Caulking plays a significant role in our bathrooms. It inhibits unnecessary growth. Additionally, it reduces leakages by enclosing grout lines.
Below are the steps that will aid you in caulking a 3-piece shower.
1. Get rid of the old caulk.
Before putting up a new caulk, you will have to remove the previously placed caulk.
Carefully have a general view of the parts you want to replace and remove the old caulk.
To carry out this operation successfully, you will have to use a caulk remover tool precisely made for such tasks. If you can’t find the tool, you can opt for a razor scraper.
Also, there is another alternative, where you can have an oscillating tool that has been equipped with a flexible scraper blade.
With the above tools, you can take one of your choices that you think works well.
Now that you have the required tool, you can slice it through the caulk you want to remove.
When removing the old caulk, you may make a common mistake: forget to remove caulks around the showerhead arms.
So, it will be great if you be keen on such areas.
If your shower pieces are made from acrylic, you will have to be cautious to avoid any form of scratches.
In most cases, you will get that the 3-piece showers are prone to wetness than other options. And for that, you will have to go for caulks based on silicone.
2. Scrub all the leftovers on the surface
Once you are through removing the old caulk, you can now start to remove the possible small old caulk pieces that might have been left behind.
By chance you see any loose grout either on the tubs, walls or even the shower floor, you will have to remove them all.
With this, you can use a product capable of molds elimination. For easy removal of the old caulk, you can apply a liquid caulk remover.
As it will soften the caulk, thereby facilitating easy removal. There is only one limitation when using a liquid caulk remover.
It takes a lot of time, as you will have to give it hours of more than four hours.
3. Clean the surface
Cleaning should be done immediately after you are through with scrapping; clean the surface by wiping using a rag.
Using a sponge or a cloth and of your household cleaner will give you more attractive outcomes.
Using a household cleaner is not a must; you can also try a bleaching solution.
There might be some invisible molds at the gaps, so it’s best to spill some rubbing alcohol as this will completely eradicate any mold present.
To finish the cleaning process, you can clean the surface using mineral spirits. Don’t get to the next step before the place is thoroughly dried.
To facilitate a fast way of drying, you can use a hairdryer.
4. Cover both sides
There are several significances of covering both sides of the joint using tape.
Covering will give you the exact look of the depth and length that the gaps will go.
Covering also aids the caulks in attaining sharp edges as time goes by. The tapes can be used on either the upper and lower surface or even their left or right sides.
Whichever way you go, you will be required to mask the wall corner gaps first.
To get the distance between the two tape lines, you will have to look for the most significant gap between the walls and the tubs or shower.
Once through, apply the tape all-round the gaps on other walls in your bathroom. Complete the process by using the tapes at the joints on your shower floor or tub.
5. Use a silicone-based caulk
Vertically have your caulk gun at the gap and do some squeezing. Do it continuously along the joint up to the end.
It is not a requirement for it to be smooth all the way, but the gaps require enough caulk on them.
6. Polish
This is the final step, so the new coat has to be polished. To have a smooth caulk layer, you will have to use your finger and water.
Dip your finger in the water and wipe it on the new caulk layer.
Do this as you start from the outer corners. With this, any unrequired material in the gaps will be removed.
When the caulk hasn’t dried, you can remove the tapes you placed. Please give it a maximum of 24 hours to dry.
Caulking A 3 Piece Shower
Caulking a 3-piece shower is very simple; only if you follow these six steps, the steps will help you caulk a 3-piece shower easily.
• Get rid of the old caulk
• Scrub all the leftovers on the surface
• Clean the surface
• Cover both sides
• Use a silicone-based caulk
• Polish
