Shower caulk may not be the most exciting topic to explore when you’re renovating your home or even doing basic maintenance on your home, but it’s an important one. Caulk is used to seal the seams around your shower or bathtub, making them waterproof.
This is important because if water can seep into the seams, it can cause mold and mildew, wood or drywall rot, and leaks. To keep your bathroom looking and functioning at its best, you need to ensure your bath and shower are properly caulked.
But if you head to your local Home Depot and browse the caulk and sealant aisle, you’re bound to be quickly overwhelmed by the many choices you have in front of you. We are here to help! Read on to learn what types of caulk are best, as well as the basics of how to remove old caulk and apply new caulk to your bathroom.
Different Types of Shower Caulk
Pure Silicone Caulk
While 100% pure silicone caulk is the most expensive option, it also lasts the longest. It’s durable and waterproof, which is exactly what you want in your tub and shower. It stays rubbery after it dries, which means it won’t crack, and it can handle temperature changes well.
Silicone caulk is a little more difficult to work with than other types. It is sticky, so mistakes can be hard to fix, and it can only be cleaned up with solvent (because it’s waterproof). It does not take paint, but it comes in clear and white, so it blends in pretty well with most tub and shower surrounds. Overall, this is probably your best choice for a tub and shower caulk.
Acrylic Latex
This is a less expensive option that is much easier to apply than the silicone variety. It stays fairly rubbery and resists cracking. Acrylic latex caulk is easy to clean up (because it’s water-soluble). It is the most mold-resistant option, generally. It is also paintable, unlike silicone.
Acrylic latex is not as waterproof as silicone, which means it’s good for areas that get some moisture, but not as great for areas that come in contact with water frequently, like tubs and showers. It lasts about 10-15 years before it cracks and flakes, requiring removal and reapplication.
Latex or Acrylic Caulk with Silicone
Also called painter’s caulk or tub and tile caulk, this combination product combines some of the benefits of both types. It is more flexible and less prone to cracking than latex caulk, but not quite as good as silicone. It does take paint. While it is water-resistant, it is not completely waterproof.
Other Options
Polyvinyl acetate, or PVA, is similar to acrylic latex. It resists mold and heat, and it is paintable. Unfortunately, it does decay over time and is not completely water-resistant. It is not a great option for tubs and showers.
Self-adhesive caulk strips or caulk tape look like an easy, no-mess option for caulking your bathroom! But don’t be fooled by the seeming ease. These strips are not effective at blocking water, and they don’t last long before needing to be replaced.
Definitely don’t use outdoor caulk for your bathroom. Make sure any product you choose is specifically designed for application around a tub or shower.
Shower Caulk Features
After you decide what type of shower caulk suits your project, you can begin sifting through the other features available.
Mold and Mildew Prevention
Most types of bathroom caulk are made with mildewcides and fungicides included in the chemical makeup of the product. This helps reduce the growth of mold and mildew in your shower. Make sure you check the packaging for more specifics (“mildew-proof” or “mold-proof” for example).
Regular or Fast-Drying
There will be two timeframes listed on the packaging: dry time and cure time. Dry time refers to the amount of time required for the caulk to be dry to the touch, and it can vary from half an hour to twelve hours. Fast-drying caulk is often less waterproof than regular–so regular is a better bet for your bathroom.
Cure time refers to how long it will be until the caulk is completely set and able to be exposed to water. This can be anywhere between two hours and ten days. Make sure you follow the cure time instructions, and don’t expose your shower to water before it’s ready!
Application Options
Most types of caulk come in a cylindrical cartridge which is operated with a caulk gun. This is a good option if you have a lot of caulking to do, because it keeps your hands from getting tired and makes the application faster. It does require a bit of a learning curve to use the caulk gun and get the perfect bead, but you can do it!
For smaller jobs or if you’re unsure of your ability to use a caulk gun, you can get squeeze tubes. They make caulking as easy as squeezing a tube of toothpaste.
Color Choices
Caulk generally comes in clear, to blend into any tile or shower surround, white which looks fresh and clean, and some shades of tan and brown, if that matches your bathroom better. Choose what you like, or choose a paintable caulk and have endless color options available to you.
What are the Best Brands of Shower Caulk?
According to the reviews and ratings on HomeDepot.com, the race is pretty close. The two brands that got the best reviews were GE and DAP.
Of the GE caulks, the best-rated were:
- GE Advanced Silicone 2: This 100% silicone option is completely waterproof and resists mold for ten years. It adheres more strongly and resists cracking more than other types of caulk, and it is water-ready in as little as 30 minutes.
- GE Supreme Silicone: Another 100% silicone product, this caulk is also completely waterproof. It has a lifetime mold resistance guarantee. It boasts stronger adhesion and more flexibility than GE Advanced Silicone 2. Why the second-place rating? Customers said that it doesn’t dry clear as advertised, but has a milky or yellow tint.
- GE Silicone Tub and Tile Caulk: This is a third 100% silicone product that boasts flexibility and good adherence. This variety of caulk promises seven years of mold resistance. It seems to be a well-liked variety of basic tub and tile caulk.
The top three DAP varieties were:
- DAP Kwik Seal Ultra Advanced Siliconized Kitchen and Bath Caulk: This caulk is 100% waterproof and can be exposed to water in four hours. It is not 100% silicone (it’s an acrylic latex product) but does contain silicone additives. It repels dirt and soap scum but doesn’t promise a particular length of time for resisting mold.
- DAP Kwik Seal Plus: Unlike the Ultra, Kwik Seal Plus is paintable. It’s also not 100% silicone and contains less silicone than the Ultra version. This variety is advertised as “silicone-like.” It does promise some mold resistance, however.
- DAP Ultra Clear All-Purpose Waterproof Sealant: This sealant is for indoor and outdoor use and says it is 100% waterproof, flexible, and mold- and crack-resistant. It doesn’t yellow and is paintable. But it is not specifically made for bathroom use, so be careful in choosing this product.
How to Caulk Your Shower
- Make sure your shower is completely dry. If there are cracks where water has gotten in, make sure they are dry as well before you start.
- Dig out old caulk with a utility knife or caulking tool carefully, making sure not to scratch the tile. Ensure that the surface is smooth and clean.
- Cut the tip of your caulking cartridge or tube at a 45-degree angle.
- Apply the caulk in a slow, even motion, and smooth the bead of caulk with your finger or a caulk tool. Helpful hint: I always keep a pretty wet cloth with me to wet my finger when smoothing the caulk. It smoothes better with a wet finger!
- Caulk all joints, the seam where the shower pan connects to the walls, around tiles if needed (if the grout is coming loose), around the shower door if you have one, and around the place where the tub joins the wall. It’s also wise to caulk around the base of the toilet while you’re at it.
- It’s also wise to caulk around baseboards near the tub or shower, in case of water splashes.
Summary
It is important to make sure your tub and shower are well-caulked with a product that was made for the job. It’s something you can do yourself. Just make sure you choose a caulk that meets your needs. With a little research and some elbow grease, you won’t have to worry about water damage, or mold and mildew. And you’ll have a tub or shower that looks great!
