Silicone sealant should never be underestimated. It’s the very glue that holds your bathroom together, keeping the space between tiles waterproof to protect the walls. That’s why we’re sticking with you while you find the best silicone sealant for showers.
What do you want from a good silicone sealant? Waterproofing, strength, easy application. These are important key features that will help you determine which one is best.
This is where we come in. We’ve spent over 30 hours testing more than 20 of the top silicone sealant brands to help you find the one that really does the job well. From Dowsil and UniBond, all the way to EverBuild, we have put them through the testing process of their lives.
What’s the point? We hear you, what can possibly go wrong buying a sealant?.
You would be surprised. You and your bathroom need the top-quality sealants to keep things running smoothly, and we're here to make sure it actually works.
Who won the battle of the sealant? Old reliable Dowsil 785 stole the show and was crowned the winner, and you’ll see why when we get into the details.
Not sure our top picks have sealed the deal (you can laugh, it was a good one), well don’t fret. We have some great silicone sealants that will do the trick if you’re stuck.
Best Silicone Sealant for Showers [In Order]
1. Editors Pick - Dowsil 785 Sanitary Sealant
This sealant is from a reputable brand that you will want to remember for future bathroom work. Weighing in at 300g, it might not be the biggest tube of sealant in the world, but you know what they say - a little goes a long way.
Features
- Colour: White
- Setting Time: One Hour
- Weight: 300g
- Anti-Mould: Yes
- Anti-Bacterial: yes
With a neutral white tone, it is ideal for working on standard bathrooms so that you have a clean finish that doesn’t look out of place or detract from the aesthetics. On top of that, you will find it only takes an hour to set - letting you get your day back on track.
Something it truly excels at is the removal of mould and mildew thanks to its anti-fungal ingredients. Furthermore, it is able to protect against the growth of bacteria such as MRSA, E.coli, and Salmonella. This keeps you safe, as well as your home (we all need that right now).
The smooth finish doesn’t just look good, it also feels great when you run your fingers along it. It gives a professional feel that even a beginner DIY can achieve with ease. Sure, the included instructions aren’t great, but it only takes a second to pick up the skills.
Furthermore, it has a crisp waterproof seal that will protect your walls and the backs of your tiles from anything. Kids splashing in the bath, adults splashing in the shower. You name it, Dowsil has you covered.
All you need is Dowsil. Saxophone solo. Forget love, when you have Dowsil there’s nothing stronger holding you together. Your bathroom will be looking pretty fine once you’ve finished sealing those gaps with this sealant.
2. UniBond Anti-Mould Sealant
UniBond is a leading brand within the sealant industry, and so you know you are getting something touch and reliable when you go with them.
If you are in search of a sealant that can fight off mould as well as leave your bathroom nice and watertight, this is the one for you.
The Good
One of the first features to make a note of is the fact that this sealant comes in a long canister with a nozzle on the end, helping you to apply it accurately and without too much hassle.
While the one linked here is white, there is also the choice to buy a different one that is ivory instead – so you can select the one that best suits your design vision for your shower.
It can be used on all tiled areas, and it has even been created with properties that help to keep mould and mildew away once it has dried and can get to work.
It’s also tough and durable, reducing the risk of crumbling and damage over time. It only takes a day to fully dry, and the high levels of adhesion mean that its sanitary aspects will last a lot longer than most.
The Not So Good
Some customers have noted that the nozzle can make the application process quite slow.
Our View
This silicone sealant is really affordable, and great for doing work in your bathroom or kitchen.
The waterproof seal that it provides is ideal for your shower, and while there are some who feel the included nozzle makes the process a slow one, it is better to take your time and do it right than rush and ruin the whole thing.
It’s an excellent option to go for, and one that will be totally worth it once it dries.
FAQ's
Q: What does 're-stickable' mean?
A: Do not be mistaken it has nothing to do with the actual sealant. It is the reference being use to indicate that the container it comes in can be resealed by the screw top cap.
3. EverBuild Clear Silicone Sealant
EverBuild is another superb brand, and one with a great history of reliability.
So, if you are still looking to find the perfect sealant for you, this might be a good chance for you to have a browse through the reviews below and see if this one fits the bill.
The Good
This silicone sealant actually comes in several different colours and styles, giving you more freedom when it comes to choosing which one is going to work best for your home.
It also conforms to all of the required safety standards, and will dry quickly to provide a robust and waterproof seal for your shower walls. Plus, it remains permanently flexible, part of what makes the rubber seal so tight.
It can be used on practically any surface as well, whether it is tile, wood, or a PVC area. This makes it quite a versatile form of sealant.
The fact that it is clear makes it really versatile in terms of appearance, and it is also resistant to dirt so that it will stay cleaner for longer. It is also a professional grade sealant, offering you some added peace of mind when you go to use it.
The Not So Good
Some customers have found that this particular sealant is a little expensive for what it is.
Our View
This silicone sealant may come at a higher price than others on the market, but you are paying for the fantastic quality, as well as the fact that it is professional grade, and one used by builders.
The clear finish makes it really versatile, although there are plenty of other options out there for you. It’s tough and resilient, as well as made to last, just some of the features that show this is one of the best choices on the market.
FAQ's
Q: Once the sealant has cured can you paint it?
A: Yes, you can paint over this silicone as long as you make sure it is fully dry before you put anything on top of it.
Q: Do you need a gun to use this sealant ?
A: Yes you can only use this sealant with a gun but if you search "easy applicant sealant" you will find other products that you dont need a gun to apply with.
4. UniBond ReNew Silicone Sealant
Another one from UniBond, this particular silicone sealant is unique and fantastic in the way it works.
So, if you are searching for something that is a little different, and even able to perform a wider range of tasks, this could be just what you need. Have a quick read below.
The Good
This sealant has a really neat design in that you simply squeeze the tube and apply it to the area, a little like Tippex, and the finished results are incredibly clean.
It’s not just simple to apply though; it can also be placed on top of existing sealant to fills holes and make the whole thing more secure. There is even an integrated smoothing tool so that you can get the best possible finish.
It has a protective later on the top that prevents mould, even working to kill it so that it does not become infested, and it also means there is less cleaning and maintenance work to do for you.
The strong adhesion means that you don’t need to worry about crumbling or cracking, and it will dry within a day. Each tube also contains enough sealant for a standard bathroom to be covered.
The Not So Good
Some customers have noted that it can be a little tricky to use and get used to at first.
Our View
This silicone sealant does come at a great price, and one that you should find quite easy to slip into your budget. While it may not always be the easiest tool to use, if you take your time and are patient, you should be on track in no time at all.
It works to prevent and kill mould, meaning that the silicone will be easy to clean and maintain. Overall, it is easy to overcome any challenges, and it has the ability to do more than one job in your bathroom.
Further Models of Silicone Sealant
Here are some further models of silicone sealant for you to look at, just in case the ones above do not quite meet your requirements.
5. Bond-It Transparent Silicone Sealant
The great thing about this particular form of silicone is that it’s not just for use in bathrooms and kitchens, but it is also completely safe to use with marine and aquatic life.
So, it can be used in all areas of your home without worry. The sealant itself is also high-module, meaning that when it dries, it is incredibly rigid and robust once it dries.
It is also able to handle extreme temperatures without affecting the consistency of the silicone, and there is also a nozzle included so that the application of the sealant can be made quickly and easily.
6. EverBuild Silicone Sealant
Another one from EverBuild, this silicone sealant can be purchased as a single canister or in a multi-pack – ideal for large bathrooms, or for projects that require it to be used in multiple areas of the home.
It is completely waterproof as well, which is what makes it ideal for using in your shower, and it promises to create a tight seal that will leave you feeling relaxed when you next step inside.
It remains permanently flexible, so it can be used around bathtubs and other fixtures in your bathroom. It’s also incredibly cheap, which is great if you are searching for a good bargain.
How Long After Silicone Can I Shower?
This can depend on the temperature of the bathroom when you apply the silicone sealant and leave it to set. In a room that is cold, it will be around 36 hours before you can use the shower as that is the length of time it will set.
Warm rooms will only take 24 hours, as the temperature helps it to set faster. These are the good quality silicones on the market, and you can buy some that will only take an hour, but these tend to be less durable over time.
How Do You Reseal a Shower Floor?
This is not a difficult task, and it can be achieved quite quickly as well if you set the time aside. All you need to do is follow the simple instructions below, and you’ll be a pro in no time at all.
#1 Scrape any loose caulk from between the tiles. You can use a screwdriver to do this if needed, or even a dull blade if there is some really stuck stuff. You should also remove any grout haze from between the lines as well, and then wipe it all down with a soft cloth.
#2 Using a mixture of warm water and the cleaning product of your choice, take the time to wash your floor thoroughly with a clean cloth. Then, after rinsing it, leave the entire floor to dry completely before you move on. It should be noted that this can take as long as five days. This is an essential stage, because no further work can be done until it is dry.
#3 Grab some grout sealer and apply it over the grout, creating a waterproof seal that will protect your floor and tiles. It is also resistant to oil and chemicals. After this, you can apply a silicone sealant over the seams between the tiles. The thickest layer should be where the wall meets the floor for extra resistance to water – especially within a shower.
#4 If there is any excess sealant left after the work, you can use a knife or a cloth to remove it and ensure that the finish is nice and clean. After that, you can leave the floor to dry for a minimum to 12 hours before resuming normal use of the bathroom.
Buyer's Guide
What’s the Difference Between Caulk and Silicone?
This is a common question, and one that I needed clarified the first time I fixed up my bathroom. What is the difference between caulk and silicone? After all, they look practically the same and seem like they would be used for the same tasks. Here’s a quick rundown of what each does best.
Caulk
This is the fastest drier out of the two, and it is a lot quicker than silicone. It is not very tolerant to movement, and it cannot come into contact with water, but removing it is pretty easy when it needs to be replaced, and it can be painted over if you fancy changing the colours. It’s perfect for skirting filling, and dries a lot harder than silicone.
Silicone
This is highly elastic and will stick to pretty much every surface, and this also means that it will be able to work with moving joints without breaking.
It is water resistant, which is why it is so good for rooms with a lot of moisture, and some will even prevent the growth of mould. It’s really durable and resilient to temperature changes, as well as coming in different colours.
Further Reading: How to Seal a Shower
How Long is it Best to Leave Silicone Sealant to Dry?
There are three main time periods for drying silicone sealant, and it all depends on factors like the temperature and quality. A lower quality sealant will only take an hour to dry, which is fantastic but may also result in crumbling and cracking over time.
A good quality sealant will take an average of 24 hours in a warm room, but if the area is cold, then you can expect to wait closer to 36 hours for it to finish drying.
Best Silicone Remover?
The thing is, every silicone is different and may need a special touch in order to get it off so that you can replace it. Certain brands are removed easier when used with the same silicone remover that they manufacture, whereas others can be taken off using a little elbow grease and a silicone removal tool.
Of course, if you don’t know who made your silicone, the best option is trial and error until you can get rid of it completely. A good place to start? Take a Stanley knife and cut the silicone away.
Best Colour Silicone Sealant
After a good deal of research, it should be noted that while there are plenty of brands out there that manufacture coloured silicone, Mapei is certainly at the top of the list.
They have around 30 different colours available for you to buy, giving you a strong variety. However, if you are more interested in a simple ivory or clear silicone, we have a great little selection for you to flick through below.
What’s the Best Silicone Sealant That Can Dry Underwater?
I hear your gasps, and honestly, I was surprised that a silicone like this exists. While they can work very well, there are times where you might find that it fails to do the job – it’s not a guarantee.
There are a couple of these on the market, but the one leading the field is Plumber’s Gold by EverBuild; a brand that we take a further look at later on in this guide. It’s a product that is more readily available in your local hardware or bathroom store than online, however.
Where is the Best Place to Buy Silicone Sealant?
There are only two places you can really buy silicone sealant – online and your local hardware store. Of course, you should always make sure the website you are using for the purchase is reliable if you decide to buy online in order to avoid disappointment.
Always go for a brand that you trust, and make sure you follow the instructions on the packaging when you go to apply it.
What is the Best Price I Can Pay for Silicone?
Honestly, there is no one price that can be deemed the best when it comes to silicone, because it all depends on the quality and the brand. There are some really cheap brands out there, but they may not be able to offer the durability that more expensive ones offer.
While price is not always a solid indicator with regards to the quality, it can be quite a good guide to follow, and the expression ‘you get what you pay for’ often comes into play.
Also Read: Removing Silicone from Shower
Best Temperature to Use Silicone Sealant
The ideal temperature for the use of silicone sealant is 18C. This means that the temperature is not cold enough to prolong the drying time for the sealant, but it’s not so warm that the silicone will end up forming a skin that you will need to wipe away once it has dried.
List of Silicone Sealant Removers
In this section, you will find a list of the silicone sealant removers that we feel are best for the job, giving you a good selection to flick through so that you can determine which one is going to get the work done with minimal effort and the best results.
To Conclude
Hopefully, this guide has been able to help you discover the best silicone sealant for you, and the silicone sealant reviews have ensured that you are able to find exactly what you need in order the carry out the work and get your shower completely ready for action.
Within this guide, we have done more than present you with a few options when buying your silicone sealant – we have created something extensive that will answer all of your questions, and even give you a few handy tricks and tips for when you start the work.
The brands we have chosen are all reputable and trustworthy, and there is a whole range of prices so that you are able to find something that slips into your budget perfectly. We know you will find what you are looking for.
What did you think of our silicone sealant guide? Are there any that you would have liked to see or recommended? We love hearing from you, so make sure to leave us a message in the comments below.
