Silicon sealant

Don't know about Lidl's but generally yes. Divide the "guaranteed for xx years" on the tube by about 5 to get the actual possible lifetime (the years on the tube esxist only in a parallel universe somewhere - bit like the number of rolls of wallpaper a packet of paste will put up). "Guaranteed 35 years" from a reputable maker (eg Dow-Corning) is usually fairly good.

Cheap stuff won't last 2 mins. Get some dow corning.

Further to that consider the problems of removing it, if it turns bad on you.

I would buy the best from a reputable brand.

I have used Lidl white silicon sealant a few times on rented property bathrooms and its ok, but not as good as for instances Dow Corning.

To put it another way, its about half as good as Dow Corning but 1/4 of the price.

versions?

If it smells of vinegar as it sets then usually it's good. No vinegary smell and chalky feel then no good!!

AWEM

I suspect that's just the difference between acetoxy (vinegary smell) and non-acetoxy types. In some applications (can't remember which) the acetic acid given off by acetoxy cure silicones is undesirable.

As for durability, the thing that makes sealants unacceptable quickly is mildew. I've had that on Cow Dorning as well as El Cheapo brands, due to protracted high humidity. Humidistat-controlled fans are a step in the right direction but the rest of the house has to be warm and dry for the fan to reduce the humitidy in the room. I've got a dehumidifier in the bathroom.

DON'T BUY IT!!!

I bought some cheap stuff from Aldi. I suspect the LIDL stuff is the same. (about £2 per tube) It was a complete waste of time - I've had to redo the shower I used it on. If I could I would sue the sods for wasted time and effort.

The ALDI stuff that doesn't smell of vinegar and takes at least 48 hours to set. Skin forms after an hour (I think) If you get any water on it before it has fully set it starts to dissolve.

I think the Wickes £4.50 one is okay - I suspect the more expensive one they do is rubbish - but I'm basing that on the curing times they give and the fact they say it doesn't smell.

The so called "Neutral Cure" ones are good, however don't assume that they are actually silicone unless it says so. You get the same lack of smell with non silicone acrylic sealants, which will be very poor in comparison.

Use a "sanitary" type in damp atmospheres as well.

Sounds like an acrylic sealant rather than a silicone one then...

Yup. Excellent stuiff, but not silicone. 'Decorators Caulk'

Lidl and Aldi do both silicone and acrylic sealants.. make sure you use the right one as it was in German last time.

I've used their silicon sealant and it seemed the same as shed branded stuff - ie ok but much cheaper. Are you sure what you used was actually silicon? Most of their products like this have poor or non existing English descriptions.

Mmm, I suggest buying silicone sealant instead :-)

Owain

Screwfix do an acceptable sanitary silicone at about £1.70 IIRC.

Hi,

I also am fixing up my bathroom and fitting a bathroom suite, taps and shower ect not sure if this helps but i got a great deal on a bathroom suite from

Hope this helps,

John.