How to resilicone a shower

1. Check why the shower silicone failed

Before resealing a shower, look for split silicone, black mould, gaps around the tray, movement in the screen, or water marks below the shower area. If the shower tray moves, the new silicone may split again unless the movement is sorted first.

If there are signs of a leak, rotten flooring, loose tiles, or damp spreading outside the shower, it is better to get the area checked before covering it with new sealant.

2. Remove all the old silicone

Use a plastic scraper or a careful sealant removal tool to lift the old silicone away from the joint between the shower tray, tiles, screen, and corners. Take your time and avoid scratching tiles, shower screens, or the tray surface.

New silicone will not bond properly to old silicone, so the joint needs to be as clean as possible rather than just patched over.

3. Clean and dry the joint properly

Clean away soap residue, mould, dust, and loose bits of sealant. A bathroom-safe mould cleaner can help with stained joints, but follow the product instructions and ventilate the room.

The joint must be fully dry before new silicone goes on. If moisture is trapped behind the bead, it can encourage mould and stop the sealant from bonding well.

4. Mask the edges for a neat silicone line

Use masking tape above and below the joint if you want a tidy edge. Leave just enough gap for the silicone bead so it can cover the joint and seal properly without spreading too far across the tile or tray.

This step is especially useful around shower trays, tiled corners, and glass shower screens where a clean finish makes the repair look much more professional.

5. Apply sanitary bathroom silicone

Use a good quality sanitary silicone suitable for bathrooms and showers. Cut the nozzle at an angle, then apply a steady bead along the joint without stopping and starting too much.

Work in manageable sections. Too much silicone can become messy quickly, while too little may leave thin patches that fail sooner.

6. Smooth the bead and remove the tape

Smooth the silicone with a finishing tool or a suitable sealant smoother while it is still fresh. Remove masking tape before the silicone skins over, pulling it away carefully to leave a clean line.

Do not keep touching the bead once it starts to cure, as that can drag the surface and spoil the seal.

7. Let the silicone cure before using the shower

Check the curing time on the silicone tube. Many bathroom silicones need at least 24 hours before the shower is used, but the product instructions should be followed exactly.

Using the shower too soon can weaken the new seal and let water behind the fresh silicone.

When to call a handyman

Call Richard if the old silicone is badly mouldy, the joint is awkward, the shower screen needs resealing, the tray is moving, or you want a clean finish without the mess. The Sandwich Handyman can help with shower resealing, bathroom sealant, loose fittings, and small home repairs in Sandwich and nearby East Kent villages.