All information, opinions and product recommendations provided in this article are based on decades of real world experience (unlike most of the BS you read online). We do not make a single penny from the product recommendations made in this article.
In a hurry? Here's our quick answer:
Our recommendation for THE Best Shower Silicone Sealant is:
Tilemaster Silicone 3000
Why?
Versatile Compatibility: Ideal for natural stone, ceramic, porcelain, and PVC panels, ensuring it suits a wide range of shower materials.
Premium Performance: Highly flexible and low modulus, providing a secure and long-lasting seal for walls and floors.
Neutral Curing Formula: Safe for use with sensitive natural stones like marble and granite, preventing any potential damage or discoloration.
Anti-Mould Technology: Incorporates advanced features to safeguard against mould growth, ensuring a cleaner and healthier shower environment.
Comprehensive Colour Range: Offers a variety of colours, making it easy to find a shade that complements your bathroom's aesthetic.
Matching Grout Range: Provides a seamless coordination with Tilemaster Grout 3000, allowing for a cohesive and polished finish.
Budget-Friendly Price: Priced reasonably at around £10 per tube, offering excellent value for its premium quality and performance.
For an all-encompassing solution to shower sealing, Tilemaster Silicone 3000 stands out as the best choice. Its compatibility, premium performance, and additional features make it a versatile and dependable option for any shower installation.
Read on for the full comprehensive guide, where we will discuss what factors to look for when choosing a quality shower silicone sealant, as well as other product recommendations.
When it comes to ensuring a watertight and long-lasting shower, choosing the right silicone sealant is of utmost importance.
A silicone sealant acts as a barrier against water, preventing leaks and protecting your bathroom from potential damage.
However, not all sealants are created equal, and using the wrong type can lead to adhesion problems or even damage to certain tile or wall coverings.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the different types of silicone sealants suitable for various shower surfaces, with a specific focus on natural stone, ceramic, and porcelain tiles.
How To Choose The Best Silicone Sealant For Your Shower?
Before rushing in and buying the first silicone sealant you find in your local DIY store, please consider the following 4 factors before making a purchase:
1) The flexibility of the product.
2) Is it mould and mildew resistant?
3) Price of the product.
4) What type of surface are you applying the sealant to?
Let's look at each in more detail:
Understanding the Importance of Flexibility in Silicone Sealants
Flexibility is a key characteristic that distinguishes silicone sealants from other caulking materials. A flexible silicone sealant can accommodate movements and shifts that occur in bathrooms due to temperature fluctuations, settling, or the weight of users. These movements can cause stress on the sealant, and without flexibility, the sealant may crack, peel, or lose adhesion over time, leading to leaks and potential water damage.
Using a flexible silicone sealant in baths and shower trays is crucial for the following reasons:
Leak Prevention: The flexible nature of the sealant ensures a continuous, watertight barrier, minimizing the risk of water seeping into joints and gaps.
Longevity: A flexible sealant can withstand the constant movements and stresses, preserving its adhesion and effectiveness over an extended period.
Resistance to Mould and Mildew: Flexible silicone sealants are less likely to crack, providing fewer entry points for moisture, which helps prevent mould and mildew growth.
Easier Maintenance: A properly sealed bath or shower tray is easier to clean and maintain, promoting better hygiene in the bathroom.
Please note that all silicone sealant is flexible, however the degree of flexibility can vary from product to product. A good level of flexibility you should be looking for in a sealant is 20% to 25% of joint width. This will usually be stated on the tube.
Related article: What is Low Modulus Silicone Sealant?
The Importance of Mould Resistance in Silicone Sealants
Bathrooms are notorious breeding grounds for mould and mildew due to their damp, humid conditions. A mould-resistant silicone sealant prevents the growth of these unsightly and potentially harmful substances, contributing to a cleaner and healthier bathroom environment.
Debunking the Myth of Price
While some may assume that the most expensive sealants are always the best, this is not necessarily the case. Factors such as brand reputation, marketing costs, and specific features can contribute to a higher price tag. It's essential to consider the following points while making your choice:
Quality and Performance
Instead of focusing solely on price, evaluate the quality and performance of the sealant. Look for product specifications that highlight flexibility, mould resistance, and adhesion capabilities.
User Reviews and Ratings
Check online reviews and ratings from other users who have used the sealant in bathroom applications. Genuine feedback can provide valuable insights into the product's effectiveness and durability.
Product Recommendations
Seek recommendations from reputable sources, such as professional contractors or experts in bathroom renovation. They can suggest effective and budget-friendly sealants based on their experiences. This is exactly what we will be doing in this article.
Choosing the Right Silicone Sealant for Your Bathroom
Selecting the appropriate silicone sealant also depends on the specific surfaces in your bathroom. Here are some recommendations for different wall coverings:
Natural Stone
Natural stone surfaces, such as marble, granite, or slate, are luxurious and visually appealing choices for showers and baths. However, these materials are more porous and can be sensitive to certain chemicals found in some silicone sealants. Therefore, selecting the appropriate silicone sealant is crucial to preserve the natural beauty of the stone while ensuring a secure seal.
Recommendation
When sealing a shower with natural stone on the walls or floors, opt for a neutral curing silicone sealant that is explicitly labelled as suitable for natural stone applications. Neutral curing sealants do not release acetic acid during the curing process, which can cause discoloration or damage to the stone surface. Instead, they release alcohol which makes them safe for use with natural stone. Always check the product label to ensure it's compatible with the specific type of natural stone you have.
The Best Silicone Sealant For Natural Stone
#1 Tilemaster Silicone 3000+
I recently recommended Tilemaster Silicone 3000 for a client's bathroom renovation project, and it exceeded all expectations.
What truly stands out is its remarkable versatility. Not only is it ideal for natural stone applications, but it also proved its excellence on ceramic, porcelain, and PVC panels.
This adaptability significantly simplifies the sealant selection process, allowing it to seamlessly handle different materials and surfaces.
One of the defining features of Tilemaster Silicone 3000 is its exceptional flexibility.
This characteristic ensures a reliable and long-lasting seal, which is particularly vital in bathrooms where temperature fluctuations and surface movements are common.
Another highlight is its neutral cure formulation, making it safe for sensitive natural stones like granite and marble. This not only preserves the aesthetics of the stone but also ensures a secure and lasting bond.
Tilemaster Silicone 3000 is not just about performance; it's also about aesthetics. The colour range, designed to complement Tilemaster Grout 3000, allowed me to create a cohesive and visually appealing finish that my client loved.
Additionally, the silicone's anti-mould technology is a significant advantage. Bathrooms are prone to moisture-related issues, and this sealant's ability to resist mould growth helps maintain a cleaner and healthier environment.
In terms of price, Tilemaster Silicone 3000 offers fantastic value. It performs at a premium level but doesn't break the bank, making it a practical choice for both professionals and homeowners.
Overall, Tilemaster Silicone 3000 is a standout choice for bathroom projects. Its impressive flexibility, compatibility with various materials, mould resistance, aesthetic options, and affordability combine to make it a top-tier sealant for achieving both functionality and beauty in renovations.
Couldn't recommend highly enough! And if i had to choose an overall favourite for all applications, this would be it.
Rating 5/5
#2 Dow 785N
DOW 785N is another outstanding product from one of the most reputable companies in the industry. As a neutral curing silicone, it ticks many boxes in terms of reliability and performance. The fact that it's readily available in every Screwfix store adds to its convenience and accessibility.
Nonetheless, while it's a sealant I would undoubtedly recommend, there are a couple of drawbacks worth mentioning.
Firstly, the price point may give some pause. At nearly £10 per tube, it falls into the category of higher-priced sealants on the market. While its quality justifies the cost for many, budget-conscious consumers might explore more economical options.
Secondly, the limited colour range might not suit everyone's needs. DOW 785N is available only in white and clear. So, if your project requires a silicone sealant that matches a specific colour scheme, you may need to consider alternatives with a broader colour palette.
Overall, a high quality, versatile sealant.
Rating 4/5
#3 Ardex ST
Ardex, known for its high-quality construction products, didn't disappoint with this offering.
One of the standout features of Ardex ST is its exceptional adhesion. It adhered seamlessly to a variety of surfaces, including all natural stone, ceramic tiles, porcelain, and glass, ensuring a secure and long-lasting bond. This versatility made it an ideal choice for sealing joints and gaps in the bathroom, where different materials met.
The neutral cure formulation of Ardex ST is particularly noteworthy.
This means it's safe for use with sensitive materials like natural stone, which is prone to discoloration or damage when exposed to certain chemicals. So, if you're working with premium materials like granite or marble, this sealant won't compromise their aesthetics.
Ardex ST also impressed with its mould-resistant properties. Bathrooms are susceptible to mould growth due to their moisture-rich environment, but this sealant's anti-mould technology helped keep surfaces clean and hygienic.
The sealant's application was smooth and hassle-free, providing a neat finish.
What's remarkable is that Ardex ST offers a diverse colour range, with 14 colours to choose from. This makes it an excellent choice if you're looking to match your bathroom's colour scheme. Furthermore, Ardex provides a matching grout range, allowing you to achieve a coordinated and polished look throughout your project.
However, it's important to note that Ardex ST falls within a rather hefty price range, priced at around £13 per tube (depending on where you buy it). While it isn't the most budget-friendly option on the market, its quality makes it an excellent choice for both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts looking for reliable sealing solutions.
In conclusion, Ardex ST Silicone Sealant is a top-tier choice for bathroom projects.
Rating 4/5
Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular choices for bathroom surfaces due to their durability, variety of designs, and ease of maintenance. While these materials are less porous than natural stone, they still require a silicone sealant that can withstand regular exposure to water and moisture.
Recommendation
For ceramic and porcelain tiles, a regular sanitary silicone sealant is generally sufficient. This type of sealant is often referred to as acetic cure silicone. It is a type of silicone sealant that cures (or sets) through the release of acetic acid and alcohol as it dries and is recognisable by its vinegar-like odour during the curing process. Look for products that offer both flexibility and mould resistance, ensuring a long-lasting and effective seal. General sanitary sealants are widely available, cost-effective, and suitable for most bathroom applications involving ceramic and porcelain tiles.
The Best Silicone Sealant For Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles
#1 Mapei AC
I often us Mapei AC Silicone Sealant for my client's bathroom renovation projects, and I'm always genuinely impressed with the results.
This sealant offers excellent adhesion and sealing properties, creating a robust and watertight barrier in the bathroom. It proves highly effective in sealing joints between ceramic tiles and sanitary ware, meeting the high standards expected in professional projects.
One standout feature for me is its mould resistance. In a moisture-prone bathroom environment, this property is crucial in ensuring the longevity of the renovation and maintaining a clean and healthy space for the client.
Additionally, Mapei AC boasts an extensive colour range. This always allows me to select a colour that perfectly matched the tiles and grout, contributing to a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing finish that always meets my client's expectations.
Overall, Mapei AC Silicone Sealant is an excellent choice for bathroom projects, both in terms of performance and price. Its ease of use, flexibility, mould resistance, colour variety, make it a standout option for achieving both functionality and aesthetics in professional renovations.
However, at around £10 a tube, it is quiet pricey. And that's the only thing that lets it down in my opinion.
Rating 4/5
#2 No Nonsense Sanitary Sealant
Although this sealant is on the cheaper end of the spectrum, i have to say, I am genuinely impressed with what this product brings to the table.
First and foremost, the colour range offered by this silicone sealant is fairly decent. With several colour options available, it makes it easier to find a shade that harmonizes well with many bathroom colour schemes.
One of the most significant advantages of No Nonsense Sanitary Silicone is its accessibility. It's stocked in all Screwfix and B&Q stores, making it incredibly convenient to source.
Whether you're a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, having easy access to a reliable product like this can save you time and effort.
Now, let's talk about price. No Nonsense Sanitary Silicone is impressively budget-friendly, with a cost of around £5 per tube.
This affordability doesn't compromise its quality or performance. In fact, it offers a solid seal that's perfect for sealing joints and gaps in your bathroom.
What's more, it handles moisture and damp conditions with ease, making it a great choice for bathrooms, wet rooms, and other areas prone to water exposure.
Rating 4/5
#3 Dow 785+
Dow 785+, not to be confused with the Dow 785N previously mentioned is often hailed as the plumber's favourite.
Although a quality sealant, it does have its merits and drawbacks that are worth considering.
On the plus side, Dow 785's widespread availability is a massive advantage. This sealant is stocked in virtually every DIY and trade store you can think of. This accessibility is invaluable, ensuring that you can easily get your hands on it when you need it, whether you're a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast tackling a bathroom or kitchen project.
However, Dow 785 does have its downsides.
One notable drawback is its limited colour range. This can be a bit restricting if your project requires a specific colour to match your tile or grout. So, if aesthetics are a high priority, you might need to explore other options with more extensive colour selections.
Another point worth mentioning is that Dow 785 can be a bit tricky to work with, especially for those who aren't experienced with silicone sealants. It requires a steady hand and some skill to apply neatly. Therefore, if you're not confident in your sealing abilities, it might not be the best choice.
That being said, Dow 785 does have one standout quality—it delivers a solid, high-quality seal. Particularly in ceramic tile installations, it provides a dependable barrier against moisture, ensuring the longevity and integrity of your project.
Rating 3/5
PVC, Acrylic, Fibreglass Panels
Acrylic and fiberglass surrounds are popular choices for cost-effective shower and bath solutions. These materials are light weight, easy to install, and relatively simple to maintain.
Recommendation
For acrylic or fiberglass surrounds, choose a silicone sealant that is specifically formulated to adhere well to these materials. These sealants offer the necessary flexibility to withstand the expansion and contraction that occurs due to temperature changes and the weight of users. Ensure the selected sealant is resistant to mould and mildew growth, as these bathroom areas are prone to moisture accumulation.
We usually find that a neutral curing sealant works best for this kind of substrate. So any sealant listed in our natural stone category would work great.
Try to avoid an acetic curing sealant (regular sanitary sealant) as does not bond well enough to this type of material.
Products to avoid like the plague!
1) General Purpose Silicone
As the name suggests, it can be used for most jobs, which means that it isn't really good for anything! It is neither flexible or mould resistant enough to seal any type of sanitary ware.
2) Decorators Caulk
Just because it comes in a tube like silicone sealant, does not mean its the same thing. Seal your shower with this and it will leak within a matter of weeks.
3) Super Glue
I shouldn't have to add this but you'll be surprised what i've seen in my time. Super glue, is a glue, not a sealant. It goes rock hard and just breaks away from the joint. Absolutely useless for sealing bathrooms.
4) Self-adhesive Plastic Strips
You are asking for trouble by sticking these cheap strips (usually available on Amazon) around the edge of a shower tray or bath. They are about as useful as a chocolate teapot, plus they look horrendous!
Summary
By carefully selecting the right silicone sealant for your bathroom surfaces, you can ensure a secure, water-tight, flexible, and mould-resistant seal that maintains the beauty and functionality of your bathing space for years to come. Remember that the appropriate sealant may vary depending on the specific materials used in your bathroom, so be sure to choose wisely for each application.
Related article: How Long Does Bathroom Silicone Take To Dry?