Makers list 100% silicone and some kitchen and bath latex and hybrid sealants for tubs and showers. Several all-purpose caulks say not for a bath or shower, so check the tube.
Where
Painting over it?
What to use
13 products’ makers list this place.
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How long before you can shower
| Product | Type | Water or rain | Paint |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAP 100% Silicone Kitchen, Bath & Plumbing | 100% silicone | Water ready in 12 hours | Not paintable |
| DAP SILICONE MAX Kitchen & Bath | 100% silicone | Water resistant in 30 minutes at 73°F and 50% humidity | Not paintable |
| GE Advanced Silicone 2 Kitchen & Bath | 100% silicone | Water ready in 30 minutes under GE’s conditions, otherwise 8 hours | Not paintable |
| GE Supreme Silicone Kitchen & Bath | 100% silicone | Water ready in 30 minutes under GE’s conditions, otherwise 8 hours | Not paintable |
| GE Tub & Tile Silicone 1 | 100% silicone | Water ready in 12 hours under GE’s conditions, otherwise 24 hours | Not paintable |
| DAP AMP Kitchen & Bath | Hybrid sealant | Water ready in 30 minutes with a bead up to 3/16 inch | Paintable in 30 minutes with latex paint |
| GE Paintable Silicone Supreme Kitchen & Bath | Hybrid sealant | Water ready in 30 minutes under GE’s conditions, otherwise 8 hours | Paintable in 60 minutes with latex, otherwise 2 hours |
| GE Pro Seal Max Kitchen & Bath | Hybrid sealant | Water ready right away | Paintable in 60 minutes with latex, otherwise 2 hours |
| DAP KWIK SEAL | Latex caulk | Water ready in 24 hours (white) or 36 hours (clear) | Paintable in 2 hours (white) |
| DAP KWIK SEAL ULTRA | Latex caulk | Water ready in 4 hours | Not paintable |
| GE Advanced Siliconized Acrylic Kitchen & Bath | Latex caulk | Water ready in 24 hours under GE’s conditions, otherwise once fully cured | Paintable in 30 minutes with latex, otherwise 2 hours |
| Red Devil Kitchen & Bath Siliconized | Latex caulk | Keep water off for 24 hours | Paintable in 2 hours (white and colors) or 72 hours (clear) |
| Sashco Lexel | Rubber-based sealant | Sashco calls it instantly waterproof | Paintable in 1 to 2 days with water-based paint |
Each product’s own figures, from its maker’s page or data sheet. Times depend on bead size, temperature and humidity.
GE’s silicone guide adds that most GE silicones handle light splashes after 30 minutes but need 24 hours before full use or scrubbing. GE Paintable Silicone Supreme and GE’s Siliconized Acrylic Kitchen & Bath list tubs, not showers.
What “mildew resistant” means
The claims cover the sealant, not the dirt on it. GE’s kitchen and bath data sheets say fully cured sealant resists stain-causing mold and mildew, but needs regular cleaning, because soap and other residue can grow mold on the surface. DAP says the same of AMP: regular cleaning is required to remove soap scum and dirt.
Before the new bead
- Take the old caulk out first. GE says new silicone over old rarely holds. See silicone for removal.
- Wipe the joint with isopropyl alcohol, and keep soap off it: GE says silicone won’t adhere where soap residue is left.
- GE’s Advanced Silicone 2 and Supreme Kitchen & Bath data sheets say to use backer rod for gaps larger than 3/8 inch deep by 3/8 inch wide.
Sealing somewhere else?
Caulk finder