How to re-seal around your bathtub

The seal around your bathtub won’t last forever and you’re probably already noticing wear, cracking or discolouring. Luckily, it’s an easy fix you can do yourself – no need to call in a professional.

In just a few easy steps, your bathtub can be freshened up with a fresh bead of sealant. Not only will it look better but it will also help to protect your home from water damage.

Here’s our step-by-step TIMBER MART method:

• Start with scraping: In order to re-seal, you first need to get rid of the original seal. Use an awl or knife to scrape out all of the old grout and remove the old sealant by slicing the middle with a utility knife.
• Clean it up: If there’s a buildup of soap scum in the joints, use a bit of rubbing alcohol on a rag to remove it – any oil or greasy residue will prevent the fresh silicone from sticking to the surface. If your tub is plagued with mildew, try using chlorine bleach to wipe it away.
• Fill the tub with water: Yes, really. If you don’t fill the tub before applying the new sealant, the seam won’t be strong enough to withstand the weight of a full tub and it will pull away. Make sure not to wet the joint areas while you fill the tub – they should stay nice and dry.
• Tape around both sides of the joint: In order to get a clean bead of sealant, run lines of masking tape on either side of the joint you’ll be sealing. It’s an important step you shouldn’t skip.
• Apply the sealant: This is the fun part! Run a bead of new silicone sealant along the joint, moving steadily without stopping, and then smooth it with a wet finger or a damp sponge. This is calling “tooling,” and it makes a seamless bond between the tub and the sealant. Wait for the sealant to cure and then gently pull away the pieces of masking tape to unveil your clean, straight line.

It’s a great feeling when you cross a home repair off your list, isn’t it? Be sure to check with us to see how long to let it cure before running the water!

Happy sealing!