Best Overall
Gorilla Silicone Sealant Caulk
Best Bang For The Buck
DAP Kwik Seal Plus White Premium Caulk
Best For Small Repairs
GE Advanced Silicone 2 Kitchen & Bath Sealant
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs . Learn More ›
While DIYers can obsess about calk technique , the truth is that lay down the consummate drop will do little good if you do n’t use the ripe caulk for the line of work . This viscous , waterproofed spread is primarily used to seal joint where two surfaces meet ( for example , where the vat meet the paries ) or to fill cracks ( which usually crop up in the shower storey ) to keep out tune , moisture , and dirt .
To defend your shower or tub against these threats , the garden - assortment rubber-base paint caulking commonly used on drywall , window frame , and wooden room access simply wo n’t cut it . The best caulking for the shower bath or bathtub has special property that keep it pristine and structurally intact in the unique surroundings of the privy .
With so many kinds of bathroom caulk available , it can be tough to figure out which is the best for your situation . We talked to an expert who knows on the button where most homeowners can go wrong with calk their shower , and took their advice on board when picking our product . Then , we performed hands - on testing with the take after caulking so as to suggest only top - notch production .
With that in mind , we selected theGorilla Waterproof Silicone Caulk & Sealas our best overall caulking for shower for its raincoat , shrink- and crack - cogent evidence , and rain - quick pattern with a 30 - instant drying time .
Read on for aspects to consider when grease one’s palms caulk for your bathroom externalize and see why we find the following products to be some of the best caulk for shower .
Photo: Tom Scalisi
How We Tested the Best Caulk for Showers
Before rounding up our intersection for examination , we interview Roy Barnes , co - proprietor ofService Force Plumbingin Rockville Maryland , who has several decades of plumbery experience and wanted to share his two cents on shower caulk . “ We on a regular basis get service calls for ‘ leaking pipework ’ that change by reversal out to simply be poor or worn - out sealing . Customers will see smudge on their ceiling below their privy , and they ’ll pay a plumber for a service of process call , when in fact their shower or tub just needs well caulking to prevent water from escaping . ” He sum up that “ keep open your exhibitor or tub right calk is a central measure to avoid body of water damage , mold , and disarray over where dripping piss might be coming from . ”
With this advice in head , we train steps to gather the top product available and put them to the exam .
in the beginning , we were going to localise up a gang of fiberglass boxes and caulk all the seams with the different type of caulking , but we quarrel that estimation in party favour of replacing a shower . So we ordered a shower and sic about install it , using the caulk to waterproof the enclosure .
Photo: Tom Scalisi
Each of the caulks ( except for the bronze one ) was used to calk a line inside the exhibitioner , and we hold each wrinkle at the designated sentence to see to it it was dry . Next , for caulks that were paintable , we applied them to the fight shower we removed and permit them dry . After they dried , we painted them and test their flexibility .
With those test behind us , we had a dear idea of which product were a hit or not . We used those tests and personal experience to develop our list of the good caulking for a shower bath .
Our Top Picks
There is a pile to know about prefer the best caulking for a shower or a tubful , and shopping for just the right-hand product can feel overwhelming . To help , we perform hands - on testing with all of the follow products . After using them , we choose certain prize that we palpate best fit their strength . employ our notice and the above considerations when looking for caulk for your shower distance .
Gorilla ’s adhesive material tend to be a step above the competitor , and the same is dead on target for this decipherable sealant caulking . This 100 percent silicone calk adheres to most bathroom surfaces well to produce a mold- and mildew - resistant barrier . It remain flexible throughout its life sentence , and it wo n’t shrink or crack like some siliconized caulks might . It dries in just 30 second , making it utilitarian for quick repairs or even full bathroom installations .
During testing , we found Gorilla caulking & seal to be a top - quality product . It applied easily and created a substantial bond for the shower surround . Once dry , we found it was barely noticeable , and the fact that it stay on flexible and wo n’t yellow leads us to believe it ’ll stay obscure . While it ’s not paintable , this product will work on any seam that require to be waterproofed but does n’t need a coat of paint . We also liked that it flowed well , was easy to tool around , and was not too sticky to tool around with a wet finger .
Photo: amazon.com
Be suggest that this intersection is not suitable for utilisation in aquariums or on brick , Freemasonry , metals , or cement .
Get the Gorilla caulking atAmazonorWalmart .
Best Bang for the Buck
Anyone shop for an affordable caulking that will get the job done for less than half the monetary value of some of its competitors may want to check out DAP Kwik Seal Plus . This siliconized rubber-base paint caulking produce a 100 pct waterproofed roadblock and features Microban for antimicrobic protection that fights stain - causing mold , fungus , and mould . Its paintable formula requires 2 hours of dry out time before utilise paint , and then 24 hour before showering . According to the manufacturer , this option has striking adhesion to ceramic and plastic tile , porcelain , metal , cultured marble , dry wall , metal , painted surfaces , glass , fiberglass , and wood .
Kwik Seal Plus is affordable , but it ’s not modest on timbre . We liked how easy this product was to apply , but it was even easier to clean up — a wet rag is all it took to clean some excess from the tub airfoil . While the 2 - hour wry time seems to betray the mathematical product ’s “ Kwik ” cognomen , our enforce caulking seem to dry more or less faster ( about an minute in our conditions ) . This take into account us to essay it with paint on a redundant open . It top this test well , taking blusher without matter .
Get the DAP Kwik Seal Plus calk atThe Home Depot .
Photo: amazon.com
Best for Small Repairs
Cracks , leaks , and other exhibitioner woe can happen in some challenging spaces , and gettinga caulking guninto position can be tricky . However , with a 2.8 - snow leopard or 10.1 - ounce underground of Advanced Silicone from GE , DIYers can make repairs in both tight and large muscae volitantes . This shrink- and fissure - validation caulk have a 100 percent silicone polymer formula that remains flexible and waterproofed for up to 10 years . It is low - aroma and adheres to metal , charge plate , Sir Henry Wood , glass , tile , and fiberglass , and it dries in 30 hour .
Here ’s what we note about the GE Advanced Silicone : It might be a lot of work to calk a whole shower with these pipe , for but small-scale repair , they ’re fantastically convenient . They ’re sluttish to use yet still apply consistent drop of silicone . While we favour our shower bath caulk in white , this clear silicone was barely seeable and created a strong , compromising seal .
Get the GE Advanced Silicone caulk atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , Ace Hardware , orWalmart .
Best Mildew Prevention
Mold Armor Silicone Mold Free Caulk & Sealant
Moldy or mildewy showers are n’t very sympathetic , and this product from Mold Armor can help prevent them from pass off . The Mold Armor Mold - Free Caulk has a silicone recipe with fungicides to create a 100 percentage waterproof bond while also protect those nook and crannies from mold and mildew for 20 years . It can be applied to glass , Natalie Wood , granite , ceramic , paint surfaces , fiberglass , marble , alloy , and aluminum . It applies easily , thanks to the commodious liquidity crisis tube , and it ’s body of water - ready in 30 minutes and wholly dries in 24 hr .
When we first used this Cartesian product , we imagine we got a washout : The first column inch of caulk that we squeezed from the tube was percipient , despite the tube ’s “ white ” naming . However , as we preserve squeezing , the caulk turned ashen and all was well . This product was light to apply , and the 5.5 - ounce subway system is a gracious meet - in - the - middle between a little tube and a large caulking gun . We like that this product created strong , flexible barriers and took only 30 minutes to dry out . While it ’ll take 20 years to prove that this intersection is as mould - resistant as it arrogate , it works very well as a exhibitioner caulking .
Get the Mold Armor caulk atThe Home Depot .
Best Quick-Drying
GE Supreme Silicone Kitchen & Bath Sealant
A quick - drying caulking does n’t do much good if a DIYer has to make over it when it shrinks and fling . That ’s not the case with GE ’s Supreme Silicone . This peculiar , down - odor chemical formula make a waterproof and cast - resistant roadblock that does n’t recoil , crack , or chicken over metre . And , better yet , it does it while drying in just 30 minutes , but users should await up to 24 hour for the good termination .
We used the Supreme Silicone along the longest crinkle in our trial run bathtub and cascade , and we were very felicitous with the result . Not only did it flow well , but it was also reasonably promiscuous to clean up after ( for a silicone caulk ) . Our bead dry in 30 minutes , and the burnished white caulk gave the seam a nice finished expression . We did have a relatively big gap in the bottom of the environs that we need to give a bit extra to , and the 30 - second ironical time was a grown boost . The only downside that we find is this ware is n’t paintable .
Get the GE Sealants & Adhesives caulk atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , orAce Hardware .
Best Paintable
Red Devil Kitchen & Bath Siliconized Acrylic Caulk
It can be ruffianly to retrieve a caulking for a exhibitioner or tub that creates a good sealing wax with plenty of adherence and also takes paint well , but Red Devil ’s Duraguard Kitchen & Bath Caulk does the thaumaturgy . This low - VOC product features a special normal that adhere to porcelain , ceramic , marble , ice , plastic , vinyl , fiberglass , and more , though it takes up to 72 hours to dry . It also has a HomeShield Antimicrobial protection that keeps the formula mold- and mildew - innocent .
Here ’s the thing about Red Devil Duraguard Kitchen & Bath Caulk : the drying prison term is very long , and it ’s significant to hold back to prevent brush strokes or deplumate some of the caulking from the drop . However , we determine that once we permit it dry , it took paint well while remaining jolly flexible . We like that it can adhere to a variety of surfaces to make a waterproof barrier , and it comes in white , clear , and tan .
Get the Red Devil caulk atAmazon .
Best for Seams
DAP Kwik Seal Ultra White Advanced Siliconized Caulk
Whether it ’s a Modern exhibitor run short in or a exhibitioner develop a refresh , DAP Kwik Seal Ultra can help those crinkle flux in for a impudent , sportsmanlike look . This low - odor and scummy - VOC caulk feature a siliconized normal that dries to a calendered blanched finish and repels stains , dirt , and water , provide a waterproof surround when used to calk seams . The resulting bead wo n’t crack or shrivel up and stay on flexible after drying ( which takes 4 hours ) while offering stain - proof shelter . For best outcome , users should hold back over 24 hours before exposing the caulk to water .
Of all the caulking we used on the exhibitor seams , this one dried to the nicest finish . It has a slightly shinier last than the others , which blends in well with the shower surround . It flowed well and was easygoing to tool around and clean up . The result was a clean , sharp line that see full , despite the 4 - hour drying fourth dimension necessary before we could check it out . The one affair that threw us for a cringle is that this product is n’t paintable , even though it ’s not 100 percent silicone polymer .
Get the Dap Kwik Seal caulking atLowe’s , The Home Depot , orAce Hardware .
Also Consider
Loctite Polyseamseal Acrylic Caulk with Silicone
For yet another exhibitor caulk alternative , check out Loctite Polyseamseal Acrylic Caulk with Silicone . This intersection feature a particular siliconized acrylic formula to aid it remain flexible and rainproof , and it can even work as an adhesive material in some cases ( like secure light backsplash tile ) . The recipe is paintable once juiceless , which take just 30 second to accomplish when using latex paints . However , users who rely on oil - base paint should wait 24 60 minutes before applying .
We ’ll be reliable : We did not apply the bronze - colored Loctite Polyseamseal Acrylic Caulk we receive to the new white shower environment . Instead , we tried it on the fight vat we remove , and we liked what we found . First , it adhered well to the fiberglass surround and dried in just 30 minutes , allowing us to try out it out with some paint ( which it did n’t handle specially well , mostly due to the caulking ’s dark color ) . fortunately , this product is also useable in white or clear . It also cleaned up easily , which we identify when we dripped some on the trading floor near the fleck tub .
Get the Loctite caulk atAmazonorWalmart .
ALSO try out
DAP INC 18152/11440 10.1 oz White Alex Plus Caulk
DAP ’s White Alex Plus Caulk features a special convention bolstered by added silicone for additional water ohmic resistance . The purpose of this formula is to make a waterproof product that also accepts paint well and dry in 30 minutes .
In full disclosure , this is an excellent caulk . However , it ’s more desirable for the trim around the shower than it is for the seams or gap in reality within the shower bath . We have personal experience with this caulk , and we know it does have a tendency to shrink more or less , mean it could leave a seam open to pee penetration .
While we did try it , and it worked well , we know it will shrivel a bit once fully cure . For that reason , it ’s better to keep it out of the shower , but it will do just fine in the rest of the can space .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing Caulk for Showers and Tubs
witness the good caulk for a shower or bathtub ask thoroughgoing knowledge of the type of caulk on the market , the formula of the caulking , and if it bid the honorable long - term solution tomold or mould . To determine the undecomposed option for a give bath distance , consider some of the factors below .
Types of Caulk for Showers and Tubs
Caulk made of staring silicone polymer or siliconized latex / acrylic ( i.e. , rubber-base paint or acrylic fiber calk with added silicone polymer ) adheres well to vulgar shower and tub materials , include porcelain , ceramic , Lucy Stone , fiberglass , and methamphetamine .
Packaging Options
Caulk is sell in pocket-sized squeeze tubes or large cylindrical cartridges , each case become for different scale projects and requiring a unique program . Generally , cartridges are suited for large caulking jobs , such as seal the border of a bath , as they contain more caulk by book and give more precise program . But they must be loaded into acaulking gunand dispensed by pressing down on the ordnance ’s trigger .
wring tubes are better for minor - scale projects , such as make full a crack in the shower trading floor . The caulk can easily be applied by hand with a simple squeeze of the tube , but it has a small coverage area because there ’s less of it by bulk .
Mildew and Mold Prevention
Most stark silicone and siliconized latex / acrylic caulks are formulated with mildewcides and fungicides ( chemicals that destroy mould or fungus , respectively ) to minimize the formation of grunge - induce mildew or mold on the caulk .
For a rot - proof caulk job , check the promotion for the terms “ for bathing tub , ” “ mildew - proof , ” or “ mold - trial impression , ” along with the number of year the caulk can be have a bun in the oven to hold up to mould and mould .
Color Choices
Both pure silicone and siliconized latex caulk are sell in a variety of colour , including clear , white , emollient , and chocolate-brown . paint over caulk labeled “ paintable ” yield you even more color choice .
decipherable caulk , the most versatile pick , blends into showers and tubs that range in color from ignitor to grim ; it ’s your good option if you want to ensure that there is no direct contrast between the people of colour of the caulking and the exhibitioner or tub . White caulk , which pairs well with most shower and tub colouration , is a expert option if you ’re caulking a white shower or a tub or have blue repair and do n’t mind a color contrast between the caulk and the exhibitor or the tub .
Dry and Cure Times
devote tending to two time frames listed on the caulk package : juiceless time and remedy metre . Dry time refers to how long it takes for the caulk to dry out to the touch , whereas the cure time refers to when the caulk will fully set and be ready for use and picture to water . Pure silicone polymer and siliconized latex / acrylic caulk have like teetotal and cure times — anywhere from half an minute to 12 hours to dry out and 2 hours to 10 days to cure .
If only caulk the shower or the tub in the theatre , choose caulks with dry and cure times on the low end of these ranges so that the bath wo n’t be out of direction for days .
FAQs
While the hired man - on reviews can be passing helpful for many shopping for shower caulk , every situation is dissimilar . Often specific doubt rise up , so below are answers to some of the most pop doubt about caulking for showers and tubs .
Q. Is there a difference between caulk and sealant?
Yes , there is a difference . Although the terms are used interchangeably , caulk and sealant differ in snap . Both fill cracks or seams , but caulking is more rigid and sealant is more flexible . Sealant can hold up better in area where materials extend and contract .
Q. Do you caulk the inside of a shower enclosure?
You shouldcaulk any area of the showerenclosure where water can get in , especially when the existing caulk begin to crack or break down . This ensures that the shower will never leak and cause Inner Light to utmost water scathe .
Q. How do I keep my shower caulking white?
The serious way to keep shower bath calk white is to make certain it has no go to let mildew in . Keep the caulk clear and scrub obstinate smear off with a balmy brush like a toothbrush . To clean naturally , try a paste of bake sal soda fuse with water or vinegar , or apply bleach or your unconstipated bathroom clean . Acaulk or groutpen can hide some blot that persist after cleaning .
Q. Is black mold in shower caulk dangerous?
Any sign of mold or mould on or around shower caulk is a signal that water can be get through . Clean it thoroughly and evaluatethe existing caulkto see if it needs replacing , taking right guard precautions when removing the mouldy caulking .
Q. How do you prevent mold in shower caulking?
If mold is a problem in a shower , choose a silicone polymer sealant for the best chance of keeping water and mold out . Ventilate the lav to remove moisture from the breeze when showering and re - caulk as needed to check that water does not seep through chap in the caulk .
Meet the Tester
Tom Scalisi is a full - time DIY and building writer for many of the largest websites in the industry , including BobVila.com , This Old House , Family Handyman , and Forbes as well as his own blighter ascendancy web log . He spent years work in the business deal and industrial construction maintenance .
This Is the class for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we think this restoration the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .