Top Pick: Gorilla 100% Silicone Sealant ($8) is the best caulk for showers and tubs. It’s truly waterproof, mold-resistant, and won’t shrink or crack. For small repairs without a caulk gun, grab the Gorilla Silicone squeeze tube ($6).
Types of Caulk Explained
100% Silicone
The gold standard for wet areas. Completely waterproof, stays flexible for years, resists mold. Downsides: can’t be painted, harder to tool smoothly, requires mineral spirits for cleanup.
Use for: Showers, tubs, sink edges—anywhere water sits
Acrylic Latex (Painter’s Caulk)
Easy to apply, cleans up with water, paintable. But it absorbs moisture over time and shrinks. Will crack and fail in wet areas within 2-3 years.
Use for: Baseboards, crown molding, window trim—NOT bathrooms
Silicone-Acrylic Hybrid (Kitchen & Bath)
Combines benefits of both: easier to apply than pure silicone, more water-resistant than acrylic. Decent middle ground but won’t match pure silicone durability in showers.
Use for: Bathroom sinks, backsplashes, areas with occasional splashing
Our Top 5 Picks
Gorilla 100% Silicone Sealant $8
Gorilla 100% Silicone is the top choice for wet areas. It’s waterproof from day one, mold and mildew resistant, and won’t yellow, shrink, or crack over time. Bonds to tile, fiberglass, porcelain, and glass. This is what you want around shower doors, tub surrounds, and anywhere that gets soaked daily. Lasts 10-20 years.
✓ Pros
- Truly waterproof
- Mold-resistant
- Flexible, long-lasting
✗ Cons
- Can’t paint it
- Needs mineral spirits for cleanup
Best for: Showers, tubs, shower doors
Gorilla Silicone Squeeze Tube $6
Don’t want to buy a caulk gun for one small repair? The Gorilla Silicone 2.8oz squeeze tube gives you the same waterproof performance in a convenient tube. Perfect for touching up a gap around the sink or patching a small section around the tub. Same 100% silicone formula, just easier to control.
✓ Pros
- No caulk gun needed
- Great for small jobs
- Less waste
✗ Cons
- More expensive per ounce
- Not practical for large jobs
Best for: Touch-ups, sink edges, small gaps
DAP Kwik Seal Plus $5
DAP Kwik Seal Plus is a hybrid formula that’s easier to work with than pure silicone and more water-resistant than basic acrylic. Good for bathroom sinks and vanity backsplashes where water exposure is occasional, not constant. Easy cleanup, smooth application, fair durability.
✓ Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to apply
- Water-resistant
✗ Cons
- Not as durable as 100% silicone in wet areas
Best for: Bathroom sinks, vanity gaps, budget repairs
GE Supreme Silicone with Microban $10
If you’ve had mold problems or have poor bathroom ventilation, GE Supreme Silicone with Microban antimicrobial protection actively fights mold growth. It’s 100% silicone for full waterproofing plus built-in mold prevention. Worth the extra few bucks if you’re sealing a shower in a humid bathroom.
✓ Pros
- Active mold prevention
- 100% silicone
- 10-year mold-free guarantee
✗ Cons
- Costs more
- Still can’t be painted
Best for: High-humidity bathrooms, previous mold issues
DAP Alex Plus $5
When you need to paint over the caulk—like where a vanity meets the wall—DAP Alex Plus is your only real choice. It’s acrylic latex with silicone added for flexibility. Accepts paint, cleans up with water, and handles light moisture. Just don’t use it in the shower.
✓ Pros
- Paintable
- Easy cleanup
- Flexible
✗ Cons
- Not waterproof
- Will fail in wet areas
Best for: Painted trim, wall gaps, non-wet areas
Application Tips
Prep is Everything
Old caulk must come out completely. Use a caulk removal tool or razor blade. Clean with rubbing alcohol and let dry. Caulk won’t stick to dirty, wet, or oily surfaces.
Cut the Tip Right
Cut at a 45° angle. Smaller hole = smaller bead. For most bathroom joints, a 1/4” bead is plenty.
Tool It Smoothly
Run a wet finger (for silicone) or damp sponge (for acrylic) along the bead immediately after applying. One smooth pass—don’t go back and forth.
Let It Cure
Silicone needs 24 hours before water exposure. Don’t use the shower until it’s fully cured.
FAQ
Can I caulk over old caulk? No. New caulk won’t bond to old caulk. Remove all old caulk, clean the surface, then apply fresh.
Why does my caulk keep turning black? That’s mold growing on or in the caulk. Switch to 100% silicone with mold resistance and improve bathroom ventilation (run the fan during and 30 minutes after showers).
Clear or white caulk? Clear works with any color but shows dirt more. White is classic for most bathrooms. Match your grout or fixtures if unsure.
How often should I recaulk? Quality silicone: every 10-15 years. Acrylic: every 2-3 years. If you see cracks, gaps, or mold that won’t clean off, it’s time.