I've started removing the old, messy caulk from my shower tub because it was looking pretty bad. I have no experience with this, and I'm worried I'm just making a bigger mess! Can anyone guide me through the process of cleaning it up before I put new caulk in? And please explain it in simple terms!
2 Answers
It sounds like you're replacing the caulking between the tub and the wall, right? When removing the old caulking, you might accidentally take off some paint or even patch from the wall. Make sure to clean out all the loose bits, then sand the area. You should use some drywall compound to patch it up, then sand it again, maybe add some texture, prime, and finally paint the area. When you’re re-caulking, I usually go for silicone caulk, especially if the color you choose doesn't clash. Also, before applying new caulk, use a sharp utility knife to score along the wall edge—that'll prevent any wall finish from coming off. Just a tip: you probably won’t get the touch-up paint to blend well; it’s better to paint the entire wall. I'd recommend a satin to semi-gloss finish for bathrooms.
For getting the old caulk out, I found that using a paint scraper worked best for me. Just be careful not to damage the wall while you're at it. But honestly, I struggle with putting in the new caulk. My shower looks worse now, haha. Just a heads up that clear caulk can show mold more easily, so keep that in mind!
Thank you so much, this is super helpful!