Shower surround and bathtub are the most humid area of your house. Because most of the time it gets exposed to frequent running water. And, that leads to some mold and mildew growth or, water leakage between the gaps where two surfaces (ex: tile seams) joint.
However, bathroom sealants aren’t going to let it happen so easily!
One thing you must note that exterior caulks aren’t perfect for such a humid area.
That’s why the choice is critical here that’ll promise you a sturdy sealing performance around the bathroom. And, today, we’ve listed the 11 best caulk for shower surround and bathtub to prevent mildew and mold. This is an exclusive list of the best rated bathroom caulks you’ll ever find!
Be it an acrylic or fiberglass shower, if you’re struggling to seal the drain, bathtub, faucet, or stalls, you must check out our list!
Quick preview table with our TOP 3 choices: –
| Image | Name | Our Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
GE Sealant Adhesive, Advanced Kitchen & Bath Silicone Sealant |
5 out of 5 |
Check On Amazon | |
 |
Red Devil Duraguard, Siliconized Acrylic Caulk for Bathroom |
5 out of 5 |
Check On Amazon | |
 |
Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Shower Tile Adhesive Caulk |
4.5 out of 5 |
Check On Amazon |
To read about our product selection procedure, visit the “About” page.
What is Caulk Made of?
Caulk has been around for centuries now, used in sealing rooftops, showers, and in fireproofing wires in the house. It is a non-structural substance that is made of one or all of the four physical bases- latex, silicone, polyurethane, and rubber. The base polymer determines the composition and characteristics of the caulk.
Read More:
Types of Caulks
Caulking is an essential part of almost every construction activity. Let us look into the different types of caulks, their composition, uses, and benefits: –
1. Vinyl Caulk
Vinyl caulk is soluble in water and works pretty much like acrylic (although it lasts longer). Also, unlike acrylic, you can use vinyl latex both indoors and outdoors. The substance has a decent lifespan and can be used across all surfaces.
Advantages
- Flexible and versatile
- Waterproof
- Easy clean-up
2. Acrylic Tile Sealant
The acrylic tile sealant usually comes in small tubes and is used in everyday repairs around the house. Fixing bathroom tiles, window sills, cracks in the doorway- the caulk works well for simple patchwork in wet areas. The tile sealant has a decent lifespan, lasting a few months before you have to replace it.
Advantages
- Compact and user-friendly
- Water-resistant
- Suitable for small repairs
3. Pure Silicone
Silicone is the most common and effective caulking substance for sealing the cracks in showers and bathtubs. The substance works wonders on non-porous surfaces like wood. You don’t really have to worry about replacing the caulk frequently- it lasts pretty long. Also, silicon is water-resistant and keeps the mildew away.
Advantages
- Very durable
- Flexible and strong
- Keeps surface dry and smooth
4. Adhesives
Adhesives or liquid nails can be used to stick almost anything permanently. Some people use adhesives to keep mold and mildew away. You can apply the adhesive caulk in wet, dark, dingy areas of the property. Other types of adhesives can be easily washed up with water. A word of caution though, adhesives can be dangerous for the skin, so use them carefully.
Advantages
- Very powerful
- Durable and long-term results
- Water-proof
TOP 11 Best Shower Caulk Reviews
Here comes the review part. We’ve enlisted 11 top-notch caulks for your shower caulking projects. They’re wisely picked and ensured that they’ll protect your bathroom surrounding with the expected performance.
Our list consists of the best caulks for using around the shower stall, sinks, tubs or, tile, etc. They can be either pure silicone or, acrylic latex. Now, latex sealants might not sound good to you, right?
But the thing is that latex shower sealants are manufactured with silicone. And, that’s why it can simultaneously compete with 100% silicone caulks. Both types are performing very well in terms of protecting dirt, keeping out air and moisture.
1. GE Sealant & Adhesive 281 Advanced Silicone II Kitchen & Bath Sealant
When it comes to getting rid of unsightly stains on your shower fittings and tiles, very few caulks can do a better job. And, if any, GE advanced silicone bath caulk is the first one! It’s a 100% silicone-based sealant that guarantees greater performance.
Most importantly, it keeps your shower free of mold and mildew for up to 10 years! Thanks to its 100% waterproof capabilities. For that, it’s ensured that water doesn’t penetrate the surfaces and fittings. Besides, it doesn’t crack or shrink, even when exposed to severe wet conditions, enabling it to last for such a long time.
That’s not all this caulk has to offer though!!!
This product will help you a few bucks in various ways. It comes in a 2.8 oz squeeze tube, meaning you don’t have to buy a caulking gun for the application. Besides, you’ll find it incredibly versatile since it easily bonds to most bathroom as well as kitchen surfaces.
Whether your shower has materials like metal, wood, granite, ceramic, glass, laminate, or porcelain, this caulk will work just fine! Not to forget that it forms an adhesion that is 5 times stronger than ordinary shower caulks in the market.
The other good thing about this silicone formula is that it has low levels of VOCs. As such, it produces low odor, meaning you won’t feel uncomfortable when applying it.
Lastly, GE 281 bath caulk is one of the fastest drying shower sealants you’ll ever come across online. You can expose it to water, just 10 minutes after application, but it takes 6 hours to cure fully. After curing, it leaves the surface with a professional finish that doesn’t need to be painted!
Highlighted Features
- 100% watertight seal
- Flexible and permanent joint
- 10 years of mold & mildew protection
- Doesn’t fade out metal finishes
- No caulking gun needed
- Resists shrink and crack
- Easy squeezing tube
2. GE5060 Adhesive Sealant, Advanced Silicone II Bathroom Sealant
This is the second most recommended quality product from GE Sealants. You can rest assured that it’ll create a watertight high-ending seal around the shower walls and floor.
Its amazing features will convince you for sure!
First, the fact that this caulk comes in a cartridge makes it easy to apply, especially for large projects. Besides, you just need a caulking gun and you’re good to go!
Sealing the tile seams or bathtub surrounding watertight is just a fact of 30 minutes. So, your shower will be ready for use in such a short period. Things don’t end there! When the caulk cures, it forms an incredible adhesion that’s 5 times stronger than other caulks.
In terms of durability, this caulk guarantees mold protection for more than 10 years. As such, it will help you keep your shower free from unhealthy and unsightly stains. At the intact stage, it doesn’t crack or shrink, even when subjected to extreme temperature fluctuations.
Moving to versatility, this adhesive sealant adheres to various bathroom surfaces. To name a few – including fiberglass, metal, glass, and plastic among others. You just have to make sure that the surface is clean and sound before the application.
On the downside, this silicone sealant isn’t paintable. Yet, considering that it’s available in 3 different colors (almond, clear and white), you can easily choose the ideal color for you.
Overall, this caulk is ideal for giving any shower and bathroom job a permanent result. Apart from that, you can use it for many other plumbing projects like sealing countertops, sinks, fixtures, and more.
Highlighted Features
- Fast curing bath sealant
- Stronger adhesion capability
- Prevents mold and mildew growth
- High-quality result for 10 years
- Highly durable seal
- Low VOC product
3. GE Sealant GE712, Tub & Tile Silicone Caulk
This is yet another silicone caulk from GE Sealants & Adhesives, a company that is based in the USA. Their products have dominated our list. And, it’s a clear indication that their shower caulks have superior quality than any other brands out there.
Well, this GE712 tile and tub caulk is no exception!
It’s made of 100% silicone and delivers excellent permanent results, regardless of the shower project you’re working on. Best of all, after application, it doesn’t crack, shrink or crumble. This easy-to-use caulk comes in a convenient 10.1 oz. cartridge. Therefore, provided you’ve got a caulking gun the application process will be as simple as ABC..!
This is also contributed by its excellent adhesion ability and water-resistant properties.
Besides, you can use this silicone caulk in various areas that are vulnerable to water exposure. So, it’s a great product for sealing bathrooms, kitchen as well as other plumbing projects.
When it comes to longevity, GE712 Caulk guarantees to protect your shower surfaces and fittings from stain-causing molds and mildew for up to 7 years. That’s because it remains in place, even when subjected to UV rays or severe heat conditions.
So, cheer up hot shower lovers!
And, your shower gets long-term protection against bacteria and fungi. It’s also worth mentioning that this caulk is intended for areas that don’t need to be painted. Not to forget that it’s available in 2 color options; clear and white!
However, its drying time is a bit longer. You might have to allow 12 hours after application before you can expose it to water. Other than that, it’s a high-quality caulk that you can use to waterproof your shower or kitchen.
Highlighted Features
- 12 hours water-ready
- Easy to use with caulking guns
- Backed by 7-year mold protection
- Excellent adhesion to non-porous
- Withstands in random conditions
- Multipurpose application
4. Red Devil 0405 Duraguard, Siliconized Acrylic Caulk for Bathroom
Red Devil 0405 is another watertight and moisture-resistant acrylic caulk on this list.
The siliconized sealant shields your shower from water damage. As it is water-repellent, the water can’t seep into the crevices or under the sink. So, no harm will occur to your shower or kitchen. As a result, it doesn’t only prolong the lifespan of the things but also saves your bucks.
Afterward, it gives your home appliances a new and fresh look by resisting mildew. The advanced formula fortified with silicone provides greater flexibility. It offers superior adhesion to ensure an optimum shield against mold, moisture, and mildew. Now, you don’t need to tense about leaking and damping.
Besides, it ensures a waterproof seal around the shower that protects it from any kind of damages.
The easy-to-use application process makes it a breeze to seal on different building materials. And the best part is- you don’t require getting a caulking gun. So, filling the cracks & crevices with the filler is effortless.
Another advantage of this water-resistant caulk is- it’s paintable. It means you can paint any color over it. So, hiding the spot and scratch on your vinyl floor is easy as you can paint it.
Finally, as one of the best bathroom sealants on our list, it well worth’s in 4th rank!
Highlighted Features
- Waterproof & mold resistant
- Adheres to many surfaces
- Paintable durable seal
- Easy-to-squeeze tube
- Easy for shaping with tools
5. Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Shower Tile Adhesive Caulk
If you want to gain a long-lasting seal to your shower tile and tub area, then Loctite Polyseamseal will be your best bait.
With seal & bond technology, it offers you a prolonged shield against water, mold, and mildew. So, no matter how humid conditions are in your shower, it protects your material from getting damaged.
As it’s an acrylic-based sealant, it provides excellent adhesion to things like ceramic, porcelain, and so on. You can fill up the crevices and repair the grout lines with ultimate efficiency.
Like other shower caulks on this list, it is also paintable. So, you can repair any scratches on your floor by sealing with it. And it lets you paint with the same color match to your surface to end up with a professional finish.
Therefore, you can also brush up the sealant surface with water or harsh chemicals. Also, it lets you clean the seal spot with soap as it is paintable and watertight. So, you don’t need to worry about getting the sealed spot discolored.
Plus, this caulk doesn’t need any gun to apply it. So, you can use it to seal any things with your hand to protect your shower from potential damage.
Indeed, this filler offers excellent adhesion to ceramic, porcelain, shower, tiles, and others.
The only drawback we find out is- it takes a bit of hand-strength to get it all out.
Highlighted Features
- Low VOC sealant
- Prevents mold & mildew
- Wide range of application
- Protects from unsightly stain
- Waterproof durable seal
- Made in the USA
6. Loctite Polyseamseal White Tub and Tile Sealant
Loctite Tub & Tile caulk is your perfect companion in the shower and kitchen. This is one of the best bathtub caulk that seals many other areas and surfaces. To mention a few – you can seal around sinks, porcelain tiles, backsplashes, fiberglass shower, glass to metal, etc.
One of the best features we’d mention is the easy squeeze tube. You wouldn’t even require a caulking gun for the application.
See, how amazing it is!!!
And, the sealing is so perfect that resists mold, mildew, and scrubbing. There’s another good thing about this special polyseamseal sealant. Guess what?
Although it comes featured as a white caulk, you can paint over it. More interestingly, you get 2 other color options (Almond, Clear) to choose the best one for your caulking project. With this sealant, the seal and bond process can be truly beneficial.
This tub and tile sealant is highly capable of protecting the tiles from color changing. The secret behind the protection is no use of harsh chemicals.
So, what can be more effortless than that?
It is formulated in a way to remain watertight and flexible. As a result, it can provide durability and longevity.
Moreover, you can call it a highly versatile product that’s strongly adhesive on most surfaces. Sometimes people deal with complications using ordinary sealants. Oftentimes, those are very hard to use for beginners.
But that’s not the case with this special bathroom sealant. The easy water clean-up feature makes it an amazing doer!
To wrap up, its perfect sheerness and thickness will meet all your needs.
Highlighted Features
- Excellent sealing performance
- Protects from dirt, air, and moisture
- Waterproof seal that’s paintable
- Freehand application tube
- Easy cleanup procedure
7. Kwik Seal Plus, All-Purpose Adhesive Caulk for Shower
Dap 18526 Kwik Seal is a waterproof, crack-proof, and paintable caulk.
The silicone-like sealant will provide excellent adhesion to a wide range of surfaces like tiles, sink, faucet, bathtub, etc. Now, you don’t need to worry about water penetrating or seep into crevices. In return, the water can’t damage your shower and saves costly repair.
The Microban technology makes this caulk mold & mildew resistant.
In simple words, it prevents fungus from growing on the sealant. Turns out, keeping the sealant clean is a breeze and also makes it easy to tidy up.
On top of that, the application procedure is very simple and effortless. You don’t need a caulking gun to apply it. Instead, you can use a spatula and your hand to caulk around your kitchen and shower. You can paint over the Dap 18526 sealant to match the surroundings.
Consequently, it doesn’t get discolored as it’s water-resistant.
You can clean it up with water without any doubt.
However, sometimes you might face difficulties when filling the crevices. In that case, we recommend you try to use it in the cracks until it dries out. Overall, it’s an excellent filler component to repair building & shower materials. User-satisfaction is also great.
So, you can pick it without any doubt for repairing your household things.
Highlighted Features
- Easy to apply neatly
- Siliconized latex formula
- Paintable & easy cleanup
- Convenient squeeze tube
- Withstands structural crack
- Low VOC & easy to finish
8. GE Sealant M90010, Supreme Silicone Shower & Kitchen Caulk
Is it hard for you to find a 100% waterproof silicone caulk for the shower?
Well, GE M90010 adhesive sealant is one of the best, we’d recommend to you. It’s a silicone-made product that’s highly reliable in water-prone areas. So, when expecting ultimate protection in your bathroom, this can be a deal!
It really feels disgusting and unhealthy when we see the grout and caulk beads are dirty. Hence the best way to prevent the dirt is to use something that resists it. That’s what this adhesive sealant does for you! It stops the growth of mildew and mold.
So, the dirt can’t cause stains in your shower surroundings.
You can fulfill all your sealing needs using this caulk. You will have the power of silicone sealant with complete protection. On top of that, this one offers great flexibility. Its strong performance will certainly blow your mind.
After installing, it will be ready for water exposure in just about 30 minutes. Well, that’s an incredible feature that people mostly crave while buying a caulk. Because you know, it really feels boring when the high-traffic area in your home, is locked for a day.
So, you need a fast-curing caulk unless you have a second shower.
Also, most people complain about less sealing capability, which you can completely avoid with this. With its super durable and waterproof seal, you can protect the bead from shrinks and cracks. It’s formulated in a way that can tolerate temperature issues.
When sealing your shower glass to metal (nickel, chrome, bronze) frames, it won’t discolor them at all!
However, being 100% silicone caulk, this won’t allow painting. But, it’s assured that you get a durable seal without any difficulties.
Highlighted Features
- 30-minute water exposure
- Waterproof silicone made product
- 7 times stronger and crack proof
- Highly flexible and paintable
- Durable sealing power
- No harsh odor
9. General Electric GE360, Kitchen and Shower Silicone Caulk
GE Silicone caulk can solve your most irritating problems of the kitchen and bathroom. Its permanent and strong adhesion capability will make the seal wonderful!
Thus protecting the joints from shrink, crack, or crumble.
Remember that bathroom caulks are chosen carefully with the guarantee to protect from water exposure. As a smart shopper, we hope that’s also the case for you. But, you don’t have to worry as we’ve already noted that as one of our top priorities.
This is a 100% waterproof silicone caulk that permanently seals your shower. And, it lasts for a long period keeping away mold, moisture, and air leakage problems.
All the typical uses including showers, tubs, sinks, tile will be comfortable and safe if you grab this one. It will show similar stickiness in surfaces including ceramic tile, laminate, glass, metal, granite, wood, and plastic.
Highly versatile indeed!!!
The perfect squeeze tube comes with a nozzle protector cap. Thus, it helps you to prevent air penetration. So, you can store any remaining amount for the next time use. It’s pretty user-compatible with the simple application procedure.
Besides, the sheerness and thickness are so satisfying.
It is no more impossible to get a perfect scratch, crack, and crumble-free seal of the bathroom and kitchen with this wonderful piece of magic. It’s more like a blessing to the beginners. On top of that, you get all these features at a very reasonable price.
In our view, this one is worth grabbing!
Highlighted Features
- Heat resistant
- Made in the USA
- 100% waterproof silicone
- Adheres to non-porous surfaces
- Tested and certified by ASTM
- Shrink and crack proof
10. Dap 08640 Bathroom Silicone Rubber Caulk
We all want to see our bathroom looking fresh and clean at all times, right? Then you have to take good care of its surfaces. And, one way to achieve that is by using this silicone rubber caulk from DAP!
Before we move any further, DAP is a brand that is popularly known for producing durable products. Well, that’s one benefit you’ll certainly get with this caulk. That’s because it provides seals that are permanently secure and waterproof.
Don’t believe us? How about this: DAP 08640 caulk can last for up to 50 years after application! Very few shower caulks can last that long! As such, you don’t need to be concerned about it shrinking, cracking, or crumbling!
The fact that it’s made of 100% silicone, makes it very effective in resisting water. Thus, your shower will not have any odor, wet or damp feeling. Moreover, this prevents the growth of molds and mildew on bathroom surfaces.
The other benefit of using this bathroom caulk is that it adheres to various surfaces. For that reason, you can use it for both outdoor and indoor caulking projects. Some of those surfaces include; fiberglass, vinyl, ceramic tiles, marble, and even wood.
One thing you need to know about this caulk is that you can’t paint over it. However, it has a white color that gives it great value, so that may not be an issue.
With that in mind, if you want a superior multi-purpose caulk for your shower, DAP 08640 is the ideal option for you! It has superior properties and works effectively as a sealant, caulk, and adhesive!
Highlighted Features
- Great bathroom sealer
- All-purpose bath sealant adhesive
- Power of 100% silicone rubber
- Made in the USA
- Dries white
11. GE Supreme 100% Silicone, 30 Minutes Water-Ready Shower Caulk
Talk about a shower caulk that makes the surface waterproof in just 30 minutes! Well, that’s exactly what you get with this GE Supreme caulk! You read that right! This caulk dries in less than 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest drying shower caulks on our list!
This caulk is also popular for delivering durability and mold/ mildew protection. As for durability, the caulk can adhere to the caulked surfaces for up to ten years.
The other unique thing about this sealant is that it remains flexible after curing. This means that it moves and stretches with the house. Thus protecting the bead from shrinking, crumbling, or cracking. More importantly, this property enables it to withstand severe weather conditions. Also, unlike most silicone sealants, you’ll be glad to know that this GE Supreme caulk is paintable. So, after using it on your surfaces, you can paint them with your favorite color if you don’t like white.
Regarding versatility, this caulk adheres to various surfaces as well. Thus, you can use it for various caulking applications including tiles, sinks, showers, countertops, tubs, and many others.
Generally, if you want a bathroom caulk that will not take long to dry, we recommend you try out this one! Trust us, on curing, this mold-resistant sealant will exhibit incredible properties. Some of them being durability, mold-protection, versatility, and flexibility, to mention a few!
Highlighted Features
- Durable silicone sealer
- Fast curing within 30 mins
- 10-year mildew protection
- Perfect and faster adhesion
- Non-paintable bead
- USA made product
Complete Shower Caulk Buying Guide (Things to Consider)
With so many caulk types and brands in the market, finding the ideal solution is not that simple. Especially, if it’s your first time buying a bathroom sealant.
Trust us, knowing what to look for in a shower caulk will save you both time and money. That being said, here are some factors that you should consider to get the ideal caulk for your shower: –
1. Mold and Mildew Resistance
Before you move to any other factor, you must check whether that adhesive resists the growth of molds and mildew or not. If it’s not, water may stick on its surface. Thus promoting the growth of mold, which is responsible for a number of health problems. So, when you’re buying a bathroom adhesive, start by confirming it can prevent mold and mildew buildup.
2. Temperature Variation
One thing about bathrooms and showers is that they tend to experience severe temperature fluctuations. So, if your adhesive cannot withstand such fluctuations, it will bulge out when the temperature is high.
Similarly, it will contract when the weather is too cold. That expansion and contraction will eventually cause it to shrink and crack. To avoid that, go for a caulk that can resist severe temperature variations.
3. Water Resistance
Since you’re planning to use the caulk on your bathroom, water resistance is a factor that you should never overlook. Not just water-resistant, but 100% water resistant! This will help you prevent leakages that you may encounter in your shower.
Not to forget this property also enables it to prevent mold and mildew growth.
4. Cure Time
It’s very hard to restrain yourself from going to the bathroom for days, especially if it’s the only one in your home. In that case, we’d recommend that you look for a caulk with a fast curing time. Cure time refers to the amount of time the sealant takes to set fully and be ready for use and water exposure.
This can range from 2 hours up to 10 days. If the product takes more than 2 days to cure, consider another option!
5. Application Process
Generally, shower caulks are available in 2 different packaging options. They are either available in a squeeze tube or cartridge. We’re mentioning this because each option has a different application process. For instance, if the product comes in a cartridge, you’ll need a caulking gun to apply.
However, the one in a squeeze tube doesn’t need a cartridge gun. This makes them ideal for small bathroom repairing tasks. Contrarily, the ones that come in a cartridge are ideal for heavy-duty and large sealing jobs.
Either way, you should always choose the one with a simple application process.
6. Surface to be Caulked
The other important thing you need to know is that different adhesives work on certain surfaces. In other words, not every sealant you see out there is ideal for shower applications.
Also, you’ve to consider the shower surface you intend to work on.
That way, you can determine whether the adhesive will adhere to it or not. Lucky for you, every shower adhesive on our list can be used on various bathroom surfaces. Therefore, there is a good chance you’ll find products that adhere well to surfaces here.
7. Price
Lastly, when you’re buying any product, you have to check whether it’s reasonably priced or not, right? Well, the same case should be applied when buying a shower adhesive. Besides, all adhesives do not come at the same price. However, some expensive brands are probably priced that way because of superior strength.
Whichever the case, it’s good to compare the prices of various caulks before you settle on a certain product!
Why Shower Caulk is Essential?
Some homeowners only think that caulk/sealants are only intended for aesthetics purposes. Although that’s partly true, there are many other benefits of caulking your shower. They include:
1. Prevents Mold & Mildew Buildup
Considering regular use, your shower walls and surfaces are exposed to moisture that can cause mold and mildew growth. Accumulation of these microorganisms results in unsightly stains that make the surfaces lose their appeal. Thankfully, shower caulks contain special ingredients that inhibit the growth of these harmful microbiological invaders. So, caulking will get rid of them and prevent their growth in the future.
2. Waterproof Seal
The other benefit of using bathroom sealants is that it creates a strong seal. If water penetrates through shower walls, it can lead to significant damage and expensive repairs. But, with caulks, it’s hard to see water damage on the walls or floor.
3. Creates a Healthy Shower Environment
Unlike sealants, caulks have low VOCs, which reduce health problems like headaches during installation. Also, they ensure your shower has a healthy environment by preventing harmful odors caused by things like dampness or mold buildup.
4. Sealing Cracks & Crevices
Lastly, caulking helps to effectively seal any cracks or crevices on the walls and floor. These cracks can allow insects to access your bathroom and even affect their professional look. However, with a quality shower caulk, this will not be an issue anymore. So, that’s what the advantages you’ll get from caulking your shower. With that in mind, let’s get into the 11 best shower caulks that you can buy today!
Acrylic vs. Silicone Caulk: What is Best for Shower?
Acrylic and Silicone are two common types of caulks on the market. Both are built-in for specific purposes. And both of them have upsides and downsides.
Now, you may ask: between these two, which one is best for the shower?
Well, it depends on many facts.
For example, acrylic caulk will be your best trait for painting applications. On the other hand, silicone caulk is ideal for sturdy non-paintable sealing solutions. Now, let’s see the difference between acrylic and silicone caulk with their advantages and disadvantages.
1. Acrylic Caulk
Acrylic Caulk is more familiar to homeowners and do it yourselfers. It is convenient to use and apply. Therefore, you can fill out any cracks and crevices of painting applications with ease. Plus, you can also create a seal between the gap of ceilings, doors, windows, and others.
However, the downside of acrylic caulk is- it has water in it. So, you can’t use it as a sealer around the shower. Besides, acrylic gets dried out fast, loses flexibility, and fails.
2. Silicone Caulk
For humid areas such as the shower, silicone caulk is the best one. This filler is waterproof and builds a strong shield against water & moisture. As a result, water can’t penetrate or seep into the gap between tiles. So, they don’t get damaged in the long run.
Indeed, it will offer great adhesion to sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets.
For its moisture-resistant, you can use it as a seal to protect your home from outdoor wet conditions. The drawback of silicone caulk is- it’s less paintable or does not adhere to paint. We recommend silicone caulk as a waterproof seal for the shower. In contrast, acrylic will be best for painting applications.
Caulk vs. Sealant: What’s The Difference?
Sealants and caulks both are sealing materials. They perform the same task of filling gaps and so they’re usually used interchangeably. Besides, both of them can be applied using a caulking gun. That’s why it might be a bit difficult for some people to differentiate them.
Nonetheless, the truth of the matter is that caulks and sealants are not the same! The main difference between these products lies in their flexibility.
Generally, when caulk dries after being used to fill cracks, it’s hard and rigid.
For this reason, it’s ideal for stable temperatures. It’s not used in areas that experience significant contraction and expansion. On the other hand, sealants are more flexible. Consequently, they are more suitable and efficient in areas that experience severe temperature fluctuations.
Conclusion
Every time you run a bath or turn on the shower, you’re exposing your bathroom or shower walls to humidity and water. Luckily, most modern showers can withstand water chemicals, soaps, steam as well as heavy daily use.
However, over time, you’ll start to notice some signs of wear & tear or opening up of gaps and cracks. Worst of all, the dampness may promote the growth of mold and mildew on the shower walls. This can pose some critical health issues as well as discoloration of the surfaces and accessories.
That requires some care, one of which is caulking.
Now that you’ve gone through this article, we hope finding the best caulk for the shower will not be a daunting task anymore. Even better, we’ve included 11 superior quality caulks from top-rated brands that will help you fill the cracks in your shower and keep it mold & mildew-free.
Besides, we have highlighted a detailed buyer’s guide to ensure that you only choose the caulk that’s ideal for your bathroom caulking needs!
FAQs
1. Can I apply new caulk over an old layer?
Yes, you can use a wider bead of new caulk over the old layer to cover it up. However, it will be the best practice to remove the old layer if possible. It helps to prevent mold from growing. You might use liquid chemical caulk removers to soften the old layer. Then, you just scrape off with a caulk remover tool.
2. How fast silicone caulk can dry?
Depending on the humidity, silicone caulk can take 30 minutes to dry. So, the answer is variable and not a constant for all types of consumers.
3. What’s the best non-yellowing shower caulk for me?
GE Sealant and Adhesive 281 is mostly recommended. Also, Gorilla 100% Silicone Sealant is our second most favorite one that doesn’t get yellow over time.
4. How long does caulk last in the bathroom?
At least five years, hopefully! Some variables can help you to detect the exact period of the duration. But, most often people have to replace it after approximately five years. And it’s a good practice indeed since you won’t hamper your health because of a $30 to $50’s repair.
5. How long does it take to restore bathroom caulks?
You should wait for 24 hours after installing to get the seal into water exposure. But many caulks of recent days are super-fast. You get them restored after only 2 to 3 hours. Some are way faster than that. Like the GE sealant (8th position) on our list can be prepared within just about 30 minutes.
6. Can I apply caulk to my bathtub without a gun?
If you purchase a squeeze tube then you will be able to use that to your bathtub without any gun. On the other hand, caulk cartridges require a gun that makes the application smooth and sound. But, you might use both types with a gun as it’s helpful.
7. How often should you reseal your shower?
Since showers are usually damp and humid, caulks last for about five years. However, this may vary depending on how regularly you use your shower. However, if you notice any mold and mildew growth, or cracks before that time lapses, we recommend that you reseal the shower right away!
8. How much does it cost to re-caulk a shower?
The cost of replacing the caulk around your shower door, drain, and tub is usually charged hourly. With the caulk provided, this can range from $35 to $50. However, re-caulking is a fairly simple process and you can even do-it-yourself!
9. Which shower caulk is best for an acrylic tub?
Caulks made of 100% silicone or acrylic latex with added silicone (Siliconized acrylic/ latex) are the 2 best options for caulking an acrylic bathtub. This is because they adhere well to the common tub and shower materials like ceramic, glass, porcelain, fiberglass, and stone.
10. Why isn’t my caulk drying fast?
Sometimes, even a silicone caulk with a 1-hour drying time can take more time to dry. This can be contributed by factors like temperature and humidity. For instance, if the bathroom is more humid, the sealant may take more time to dry.
