Bathroom caulking is crucial for keeping your bathroom clean and healthy. It seals gaps around the bathtub, shower, sink, and toilet to stop water from getting into the walls and causing damage. The proper bathroom caulk can also enhance the visual appeal of your bathroom, giving it a polished finish.
When it comes to choosing the best bathroom caulk, there are a few critical things to consider. The first is the type of caulk. There are three main types of caulk: silicone, acrylic, and latex. Silicone is the most durable and waterproof, making it ideal for bathrooms. Acrylic is easy to apply and paintable, but it’s not as long-lasting as silicone. Latex is the least expensive, but it’s not as waterproof as the other two.
Another important factor to consider is the color of the caulk. You want to choose a color that matches or complements your bathroom’s existing color scheme. White is the most common color for bathroom caulk, but other colors are available.
Finally, you want to choose a caulk that is easy to apply and won’t make a mess. Some caulks come with a built-in applicator, which makes them easier to apply. Others require a caulking gun, which can be challenging to use if you’re not experienced.
We spent hours researching and testing various bathroom caulks to identify the best ones on the market. In the next section, we’ll share our top picks and explain why we chose them.
Best Bathroom Caulk
We know that finding the right bathroom caulk can be a challenge. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one to choose. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best bathroom caulk options available. Our list includes products that are easy to use, durable, and long-lasting. Whether you’re looking to seal a bathtub or a sink, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal 100% Silicone Sealant
If you’re looking for a versatile and long-lasting bathroom caulk, the Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal 100% Silicone Sealant is a great choice.
Pros
- Seals out water, air, and moisture effectively, making it ideal for various applications such as in the kitchen, bathroom, window, doors, auto, marine plumbing, gutters, and more.
- Can be exposed to water in as little as 30 minutes based on a 3/16” bead at 70°F and 50% humidity, making it a time-efficient option.
- Mold and mildew resistant, won’t yellow, shrink, or crack over time.
Cons
- Not paintable, so it may not be the best option if you plan to paint over it.
- Not for use in underwater applications, aquariums, on brick, masonry, cementitious materials, or on metals sensitive to corrosion including brass and galvanized metals.
- For gaps larger than ½”, you need to use backer rod.
We’ve found the Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal 100% Silicone Sealant to be a reliable and durable product that can withstand exposure to water, air, and moisture. It’s also mold and mildew-resistant, which is important for bathroom use. However, keep in mind that it’s not paintable and has limitations on the surfaces it can be used on.
In terms of application, we found it easy to use, with clear instructions provided. It’s also quick-drying and won’t shrink or crack over time, ensuring a long-lasting seal. We appreciate that it comes in a 10oz cartridge, making it convenient to use for various applications.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and reliable bathroom caulk, we recommend giving the Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal 100% Silicone Sealant a try.
Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile Adhesive Caulk 5.5 Ounce White
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable adhesive caulk for your bathroom fixtures, Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile Adhesive Caulk is a great option.
Pros
- Provides excellent adhesion to various surfaces, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, fiberglass composites, enamel, aluminum, stainless steel, wood, many plastics, and wallboard.
- Extra mildewcide is added to fight unsightly mold and mildew growth on the cured caulk.
- The adhesive strength of Tube & Tile makes it ideal for installing back splashes and repairing loose tiles.
Cons
- The caulk may not be as easy to apply as other products on the market.
- The tube might be too small for larger projects.
- The caulk may take longer to dry and cure than other products.
In our experience, Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile Adhesive Caulk provides a long-lasting and water-tight seal around sinks, tubs, and other bathroom fixtures. The extra mildewcide helps prevent mold and mildew growth, which is a common problem in bathrooms. We also found that the adhesive strength of Tube & Tile makes it ideal for installing back splashes and repairing loose tiles.
However, we did find that the caulk may not be as easy to apply as other products on the market. The tube might be too small for larger projects, and the caulk may take longer to dry and cure than other products.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable adhesive caulk for your bathroom, Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile Adhesive Caulk is definitely worth considering.
GE Advanced Silicone Caulk
If you want a reliable sealant for your bathroom or kitchen, GE Advanced Silicone Caulk is a great option. With its 100% waterproof formula, it can protect your surfaces from water damage.
Pros
- The sealant is strong and flexible, ensuring a durable seal that will last a long time.
- It can be ready for water exposure in as little as 30 minutes, making it a great choice for quick projects.
- The sealant is shrink- and crack-proof, which means it can withstand temperature fluctuations without losing its seal.
Cons
- The sealant has a strong odor during application, so make sure to open windows and use protective gear.
- It takes 24 hours to fully cure, which means you’ll have to wait before using the sealed area.
- The clear color may not match all surfaces, so make sure to test it before applying it to the entire area.
We recently used this sealant to seal our bathroom shower and were impressed with its performance. The sealant was easy to apply and provided a strong seal that has held up well against water exposure. The 30-minute water-ready feature was especially helpful as we were able to use the shower soon after applying the sealant.
Overall, we highly recommend GE Advanced Silicone Caulk for anyone looking for a reliable and durable sealant for their bathroom or kitchen.
DAP 18526 White Kwik Seal Plus™ Kitchen & Bath Adhesive Caulk
If you’re looking for an all-purpose caulk that can be used in your bathroom and kitchen, the DAP 18526 White Kwik Seal Plus™ Kitchen & Bath Adhesive Caulk is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Installing Tub Surround Caulking Around Tubs And Showers is easy with this caulk.
- The siliconized latex provides maximum adhesion and flexibility for a watertight seal.
- It’s paintable, easy to clean up with water, and has a low odor. Plus, it’s backed by a Crack-Proof Guarantee.
Cons
- It can be tricky to apply if you’re not experienced with caulking.
- The nozzle can clog if not used frequently.
- It may take longer to dry than other caulks.
We recently used the DAP 18526 White Kwik Seal Plus™ Kitchen & Bath Adhesive Caulk in our bathroom renovation project, and overall, we were impressed with its performance. The caulk was easy to apply and provided a tight seal around our bathtub and shower.
One thing we appreciated about this caulk is that it’s paintable, which allowed us to match it to the color of our bathroom walls. The low odor was also a plus, as we didn’t have to worry about any strong chemical smells lingering in our bathroom.
However, we did find that it took longer to dry than other caulks we’ve used in the past, so we had to be careful not to touch the caulk until it was fully cured. Additionally, if you’re not experienced with caulking, it can be a bit tricky to apply smoothly and evenly.
Overall, we would recommend the DAP 18526 White Kwik Seal Plus™ Kitchen & Bath Adhesive Caulk for anyone in need of a versatile and reliable caulk for their bathroom and kitchen projects.
GE Supreme Silicone Caulk for Kitchen & Bathroom
We highly recommend the GE Supreme Silicone Caulk for Kitchen & Bathroom if you are looking for a reliable and durable bathroom caulk solution.
Pros
- The 100% waterproof formula provides ultimate protection from water damage and is water-ready in just 30 minutes.
- The sealant offers 100% more flexibility than Class 25 sealants and 7X stronger adhesion than GE Silicone 1* sealant.
- The low-odor sealant is ideal for indoor use and won’t discolor most high-end metal finishes such as chrome, bronze, and nickel.
Cons
- The full cure time is 24 hours, which may not be ideal for those who need a quick fix.
- The 10.1 fluid ounces cartridge may not be enough for larger projects.
- The product is slightly overpriced compared to other bathroom caulks on the market.
We found that the GE Supreme Silicone Caulk for Kitchen & Bathroom is easy to apply and provides a long-lasting seal. The sealant adheres to most metals and woods, aluminum, composites, brick, stone, stucco, masonry, cement board, glass, drywall, ceramic and porcelain tile, and more.
The silicone sealant dries to the touch in just 30 minutes and won’t crack or shrink, even with 50% joint-movement capabilities. The product is also easy to clean up with just soap and water.
Overall, the GE Supreme Silicone Caulk for Kitchen & Bathroom is a reliable and durable solution for all your bathroom caulking needs.
Red Devil 0405 Duraguard Kitchen & Bath Siliconized Acrylic Caulk
If you’re looking for a long-lasting and flexible bathroom caulk, the Red Devil 0405 Duraguard Kitchen & Bath Siliconized Acrylic Caulk is a great choice.
Pros
- Provides a durable and watertight seal
- Adheres well to various kitchen and bath surfaces
- Easy to apply and tool for a professional repair
Cons
- May not be suitable for larger gaps
- Can take longer to dry than other caulk brands
- May not be as mold-resistant as some other caulks on the market
This caulk is fortified with silicone, making it resistant to discoloration and ensuring a protective barrier against moisture. It also cures to an ultra-smooth, satin finish, making it a great choice for any bathroom application.
One of the best things about this caulk is its excellent adhesion. It adheres well to various kitchen and bath surfaces, ensuring a long-lasting seal. It’s also easy to apply and tool, making it simple to achieve a professional-looking repair.
However, this caulk may not be suitable for larger gaps, as it can shrink slightly as it dries. It can also take longer to dry than other caulk brands, so be sure to allow enough time for it to fully cure. Additionally, while it is mold-resistant, it may not be as effective at preventing mold growth as some other caulks on the market.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and long-lasting bathroom caulk, the Red Devil 0405 Duraguard Kitchen & Bath Siliconized Acrylic Caulk is a great choice.
GE Supreme Paintable Silicone Caulk for Kitchen & Bathroom
We highly recommend the GE Supreme Paintable Silicone Caulk for Kitchen & Bathroom. It is a 100% waterproof sealant that offers ultimate protection from water damage and is perfect for most kitchen and bathroom applications.
Pros
- The hybrid performance of the silicone sealant with the paintability of an acrylic latex makes it easy to use and paintable in as little as 30 minutes.
- The sealant is compatible with most materials, including most metals, plastics, and woods; glass, drywall, plaster, granite, cultured marble, ceramic and porcelain tile; and more.
- The sealant offers permanent flexibility and long-lasting durability that can withstand scrubbing.
Cons
- The product may require good ventilation due to its less odor and fumes.
- The product may be a bit expensive compared to other bathroom caulks in the market.
- The product may not be suitable for outdoor use.
This sealant has been a lifesaver for us in areas that are prone to moisture, such as showers, sinks, and toilets. We love that it is waterproof and provides a reliable seal in areas prone to water exposure like showers and bathtubs. The ease of use and paintability of this product make it a great choice for DIY projects. We also appreciate that it adheres to most materials, making it versatile and convenient to use.
The GE Supreme Paintable Silicone Caulk for Kitchen & Bathroom is a great product to have on hand for any bathroom or kitchen renovation project. Its hybrid formula makes it unique and easy to use, while its waterproof performance ensures long-lasting durability. We highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use bathroom caulk.
SENKEI Caulk Tape
We highly recommend purchasing the SENKEI Caulk Tape for your bathroom needs.
Pros
- Easy to use and trim
- Multi-functional flexible trim sealing tape
- Widely used floor trim tape
Cons
- The paper at the back to expose the adhesive doesn’t come off completely and tears
- Some customers had difficulty aligning it perfectly
- Not sticky enough for long term adhesion in a bathroom
The SENKEI Caulk Tape is an excellent solution for sealing the seams of gas stoves, sinks, basins, bathtubs, and walls. This self-adhesive sealing tape is easy to use and can be cut to any size, making it perfect for any surface, including walls, doors, floors, and more.
The multi-functional flexible trim sealing tape is an easy-to-use replacement for molding, caulk, and more. It can cover wall corner stress cracks, gaps, and damaged corners, making it perfect for use in your kitchen countertop, basin, sink, bathtub, toilet, gas stove, wall corner, bathrooms, marble countertop as tub caulk tape, molding tape, white bathroom caulk strip. It keeps your kitchen and bathroom clean and tidy.
The widely used floor trim tape can be used on almost any surface, including glass, wood, metal, plastic, tile, and marble surfaces. The caulking strip is perfect for use in your kitchen countertop, basin, sink, bathtub, toilet, gas stove, wall corner, bathrooms, marble countertop as tub caulk tape, molding tape, white bathroom caulk strip.
Overall, the SENKEI Caulk Tape is an excellent product that is easy to use and provides a professional look. The only downside is that the paper at the back to expose the adhesive doesn’t come off completely and tears. Some customers had difficulty aligning it perfectly, and it’s not sticky enough for long term adhesion in a bathroom. However, the pros far outweigh the cons, and we highly recommend this product.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best bathroom caulk, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for when selecting a caulk for your bathroom:
Material
The first thing to consider is the material of the caulk. Silicone and latex are the two most common materials used for bathroom caulk. Silicone is more durable and resistant to mold and mildew, making it a good choice for areas that are exposed to water frequently. Latex is more affordable and easier to work with, but it is not as durable as silicone.
Color
Caulk comes in a variety of colors, so it’s important to choose a color that matches your bathroom fixtures and tiles. White and clear are the most popular colors, but there are also other colors available to match different bathroom designs.
Application
The application method is another important factor to consider. Some caulk can be applied using a caulk gun, while others come in a squeeze tube. Some caulk can also be applied using a brush or a sponge. Choose a caulk that is easy to apply and fits your skill level.
Drying Time
The drying time of the caulk is also important to consider. Some caulk dries quickly, while others take longer to dry. If you need to use your bathroom soon after applying the caulk, choose a caulk that dries quickly.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the caulk. While it’s important to choose a high-quality caulk, you don’t want to overspend. Compare prices and choose a caulk that fits your budget.
By considering these factors, you can choose a bathroom caulk that is durable, easy to apply, and fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best caulking to use in a bathroom?
The best caulking to use in a bathroom is silicone caulk. It is waterproof, flexible, and can withstand the moist and humid environment of a bathroom for a long time. Silicone caulk is also resistant to mold and mildew growth, making it an ideal choice for sealing around sinks, tubs, and showers.
Is clear or white caulk better for showers?
Clear caulk is better for showers because it gives a cleaner and more seamless look. White caulk can sometimes yellow over time, especially when exposed to moisture and sunlight. Clear caulk is also easier to apply and can blend in with any color of tile or grout.
Should I use silicone or caulk for shower?
Silicone caulk is recommended for showers because it is more durable and flexible than regular caulk. It can withstand the constant exposure to water and the movement of the shower pan without cracking or peeling. Silicone caulk is also mold and mildew resistant, which is important in a moist environment like a shower.
What is the best sealant for bathroom?
The best sealant for a bathroom is a silicone-based sealant. It is waterproof, flexible, and can be used on a variety of surfaces such as tile, porcelain, and fiberglass. Silicone sealant is also mold and mildew resistant, making it ideal for sealing around sinks, tubs, and showers.
Can I use Gorilla Caulk for bathroom?
Yes, Gorilla Caulk can be used for bathroom applications. It is a silicone-based caulk that is waterproof and mold resistant. Gorilla Caulk can be used on a variety of surfaces such as tile, porcelain, and fiberglass. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application and curing time.
How long does silicone caulk last in a shower?
Silicone caulk can last up to 10 years in a shower if it is properly applied and maintained. It is important to regularly inspect the caulk for any signs of cracking or peeling and to replace it if necessary. To extend the life of silicone caulk, it is recommended to keep the shower area clean and dry and to avoid using harsh cleaners that can damage the caulk.