I want to redo the caulk in my bathroom, but how on earth do I dig out the old caulk??

By Yjja123 on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 10:53 pm:

I have scrapped it out with a razerblade. It shouldn't be too difficult to remove. Sometimes it is easier when it is wet.

By Crystal915 on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 11:43 pm:

I've done the same, used a razor blade to peel it out. A putty knife can also work.

By Debbie on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 08:14 am:

Ditto, the razor blade.

By Karen~moderator on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 09:08 am:

I did it, but it was coming out so most of it pulled right out.

****If you are planning to recaulk, practice on something else first!***** My effort was disastrous and is UGLY. LOL

By Kate on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 09:23 am:

Oh, Karen....I've already had the disaster!! I'm planning on ripping out NEW caulk (less than 24 hours old) as well as old caulk. Sigh..... Caulking is easy....SMOOTHING IT OUT is hard!!!!

I think I'll try the pointed end of a compass first...you know, the geometry tool you use to draw perfect circles? A razor blade scares me...too much potential to scratch the counter and sink.

By Kaye on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 09:58 am:

Okay the secret to caulking...

apply painters tape to the edges prior to caulking, then run your bead, then with a wet finger smooth it out. Then pull the masking tape off, while still wet.

Option 2, this is what the pros do, if you can run a nice small consistent bead (not me...lol), then when you do a line, you take an ice cube and smooth it out with that.

Good luck!

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 03:03 pm:

I know there are tools specifically for (a) removing old caulk and (b) smoothing new caulk.

Here's a How To for dummies on how to remove old caulk relatively easily and do new caulk.

http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/id-609,subcat-HOME.html

Here's another, more detailed site, that talks about the different kinds of caulk - how to remove, how to select, and how to apply.

http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infxtra/infcau.shtm