How to Seal a Shower Tray

Are you looking for information on how to seal a shower tray? This article will go over everything your need to know about sealing a shower tray, along with a step-by-step guide and lists of all of the tools and materials needed to complete the job.

What Tools Do I Need to Seal a Shower Tray?

Below is a list of the tools you'll need when applying sealant to a shower tray:

• Utility knife
• Caulking gun
• Cloth
• Masking tape

What Safety Equipment Do I Need to Seal a Shower Tray?

You won't need any specific safety equipment when it comes to sealing a shower tray.

What Materials Do I Need to Seal a Shower Tray?

Below is a list of the materials that you'll need to seal a shower tray:

• Sealant

How to Prepare for Shower Tray Sealing

When preparing for sealing a shower tray, you want to remove the old sealant and dispose of it. Make sure you do this just before applying your new sealant, as you don't want to risk someone using your shower while it isn't sealed.

You should also make sure that the area is clean, dry, and structurally sound before you start the work.

How to Seal a Shower Tray Yourself

Follow our step-by-step guide below to learn how to seal around a shower tray:

Step 1

Begin by ensuring the surface in and around the shower is clean, dry, and structurally sound.

Step 2

Next, you will need to remove any of the old sealant from around the shower tray. Do this by cutting into it slightly with a utility knife and then pulling the sealant away.

The majority of it should pull away easily by hand. If you struggle with any parts, just use your knife again to pry away the stubborn bits and continue pulling it away until it has all been removed.

Step 3

Once you have removed all of the old silicone, clean the entire area and then dry it completely using a cloth.

Step 4

To ensure you get a neat and clean bead, apply masking tape to both sides of the joint to apply the sealant.

Step 5

Cut off the tip of the sealant cartridge at a 45-degree angle. You can cut the tip closer to the end of the base, depending on how wide you would like the bead size to be.

Step 6

Fit the sealant tube into a caulking gun. Use the caulking gun and begin to apply the sealant to the desired area at a steady pressure. You should aim to force the sealant as far into the joint as you possibly can.

Step 7

Once you've done one section of the beading, wet your finger a little bit and score it across the beading to smooth it out and further push it into the joint.

Step 8

Continue the above steps across all of the joints of the shower tray.

Step 9

Remove all of the masking tape as soon as you have finished the job.

Step 10

You will then need to leave the sealant to dry for at least 24 hours before using the shower.

Types of Shower Tray Sealant

There are several different types of shower tray seal. Below is a list of the most popular shower sealant types with some information about each of the different types:

Silicone Caulk

Silicone is very good for sealing showers and is one of the most popular sealant types in the UK. It is very easy to apply and works extremely well at keeping your shower looking fresh and protecting it against leaks. Most silicone sealants come in a tube and can be applied easily using a caulking gun.

Acrylic Caulk

Acrylic caulk is another very popular type of sealant for showers in the UK. It is quite cheap to buy and can be bought at most DIY stores, so it is not hard to come by. It's a very good type of caulk but not always as effective as silicone. It has a lower price point than most other sealant types, which makes this type of sealant a popular option.

Waterproof Caulk

Most caulks are great at preventing leaks. However, even the smallest bit of water can cause a big problem. Waterproof caulk can provide even more protection against water than other types of caulk. It can also provide protection without degrading due to prolonged water exposure. This is what makes waterproof caulk a popular option for showers in the UK.

Coloured Caulk

If your shower is a different colour from the traditional white shower, then you may want to find a caulk that matches the colour of your shower. This is where coloured caulk works great as you can colour match your sealant to your bathroom's aesthetic. It provides the same amount of protection as other caulk types but also looks great on coloured showers.

Why Should I Seal My Shower Tray?

There are several reasons why you may want to reseal your shower tray.

Applying a new sealant to your shower tray can really freshen up the look of your bathroom, making it appear like new. Over time, sealant can get worn, dirty, and may start to collect mould. If you remove your old sealant and replace it with new sealant, you can significantly improve your shower tray's look.

Applying a sealant to your shower tray will also protect it from any potential leaks. It will provide a smooth finish to prevent any water from seeping through the cracks and getting underneath your shower or into your walls.

When water is allowed to leak underneath the shower or into the walls, this can cause many problems, including water damage or mould. It can even cause some structural damage to the home in severe cases. This is why it's so important to ensure that your shower is properly sealed.

FAQs

Sources

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUxzwifwlpw
https://www.tilemountain.co.uk/blog/easiest-way-silicone-bath-shower-tray
https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-of-caulking-for-showers
https://www.mirashowers.co.uk/professional-zone/news/faq-feature-electric-showers