Bathrooms & Tiling · 8 min read · Beginner

How to Reseal a Bath or Shower with Silicone

Remove failed silicone, clean and dry the joint properly, then apply a continuous bathroom seal with the correct cure time.

Key points & steps

Find out why the seal failed before replacing it. Movement, a loose bath/shower tray, water getting behind tiles or persistent mould can make new silicone fail again.
Remove the old sealant completely using a suitable scraper/removal tool and sealant remover where needed, taking care not to damage the bath, shower tray or tile surface.
Clean away soap residue, mould and remaining silicone contamination, then let the joint become completely dry before applying new sealant unless the chosen product specifically permits otherwise.
Choose a sanitary/bathroom silicone compatible with the surfaces involved, especially for natural stone, acrylics or specialist finishes.
For a bath that can flex under load, follow the bath/sealant manufacturer’s guidance; a common method is to fill the bath before sealing and keep it loaded until the silicone has cured.
Cut the nozzle to suit the joint, apply a continuous bead with steady pressure and avoid leaving gaps or bubbles at corners.
Tool the bead promptly with a proper smoothing tool, remove masking tape before the silicone skins, and avoid repeatedly touching the joint as it cures.
Keep the bath/shower out of service for the full cure period stated on the cartridge, not just until the surface feels dry.

New silicone does not reliably bond to dirty remnants of old silicone, so preparation is the most important part of the repair.
Do not assume every sealant is safe on natural stone or every plastic bath/tray.
If the joint opens because the bath or tray itself moves excessively, fix that movement first.