Sealants and Adhesives Buying Guide: Silicone, Caulk, Grab Adhesive and Wood Glue
Difficulty1/10
ToolsCaulking gun / scraper / masking tape
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Sealants and adhesives look similar on the shelf, but they do very different jobs. Choosing the wrong one can cause peeling, mould, weak bonds or messy finishes.
Safety note: Use products in ventilated areas, wear gloves where recommended and follow cure times. Do not seal over damp, mouldy or failing material; fix the underlying problem first.
Common products
- Sanitary silicone: flexible waterproof joints around baths, showers, sinks and worktops.
- Decorators caulk: paintable gaps around trim and walls, not for wet joints.
- Grab adhesive: fixing trims and panels where mechanical fixings are awkward.
- Wood glue: timber joints and repairs where surfaces can be clamped.
- Filler: holes and imperfections before sanding and painting.
Cleaner results
Prepare the surface, cut the nozzle small, mask where needed, smooth once and remove tape before the surface skins over.