Choosing a Caulk for Bathroom Sink and Tub Installations

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The bathroom is a tricky place to keep looking its best simply because of all the moisture.

From high humidity in the air to water around the sink and tub, there is ample opportunity for moisture to creep past the surface and cause mold.

Caulk is the key to keeping water on the surface where it will dry quickly and cause no issues. But what caulk products can really hold up to everyday use in the bathroom without cracking or growing mold?

Here’s how to pick the right caulk for bathroom use around the sink and bathtub.

Look for the Bathroom Use Label

Almost any caulk product explicitly labeled for bathroom use will work. Don’t assume a caulk designed for outdoor use is a good choice.

While it will offer some water resistance, it may not be designed to withstand the constant exposure that can occur in a bathroom.

Also, outdoor home products, in general, tend to off-gas unsafe chemicals into the air, making them a lousy choice for using indoors. Avoid acrylic caulk products for this purpose, even if they’re labeled for bathroom use.

Consider a Silicone Formula

For the longest-lasting caulk around a bathroom sink or bathtub, look for a 100% silicone formula.

Silicone is flexible and soft, which ensures that it won’t crack and cause water to seep in. It’s also good at bonding strongly to many different materials used in the bath, making it easy to work seamlessly between acrylic surrounds and ceramic tiles.

However, silicone is difficult to work with and requires solvents to clean up. Homeowners who aren’t familiar with handling caulk themselves may want to stick with a product that is only partially silicone for an easier DIY experience.

Try a Latex Combination

For the easiest bathtub caulk upgrade, try a caulking product that combines both silicone and latex into one mixture.

Siliconized latex caulks remain easier to clean up than pure silicone products, but they still offer the flexibility and mold resistance that makes them better than pure latex or acrylic products. Cleanup requirements vary based on the amount of silicone, but most latex-based caulks either require only water and soap or a mild solvent.

Stick with caulk products designed for bathroom use, and the results should be satisfactory no matter what. Make sure that all new bathtubs, sinks, and tub faucets from Kingston Brass are installed with the right materials to ensure they look good for years to come.