How to Reseal a Shower & Bath

Resealing a bathroom refers to the process of removing and replacing the old silicone sealant around the edges of your sink, shower, bath and other bathroom fixtures. By refreshing the sealant, you’ll reinforce the waterproof properties, preventing leaks, mould build-up and other moisture damage.

Resealing your bathroom is a quick and simple DIY task, especially with the help of this handy guide.

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Resealing a bathroom reinforces its waterproof properties to prevent leaks, mould growth and moisture damage.
Mould and mildew often grow because old or damaged sealant allows moisture to build up.
Depending on how often you use it, you should reseal your shower or bath every 1-2 years.
Signs that your bathroom needs resealing include cracks or peeling of the sealant, mould or mildew build-up and water pools forming.

Why should you reseal your shower and bath?

The main reason behind resealing your shower or bath is to prevent water damage, whether that’s by stopping leaks from forming which could lead to structural damage or reducing mould or mildew growth, which is not only unsightly but unhealthy for ventilation purposes. This is caused by old or damaged sealant allowing moisture to build up, causing the onset of fungus.

There's also the benefit of keeping your bathroom looking fresh and presentable when resealing fixtures. Over time, sealant often cracks and becomes discoloured, causing the space to look worn and unsightly.

How often should you reseal your shower and bath?

Generally, it’s advised that you reseal your bathroom fixtures every 1 to 2 years, depending on its condition and how much the bathroom is used. To make it easier, you can look out for the following signs that it’s time to reseal:

Cracks or peeling of the sealant
Mould or mildew growth that general cleaning can’t remove
Water pooling in areas it shouldn’t

Silicone sealant (waterproof and mould-resistant)
Sealant gun
Sealant remover tool or utility knife
Masking tape
Silicone smoothing tool or spoon
Cleaning cloths
Rubbing alcohol or bathroom cleaner
Protective gloves

Step-by-step guide to resealing a shower enclosure

Here’s our step-by-step guide for how to seal your shower and shower tray.

Firstly, you’ll need to remove the old sealant using a specialist remover tool or a utility knife. Gently scrape away the old sealant, ensuring you don’t damage your fixture or the wall. To make it easier, apply a sealant remover before you start.

Once the sealant is removed, wipe down the area using bathroom cleaner to remove any dirt or residue from the old sealant.

Run tape along both sides of where the sealant line will go to protect your fixtures and walls, while also ensuring accuracy during application.

Load your chosen sealant into a sealant gun and slowly apply a smooth, even bead along the gap between your masking tape lines.

For best results, you’ll want to gently press down your sealant using a smoothing tool or your damp finger for professional-looking results. Once you’re happy, gently remove the masking tape.

Once your sealant has fully dried (usually between 24-48 hours), your shower is ready to use.

Some shower trays flex, which means it slightly bends or warps when pressure is added to it (like someone standing on the tray). Check for movement in yours; if it flexes, make sure you use flexible sealant to prevent any cracks forming early on.

When it comes to resealing a shower tray, you should follow the same general process as above but focus on the edges where the tray meets the wall and floor. You’ll want to ensure a watertight seal so that excess water doesn’t build up under the tray.

Step-by-step guide to sealing a bath

The process of resealing a bath is very similar resealing a shower, except you’ve got to take extra care for any movement. Here’s our step-by-step guide.

Before you begin resealing, fill the bath with water to mimic the weight when in use, preventing cracks from forming later.

Gently scrape away the old sealant, ensuring you don’t damage your fixture or the wall. To make it easier, apply a sealant remover before you start.

Once the sealant is removed, wipe down the area using bathroom cleaner to remove any dirt or residue from the old sealant.

Run tape along both sides of where the sealant line will go to protect your fixtures and walls, while also ensuring accuracy during application.

Make sure to choose flexible sealant to counteract cracks from forming as your bath expands and contracts when in use. Load it into a sealant gun and slowly apply a smooth, even bead along the gap between your masking tape lines.

Make sure your sealant completely fills any small gaps between the bath and the wall so that water doesn’t seep into them. Once you’re happy, gently remove the masking tape.

Once your sealant has fully dried (usually between 24-48 hours), your bath is ready to use.

Final tips for a long-lasting seal

There are a few things you can do to prolong the lifespan of your sealant, and to give it the best chances of fulfilling its purpose. Here are our experts’ tips:

Always choose a mould-resistant and waterproof sealant
Allow at least 24 hours for drying before using the shower or bath
Wipe down sealed areas regularly to prevent dirt and mould build-up

Resealing your bathroom is a simple but essential DIY task to undergo, keeping your bathroom looking revitalised and functioning at its best.

If you found this how-to guide helpful, check out our other bathroom advice

FAQs

It can take anywhere between 24-48 hours for bathroom sealant to fully dry. This covers all types of fixtures, but keep in mind that some sealants do have faster drying times so always check the label first.

To effectively remove mould from your bathroom sealant, all you need to do is scrub it using a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda, or by using a specialist mould remover product. Apply the mixture, let it sit for 10-15 minutes and then start gently scrubbing with a brush or cloth. If the mould is extra stubborn, it may be time to replace the sealant.

For sparkling results, clean your bathroom sealant by spraying the area with a white vinegar solution (diluted and non-diluted works, depending on the level of dirt), leaving it to sit for a few minutes and then gently scrubbing the sealant using an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush. Finally, rinse with water.