Which sealant for a shower stall is better?

Having thoroughly suffered, running around the shops and choosing the coveted miracle for yourself - a shower stall, there is literally nothing left to do - to assemble it.

Many begin to call their friend Uncle Kolya to come and help put together new clothes, and some, having gathered their courage, decide to do everything on their own. Considering that there is nothing super complicated in this, such a step will really save money.

But unexpectedly a treacherous question may arise. What sealant is best to use? How to apply it and, most importantly, where?

Walking into any store, you can get confused by the abundance of different types of sealants. They have different colors. They are based on silicone and acrylic, polyurethane. Others even use car sealants.

What types of sealants are there for shower cabins?

Sealing of plumbing fixtures is possible with various compounds:

1. Acrylic based: the cheapest and easiest to use. They are easy to apply, can be varnished or painted over, and are odorless. They do not change color under the sun and do not lose their properties at temperatures from -25 to +80 degrees. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting low elasticity. Therefore, it should not be used on deformable seams. Acrylic sealants can be waterproof or non-waterproof. Naturally, for shower cabins you can only use the option that is not afraid of water.
2. Silicone based. Well suited for places where there is high humidity. They tightly seal cracks, are not afraid of water, cope well with temperature changes, and do not lose their properties at temperatures ranging from -50 to +200 degrees. The main disadvantage is the need to use additional devices; the sealant is very viscous and does not flow into the cracks on its own. It cannot be used on polyacrylic and polycarbonate, since there are micropores on their surface. The substance in these pores increases in volume, expanding them.

Reference! In addition to silicone used in construction, aquarium sealants can be used for showers. They are load-resistant and do not leak.

Silicone compounds can be divided into several types:

1. Acid or vinegar based. The cheapest products, but they oxidize metals during their own hardening process. This makes it impossible to use them on metal surfaces.
2. Neutral compounds. They cost a little more, but do not have the negative qualities of acid sealants.
3. Based on silicone acrylic. The best combination of neutral and acid sealant. Acceptable strength is combined with the possibility of long-term use and good elasticity. In addition, this product is applicable to various materials. They often replace glue.
4. Based on polyurethane. Very effective and easy to use. Easily bears loads.

Which sealant is best for a shower - selection criteria

While near the counter, in addition to the main composition, it would be useful to study other properties of the substance:

1. Color. Select a composition that will match the color of the surface being treated. If you can’t find one, then use a transparent composition.
2. Water resistance. The composition must certainly not be afraid of moisture. Otherwise, he simply will not be able to “survive” constant contact with her. When purchasing, make sure it is exactly what you need.
3. Resistance to bacteria. An excellent option would be if the substance has additives that protect against fungus and bacteria. This will prevent mold from occurring.
4. Various additions. Silicone sealants can have a variety of additions to their composition. It’s good if they do not exceed a tenth. Otherwise it is no longer a sealant. This stuff won't last long.

Attention! You should not focus on the cost of the product. Having gained financially, you can lose in quality.

Popular brands

Today, sealants are produced by many companies. When buying a product, read the information about the manufacturer; it’s better to pay a little more, but take the product from a company that has already made a name for itself in the construction market.

The most popular of them are given below.

"Tytan" ("Titan") produced by the Polish company "Selena". This composition has proven itself well when working with plumbing fixtures. Made from acrylic and silicone. Its only drawback is its volume (310 milliliters).

Moment is a company well known to most Russians. The manufacturer produces not only glue, but also sealants. Packaged in packages of various sizes.

“Ciki Fix” is produced in Turkey, is inexpensive and has good quality. Suitable for gluing small decorative elements.

"Ceresit" is produced by a German company. It is well suited for plumbing fixtures, but it is contraindicated to use it for sealing aquariums, as well as gluing food appliances.

Dow Corning performs excellent on any surface and is water resistant. It has a thick consistency, and when it gets into the cracks, it completely covers them. Contains an antifungal additive.