolled on to renew the surface, providing excellent adhesion, durability, and colour retention.
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Frequently asked questions
If there is noticeable peeling, cracking, mould, loosening, or missing caulk, it's time to recaulk your plastic shower.
First, slice through the caulk with a plastic putty knife, a utility knife, or an oscillating tool with a flexible scraper blade. Then, apply a caulk remover and scrape off the caulk with a razor scraper. Wipe the area with a rag.
Silicone caulk is best for showers as it is formulated for high-moisture, wet areas. If your shower is white, purchase a white silicone caulk. If it's not white, use a clear or tinted silicone caulk.
First, cut the nozzle tip of the caulk tube to match the gap width. Hold the gun at a 90-degree angle to the gap and push a bead of caulk ahead of the nozzle as you move forward. Apply only enough caulk to fill the gap. Then, use your finger to smooth out the caulk and remove excess. Finally, apply tape to the shower floor and remove it while the caulk is still wet.
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