Seal your bathtub in minutes

Sealing a bathtub: How to get professional results

Sealing a bathtub is not a difficult job, but great results are a lot easier with our tips for success. Read on to find our recommended materials and techniques.

Sealing around the bathtub: Essential for preventing water damage

A leakproof seal around the bathtub is essential to keep water from seeping into the wall cavity, thus causing major damage and leading to mould, stained walls and ceilings, and eventually rotted wood.

Don’t let this happen in your home! Make sure the bath seal is sound, clean, and doing its job. If you have just remodelled and need to seal a new bathtub, read the next section for instructions.

If you want to freshen up the bathroom because the old bathtub sealant is showing its age, we have instructions for that as well.

How to seal a bathtub: Detailed instructions

Because of its superior resistance to water, silicone is the best type of bathtub sealant in most cases. Loctite Clear Silcone Waterproof Sealant, for instance, adheres well, won’t shrink or crack, and stays flexible.

For sealing a new bathtub, follow these easy instructions:

  1. Make sure the surface is clean and free of dust or any residue.
  2. Cut the tube of sealant at a 45° angle and puncture the seal if needed.
  3. Squeeze the tube and apply an even bead along the seam.
  4. Use a sealant tool or your moistened finger to smooth out and feather the edges of the sealant.
  5. Clean up tools and hands immediately with soapy water.

Resealing an old tub follows the same process once the old sealant is removed.

How to remove bathtub sealant: carefully scrape away at the old sealant while being careful not to damage the surface. You can buy a sealant removal tool to make the job easier. It consists of two blades set at a 90° angle so you can scrape both sides at once. After the majority is gone, use a cloth and solvent to remove the remaining residue. Try vinegar or alcohol first. If something stronger is needed, use an oil-based spray lubricant or a commercial sealant remover.

How to reseal a bath—the easy way!

The easiest way to reseal a bathtub is doing so without removing the old sealer. Is that possible? It is with Loctite ReNew. This revolutionary product is designed to be applied right on top of the old sealant, even if it is yellowed, cracked, or a bit mouldy.

The first step is simply to clean the old sealant. Use a household cleaner, then rinse with water and allow it to dry. If you spot mould, try using a cleaner that will kill mould and mildew. Remove the mould as well as you can, but it’s okay if some discolouration remains.

Once the surface is completely dry, use Loctite ReNew, and apply it with the smoothing tool dispenser built right into the bottle. You’ll get a nice, even coverage that hides stains and discolourations, making your bathtub look like new again. The silicone-based formula is mould resistant and ready for use in just 6 hours. If you make a mistake while applying it, no problem. Just wipe it off and try again.