Silicone is one of the most important parts of fitting a kitchen or bathroom. After many years you will find your silicone sealant has failed, gone yellow or black because of black mould.
Like all sealants, they will always fail over time because water always finds a way.
The best way to achieve a longer waterproof seal is to use the best silicone that will not yellow or fail after a few years.
I have used many brands over the years and there are only a few brands I would use on my own house.
In this article, we are going to be sharing our picks for the best silicone sealants for your bathrooms, walk-in showers and kitchens.
Why Use Silicone Sealant?
Silicone sealant is a must-have because it stops water from running down the back of your bath, sink or shower tray and onto walls causing damp.
Damp is very dangerous for your health and the spores can affect your breathing capacity.
It will also quickly crumble bricks and cause foundation issues if left for longer periods.
You must always use silicone sealant to seal:
- Kitchen sinks and washbasins
- Shower trays
- Walk-in showers
- Bathtubs
- Worktops & tiles
- Windows and doors
Creating a good waterproof seal will keep your walls and ceilings dry by preventing water from accumulating under the bath or the ceiling below.
TOP TIP: Avoid the cheaper silicones because they yellow and never create a watertight seal. You will be wasting your time and effort if you choose a cheaper brand with inferior ingredients.
The Best Silicone Sealants
Listed below are the best options when you want to seal your bath, sinks and shower trays.
They are proven “NOT” to yellow and will make your kitchens and bathrooms watertight.
Using the best silicone sealant will make all the difference and last many more years when compared to the inferior cheaper alternatives.
#1 Dryzone Anti-Mould Silicone Sealant (Best Option)
The Dryzone silicone sealant is by far the leading brand because of its non-yellowing and anti-mould formula.
They have created a thick but manageable silicone that is perfect for the kitchen and bathroom.
Another benefit of this brand is it does not release a strong vinegar odour, which tends to linger for a few days once the sealant sets.
Dryzone Anti-Mould Features
- Clear/white
- Anti mould
- Non-yellowing
- Easily applied
- Low-odour
#2 Uni-Bond (Easy Apply Silicone Sealant)
UniBond provides an all in one solution for applying their silicone sealant, with their easy apply container.
They offer a great product that also reduces mould and will not yellow over time. This option is best for beginners who have never used silicone before.
Uni-Bond Silicone Features
- Clear/white
- Easily applied
- Anti-mould
- Non-yellowing
Applying Silicone Sealant (Step-by-Step)
To make your DIY silicone sealant job a success you must always remove old silicone.
Leaving old silicone will cause your sealant to fail because it has been applied to older silicone and will not create a watertight seal.
Top tip: Use WD-40 to remove any old silicone from around your bath and sinks. This breaks silicone down and makes it much easier to wipe away.
Once you have removed the old silicone residue, then you are ready to start creating a watertight seal. There are a few ways to achieve a straight seal:
- Using your finger
- Using a caulking tool
- Applying Electrical tape
Top Tip: Avoid using anything metal or sharp when removing silicone because they will scratch your enamel/
gla ze.
If you have never used silicone before then we would suggest you use the tape technique. If you want to use a tool then we would suggest you practise before committing to using it around the home.
Using the electrical tape technique will take time to set up but the results look good.
You simply tape out the area you planning on sealing, apply the silicone and remove the tape before it sets.
For a more detailed technique to applying silicone sealant like a pro, then visit our post dedicated to applying silicone.
Applying Using A Mastic Gun
A mastic gun applies the silicone, you insert the long tube into the gun and cut the top.
When cutting your silicone tube “DO NOT” cut away the thread because when you come to squeeze the gun if you cut away to much thread the nozzle will fly off and your silicone will go everywhere.
Just gently squeeze the trigger allowing the gun to do the work. You do not have to squeeze hard to create a bead of silicone.
Being consistent when applying silicone avoids accumulations that will create issues when you run your tool along the corner.
- Cut above the thread on the silicone tube
- Gently squeeze the mastic gun
- keep the gun moving to avoid accumulations
- When finished always release the trigger
Conclusion
When it comes to silicones you must always use the best, because if you opt for a cheaper brand you will find it goes black and fails after a few months.
If you are not comfortable using a mastic gun then a self squeezing option would be best for you.
Preparation is a must, especially if your old silicone is yellowing or going black in places, applying new silicone over old will not create a good look or watertight seal.