Bathrooom silicone: which one?

Question

The silicone strip I put on the bottom edge of our shower cubicle last year is peeling off[1].

I'm really fed up of going to a shop these days and finding a completely bewildering selection of "silicones" to use. Some are really cheap (clearly so rubbish they're not worth even manufacturing), and some are astoundingly expensive.

I don't mind paying top price for a top product, but I often get the feeling I'm being ripped off by big-name companies.

What's the best silicone for general domestic bathroom/kitchen usages, please, anyone?

And is there a foolproof way of keeping it in good condition in the months intervening, before you nest need to use the tube? :-)

Ta John

[1] A rider: last year *after* I'd sealed the cubicle with a nice neat strip, inside and out, a separate thread in here said something about "Don't seal the inside, only the outside" Is that right (or was it the other way round?) ISTR that it was something about water getting trapped, and thus the silicone more easily losing grip and peeling away ...

F · Accepted Answer

Cursitor Doom · Answer

Whatever you do, don't use B&Q's own brand silicon sealants; they're crap  to the nth degree.

Olav M · Answer

Screwfix No-Nonsense brand works for me. After use, clean nozzle, tape over with masking tape or similar. But some  air will leak IN and start to cure causing a "rubbery" plug to form, but  this can be prised out with a small screwdriver, else cut nozzle shorter..

A.Lee · Answer

Screwfix's No-nonsense Sanitary Silicone. Excellent stuff.

. It's cheap enough to throw away. Or, put a screw into the nozzle end, then when you want to re-use, take off the old nozzle and fit a new one.

rbel · Answer

Either Dow Corning for white or Mapei for coloured - they do a good quality range of matching grouts and sealants.

The Medway Handyman · Answer

+1

Jim Hawkins · Answer

What's the Unibond one like ? Jim Hawkins

thescullster · Answer

Dow Corning 785 every day of the week but it's not cheap! The amount of anti-mould ingredient in it gives off a vapour to make your eyes water. But if you only want to do the job once...

You'll need to clean and prepare the contact area well first.

Also, if the problem you are having is with a flexible shower enclosure "wall" that moves about when you lean on it, then it's doubtful even the best sealer will prevent leakage.

Phil

Another John · Answer

Thanks Phil - and others so far for the advice.

To return to my cheeky 2-for-1 supplementary question:

Well it doesn't really move about -- it's the bottom edge of a metal-framed glass cabinet (square type, not one o these fancy new curved jobs).

Cheers J.

dom · Answer

+1 I've used Dow 785 in 2 showers and around a bath, both white and clear formulations - thoroughly recommended.

Bathrooom silicone: which one?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?