How to Caulk Shower Enclosures

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Scrub the work area using a bathroom cleaner that will remove soap scum.

   Be careful not to scratch the surface of the shower enclosure.
   
   If the caulk will not scrape off, then blow hot air against the surface using a hair dryer to loosen the seal. , When all visible caulk is removed, wipe the areas that you are joining with a towel that has been dipped in denatured alcohol.
   
   The alcohol will remove any residual soap scum and will loosen any remaining caulk. , This will remove any residual caulk that you may have missed during the scraping process. , This will ensure that the surface is fully dry, which will help the caulk to adhere. ,,, Keep the opening narrow so that you don’t push too much caulk from the tube as you work, and make sure that the opening is in alignment with the base of the gun for easy application. , Caulk the vertical seams and the corners of the shower enclosure first. , Avoid frequent stopping and starting so that you produce a smooth surface. , Push gently on the spoon so that you are pressing the caulk into the seam while smoothing the top of the caulk’s surface.
   
   Pull the spoon down the seam slowly until you have smoothed the entire application. , This will keep caulk from drying on the surface and interfering with the smoothness of your application. , Again, caulk the vertical seams and corners first, the horizontal seam along the back of the shower second and the horizontal seams on the sides of the shower third.
   
   Caulk between the shower door and the edge of the enclosure last. ,
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   Step 2: Remove the old caulk using a utility knife or a razor blade.

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   Step 3: Wipe off.

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   Step 4: Use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment to vacuum the joint.

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   Step 5: Allow the shower to sit overnight without being used.

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   Step 6: Load the caulk tube into the caulk gun

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   Step 7: pulling the pressure rod back and sliding the bottom of the tube into the device.

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   Step 8: Squeeze the trigger gently until the pressure rod makes contact with the base of the caulk tube.

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   Step 9: Cut the tip of the tube at a 45-degree angle using a pair of scissors.

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    Step 10: Rest the opening of the tube against the point where one of the vertical seams of the shower enclosure meets the ceiling or the soffit.

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    Step 11: Squeeze the trigger gently and pull down slowly on the caulk gun

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    Step 12: guiding the nozzle along the joint and squeezing out a steady stream of caulk.

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    Step 13: Rest the curved tip of the back of a plastic spoon at the beginning of your caulk line.

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    Step 14: Wipe the exterior of the caulk tube and the spoon with a damp sponge.

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    Step 15: Move on to the next joint to be caulked and repeat the steps until you have caulked all of the shower joints.

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    Step 16: Allow the caulk to cure for 24 to 48 hours before you use the shower again.

Detailed Guide

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