Builders
Carpenters
Electricians
Flooring Specialists
Gardeners
Handymen
Heating Engineers
Painters & Decorators
Plasterers & Renderers
Plumbers
Roofers
Tilers
myAsk a Trade
Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.
Ask your question
How to Seal a Shower Tray
Are you looking for information on how to seal a shower tray? This article will go over everything you 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.
Table of Contents
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
- Plastic scraper
- Caulking gun
- Cloth
- Masking tape
- Sealant finishing tool
What Safety Equipment Do I Need to Seal a Shower Tray?
You should wear safety goggles and disposable gloves when using sealant, and always keep the bathroom ventilated while the sealant is being applied and curing.
If you are sealing a shower tray as part of a wider shower installation you may need to take other precautions, such as turning off the water supply or electrics.
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, unless you are installing a new power shower and pump at the same time, which is a far bigger job.
- 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 — Step-by-Step Guide
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. You can do this by cutting into it carefully with a utility knife and then pulling the sealant away.
The majority of the sealant should pull away fairly easily by hand. However, if it becomes a struggle, use your knife again or a plastic scraper 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 just above the screw thread then screw on the nozzle. Cut the nozzle at a 45-degree angle, trimming it as needed to suit the width of the joint.
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, pushing it further into the joint. However, for a more professional look, it's worth purchasing a sealant finishing tool before you start.
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've smoothed each joint. Don't wait until you've finished all the joints, as the tape needs to come off while the sealant is still wet and before it starts to form a skin.
Step 10
It's best to leave the sealant to dry for at least 24 hours before using the shower. However, you should always check the manufacturer instructions as some sealants may be fast-drying, while others may take longer.
Types of Shower Tray Sealant
Below is a list of the three most popular types of shower sealant:
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.
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.
FAQs
Why Should I Seal My Shower Tray?
Sealing your shower tray will help keep it looking fresh, but also helps prevent the build-up of mould, and protects against leaks. By resealing your shower, you can stop water and moisture from seeping under the tray or into walls, which can result in water damage and mould, and cause issues with the flooring.
Will Shower Tray Sealant Stain the Shower or Tiles?
No, generally speaking shower tray sealant won't stain your shower or tile as it's specifically designed for use in bathroom areas. However, if you have natural stone tiles such as marble or granite, you will need to use a sealant designed specifically for it, such as natural stone silicone.
Can You Put New Shower Sealant Over Old Sealant?
You shouldn't apply a new shower sealant over the top of an old one. The old layer will begin to degrade, letting moisture and mould seep through the cracks which will also cause issues with the new sealant and it won't form a suitable bond.
Should I Seal My Electric Shower Against the Wall?
No, you should never seal an electric shower against the wall. The gaps between the shower and the wall must remain as some showers are ventilated through gaps around the sides of the case and blocking those gaps could lead to the shower failing.
How Often Should I Reseal My Shower Tray?
Shower trays only need to be resealed if you notice signs such as wear, mould, cracking, lifting, or discolouration on the sealant.
