How to Caulk Shower Enclosures

Co-authored by Eric Shipe

Last Updated: January 8, 2024

Caulking a shower enclosure is one of the least expensive ways to protect a bathroom from moisture damage. Choose a caulk that is designed both for bathrooms and for mildew resistance. Silicone caulk forms a stronger seal than latex caulk, but latex caulk is easier to clean and remove if the seal fails. Thoroughly cleaning the surface that you are caulking will ensure that your caulk adheres properly and maintains a seal longer. Note that before beginning, you will need to remove all traces of the old caulk.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Removing the Old Caulk

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Remove the old caulk using a utility knife or a razor blade. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the shower enclosure.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Eric Shipe
Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.}
- If the caulk will not scrape off, then blow hot air against the surface using a hair dryer to loosen the seal.^{[2]
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  Eric Shipe
  Home Improvement Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.}
- You can even use a caulk removal tool.^{[3]
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  Eric Shipe
  Home Improvement Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.}
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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. You want to make sure the area you caulk is clean and dry.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Barry Zakar
Handyman

Expert Interview. 16 July 2020.}
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.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying the Caulk

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You will need to buy specially designed tubes of caulk to fit into your caulk gun. Load the caulk tube into the caulk gun, pulling the pressure rod back and sliding the bottom of the tube into the device.
Keep the opening narrow so that you don’t push too much caulk from the tube as you work.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Barry Zakar
Handyman

Expert Interview. 16 July 2020.} Make sure that the opening is in alignment with the base of the gun for easy application.
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. Caulk the vertical seams and the corners of the shower enclosure first.
Squeeze the trigger gently and pull down slowly on the caulk gun, guiding the nozzle along the joint and squeezing out a steady stream of caulk. Avoid frequent stopping and starting so that you produce a smooth surface.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Barry Zakar
Handyman

Expert Interview. 16 July 2020.}
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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Question

How can I use a hairdryer to remove caulk?

Eric Shipe
Home Improvement Specialist
Eric Shipe is a Kitchen and Bath Designer and the Owner of Bath + Kitchen based in Washington DC. Eric and his team specialize in cabinetry, design, and remodels. They serve homeowners, interior designers, architects, and contractors with a refined process, creative ideas, 4K photo-realistic renderings, and 360 Panoramic views. Bath + Kitchen was featured in Best of Houzz 2017-2020. Eric holds a BA in Economics and Business Administration from Ursinus College.

Eric Shipe

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

Use the hairdryer with a low setting to melt the caulk. Then scrape it off with a razor blade. Keep in mind that this can only work when the silicone caulk isn't between pieces of plastic, or it will cause damage.

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What is the advantage of using a caulk removal tool?

Eric Shipe
Home Improvement Specialist
Eric Shipe is a Kitchen and Bath Designer and the Owner of Bath + Kitchen based in Washington DC. Eric and his team specialize in cabinetry, design, and remodels. They serve homeowners, interior designers, architects, and contractors with a refined process, creative ideas, 4K photo-realistic renderings, and 360 Panoramic views. Bath + Kitchen was featured in Best of Houzz 2017-2020. Eric holds a BA in Economics and Business Administration from Ursinus College.

Eric Shipe

Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Answer

Using a caulk removal tool is advantageous because it works with acrylic, latex, and silicone.

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On my shower door, there are slots that would appear to let water inside the door at the bottom. Won't caulking the door at the very bottom keep that water from escaping, causing mold and mildew?

Community Answer

Yes, that's why you would caulk your weep-holes, not the door itself.

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Tips

Do not try to fill gaps that are more than 1/4” wide with caulk. For larger gaps, stuff the gap with backer material or with specially designed waxed rope. Then, caulk over the top of the backing material.

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Make sure that you plan to apply the caulk in one single session. Stopping, going to a new activity, and returning can affect the adhesion of the caulk, which will create entry points for water and mildew.

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If you don’t want to purchase a caulk gun, then you can apply caulk using a squeezable tube.

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Warnings

Never use exterior caulk in your bathroom. Exterior caulk is designed to endure different environmental pressures and will not provide the same level of protection as a specially designed bathroom caulk.

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