FAQ (25x crystal clear)
These are the questions we get most often. Chances are yours is in here.
1. How long should sealant cure before I can shower?
Let new sanitary sealant cure for at least 24 hours before exposing it to water. The surface may feel dry sooner while the sealant is still curing inside. Always follow the specific instructions you receive after the job.
👉 Related: Bathroom sealing
2. What does a caulker cost per meter or per hour in 2026?
Rates per metre or hour vary widely depending on joint width, substrate, accessibility, preparation and removal of old sealant. De Kitbaas therefore works with a fixed project price after reviewing photos. That way you know upfront what's included in the agreed scope of work.
👉 Read more: What does a caulker cost per meter in 2026?
3. Can you apply new sealant over old silicone?
New silicone sealant generally does not bond reliably to cured silicone sealant. Old residue must be carefully removed and the substrate cleaned and degreased before new sealant is applied.
👉 Related: Sealant replacement
4. Why does my sealant turn black or get moldy?
Mould and discolouration can be linked to moisture, ventilation, soap residue, maintenance, age and material choice. Mould-resistant sealant can slow mould growth, but cannot prevent it under all conditions.
👉 Related: Sealant replacement
5. Is leakage from failed sealant insured?
Whether damage is covered depends on your policy, the cause and the circumstances. Wear and tear or deferred maintenance may be treated differently from sudden damage. Contact your insurer for coverage.
6. Which sealant colour works best with grey or anthracite tiles?
We match the colour as carefully as possible to tile, grout and surroundings. Light, gloss and material differences can mean a colour does not look exactly the same everywhere.
👉 Related: Inspection & advice
7. How do you remove silicone yourself without damaging tiles?
That can be done with suitable tools, but delicate tiles, coatings, shower trays and frames can be damaged. Work carefully or have removal carried out if you are unsure about the substrate.
👉 Related: Sealant replacement
8. Do you also seal shower drains and linear drains?
Yes, when the drain, substrate and joint are suitable. A moving or structurally incorrect drain cannot be repaired with sealant alone.
👉 Related: Bathroom sealing
9. Why does sealant crack in my new-build home?
New-build materials can shrink, expand or settle. Elastic sealant can absorb limited movement, but when movement exceeds what the joint can handle, cracking can occur.
10. What’s the difference between silicone and acrylic sealant?
Silicone sealant is widely used for sanitary and moisture-exposed joints. Acrylic sealant is generally paintable and intended for suitable, less moisture-exposed joints. The right choice depends on application and substrate.
👉 Related: Skirting & floors
11. How can I tell if there’s a leak behind my shower tray?
Watch for loose sealant, black staining in corners, damp patches on adjacent walls, or a musty smell.
If you suspect a leak, it’s best to act quickly.
👉 Related: Inspection & advice
12. Do you seal natural stone and marble without staining?
Yes. For marble and natural stone we use stone-safe premium A-brand sealant to help prevent edge staining.
👉 Related: Kitchen sealing
13. Can I use black sealant in the bathroom?
Yes—black sealant looks great, but it’s unforgiving: every imperfection shows.
We specialise in tight, clean black lines for a modern look.
👉 Related: Bathroom sealing
14. How long is your warranty on sealant work?
You get a 2-year warranty on the workmanship and adhesion of sealant applied by De Kitbaas. When you report an issue, we first assess the cause. If it falls under warranty, we repair the affected sealant work at no charge.
15. Do you seal wooden floors and parquet edges?
We choose a flexible sealant and colour that suits the floor, skirting and joint. Not every wood or floor construction suits the same sealant type.
👉 Related: Skirting & floors
16. How quickly can you come over?
We respond to your photos as quickly as possible. The installation date depends on location, scope and availability.
17. Is clear sealant better than coloured sealant?
Transparent sealant can suit joints between different colours, but can also make the substrate and dirt more visible. The best choice depends on the joint.
18. Should I fill the bathtub with water before you seal it?
For some baths, loading the bath during sealing can be sensible when it moves noticeably. This depends on bath type, support and installation. We assess this per situation.
19. Do you seal windows and exterior frames on the outside too?
Yes, we seal joints around windows and frames on the outside when substrate, accessibility and weather conditions are suitable. This can limit draughts or ingress through open joints, but is not a general guarantee of a moisture-free or energy-efficient home.
👉 Related: Windows & frames
20. What’s the best sealant for a composite countertop?
For composite we choose sealant suited to the worktop, joint and normal kitchen maintenance. We also assess colour and substrate in advance.
👉 Related: Kitchen sealing
21. Can I have sealing done by a general handyman?
A general handyman can carry out sealant work, but a specialist sealant company focuses daily on preparation, material choice, joint profile, colour and finish. That difference often shows in the result.
22. Why does sealant peel away from my shower tray?
Lifting can be caused by insufficient cleaning, movement of the shower tray, an unsuitable substrate, wrong material choice or a combination of these. We therefore assess not only the sealant but also the visible joint.
23. What is ‘paintable’ sealant?
Usually acrylic sealant or a hybrid polymer. It’s used for skirting boards or frames you want to paint.
Sanitary silicone is not paintable.
24. Do you seal the kitchen behind the stove as well?
Yes. We seal countertop/backsplash joints so grease and moisture can’t creep behind cabinets.
👉 Related: Kitchen sealing
25. Why do you use premium A-brand sealant instead of a store brand?
Because premium A-brand sealant is pro-grade: stronger adhesion, cleaner finish, better durability and less discoloration compared to many budget options.
Still got a question?
Send your question with a few photos — we’ll give straight advice. Want a quick estimate? Use the Prices & Packages. Want us to assess it properly? Inspection & advice.