Buy a drip-free cartridge gun and a kitchen-and-bath silicone for tubs, sinks, and backsplashes. Wait on that silicone for trim you will paint. Cut the old bead out before you open the tube.
Paint-day edges are a different supply list: tape, cover, and drop cloth.
Which tube
| Joint | Use | Do not use | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tub, sink, backsplash | Kitchen-and-bath silicone | A paintable latex that mildews in the shower | View Tub, sink, backsplash (affiliate) |
| Baseboard and door casing | Paintable acrylic, then paint | Tub silicone you cannot paint | View Baseboard and door casing (affiliate) |
| The gun | Smooth rod that releases pressure | A ratchet that keeps oozing | View The gun (affiliate) |
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Prep is the seal
Silicone sticks to clean, dry surfaces. It does not stick to soap scum, loose grout, or the last bead. Cut the old material, wipe the joint, and let it dry. Tool the new bead with a wet finger or a plastic spoon and pull the tape while the bead is still wet if you taped the edges. A wide joint needs backer rod so you are not filling a cave with one tube.
Gun and silicone
Reaching the top of a shower wall is a ladder problem, not a longer bead. See the stepladder guide. More of the category: home improvement.