What kind of caulk to use around bathtub?

Glenda
by Glenda

I need to redo the caulking around my bathtub. What is the best caulk to use?


  16 answers
  • Karen Holbrook Karen Holbrook on Jul 19, 2015
    Silicone is the best. re-did ours around sinks and shower. but make sure that you don't get any caulk where you might trim with paint..it won't stick to silicone. You can always use tape to control area above caulk.
  • Darla Darla on Jul 19, 2015
    I agree - silicone is much more durable than acrylic. Be sure you get all the old caulk off first or the new might not stick. I think that's the hardest part.
  • Barbara Barbara on Jul 16, 2017

    They make caulking just for bath tubs. Check with Lowe's, Home Depot or any hardware store.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jan 09, 2018

    Use a Poly Sealant that is waterproof.

  • Jessie Jessie on Feb 13, 2019

    Kwik Seal Plus is a latex based caulk and MAY not adhere well if the surface has had a silicone caulk on it in the past ( even if removed with solvents). If that is the case, or if you are unsure... then switch to a silicone based formula such as DAP 100% Silicone Kitchen and Bath Sealant. If you know for a fact that the surface has never had a silicone, then cleaning the surface with alcohol is sufficient and Kwik Seal Plus should work well.. Signed.. 14 year employee of DAP...

  • Florida Beachpotato Florida Beachpotato on Feb 13, 2019

    Why there is no bonding is the problem, dont try another product until that's settled. Skip cleaning with alcohol. Use a white silicone waterproof caulk in the tube, see directions on YouTube.

  • Dfm Dfm on Sep 11, 2017

    Silicone it's more flexible with temp and humidity changes. There are also siliconized traditional caulks...hybread if you will. Clean all surfaces to be caulked, let dry or the silicone won't stick. There are also tools that may help remove the old caulk.

    • See 1 previous
    • James James on Sep 13, 2017

      it dries completely but usually overnight. and I try to be careful about water over the next day or two. after than you can do also anything to it and it stays in place, easy to clean, stays white color... very happy with this product. remember to clean the area with rubbing alcohol first and dry completely before you use the caulking.

  • James James on Sep 11, 2017

    GE has a product in a tube from any hardware store, it is easy to use, and really works and lasts for years. we use it ourselves..

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Sep 11, 2017

    Waterproof Sealant.

  • William William on Nov 17, 2018

    Ant brand tub and tile caulk will work. Has midewcides in it.

  • Ebbjdl Ebbjdl on Nov 07, 2017

    Whatever you use, make sure your tub is filled with water, 80%.

  • Dfm Dfm on Nov 08, 2017

    I've used silicone caulk with out problems around the bathtubs. Mind you I’m standing in the tub as I caulk.

  • Alice Alice on Sep 25, 2018

    Tubs and showers require a special caulk that contains mold and mildew prevention additives. The tubes are usually labeled “for kitchen and bath use.” Most are 100 percent silicone, but you can also find some latex versions. Latex caulk is easier to tool and cleans up with soap and water.

  • As long as the label specifies use for kitchens and bathroom or specifically for bathtub that should do it. Here is a link that rates caulk, maybe it will help.


    https://thoroughlyreviewed.com/home-kitchen/best-caulk/

  • Libbie B Libbie B on Feb 13, 2023

    GE Sealants makes a newish product called RENEW. We used it around our tub and loved it!

  • Silicone that is designed for bathrooms and kitchens.