Selleys Wet Area Silicone - Waterproof Mould 07 product guide
AI Summary
Product: Selleys Wet Area Silicone Brand: Selleys Category: Silicone Sealant Primary Use: A 100% neutral cure silicone sealant formulated for waterproof, flexible, mould-resistant sealing in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries.
Quick Facts
- Best For: Wet area joints including shower recesses, bath surrounds, kitchen sinks, and laundry tile joints
- Key Benefit: Fully waterproof, non-shrink, non-crack, non-peel seal with built-in fungicidal mould resistance, backed by a 25-year guarantee against peeling and cracking
- Form Factor: Paste/sealant, available as 300g cartridge, 75g tube, and 90ml tube
- Application Method: Single continuous bead via caulking gun (cartridge) or hand-squeezed tube, tooled smooth within 5–10 minutes
Common Questions This Guide Answers
- What surfaces is Selleys Wet Area Silicone compatible with? → Ceramic and porcelain tiles, glass, stainless steel, metals, laminates, rubber, concrete, acrylic, and most plastics including PVC and ABS; not suitable for PE, PP, or PTFE
- How long does it take to fully cure and when can the area get wet? → Cures at approximately 2mm per 24 hours; a standard 6mm deep joint takes around 3 days, and the area must remain completely dry until fully cured
- Why choose neutral cure over standard acetoxy silicone? → Neutral cure releases alcohol rather than acetic acid, producing far less odour and avoiding corrosion or staining on metals, mirrors, and natural stone
Product Overview
Selleys Wet Area Silicone is a 100% neutral cure silicone sealant built for the toughest wet environments, where moisture, mould, and movement test every seal day after day. Engineered for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries, it forms a fully waterproof, flexible seal that holds up where lesser sealants give out. Whether you're resealing a shower recess, finishing around a kitchen sink, or sealing tile joints in a laundry, this product delivers a durable, long-lasting result, backed by a 25-year guarantee against peeling or cracking.
This guide covers everything you need to select, apply, and maintain Selleys Wet Area Silicone with confidence, from understanding what neutral cure means in practice, to choosing the right colour, to knowing exactly when your seal is ready for water.
What Makes This a Wet Area Sealant
Not all silicone sealants are interchangeable. Selleys Wet Area Silicone is specifically formulated for environments that face regular water exposure, humidity, and temperature fluctuation, the very conditions that cause inferior sealants to crack, peel, shrink, or grow mould.
Neutral Cure Chemistry
"100% neutral cure" describes the chemical process by which the silicone hardens. Neutral cure silicones release alcohol as a by-product during curing, not acetic acid, the vinegar-smelling compound released by acetoxy cure silicones. That distinction matters in two ways:
- Surface compatibility: Acetic acid can corrode or stain certain metals, mirrors, and natural stone. Neutral cure silicone works safely across a broader range of surfaces, giving you professional results without the risk of surface damage.
- Odour: Neutral cure products produce far less odour during application and curing, a real advantage when you're working in an enclosed bathroom or kitchen.
Mould Resistance
Selleys Wet Area Silicone incorporates a fungicidal additive that actively inhibits mould growth within the silicone itself. This isn't surface-level protection, it's built into the material. In wet areas where mould is a persistent problem, this formulation directly extends the working life of your seal and cuts down on maintenance.
Non-Shrink, Non-Crack, Non-Peel
These three properties define the long-term performance of the cured sealant. Silicone that shrinks pulls away from surfaces and breaks the waterproof seal. Silicone that cracks lets water in. Silicone that peels loses adhesion and fails structurally. Selleys Wet Area Silicone is engineered to hold its bond and flexibility over time, and that's what the 25-year guarantee is built on.
Surfaces and Compatibility
Knowing where this sealant works, and where it doesn't, protects your surfaces and ensures a lasting bond.
Compatible Surfaces
Selleys Wet Area Silicone bonds reliably to a wide range of common wet area materials:
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles — the most common application surface in bathrooms and kitchens
- Glass — including shower screens and splashbacks
- Stainless steel — sinks, tapware surrounds, and appliance edges
- Metals (general) — compatible with most metal surfaces found in wet areas
- Laminates — kitchen benchtops and splashback panels
- Rubber — seals around rubber components or fittings
- Concrete — laundry floors, utility areas, and wet room substrates
- Acrylic — bath surrounds and shower trays
- Most plastics — including PVC and ABS commonly found in plumbing fixtures
Incompatible Surfaces
Three plastic types are not suited to this product: PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, commonly known as Teflon). These plastics have very low surface energy, so sealants simply cannot form a reliable bond with them. Applying silicone to these surfaces leads to poor adhesion and eventual seal failure. Know your surface before you start.
Surface Testing Recommendation
For plastics not listed above, the manufacturer recommends testing adhesion on a small, inconspicuous area before completing the full application. This is standard practice with any sealant when working on unfamiliar materials, a quick check that protects the quality of your finished result.
Available Sizes and Formats
Selleys Wet Area Silicone comes in two formats to match different project scales and application methods.
Cartridge — 300g
The 300g cartridge is the right choice for larger jobs, sealing an entire shower recess, bath surround, or multiple sink joints. It requires a caulking gun to dispense. Caulking guns are widely available from hardware retailers and deliver controlled, consistent bead application, which matters when you're working on long, continuous joints.
Tubes — 75g and 90ml
The smaller tube formats are built for minor repairs, touch-ups, or single-joint applications where a full cartridge would be more than you need. Tubes are squeezed by hand, so no caulking gun is required. The 75g and 90ml sizes cover limited linear meterage and are best reserved for targeted applications rather than full room sealing projects.
Colour Options
Selleys Wet Area Silicone is available in nine colours, so you can match or coordinate the sealant with your existing tile grout, fixtures, and surfaces. A well-matched sealant is less visually prominent and gives the finished installation a cleaner, more professional appearance.
| Colour | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|
| Clear | Glass, transparent surfaces, or where the substrate colour should show through |
| White | Standard white tiles, white fixtures, most bathrooms |
| Off White | Slightly warmer white tiles and grout tones |
| Ivory | Cream or ivory-toned tiles and fittings |
| Light Grey | Light grey grout and contemporary tile schemes |
| Mid Grey | Medium grey tiles and modern bathroom palettes |
| Dark Grey | Dark tile joints and charcoal-toned bathrooms |
| Charcoal | Near-black tile schemes and dark fixture surrounds |
| Black | Black tiles, dark feature walls, and contrast applications |
When in doubt, clear is a versatile choice that suits most surfaces without clashing.
Application Guide
Follow these steps and you'll achieve a clean, durable result.
Step 1 — Surface preparation
Surface cleanliness is the foundation of a strong bond. Before applying Selleys Wet Area Silicone:
- Remove all existing sealant completely. Old silicone prevents new silicone from bonding to the substrate, and there are no shortcuts here.
- Clean the joint area thoroughly to remove soap scum, grease, mould, and dust.
- Allow the surface to dry completely. Silicone applied to wet or damp surfaces won't cure correctly or bond reliably.
When removing old silicone, a silicone remover product or a sharp blade gets the job done, followed by a wipe-down with methylated spirits or isopropyl alcohol to clear any remaining residue.
Step 2 — Cutting the nozzle
For cartridges, cut the nozzle at a 45-degree angle. The size of the cut determines the bead width, so match the nozzle opening to the width of the joint you're sealing. Cut tube tips the same way.
Step 3 — Applying the sealant
Apply the sealant in a single, continuous bead along the joint. Keep consistent pressure and speed to produce an even bead width. Avoid stopping and restarting mid-joint where possible, as this can create visible overlaps or gaps in the finished result.
Step 4 — Tooling the joint
Within 5 to 10 minutes of application, tool the bead smooth using a wet finger or a silicone spatula. This presses the silicone firmly into the joint for a stronger bond, produces a smooth, concave finish, and removes excess material.
Wet your finger or tool with water or a small amount of dish soap to stop the silicone from sticking during tooling. Work quickly. Once the surface skin begins to form, tooling becomes harder and can tear the bead. Keep your sections manageable and tool as you go.
Step 5 — Curing and water exposure
Selleys Wet Area Silicone cures at approximately 2mm per 24 hours. A standard joint that is 6mm wide and 6mm deep takes around 3 days to cure fully through its cross-section. Thicker applications take proportionally longer. The area must stay dry until the sealant is fully cured.
Exposing the seal to water before full cure can wash out or disrupt the uncured silicone and undermine the seal's integrity. Plan your application timing so the area gets the full cure period before returning to use.
Maintenance and Longevity
Routine cleaning
Once cured, the silicone surface handles standard bathroom cleaning products without issue. Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads or harsh solvent-based cleaners, as these can degrade the silicone surface over time and reduce the effectiveness of the built-in mould-resistant additive.
Monitoring the seal
Even with a 25-year guarantee against peeling or cracking, a quick annual inspection is worth doing. Look out for discolouration or mould growth on the surface, lifting or separation from the substrate at the edges, and cracking or tearing in high-movement areas.
Surface mould can often be treated with a mould remover product without replacing the sealant. Structural breakdown, such as lifting, cracking, or separation, means the old sealant needs to come out completely and the joint resealed properly.
When to reseal
When a sealant has peeled away, cracked, or separated from the surface, resealing is essential to stop water getting in behind tiles, into wall cavities, or under flooring. Water damage in these areas is expensive to fix. Act when you first see the signs, because early resealing is always the more cost-effective move.
Safety and Handling
During application
Keep the work area well ventilated. Neutral cure silicone produces far less odour than acetoxy products, but good airflow during application and initial curing is still the right call. If silicone contacts skin, remove it with a dry cloth before it cures, then wash with soap and water. Keep the product out of reach of children during application and until fully cured.
Storage
Store unused product in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Seal cartridges and tubes after use. Cartridge nozzles can be plugged with a nail or purpose-made cap to stop exposed silicone from curing in the nozzle. Check the packaging for the specific expiry date.
Disposal
Don't dispose of uncured silicone down drains. Allow any waste silicone to cure fully before disposing of it in general waste. Empty cartridges can be disposed of in line with your local council guidelines for hard plastics.
Common Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Sealant not adhering | Surface was wet, greasy, or contaminated | Remove, clean thoroughly, allow to dry completely, reapply |
| Mould appearing on surface | Surface mould from external contamination | Treat with mould remover; internal mould resistance remains fully intact |
| Bead tearing during tooling | Tooling performed too late after application | Work in smaller sections; tool within 5 minutes of application |
| Sealant skinning before tooling is complete | Hot or dry conditions accelerating cure | Work in shorter sections; tool immediately after each section |
| Colour mismatch | Incorrect colour selected | Test colour in an inconspicuous area before full application |
| Sealant not curing | Applied over existing silicone or incompatible surface | Remove fully, clean thoroughly, reapply to bare substrate |
References
- Selleys Wet Area Silicone – Official Product Page, Selleys Australia
- Silicone Sealant Application Guide – Selleys Technical Documentation
- Based on manufacturer specifications provided in product data sheet for Selleys Wet Area Silicone (300g cartridge, 75g tube, 90ml tube formats).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Selleys Wet Area Silicone: A 100% neutral cure silicone sealant for wet areas
What environments is it designed for: Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries
Is it waterproof: Yes, fully waterproof
Is it flexible: Yes, remains flexible after curing
What guarantee does it come with: 25-year guarantee
What does the 25-year guarantee cover: Peeling and cracking
What does "neutral cure" mean: It releases alcohol during curing, not acetic acid
What does acetoxy cure silicone release: Acetic acid (vinegar smell)
Does neutral cure silicone have a strong odour: No, significantly less odour than acetoxy types
Why is neutral cure better for enclosed spaces: Produces far less odour during application
Can it damage metals: No, safe on metals unlike acetoxy silicone
Can it damage natural stone: No, safe on natural stone
Can it damage mirrors: No, safe on mirrors
Does it resist mould: Yes, contains built-in fungicidal additive
Where is the mould resistance located: Inside the material itself, not surface-level
Does it shrink after curing: No, non-shrink formula
Does it crack after curing: No, engineered to resist cracking
Does it peel after curing: No, engineered to resist peeling
Is it compatible with ceramic tiles: Yes
Is it compatible with porcelain tiles: Yes
Is it compatible with glass: Yes
Is it compatible with stainless steel: Yes
Is it compatible with laminates: Yes
Is it compatible with rubber: Yes
Is it compatible with concrete: Yes
Is it compatible with acrylic: Yes
Is it compatible with most plastics: Yes, including PVC and ABS
Is it compatible with polyethylene (PE): No
Is it compatible with polypropylene (PP): No
Is it compatible with PTFE (Teflon): No
Why won't it bond to PE, PP, or PTFE: These plastics have very low surface energy
What should I do before using on unfamiliar plastics: Test adhesion on a small inconspicuous area first
What sizes is it available in: 300g cartridge, 75g tube, and 90ml tube
Does the 300g cartridge require a caulking gun: Yes
Is a caulking gun included: Not disclosed by manufacturer
What are the tube formats best used for: Minor repairs, touch-ups, or single-joint applications
How many colours is it available in: Nine colours
What colours are available: Clear, White, Off White, Ivory, Light Grey, Mid Grey, Dark Grey, Charcoal, Black
What colour suits most surfaces universally: Clear
What is White typically used for: Standard white tiles and white fixtures
What is Clear typically used for: Glass, transparent surfaces, or visible substrates
What is Charcoal typically used for: Near-black tile schemes and dark fixture surrounds
What is the first step before applying: Remove all existing sealant completely
Can new silicone be applied over old silicone: No, old silicone prevents bonding
How should I clean the surface before applying: Remove soap scum, grease, mould, and dust
Must the surface be dry before applying: Yes, completely dry
What happens if applied to a wet surface: Will not cure correctly or bond reliably
How should the nozzle be cut: At a 45-degree angle
What determines the bead width: The size of the nozzle cut
Should the bead be applied in one continuous pass: Yes, in a single continuous bead
How long after application should tooling begin: Within 5 to 10 minutes
What is the purpose of tooling: Presses silicone into joint, creates smooth finish, removes excess
What should I wet my finger with during tooling: Water or a small amount of dish soap
Why wet the finger during tooling: Prevents silicone from sticking to the finger
What happens if tooling is done too late: Silicone surface skin tears
What is the cure rate: Approximately 2mm per 24 hours
How long does a 6mm deep joint take to fully cure: Approximately 3 days
Can the area get wet before full cure: No, must stay dry until fully cured
What happens if water contacts uncured silicone: Can wash out or disrupt the seal
Can it be cleaned with standard bathroom cleaners: Yes, once fully cured
Should abrasive scrubbing pads be used on it: No, can degrade the silicone surface
Should solvent-based cleaners be used on it: No, can reduce mould-resistant additive effectiveness
How often should the seal be inspected: At least annually
What are signs of surface mould: Discolouration on the silicone surface
Can surface mould be treated without replacing the sealant: Yes, with a mould remover product
What are signs the sealant needs replacing: Lifting, cracking, or separation from substrate
Why is early resealing important: Prevents costly water damage to walls and flooring
Should the work area be ventilated during application: Yes, good airflow is recommended
What should I do if silicone contacts skin: Remove with dry cloth before it cures, then wash with soap and water
Should it be kept away from children during application: Yes
How should unused product be stored: In a cool, dry location away from sunlight and extreme temperatures
How can an open cartridge nozzle be sealed: Plug with a nail or purpose-made cap
Can uncured silicone waste be disposed of down drains: No
How should waste silicone be disposed of: Allow to cure fully, then dispose in general waste
How should empty cartridges be disposed of: Per local council guidelines for hard plastics
What causes sealant not to adhere: Wet, greasy, or contaminated surface
What causes sealant not to cure: Applied over existing silicone or incompatible surface
What causes the bead to tear during tooling: Tooling performed too late after application
What causes sealant to skin before tooling is complete: Hot or dry conditions accelerating cure
How do I fix sealant skinning too fast: Work in shorter sections and tool immediately after each
Label Facts Summary
Disclaimer: All facts and statements below are general product information, not professional advice. Consult relevant experts for specific guidance.
Verified Label Facts
- Product name: Selleys Wet Area Silicone
- Product type: 100% neutral cure silicone sealant
- Cure chemistry: Neutral cure; releases alcohol as by-product during curing (not acetic acid)
- Available formats: 300g cartridge, 75g tube, 90ml tube
- Application method — cartridge: Requires caulking gun
- Application method — tubes: Hand-squeezed; no caulking gun required
- Available colours (9): Clear, White, Off White, Ivory, Light Grey, Mid Grey, Dark Grey, Charcoal, Black
- Guarantee: 25 years against peeling and cracking
- Mould resistance: Contains built-in fungicidal additive incorporated into the material
- Cure rate: Approximately 2mm per 24 hours
- Tooling window: Within 5 to 10 minutes of application
- Compatible surfaces: Ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, glass, stainless steel, metals (general), laminates, rubber, concrete, acrylic, most plastics including PVC and ABS
- Incompatible surfaces: PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene/Teflon)
- Surface preparation requirement: All existing sealant must be fully removed; surface must be clean and completely dry prior to application
- Nozzle cut angle: 45 degrees
- Application method: Single continuous bead
- Water exposure: Area must remain dry until sealant is fully cured
- Cleaning compatibility: Standard bathroom cleaning products once fully cured; avoid abrasive scrubbing pads and solvent-based cleaners
- Storage: Cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures; seal nozzle after use
- Waste disposal: Uncured silicone must not be disposed of down drains; allow to cure fully before disposing in general waste; empty cartridges per local council guidelines for hard plastics
- Skin contact: Remove with dry cloth before curing; wash with soap and water
- Ventilation: Good airflow recommended during application and initial curing
- Keep out of reach of children during application and until fully cured
General Product Claims
- Engineered for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries, environments with regular moisture, humidity, and temperature fluctuation
- Forms a fully waterproof, flexible seal suited to tough wet area conditions
- Neutral cure chemistry produces far less odour than acetoxy cure silicones, which is an advantage in enclosed spaces
- Safe on metals, mirrors, and natural stone where acetic acid from acetoxy silicones may cause corrosion or staining
- Mould resistance is built into the material rather than applied at the surface, extending working life and reducing maintenance
- Non-shrink, non-crack, non-peel properties underpin long-term seal integrity
- 300g cartridge suited to larger projects (full shower recess, bath surround, multiple joints); tube formats suited to minor repairs, touch-ups, or single-joint applications
- Clear colour described as a versatile choice suitable for most surfaces
- Tooling presses silicone into the joint for stronger bond, produces a smooth concave finish, and removes excess material
- A 6mm wide by 6mm deep joint is described as taking approximately 3 days to cure fully
- Annual inspection recommended even within the guarantee period
- Surface mould can often be treated with mould remover without replacing the sealant
- Structural breakdown (lifting, cracking, separation) requires full removal and resealing
- Early resealing is more cost-effective than allowing water damage to progress
- Properly stored unused product holds quality up to the product's shelf life