Although you can buy specialty caulk removers, these can damage plastic bathtubs. Fiberglass and acrylic tubs can also be easily scratched. Use plastic scrapers when using these also.
After you have gone around the bathtub removing old caulk, do a final check to find any spots you may missed. Use tweezers to pry out any hard to reach caulk.
Use denatured alcohol to remove very small remaining pieces of caulk.
Let the solution dry fully. Leaving it overnight and keeping it well-ventilated is best.
If a shower in the bathtub was used that day, there may be water behind the walls which drips down slowly throughout the day. This would ruin caulk that isn’t dry. If a crack is wet, use a hair dryer to dry it. [6] X Research source
For fiberglass bathtubs, silicone caulk is usually the best to use. It comes in a limited color palette and is difficult to smooth, yet is very flexible. [8] X Research source For ceramic tubs, acrylic latex can be used. It is easier to clean up than silicone and is available in several colors, but some brands are much less durable than silicone caulk. [9] X Research source
You can either pull the gun towards you or push it away from you as you apply the caulk. It works the same either way, so stick with what is comfortable.
You can also use painter’s tape to press down the caulk. Just be sure to pull the tape away before the caulk gets tacky. [13] X Expert Source Art FrickeHome Renovation & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 14 August 2020.
Try and work as quickly as possible to remove the tape, as you also have to smooth the caulk again. Be as careful as possible when removing the tape, and try not to let it touch the caulk seam.
Focus particularly on areas where 2 pieces of tape met, and these leave a small ridge.
