Note: This DIY article is provided as a general guide only and is not intended to take the place of product-specific installation procedures; always follow applicable manufacturers’ instructions. Depending on your home’s age and condition, location within the home, and other potential factors, repairs and/or upgrades or other services may be necessary prior to the beginning and/or completion of your project that may involve the services of a home improvement professional. This article does not include advice pertaining to local building codes and/or any related inspections.

It’s no secret that bathrooms are constantly exposed to moisture and humidity. For that reason, these areas can also be at risk for mold or mildew growth and water damage. But did you know using a sealant is an easy way to help protect bathrooms from these issues? Here are 5 easy steps to start you sealing DIY project.

  1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT BATHROOM CAULK OR SEALANT SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THIS AGAIN AND AGAIN.
    To stand up to the daily demands of a bathroom, you can choose either a 100% silicone, paintable silicone, or acrylic caulk or sealant.For surfaces most at risk of water exposure and mold growth, 100% silicone is ideal. Advanced Silicone 2™ Kitchen & Bath sealant is a 100% silicone sealant that is 100% waterproof with 10-year mold-free product protection1. It offers excellent flexibility and strong adhesion and can be water ready in 30 minutes2.If your project needs to be painted but is still at risk of water or humidity, you’ll need a paintable silicone. These products offer the durability and water resistance of a silicone as well as the paintable attributes of an acrylic latex. Paintable Silicone Supreme Kitchen & Bath sealant is 100% waterproof and offers 10-year mold-free product protection1. It is permanently flexible and paint-ready in 30 minutes3 to keep projects on schedule.If the surface will need to be painted but is seldomly exposed to moisture or humidity, consider siliconized acrylic latex caulks and sealants. Siliconized Advanced Acrylic Kitchen & Bath sealant is a paintable sealant offering waterproof protection, mold-resistance1, and exceptional flexibility.
  2. CLEAN THE SURFACE.
    Remove old sealant from your shower, bathtub, sink or countertop. Typically, it needs to be cut, scraped or chipped away from these areas using a utility knife, putty knife or painter’s multi-tool. To assure proper adhesion, remove soap scum and other residue from the surface prior to application. Thoroughly rinse the area with soap and wipe away excess water.TIP: Wiping the joint with alcohol or window cleaner ensures no soapy residue is left behind.
  3. OPEN THE TUBE AND SEAL.
    Cut nozzle of your bathroom cartridge to the desired bead size. Pierce inner seal with seal punch found on most caulk guns. Insert cartridge into caulk gun. Squeeze with even, consistent pressure to control the rate the sealant leaves the tube. After laying your bead of caulk, smooth sealant into the joint with a gloved fingerTIP: Apply masking tape or painter’s tape to either side of a joint to create a straight edge before applying caulk to your surface.
  4. CLEAN UP.
    Before caulk cures, wipe away excess sealant on surface, hands and tools with a dry cloth.Want to learn more DIY tips and tricks? Visit our Projects & How To’s page for more.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

GE SILICONE 1™ TUB & TILE SEALANT

100% silicone, permanently waterproof bathroom sealant formulated with 7-year mold-free product protection.

GE SILICONE 2™+ KITCHEN & BATH SEALANT

30-minute water-ready2, 10-year mold-free product protection1 100% silicone bathroom sealant for use around showers, sinks, tubs, tile and countertops.

GE SUPREME SILICONE KITCHEN & BATH SEALANT

30-minute water-ready2, lifetime mold-free product protection1 sealant for kitchens, baths and plumbing applications.

GE PAINTABLE SILICONE SUPREME KITCHEN & BATH SEALANT

GE Supreme Paintable Silicone Kitchen & Bath sealant combines the outstanding durability and adhesion performance of 100% silicone with the paintability of acrylic. Supreme Paintable Silicone sealant can be painted with a brush or roller after just 30 minutes3 or spray-painted immediately. 30-minute water-ready2, 10-year mold-free product protection1.

WHERE TO BUY

Find GE-branded caulks and sealants near you.

HOW MUCH DO I NEED?

One 10.1 oz. cartridge is enough to caulk two bathtubs and one sink.

1 Fully cured sealant is resistant to stain-causing mold and mildew. Regular cleaning of sealant is required however, as soap and other residue may cause secondary mold and mildew growth

2Exposure to water possible in as little as 30 minutes with bead size max 3/16″”, temperature min 65°F and humidity min 50%. Otherwise, sealant should not be exposed to water for 8 hours. Do not touch or clean sealant for 24 hours 5While this is neutral curing methoxy silicone will not blemish most metal finishes, testing of product on a small indiscreet area before use is recommended.

3Sealant can be painted in as little as 30 minutes with bead size 3/16″”, temperature min 65°F & humidity min 50%. Otherwise, seals should not be painted for 2 hours. Spray paint can be applied immediately. Apply paint with reduced applicator pressure to avoid disturbing the caulk. Not recommended with oil-based paints. If oil-based paints are used, first test by applying an acrylic primer and paint in a small, inconspicuous area.