How to Seal a Shower Floor

Ideas for Types of Lights for a Dark Shower
Written By
Adam Raphael
Adam Raphael
Published: May 15, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Grout around the edges of the tiles can get stained and even crumbled, so the damage won’t be just aesthetic but functional as well. That is why sealing a shower floor made from ceramic or other similar kind of tile is so important.

Things You Will Need

  • Putty knife
  • Screwdriver
  • Brush
  • Sponge
  • Hair dryer
  • Grout sealer
  • Silicone caulk
  • Caulk gun
  • Haze cleaner
  • Rag
  • Liquid bathroom cleaner
  1. Scrape any loose or excess caulk off your shower floor if needed. Use a putty knife or a screwdriver, depending on how much caulk there is and how well it’s attached.

  2. Remove any grout haze from inside the grout lines between the tiles with haze cleaner and a rag.

  3. Clean your shower floor thoroughly, using a mixture of warm water and liquid cleaner. Use a scrub brush for tough marks and dirt and a soft sponge for fine cleaning. Rinse with warm water until you remove all detergent or soap residue and leave your shower floor to dry completely. This can take up to five days, but you can use a hair dryer to help the drying process. It is essential for your shower floor to be dry before the sealing.

  4. Apply grout sealer over the layer of grout. Grout sealer is a water-based sealant that is waterproof but also resists oil- and acid-based liquids.

  5. Apply silicone caulk over the seams between the shower tiles. Apply a thin layer and use a caulk gun for best results. Also note that the thickest layer of silicone must be along the corners of the shower.

  6. Remove the excess silicone caulk with a putty knife or your fingers. You can also wipe the excess silicone with a slightly damp sponge. Shape the corner silicone strip into a seamless shape. Leave the shower floor to dry for at least 12 hours.

The Drip Cap

  • Tile shower floors are practical, visually attractive and can sometimes complement your bathroom more than shower tubs.
  • Clean your shower floor thoroughly, using a mixture of warm water and liquid cleaner.
  • This can take up to five days, but you can use a hair dryer to help the drying process.
  • Remove the excess silicone caulk with a putty knife or your fingers.

References

Photo Credits

Shower image by Semfamily from Fotolia.com

Shower image by Semfamily from Fotolia.com

Adam Raphael

Adam Raphael has been writing technical and health-related articles for a variety of online sources for five years. His articles have appeared on a variety of popular blogs and other websites.

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