A quality caulk can make or break your bathroom project. Whether you’re dealing with moldy seams, peeling lines, or prepping a brand-new bathtub, the right sealant prevents leaks, resists mildew, and keeps your bathroom looking fresh for years.
We reviewed dozens of sealants and narrowed down the best-performing formulas for different needs. Below are our top 12 bathtub caulks for 2025, categorized by use case, and complete with detailed pros, cons, and verdicts for each:
1) Best All-Around Silicone Caulk: Gorilla Waterproof Silicone Sealant Caulk
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Type: 100% Silicone
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Color Options: White, Clear
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Water-Ready: 30 minutes
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Volume: 10 oz
Pros:
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Excellent adhesion to a wide range of surfaces (ceramic, glass, metal)
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Mold and mildew resistant
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Quick water-ready time
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Long-lasting flexibility and durability
Cons:
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Requires solvent cleanup
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Can be tricky to smooth if overapplied
Verdict:
A top-tier option that balances strength, longevity, and ease of use—great for bathrooms, kitchens, and tubs that see daily use.
2) Best for Bold, Modern Bathrooms: Bebobly Black Silicone Caulk & Sealant
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Type: 100% Silicone
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Color: Black
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Waterproof: Yes
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Volume: 10.2 oz
Pros:
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Sleek black finish for high-contrast or industrial designs
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100% waterproof and flexible
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Crack-proof and shrink-resistant
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Can be used indoors or outdoors
Cons:
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Not paintable
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Only available in black
Verdict:
Perfect for modern bathrooms, RVs, or exterior trims where aesthetics meet performance. A unique choice for non-white tub surrounds.
3) Best Mold Protection (Acrylic): DAP Kwik Seal Plus with Microban
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Type: Siliconized Acrylic
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Color: White
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Dry Time: 30 minutes
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Volume: 10.1 oz
Pros:
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Built-in Microban technology prevents mold and mildew
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Easy soap-and-water cleanup
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Paintable once cured
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Smooth application
Cons:
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Less flexible than pure silicone
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May not last as long in very wet environments
Verdict:
Ideal for caulking around tubs and sinks in homes where mold prevention is key. Easy to apply and beginner-friendly.
4) Fastest Drying Silicone: GE Advanced Silicone 2 Kitchen & Bath Sealant
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Type: 100% Silicone
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Color: Clear
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Water-Ready: 30 minutes
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Mold Protection: Lifetime guarantee
Pros:
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Water-ready quickly
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Resists mold, mildew, and discoloration
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Lifetime mold-free promise
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Crystal-clear finish for seamless looks
Cons:
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Cannot be painted
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Slightly stronger odor during application
Verdict:
A premium option for those who want fast drying and high mold resistance. Perfect for time-sensitive installs or quick touch-ups.
5) Best Paintable Caulk: Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile Adhesive Caulk
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Type: Acrylic Latex with Silicone
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Color: White
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Paintable: Yes
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Volume: 10 oz
Pros:
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Can be painted to match your décor
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Strong adhesion to most common materials
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Soap and water cleanup
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Budget-friendly
Cons:
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Less elastic than 100% silicone
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Not as mold-resistant over the long term
Verdict:
Perfect for budget-conscious DIYers who need a good seal and want to color-match after drying.
6) Best Crystal Clear Finish: GE Sealant Silicone Advanced Clear
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Type: 100% Silicone
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Color: Crystal Clear
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Volume: 10.1 oz
Pros:
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Ultra-transparent finish for glass or light tile
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Strong, flexible, waterproof bond
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Mold and mildew resistant
Cons:
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Difficult to paint over (but rarely needed)
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May require careful smoothing to avoid bubbles
Verdict:
Best for invisible finishes where aesthetics are key. Pairs beautifully with marble, glass, or high-end tile.
7) Best Dual-Use Sealant/Caulk: White BioSeal RTV Silicone Caulk
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Type: 100% RTV Silicone
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Color: White
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Low Odor: Yes
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Volume: 10.1 oz
Pros:
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Low odor and zero color change over time
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Kitchen and bath safe
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Resists cracking, shrinking, and mold
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Great workability for professionals
Cons:
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Can take longer to cure fully
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Solvent cleanup required
Verdict:
A versatile, pro-grade caulk that delivers reliable sealing performance with a clean, long-lasting finish.
8) Best Water Shield Acrylic: Red Devil 0405 Bath Silicone Acrylic Caulk
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Type: Siliconized Acrylic
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Color: White
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Volume: 10.1 oz
Pros:
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Water cleanup and smooth application
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Mildew resistant and paintable
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Strong initial tack for vertical use
Cons:
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Slight shrinkage possible
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Not as durable as full silicone in constant wet areas
Verdict:
Good for touch-ups or dry-area seals. A cost-effective solution for bathrooms with moderate use.
9) Best for Professional Remodels: Sashco 13010 Adhesive Caulk
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Type: Hybrid Adhesive Caulk
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Color: White
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Volume: 10.5 oz
Pros:
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Combines elasticity of silicone with paintability of acrylic
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Bonds to almost any material
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Crack-resistant and flexible
Cons:
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Requires more effort to apply and tool
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Pricier than basic caulks
Verdict:
Excellent for complex remodeling projects needing high adhesion strength across various materials.
10) Best for Easy Touch-Ups: Oatey Tub-N-Tile Ultra Clear Caulk
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Type: Acrylic Caulk
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Color: Ultra Clear
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Volume: 5.5 oz squeeze tube
Pros:
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Transparent, clean look
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Easy to squeeze and apply by hand
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Great for quick fixes and sealing gaps
Cons:
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Small size
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Less durable than professional-grade silicone
Verdict:
Perfect for homeowners needing a quick, invisible fix around tubs or tile joints—no caulking gun needed.
11) Best Budget Mold-Fighter: Oatey Hercules Plumbers Caulk
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Type: Siliconized Acrylic
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Color: White
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Volume: 10 oz
Pros:
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Mold- and mildew-resistant
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Smooths easily and wipes clean with water
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Budget-friendly option
Cons:
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Not as flexible as pure silicone
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Occasional shrinkage reported
Verdict:
Solid for users who want decent mold resistance at a lower cost. Great for rental units or short-term solutions.
12) Best Pro-Grade Silicone: Oatey Silicone Bath Sealant (White)
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Type: 100% Silicone
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Color: White
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Volume: 10 oz
Pros:
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Long-lasting and durable
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Excellent adhesion and flexibility
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Trusted by contractors
Cons:
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Takes time to cure
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Stronger smell on application
Verdict:
A professional favorite that delivers excellent waterproofing and sealing for tubs, sinks, and tiles.
Final Tips Before You Caulk
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Always clean the surface thoroughly before application
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Use painter’s tape to get crisp lines
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Choose acrylic if you plan to paint; go silicone for long-term waterproof protection
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Allow proper curing time before exposing to water
