Keeping your bathroom together both efficiently and aesthetically is very important. Having the best caulk for shower usage will keep yours in shape.
Caulk has versatile use around your house, from sealing your kitchen sinks and bathtubs to keeping out cold winds by sealing windows.
Shower caulks are used to fill gaps between tiles and other surfaces. They act as moisture and mildew repellents. Quality caulk should prevent mold and mildew growth and rot from developing on your expensive walls. It also gives your home a professional and beautiful finish.
Here is our comprehensive list of the best caulk for shower applications on the market today to aide in your buying process. Let’s check these options out now.
Types of Shower Caulk
There are many types of shower caulk out there, it’s important to know what they are if you want to make the best purchase for your situation. When you’re browsing for shower caulk, here are some of the common types that you’ll most likely come across.
Acrylic Latex Caulk
Acrylic latex caulk is also known as “painters caulk”, this particular type of acrylic caulk is the kind that you can paint on. It’s paintable caulk. People prefer to use this for projects that require fixing small holes and when they’re working with wood.
Vinyl Latex Caulk
Vinyl latex caulk is similar to acrylic latex caulk. This caulk isn’t easily washed away with soap and water, it has a longer lifespan and is more suitable for those who are looking to make long-lasting repairs. However, it’s important to note that this caulk isn’t as flexible as acrylic latex caulk. It’s prone to cracking if exposed to expansion and/or contraction.
Silicone Caulk
Silicone caulk or silicone sealant is pretty difficult to find because manufacturers are now making formulas that combine silicone with other materials to improve features such as moisture resistance and durability. Silicone caulk is characterized as flexible and sticky, it’s an adhesive caulk which means that you are bound to find that it’s in most caulk products available today.
Lexel All Weather Caulk
Lexel is a long-lasting and high-quality caulk for tile sealing solutions and repairs. It has an exceptional adhesion ability and elasticity, no wonder it is referred to as the duct tape. If you want to paint it, well and good; it is paintable and does not cloud up unlike other types of caulks.
It is ideal for bathrooms because it is not affected by regular cleaning practices like scrubbing. You can use the caulk in the bathroom, around shower stalls, and bath tabs. In the kitchen, you can apply it to kitchen sinks and counter tops.
It can also be used on door frames and window frames bordering other tiles. Lexel All Weather caulk easily adheres to various surfaces from PVC, fiberglass, polycarbonate, Plexiglas, steel among others. The product doesn’t take long to dry and you can use your shower immediately after caulking. Lastly, it provides a permanent seal wherever it is applied as it is strong and durable.
Things We Like:
- Permanent seal – just use onnce
- Works on a variety of surfaces
- High-quality and long lasting
- Adhesive stick and easy application
Things We Don’t Like:
- The price reflects the quality – not a budget buy
General Electric Tub and Tile Caulk
This is a waterproof caulk that does not shrink, crack or crumble like acrylic caulk. It is made of 100% silicon that is chemically cured. Once you apply the caulk it provides excellent permanent results depending on the project you are using it on.
The product has a wide range of applications and you can use it to waterproof your bathrooms and kitchens. Mould and mildews should worry you no more as the caulk doesn’t pull away even under extreme heat conditions or in the presence of ultraviolet rays.
You will love the quality of this product especially its durability and waterproof capabilities.
Things We Like:
- Non-acrylic caulk means no cracks or crumbles
- 100% silicon
- Use it for the kitchen as well
- Can withstand extreme heat
Things We Don’t Like:
- Has potential to stick at the top of the tube
DAP Acrylic Latex Inc
This high-quality DAP caulk is a great choice for caulking and can be used on both outdoor and indoor projects. It has unique adhesion when used on surfaces like ceramics, glasses, and woods.
The caulk has resistance to mildew and water hence an excellent choice for caulking the bathroom and other areas that are exposed to excess moisture. You can, therefore, use it to seal corner joints, windows, and door frames.
You can easily clean the caulk and paint it if you wish as it is very flexible and durable. As a great choice for use in your household, it offers secure construction solutions.
Things We Like:
- Good for indoor or outdoor showers
- Can be painted over
- Has resistance to mildew and water
- Good for sealing corner joints, windows, and door frames
Things We Don’t Like:
- Longer drying time
White Alex Plus Latex Caulk with Silicon from DAP
We all have different tastes while installing tiles and the good news with this caulk is that it comes with a variety of colors to match the hues in your bathroom tiles.
The colors vary from shades of black, brown, cedar tan, dark bronze, slate grey and antique white. It offers you long lasting and waterproof adhesion due to its flexibility.
Moreover, it is very durable and has mold and mildew resistance. You can use the product to caulk around ceramics, glass, wood, metals, bricks and other finishes.
Things We Like:
- Very durable and mode resistant
- Affordable
- Works on a multitude of surfaces
Things We Don’t Like:
- A bit messier than other caulks
Big Stretch Acrylic Latex High-Performance Caulking Sealant SACHCO
Talk about uniqueness! The acrylic latex caulk can not only adhere to the obvious building materials we know of; it can as well adhere to tough surfaces like the vinyl.
The caulking product is available in twelve amazing colors. It has a smooth texture thus easy to apply with minimal efforts. You can paint the original color of the caulk to achieve your desired color pattern.
Sashco Caulk is heat resistant and can withstand extreme temperature conditions ranging from -30 to 250 degrees Celsius.
Things We Like:
- Heat resistant
- Works on vinyl
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Smooth texture application for easy usage
Things We Don’t Like:
- May need to be painted over
- Slower dry
GE286 Silicon Premium Waterproof Kitchen and Bath Momentive Performance Materials
Bathtubs and showers are better caulked using silicone caulk for greater performance. It comes with a five-year mold and mildew-free guarantee. It easily adheres to most kitchen and bathroom surfaces like porcelain, ceramics, glass, laminate, granite, wood and metal.
After its application, it only takes three hours to dry completely and your bathroom is ready for use. It is made of 100% silicon, with no additives such as acrylic.
The silicone material makes the caulk a quality product because it is more durable and flexible compared to acrylic. It also has waterproof capabilities ensuring water does not penetrate into the tiles.
Things We Like:
- Silicon usage more efficient
- Additive-free
- Durable and flexible
- Mildew and mold free guarantee
Things We Don’t Like:
- Less caulk for the money
- Color choices are a bit misleading
Shower Caulk Features to Consider
There are diverse types of caulk in the markets you can choose from, but finding the best caulking solution can be quite a hassle and that is why we provide you with these great picks to select from.
Knowing the best caulk for a shower in the market will save both your time and money. Note that different types of caulks are suited for different projects and hopefully, our shortlisted options will help you to make a quick decision.
Here are some of the features that are determinants when deciding which caulk is the best caulk for shower option.
Application
Knowing how to use the caulk itself is going to be of utmost importance when making a decision. Ease of use and intuitive caulking is essential to this process to speed up the procedure and make for an efficient finish.
Another factor in this is the caulking gun your choose to use, which is the basis of your application process. Without a good caulk gun, your caulk is going to be essentially useless and actually applying the stuff is going to be that much more painstaking and tedious.
Silicon vs. Acrylic
Two different types of caulks can be characterized by Silicon and Acrylic. Acrylic is the old-fashioned, cheaper way to go, which still may work in most instances. However, cracks and corrosion are more evident in acrylic based caulks than silicon. Acrylic is easy to use and cleans up well.
Silicon is recommended in many instances when it comes to applying your caulk correctly. It’s not for everyone and is often pricier, but seems to be rising in popularity.
Both are for the most part going to get the job done and all products on this list, whether acrylic or silicon, are highly recommended for their durability and efficiency.
Knowing Your Surface
Some caulks are built for different surfaces. In this instance, you’re going to need a caulk that’s meant for shower usage. This means it should withstand water resistance, possible rusting, and continual exposure to warm water and steam.
Certain caulks are better at this than others, but all of the caulks reviewed in this list are specifically meant for bathroom application.
If your caulk isn’t water-resistant than it’s going to be useless for obvious reasons.
Amount and Pricing
Make sure you aren’t buying more caulk than you actually need for your project. Determining the area for which it’s supposed to cover and also the kind of caulk you are using is going to make a big difference here.
Buying a ton of expensive caulk isn’t going to be your answer in most cases. Buying a small amount of high grade caulk for a medium-sized shower can go a long way. Otherwise, you’re stuck with a bunch of extra caulk tubes that serve you no good, especially if the caulk you bought is doing it’s job like it’s supposed to.
Wrap Up
Caulk can be used on many projects at your home, both indoor and outdoor. Many construction projects at your home require caulking and so purchasing the right sealant is important if you are to save your money.
We have offered the above information to assist you in purchasing top-notch caulking products, specifically for your bathroom for the bathtub, shower wall, shower door, and shower stall or shower enclosure. Researching on the right product to use is also essential so that you don’t get disappointed with what you buy.
When it comes to our personal favorite in the category of best caulk for shower usage and application, look no further than the indismissable Lexel All Weather Caulk. This stuff has a strong bond and hold that won’t require too much reapplication and gets the job done right there first time.
