How To Caulk Your Shower Door Like A Pro

Over time, the caulking on your shower door can deteriorate and allow moisture to leak out onto the floor of your bathroom. It is a good idea to recaulk periodically about every 1-3 years.

You’ll want to use high quality, waterproof caulk. The tube of caulk should be labeled bath, tile, or both and make sure it is silicone based. Silicone is waterproof and it won’t shrink or crack. Also, the tube should say mold and mildew resistant. I like to use GE Tub and Tile White Silicone Caulk.

Tools and Materials needed:

• Tube of waterproof caulk
• Caulk dispensing gun
• Roll of paper towels
• Utility knife with a sharp blade
• Painter’s tape
• Gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator (optional)
• Vacuum for cleanup

Now that you know what type of caulk to buy and the tools needed, it’s time to tackle the job.

Step 1: Remove the old caulking

Take your utility knife and score each side of the bead of existing caulk from the top of the shower door to the bottom. Do this on both beads on either side of the door.

This is the most time-consuming part of the job, but doing it right is important. Sometimes the strip of caulk will peel off easily, other times it will come off in small pieces.

Either way, take your time and make sure to get rid of as much as possible. This will ensure good adhesion of the new layer of caulk.

You can take an additional step by wetting a paper towel with soap and water to remove more of the existing caulk.

Step 2: Prep the area

Once you’ve removed the existing caulk, take the painter’s tape and run a strip on either side of where you will be applying the new caulk. Keep the tape spaced about a 1/4″ apart.

This is honestly an extra step and not necessary, but it will ensure clean lines when applying the new caulk. It will also help to lessen the mess when you smooth the caulk out because the caulk will only get on the tape versus on your wall.

Step 3: Load the caulk gun

Take your utility knife and cut the tip of the tube of caulk. Angle the tube and blade down at your waist to prevent the blade from swinging up at you.

Cut the tip at an angle. On the side of the tip, there will be markings indicating where to cut for a specific size bead. Cutting at 1/8″ will provide a fine bead without much excess when smoothing.

The caulk gun will have a thin rod attached to it. Swing this out and slide it into the tube of caulk to puncture the inside.

Load the caulk into the gun with the tip opening facing down.

Step 4: Apply caulk

It doesn’t matter if you start at the top or bottom, though I find I have better control working from top to bottom.

Push the tip of the caulk tube into the corner and drag down slowly while squeezing the trigger at roughly the same speed you’re dragging down.

This ensures an even bead of caulk all the way down. Once the caulk is applied, use your finger with medium pressure to smooth out the bead.

Step 5: Remove the tape and cleanup

Starting at the top, slowly peel the painter’s tape at a 45-degree angle. This will reveal a nice clean edge. Clean up any excess caulk with a paper towel and vacuum any old scraps of caulk.

Voilà! You have successfully re-caulked your shower door. Let dry for 12 hours before exposing to water and you’re good to go. Nice job!

Let me know if you found this article helpful by leaving a comment below.

As always, if you would prefer to hire a professional to do this project feel free to contact us at info@thatsfixable.com. You can also click the ‘book online’ button and we will respond as soon as possible. Thanks for reading and remember, that’s fixable!