If you have started to notice moldy and leaky corners in your bathroom, it’s important to make repairs before it gets worse. Choosing the best caulk can be difficult with the thousands of choices out there on the market. This adhesive needs to be easy to use, dry quickly, and hold well for years to come. Here are a few tips and reviews to help you find the best caulk for showers.
Best Shower Caulk Buying Guide
Mildew and Mold Resistant
The biggest consideration when choosing caulk is whether it is mildew and mold resistant. Since you plan to use the caulk in the shower, it is going to come in contact with water. And, if the caulk isn’t very smooth, the water can stick to its rough areas and promote mold growth.
We all know that mold is unhygienic. And no one wants to see those dark spots start to pop up around their shower or tub. Make sure to look for caulk that is very resistant to mold, especially if it will be exposed to water.
Water-Resistant
This is a feature that you cannot ignore, especially if you are using the caulk in the bathroom. When used in the shower, caulk will usually help to fill a broken area or seal a leak. Most caulk is waterproof, but it is still important to check before you buy the product because if it isn’t, mold will be able to grow quickly and you will find yourself changing the caulk again.
Elasticity
Elasticity is another important consideration when choosing caulk. Caulk needs to be elastic so it won’t break when the area it is in moves. If you are caulking a permanent area like a wall or floor, this does not apply, although elasticity can help caulk from coming out in small pieces or cracking. When used on a window or shower door, you want to make sure it has the elasticity to withstand expansion and contraction.
Heat and Cold Proof
When caulking your shower, you want to make sure your caulk can take both cold and hot weather. It can get super-hot and steamy in a bathroom and the water can also run ice cold. If your caulk isn’t weatherproof, you will probably notice it start to come out of the shower’s surface within a year.
Application
As far as applying caulk, you can either buy caulk that needs to be applied with a caulking gun or that doesn’t. When using caulk to repair a small area of your bathroom, think about buying squeeze tube caulk that doesn’t need a caulking gun to apply it. If you have a lot of work to do, then getting caulk that requires a gun to apply the caulk makes sense.
Color
When you are only repairing a small area, color can be pretty important. Make sure to buy caulk that is the same color as caulk that already exists and also matches the color of your sink and tile. You will find that most caulk comes in one of two colors, either white or clear. If you want a different color than you can consider purchasing a colored caulk or a caulk you can paint.
Drying Time
When you are caulking a shower, you need caulk that will dry quickly. It can be frustrating to have to restrict the use of a shower for a long time. Look for caulk that dries fast, so you don’t have to wait a few days to use your bathroom or shower.
Types of Shower Caulk
Acrylic Latex Caulk
Also known as painters caulk, acrylic latex caulk allows you to paint on it right after you put it in place, which makes it a favorite among painters. It is also good when repairing small holes and can be used in wood and other interior building materials. in any place.
Vinyl Latex Caulk
Unlike acrylic, vinyl latex will last longer and is used for more permanent projects. Acrylic caulk easily washes away with water and soap, while vinyl can’t. However, it isn’t as flexible as acrylic and can easily crack when it contracts and expands.
Silicone Caulk
It is kind of a hassle to find caulk made of pure silicone. Typically, caulk manufacturers use special formulas that mix up the ingredients. Sticky and flexible, silicone is a great ingredient when it comes to manufacturing caulk. It is also mildew and mold resistant and waterproof, plus it lasts a really long time in comparison to other types of caulk.
What Are the Benefits of Caulking?
Watertight Seal
Obviously, having a watertight seal is a huge benefit of caulking. When you caulk around certain fixtures and joints, you are able to create a seal that will stop water coming out of showers and faucets from getting into crevices and cracks. Once water is allowed in, it can cause a lot of damage and costly repairs. Caulking will stop water from getting in between a countertop and faucet causing damage to the cabinet as well as the floor and cabinet under the sink. If you don’t caulk around a tub, you can also see water damage on the floor and the wall.
Lower Energy Costs
You can also use caulk to block many of those spots inside your home where you feel a draft. This can helps stop cold or hot air from getting lost to the outside. Some of these spots can be found around doors and windows and along baseboards. When these openings and cracks aren’t caulked, all that vital indoor cool air can escape in the summer while warm air will escape in the cold months. And when that happens, your energy costs will increase and those drafts will make staying near windows and walls inside your home uncomfortable.
Protection from the Outside
Not only can it stop leaks, but caulking around trim and windows can prevent dirt and dust from coming in through the gaps. You need caulk to provide blockage to keep dirt and dust from moving freely into your home and to keep out moisture from snow and rain. Excess moisture not only causes peeling, warping, and rotting inside your home, but it can lead to dangerous mildew and mold growth. Plus, mildew and water can also cause stains on the carpet and the wall.
Other Benefits
Caulking can also provide a barrier against insects that look for any opening to get into a building. Without caulk, insects also have more access to places to hide when they do get into a building. Caulking can also provide a professional look around materials and surfaces, plus it can make them last longer. And, caulking can also help protect the surface from erosion.
How to Use Caulk
One of the most common DIY projects, caulk is an easy to apply product that you can use to seal a sink, tub, or shower. You can also use it in other areas of your home such as when you are installing crown molding, weatherizing a window or door, or even repairing the flashing on your roof.
Available in a rigid plastic tub or a squeezable tube, small projects work better with squeezable tubes while large projects work best with a large tube and caulk gun. Here is a quick guide on how to use caulk.
Surface Preparation
While you can apply new caulk over the old, remember that it may not stick. Remember that any good caulking project will start with a clean surface.
You can apply new caulk over old caulk, but it may not stick. A good caulking job starts with a clean surface, so make sure to cut out the old caulk with a scraper or utility knife. Also remove all debris, grease, dust, and dirt making sure that all the residue is removed.
Afterward, clean the area with a disinfecting spray or rubbing alcohol before rinsing everything with water and allowing it to dry. Expert tip – if the gap you are filling is larger than ½ inch, place foam tape into the space before caulking the area.
Tape the Area
Remember to place painter’s tape around the area to prevent caulk from landing where you don’t want it. Not only will it give your caulk a straight line, but it will improve the area’s final appearance.
Cut the Nozzle
A “bead” is a line of caulk, and the further up on the nozzle that you cut, the smaller your bed will be. Always read the instructions on the bottle before cutting the caulk nozzle since some nozzles will have a foil seal that you need to puncture or the nozzle may need to have an inside seal trimmed.
When using a squeeze tube, remember to take off the cap and use scissors to trim the bottle’s nozzle. And, when you use a rigid plastic tube, cut off the nozzle at a 45-degree angle with a utility knife.
Apply the Caulk
When using a rigid plastic bottle, simply place the bottle inside the caulking gun and apply pressure to the tube or trigger before filling in the gap with a bead of caulk. Remember that it’s better to push out the caulk ahead of the nozzle to make sure that you get it into the joint to make sure you have a proper seal.
Smooth It Out
For a professional look, smooth or “tool” the bead of the caulk by lightly dragging a putty knife of caulk finishing tool over the bead smoothing it. Make sure to remove any painter’s tape before the caulk is able to develop a firm surface skin by lifting up the tape’s edge at a 45-degree angle away from you.
Typically, caulk will dry in 24 hours, so make sure you wipe away any extra caulk with a damp cloth and water before it completely dries. Otherwise, you will have to scrape or cut it away.
Best Caulk for Shower Buying Guide
Gorilla White 100 Percent Silicone Sealant Caulk
Mildew and mold resistant, the Gorilla Silicone Sealant Caulk is also waterproof and is ready in just 30 minutes. This 10-ounce cartridge is perfect for gutters, plumbing, doors, windows, bath, and kitchen. This is a durable 100% silicone sealant that will not yellow, crack, or shrink over time.
Perfect for any weather conditions, you can use the Gorilla Silicone Sealant Caulk outdoors or indoors. It is best for sealing cracks and gaps between two surfaces, and it is available in both white and clear colors.
Pros:
Bright white and smooth, it looks great when finished
It stays on even when it gets wet
It is dry in less than 30 minutes
Cons:
It has a strong smell until it dries
This caulk is a little on the expensive side
GE GE5070 Silicone 2+ Kitchen & Bath Sealant Caulk, 10.1oz, White
Made with 100 percent silicone, the GE Silicone 2+ Kitchen & Bath sealant is watertight just 30 minutes. This high-performance sealant gives you ten years of mold-free protection and is perfect for sealing backsplashes, countertops, fixtures, showers, tubs, and sinks. This formula provides a smooth application and incredible adhesion.
This is a permanently flexible sealant that has a low odor and does not blemish nickel, bronze, and chrome. Completely waterproof, this sealant has a natural cure with very low odor. It also exceeds the ASTM C920 Class 25 specifications for flexibility
Setting a new standard in durability for bathroom sealants. the GE Silicone 2+ will not crack or shrink and is permanently flexible in order to keeps your gaps sealed. It can adhere to a wide variety of surfaces that include wood, plastic, granite, porcelain, glass, laminates, ceramic tile, masonry, and most metals. While you cannot paint it, it does come with seven-year mold-free protection that fights fungus and bacteria.
Pros:
It takes just under an hour to harden
The caulk does a good job of keeping water out
You don’t need to use a lot of the product to get it to seal well
Cons:
It is not mildew-resistant
It will have some lumps in it when dried
Loctite Polyseamseal Adhesive Caulk
The Loctite Polyseamseal Adhesive Caulk was created for sealing projects in the bathroom or kitchen. Providing improved durability, this seal and bond technology will last a long time and is a mildew and mold resistant. This tub and tile caulk comes in a 5.5-ounce tube is a two in one product that is perfect for steamy or humid areas.
Resistant to color change, the Loctite Polyseamseal Adhesive Caulk is able to stand up to abrasion from harsh chemical cleaners. Easy to use, this sealant is an acrylic based remaining watertight and flexible providing longevity and durability. You can also paint this caulk and easily clean it with water and soap.
Providing excellent adhesion to wallboard, several plastics, wood, stainless steel, aluminum, enamel, fiberglass composites, glass, porcelain, Loctite Polyseamseal Adhesive Caulk seals around backsplashes, tiles, shower stalls, sinks, and bathtubs. Featuring extra mildewcide, this cured caulk will resistant mildew and mold growth.
Pros:
It is very easy to use
It does a good job of preventing leaks
Cons:
It takes 24 hours to dry
It contains fumes that are pretty strong
And The Best Shower Caulk is…
The best caulk for showers is the Gorilla White 100 Percent Silicone Sealant Caulk. This waterproof and mildew and mold resistant caulk are perfect for gutters, plumbing, doors, windows, bath, and kitchen. This is a durable 100% silicone sealant that will not yellow, crack, or shrink over time.
Perfect for any weather conditions, you can use the Gorilla Silicone Sealant Caulk outdoors or indoors. It is best for sealing cracks and gaps between two surfaces, and it is available in both white and clear colors. The best caulk for showers is the Gorilla White 100 Percent Silicone Sealant Caulk.