Mouldy or peeling shower sealant is one of the most common household maintenance jobs — and one of the most commonly botched by DIY attempts. Here’s an honest look at both options.
The DIY Approach
Shower sealant kits are widely available for a competitive price . If you’re patient, have steady hands and follow the preparation steps correctly, a DIY reseal is achievable for a competent home improver.
What you need to get right:
- Remove ALL old sealant — even a small amount left behind will prevent the new sealant bonding and cause early failure
- Kill the mould — treat the surface with mould remover and let it fully dry before applying new sealant
- Dry the surface completely — silicone won’t cure properly on a damp surface
- Use masking tape — for straight edges, tape either side of the joint and remove carefully before the sealant skins
- Tool the bead smoothly — in one continuous pass, using a wet finger or professional tool
Where DIY Goes Wrong
Most DIY sealant failures happen because of inadequate preparation — particularly incomplete removal of old sealant and untreated mould. If you apply new silicone over mould, it will regrow through the new sealant within weeks.
The Professional Approach
A professional sealant technician has the specialist tools to remove old sealant completely without damaging tiles or fixtures, access to commercial fungicidal primers, and the experience to achieve a flat, professional finish efficiently. The job is done right the first time.
Cost: typically a competitive pricea competitive price for a bath or shower, depending on the amount of sealant needed.
Our Recommendation
If you’re confident in preparation and application, DIY is achievable for a simple bath joint. For shower enclosures, multiple joints, or anywhere mould has been a persistent problem, professional application is the better investment.
Get a free quote for professional sealant replacement from Shazam Repairs.
