How to Choose a Bathroom Caulk

Bathroom Caulking Compounds

Introduction:

The difficult thing about sealants and caulking is how to choose a bathroom caulk or sealer. Eventually you will have to redo the caulk in your bathroom and you should use the best available so you won’t have to repeat the process every few months. If you are caulking a tiled enclosure or a ceramic bathtub you can use just about any bathroom mildew resistant caulk but some are better than others.

PVA and acrylic latex caulks seem to be more mildew resistant than others and they are long lasting. In addition, they are much easier to remove when it comes time to replace the caulking. Cleanup is easier because they can be washed off with plain soap and water. The advantage is that they dry harder than silicone caulk.

If you have a fiberglass tub with ceramic tile walls, a completely fiberglass enclosure or a multi-piece bathtub surround with caulked joints, a 100% silicone caulk works the best. It is easy to work with because it has good smoothing qualities and can be removed easily.

The downside of using silicone caulk is that it is difficult to completely remove from surfaces after it has hardened. In addition, silicone caulk leaves a slimy residue on your hands that will not wash off very easily. If you wear gloves you will not be confronted with this problem.

Polyseamseal Tub and Tile Adhesive Caulk is one of the best because it is the more mildew proof PVA caulks on the market. It resists mildew much longer than any of the other choices. It can be used in all types of tile or fiberglass enclosures. Removing it is facilitated if you use a heat gun to warm it before trying to peal it way.

Siliconized caulks are actually a hybrid caulk that has the adhesive qualities of latex caulks but is a little softer and more flexible. They are a good quality alternate caulk but they should not be mixed with a latex caulk.

One would think that an exterior caulk would be perfect to use in a shower or tub because it is weather proof. I do not recommend it. Exterior caulks are designed for different purposes for use outside in different environmental conditions. You should only use caulk that is designed for bathroom use.

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