Tile caulk: Protect and beautify tiled areas in minutes

Water has a place in your sink, tub or toilet—but not around it. Tile caulk keeps water out of areas where it could cause damage. Use a premium tub and tile caulk for a clean and elegant look.

• The many uses of tile caulk
• How to use tile caulk correctly
• Choosing the best tile caulk
  

The many uses of tile caulk

Any area that could allow moisture to accumulate is ripe for mold and mildew. Protect your home by filling gaps between countertops and backsplashes, in corners, or anywhere you have tile. A good-quality tile caulk will not only protect, but it will beautify your home.

How to use tile caulk correctly

Using tile caulk is not difficult, but you will need the following tools:

• standard caulk gun 
• masking tape 
• gloves
• a caulk spreading tool (or your finger)

Follow these simple steps for best results:

Safety first. Work safely by using gloves.

Clean. The surface must be clean and free of old caulk and any other substances to create a good seal. Scrubbing with soap and water is the best for most surfaces. Allow the area to dry before proceeding.

Tape area. Carefully put down masking tape on each side of the gap or joint you plan to caulk. Make sure the edges of the tape are straight and parallel to each other.

Caulk tube. Slice off the end of the tube with a utility knife or scissors. A 45-degree angle cut works best. Create an opening of about 1/8 of an inch at the end of the tube. Depending on the product you are using, it might be necessary to cut open the cartridge first. Screw on the provided nozzle afterwards and cut it to the recommended diameter.

Squeeze. Apply steady pressure on the trigger of the caulking gun, which produces a consistent bead of tile caulk, and apply along the seam or gap.

Smooth it out. Use a caulk smoothing tool or your finger to smooth out the bead of caulk, filling in any gaps. You can now remove the masking tape. To achieve best results, smooth the caulk again carefully in case the removing of the masking tape lifted the edges of the sealant slightly. Let the sealant cure according to guidelines on the label.

Choosing the best tile caulk

You may be wondering, what is the best tile caulk for your project? It depends on your needs. Silicone caulk stays flexible and is preferred in extremely wet areas. It is not paintable though. Acrylic caulk is paintable and easy to work with, which is why it is the more popular choice. A good compromise is a silicone-fortified acrylic tile caulk.

In regions where acrylic caulk is less common, such as Europe, silicone caulk is a great solution, as it stays flexible and is preferred in extremely wet areas such as around sinks, showers and baths. It isn’t paintable and it doesn’t clean up as easily, but many silicone caulk products contain an added fungicide to repel and stop the buildup of mould.

Loctite Polyseamseal Acrylic Caulk with Silicone is a high-quality acrylic tile caulk with added silicone for extra durability and adhesion. It cures to a strong but flexible seal that locks out air, moisture, dirt, and insects. It’s ideal for indoor projects as it has no strong solvent odor and uncured caulk cleans up easily with soap and water.

Need a silicone tub and tile caulk? Loctite 100% silicone sealant is your choice. This advanced formulation creates a tough, watertight, mildew-resistant seal. Plus, it is fast curing and can withstand contact with water just two hours after application. This pure silicone tile sealer can endure temperature extremes and is ideal for humid or steamy areas.