Caulk Your Shower Like a Boss with the Best Brands

Is your shower showing signs of age? Do you notice drops of water on the floor or suspicious dark spots on the walls and tile? It may be time to re-caulk your shower.

Replacing old, cracked caulk with a fresh bead is crucial for preventing leaks, mold growth, and further water damage. With so many caulk types and brands to choose from, it can be tricky to pick the right product for the job.

Choosing the Right Caulk Type

When shopping for shower caulk, you'll first need to decide which type is best for your specific needs. Here are the main options:

Silicone Caulk

Silicone caulk is composed of siloxane polymers that make it extremely water resistant. It remains flexible as it ages, accommodating the expansion and contraction that occurs in showers due to changes in humidity and temperature. This flexibility prevents cracks from forming over time.

The main downsides of silicone caulk are that it can be messier and more difficult to apply smoothly. It's also more expensive than other caulk options.

Acrylic Latex Caulk

Acrylic latex caulking is water-based and composed of acrylic polymers. A major perk is that it can be painted over once fully cured. This allows it to blend seamlessly if you need to match existing caulk colors.

However, acrylic latex is less flexible than silicone, making it more prone to cracking. It's also more susceptible to growing mold and mildew in humid shower conditions.

On the plus side, acrylic latex caulk is very affordable, costing approximately half the price of silicone. It's a good choice for small repairs.

Vinyl Latex Caulk

Vinyl latex caulk contains vinyl polymers suspended in a latex base. It has an impressive lifespan, often outlasting acrylic formulas. The main caveat is that long-term exposure to moisture will eventually cause vinyl caulk to crack.

Vinyl latex is less flexible than silicone but offers a decent compromise between affordability, lifespan, and performance.

Key Features to Evaluate

Once you've narrowed down the caulk type, take a closer look at attributes like mold resistance, flexibility, and drying time.

Adhesion

The caulk should form a tight bond with shower surfaces like tile, fiberglass, and porcelain. Strong adhesion prevents the caulk from pulling away and compromising the water seal.

Flexibility

As mentioned, silicone offers the most flexibility and ability to expand and contract without cracking. If using acrylic or vinyl latex caulks, look for ones labeled "highly flexible.

Mildew Resistance

Since showers are damp, humid environments, it's crucial to choose a caulk that resists mold and mildew growth. Look for products containing antimicrobial agents.

Color Match

When doing a small repair, select a caulk color that matches your existing shower caulk to blend in seamlessly. Some caulks can be painted after application.

Our Top Brand Recommendations

With hundreds of caulk brands on the market, it helps to narrow it down to proven winners.

Lexel All Weather Caulk

Lexel is a premium-grade silicone caulk designed to last. It remains permanently flexible and is great for sealing corners, edges, and seams. The only downside is the higher price.

GE Tub and Tile Caulk

For a solid silicone caulk at a lower cost, GE Tub and Tile is a great choice. It strongly resists water and provides a mold-free, watertight seal.

Gorilla Clear Silicone Caulk

Gorilla Clear 100% silicone sealant works well for showers and beyond. It's very easy to apply and tool smoothly. The versatile formula sticks to almost any surface.

Applying Caulk Like a Pro

With the right caulk selected, proper application is key for flawless results:

Prep the Surface

Remove all old caulk and debris. Clean the area thoroughly to promote adhesion.

Load the Caulk Gun Properly

Insert the caulk tube at an angle and squeeze out a bit before recapping. Hold the gun at a 45deg angle to the seam.

Apply Steady Pressure

Keep the caulk gun moving at a steady pace, maintaining continuous pressure to lay an even bead.

Tool the Caulk

Use a fingertip or caulk-shaping tool to smooth and shape the caulk for a professional finish.

Don't get the caulk wet until it has fully cured. Check the product directions for the recommended cure time.

Now you have all the inside tips for choosing the best caulk for shower sealing and applying it like a pro. Just follow our brand recommendations, look for the ideal features, and properly prep and apply the caulk. Taking the time to do it right will lead to a watertight, mold-free shower that lasts for years. Your patience will pay off the first time you step into the shower without a drop of water on the floor.