Professional Guide

Best Kitchen Silicone Sealant for Durable Finishes: 2025 Expert Review

DR Joinery

Expert Joiner & Kitchen Fitter

Published 12 December 2025

You can install the finest oak worktops and the most expensive cabinetry, but if the silicone sealant fails, the entire kitchen is at risk. Water ingress causes timber to swell, laminate to blow, and cupboards to rot.

Common issues I encounter frequently in York involve cheap sealants that peel away within months or turn black with mould—especially in our older, draftier properties where damp can be a persistent battle.

In this review, I'm comparing three sealants I've used on site: a cost-effective option for general sealing, a high-quality product for long-term durability, and a specialist anti-mould formula for problematic areas.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "'Lifetime' or 25-Year Guarantee"

The Theory

"The manufacturer claims the sealant will last for decades without degrading."

The Reality

In reality, sealants depend heavily on the substrate. In older homes where floors and walls move slightly with the seasons, the bond often breaks before the silicone degrades. Expect to replace high-traffic seals every 5-7 years regardless of the guarantee.

The Spec: "Anti-Mould Properties"

The Theory

"The sealant actively kills fungus and prevents black mould spots."

The Reality

While they contain fungicides, these chemicals leach out over time. If water pools behind the tap and isn't wiped dry, mould will eventually grow on dirt sitting *on top* of the silicone. Cleanliness is just as key as the product choice.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Everbuild General Purpose Silicone Sealant – Waterproof – Suitable for Interior and Exterior Use – Clear – 280ml

Budget Pick

Everbuild

For general perimeter sealing where you aren't fighting heavy water exposure, this Everbuild option represents excellent value. It flows well and provides a decent seal for the price, making it a good choice for larger projects on a tight budget.

Price£2.55 (at time of writing)

BrandEverbuild

ApplicationInterior & Exterior

StandardsEN15651 Certified

The Good

Unbeatable price point for large quantity usage
Includes anti-fungal ingredients despite the low cost
Easy to gun out and tool off smoothly

The Bad

Thinner consistency than premium brands
Strong vinegar smell during curing (acetic cure)
May shrink slightly more than higher-end options

Installer Tip:

Because this silicone is a bit thinner, ensure you don't cut the nozzle too wide, or you will lose control of the bead. It's excellent for sticking down kickboard trims where a premium sanitary seal isn't strictly necessary.

Priced at £2.55 at the time of writing

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EVO-STIK Multipurpose Silicone Sealant Clear - Waterproof - Mould Resistant - Lasts Up To 25 Years - Interior and Exterior Use

Quality Pick

EVO-STIK

EVO-STIK is a brand we trust in the trade. This multipurpose sealant offers a significant step up in quality with a formulation that resists shrinking and cracking. The 25-year claim suggests a high modulus silicone that can handle the movement often found in timber renovations.

Price£6.12 (at time of writing)

BrandEVO-STIK

LifespanUp to 25 years

CompatibilityGlass, stainless steel, ceramics, plastics

The Good

High durability with a 25-year expected lifespan
Does not crack or shrink, crucial for preventing leaks
Excellent adhesion to non-porous surfaces like granite or quartz

The Bad

More expensive than standard general-purpose sealants
Requires a very clean surface for maximum adhesion

Installer Tip:

Preparation is everything with this grade of sealant. Clean the worktop and tile edge with methylated spirit before applying to remove any grease or dust. This ensures the 25-year bond actually holds.

Priced at £6.12 at the time of writing

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UniBond Anti-Mould White, Waterproof Mould Protection, Long-lasting White Silicone Sealant for Kitchen & Bathroom, Powerful Bath Sealant, 1 x 274g Cartridge

Problem Solving

Unibond

If you are fighting a losing battle against black mould—common in windowless utility rooms or poorly ventilated Victorian extensions—this is the solution. It is specifically formulated for humid environments and dries quickly to form a permanently flexible seal.

Price£9.00 (at time of writing)

BrandUniBond

Drying TimeTouch dry in 20 mins

FeatureHigh strength anti-mould formula

The Good

Superior anti-mould protection for high-humidity areas
Fast drying time allows for quicker kitchen use
Permanently flexible to accommodate movement

The Bad

Significantly higher price point
If you don't use the whole tube, it can cure in the nozzle quickly due to fast-drying agents

Installer Tip:

Use masking tape on both the wall and the worktop before applying. This stuff is sticky and sets fast. Run your bead, wet your finger (soapy water helps), run it over once to smooth, and then peel the tape immediately for a crisp, professional line.

Priced at £9.00 at the time of writing

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between caulk and silicone sealant?

This is the most common mistake I see DIYers make. Decorators' Caulk is acrylic-based and can be painted, but it is NOT waterproof and will crack if used around a sink. Silicone is rubbery, waterproof, and flexible, but you cannot paint over it. Always use silicone for sealing kitchen worktops and sinks.

How do I stop my silicone from going mouldy?

Even the best anti-mould sealant will succumb eventually if water sits on it constantly. In York's hard water area, limescale builds up, trapping dirt which then grows mould. The secret is to wipe the back of the sink dry after washing up and ensure the room is ventilated.

How do I remove old silicone sealant before applying new?

Never apply new silicone over old silicone—it won't bond. Use a sharp chisel or a dedicated sealant removal tool to scrape away the bulk, then use a silicone remover gel to soften the residue. Clean the area thoroughly with meths or rubbing alcohol before re-sealing.

Why is my silicone bead messy?

You likely cut the nozzle too wide or applied too much pressure. Cut the nozzle at a 45-degree angle to the width of the gap (usually 5-6mm). Apply consistent pressure and use a profiling tool or a soapy finger to smooth it in one continuous motion.

Can DR Joinery seal my kitchen for me?

Absolutely. As part of our Custom Kitchen Installation service, we ensure all joinery is sealed correctly to protect the timber and cabinetry from water ingress. We use professional-grade sealants matched to your worktop colour.

Clear vs White silicone: which should I choose?

Generally, if you are sealing between a white sink and a worktop, white looks cleaner. If you are sealing between a worktop and a tiled splashback of a different colour, clear is often safer as it picks up the colours around it. Visualise the transition before you buy.

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