Bath & Kitchen Sealant

About Bath & Kitchen Sealant

Bath and kitchen sealant is an essential product for any tradesperson or DIY enthusiast working on wet area installations, renovations, or repairs. These specialised silicone-based sealants create flexible, waterproof barriers around baths, showers, sinks, and worktops, preventing water ingress that can lead to damp, mould, and structural damage. Unlike standard decorators' caulk, bath and kitchen sealants are specifically formulated to withstand constant exposure to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and cleaning chemicals whilst maintaining their flexibility and adhesion over many years.

Our range includes high-quality products from trusted manufacturers including Everbuild, Polycell, and Unibond, each offering different formulations to suit specific applications. Whether you're sealing around a new bathroom suite, repairing failing joints, or completing a kitchen worktop installation, choosing the right sealant is crucial for achieving a professional, long-lasting finish. Modern bath and kitchen sealants offer enhanced features such as anti-mould protection, quick-drying formulas, and low-modulus flexibility that accommodates movement without cracking or peeling.

Available in cartridges for use with standard sealant guns or convenient squeeze tubes for smaller jobs, these products provide professional-grade protection against water damage. Many formulations now include fungicidal additives that actively resist the growth of black mould, making them ideal for high-humidity environments like bathrooms and en-suites where ventilation may be limited.

Jargon Buster

• Acetoxy Cure: A type of silicone sealant that releases acetic acid (vinegar smell) during curing. Provides excellent adhesion but should not be used on certain metals or natural stone as it can cause corrosion or staining.
• Low-Modulus Sealant: A flexible formulation that accommodates significant joint movement without losing adhesion or cracking. Essential for sealing areas subject to thermal expansion or structural movement.
• Fungicidal/Anti-Mould: Sealants containing biocides that prevent the growth of mould, mildew, and bacteria on the sealant surface, keeping bathrooms and kitchens hygienic and looking cleaner for longer.
• Sanitary Sealant: Specifically formulated for wet room applications, offering superior water resistance and typically including anti-fungal properties to meet hygiene requirements in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Shore Hardness: A measure of the sealant's flexibility and resistance to indentation once cured. Lower shore hardness indicates a more flexible sealant suitable for joints with movement.
• Tooling Time: The working period after application during which you can smooth and shape the sealant bead before a skin forms on the surface, typically 5-15 minutes depending on the product.

Who Uses Bath & Kitchen Sealant?

• Plumbers and heating engineers installing bathrooms, showers, and kitchen sinks
• Bathroom fitters specialising in wet room installations and renovations
• Kitchen fitters and joiners sealing worktops, splashbacks, and sink units
• Tilers finishing joints between tiles and sanitaryware
• Property maintenance contractors carrying out repairs and refurbishments
• Window fitters sealing window boards and internal reveals in kitchens and bathrooms
• Social housing maintenance teams conducting routine repairs and void property refurbishments
• DIY enthusiasts and homeowners tackling bathroom upgrades, re-sealing projects, and general home maintenance
• Facilities management professionals maintaining commercial kitchens and washroom facilities

How to Choose the Right Bath & Kitchen Sealant

Selecting the appropriate sealant for your project depends on several key factors. First, consider the substrate materials you're sealing between – some sealants may react with natural stone, certain metals, or specific plastics, so always check compatibility. For most ceramic, acrylic, and enamel surfaces, a standard sanitary silicone will perform excellently.

The colour of your sealant matters both aesthetically and practically. White remains the most popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens, though clear sealant can be useful for glass, coloured tiles, or natural stone where you want an invisible finish. Products like Everbuild Forever White are specifically designed to resist yellowing and maintain their bright appearance.

Anti-mould properties are essential in high-humidity environments. Look for sealants containing fungicidal additives that actively prevent black mould growth, reducing maintenance and keeping your installation looking fresh. This is particularly important in bathrooms with limited ventilation or high usage.

Consider the application method most suitable for your needs. Standard cartridges used with a skeleton or battery-powered sealant gun offer the most control for larger projects, whilst easy-squeeze tubes are ideal for smaller repairs or occasional use. Some products like the Polycell sealant strip offer a completely different, no-gun-required application method.

Check the curing time and tooling window – faster-curing products allow quicker completion but offer less time for achieving a perfect finish. Most professional-grade sealants provide 10-15 minutes tooling time, sufficient for smoothing joints before the surface skins over.

Popular Accessories

• Sealant guns – skeleton frame or ratchet-style applicators, including battery-powered models from Makita and Milwaukee for high-volume professional use
• Finishing tools and smoothers – dedicated profiling tools for achieving perfect, consistent sealant beads
• Sealant remover and softener – chemical products that break down old silicone for easy removal during re-sealing jobs
• Utility knives and scrapers – for cutting cartridge nozzles and removing old sealant
• Masking tape – for creating clean, straight edges on either side of the joint
• Cleaning wipes and denatured alcohol – for preparing surfaces and cleaning tools
• Cartridge storage caps – to seal partially-used cartridges for future use
• Pointing and grouting tools – for working sealant into difficult corners and joints

Safety Information

When working with bath and kitchen sealants, ensure adequate ventilation in the work area, particularly when using acetoxy-cure silicones that release acetic acid vapours during curing. Open windows and use extraction fans to maintain fresh air circulation.

Wear appropriate protective gloves when applying sealant to prevent skin contact and irritation. Uncured silicone can be difficult to remove from skin and may cause sensitivity in some individuals. Safety glasses are advisable when cutting cartridge nozzles or removing old sealant to protect eyes from splashes or flying debris.

Always check the product's COSHH data and manufacturer's safety information before use. Some sealants contain fungicides and other chemicals that require specific handling procedures. Keep products away from children and pets, and store cartridges in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

When removing old sealant, take care with sharp blades to avoid damaging underlying surfaces or causing personal injury. Dispose of empty cartridges and waste sealant in accordance with local authority guidelines and environmental regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does bath and kitchen sealant take to cure fully?

Most sanitary silicone sealants will skin over within 10-30 minutes, but full cure typically takes 24-48 hours depending on temperature, humidity, and the depth of the bead. Whilst the surface may feel dry earlier, avoid exposing the joint to water until fully cured to ensure maximum performance and adhesion. Thicker beads in deeper joints will take longer to cure as silicone cures from the outside in.

Can I apply new sealant over old sealant?

No, this is not recommended. New sealant will not adhere properly to old silicone, leading to premature failure. Always completely remove existing sealant using a utility knife, scraper, or dedicated sealant remover, then thoroughly clean and degrease the surfaces before applying fresh sealant. This ensures proper adhesion to the substrate rather than to the old, potentially failing sealant.

What's the difference between bathroom sealant and general-purpose silicone?

Bathroom and kitchen sealants are specifically formulated as low-modulus products with enhanced flexibility and typically include anti-fungal additives to prevent mould growth in wet, humid environments. General-purpose silicone may not contain these fungicides and could be less flexible, making it unsuitable for sanitary applications where constant water exposure and cleaning chemical contact occur.

How do I achieve a smooth, professional finish?

Apply an even bead of sealant slightly overfilling the joint, then use a wet finger, dedicated smoothing tool, or soapy water spray to tool the joint within the working time. Work in one continuous motion to create a consistent profile. Many professionals apply masking tape to either side of the joint before sealing, removing it immediately after tooling for perfectly straight edges.

Why has my white sealant turned yellow or mouldy?

Yellowing typically occurs with lower-quality sealants or products not specifically designed for wet areas, often caused by UV exposure or reactions with cleaning products. Black mould growth indicates either the sealant lacks adequate fungicidal protection, or it has reached the end of its effective life. Products like Everbuild Forever White are specifically formulated to resist both yellowing and mould growth, maintaining their appearance for longer in demanding bathroom environments.