Installing a tub in a bathroom comes with a lot of work. Installing the actual tub is only the first step, and there are many to follow afterward, such as the tub surround.
Tub surrounds are there to add to the aesthetic factor where they make the tub look nice and creates a support for the tub as well.
To install the tub surround, you need adhesives. And not just any adhesive will work here, but you need dedicated ones that have been made for construction purposes or tub surrounds in particular.
So if you are looking to get one, take a glance at the best tub surround adhesive options that are discussed in this article.
From the size you require to the type of tube and color, there are some things to look into, especially if you have not bought these before.
List Of Top Tub Surround Adhesive
- Loctite – 2546759
- Liquid Nails – LN715
- GE Sealants & Adhesives GE712
- Loctite Power Grab Tub Surround Construction Adhesive (1402263)
- GE Sealants & Adhesives Store Kitchen & Bath Ultra Seal Pro
- DAP 27521 Clear DynaGrip Tub Surround Construction Adhesive
- Loctite 2546759 Power Grab Express Construction Adhesive
- GE Sealants & Adhesives 281 Advanced Silicone 2 Kitchen & Bath Sealant
- Akzo Nobel-macco LIQUID NAILS LN-915
- Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile Adhesive Caulk
Comparison Chart For Top 10 Tub Surround Adhesives
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Weight | Compatible With | SPECIAL FEATURE | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  |
Loctite – 2546759 | 13.6 ounces | Ceramic | Cures in 12 hours | |
  |
Liquid Nails – LN715 | 10 ounces | Plastic | No burn through | |
  |
GE Sealants & Adhesives GE712 | 10.1 ounces | Common surfaces | Shrink & Crack-Proof | |
  |
Loctite Power Grab Tub Surround Construction Adhesive (1402263) | 10 ounces | Plastic and Shower enclosures | Low odor | |
  |
GE Sealants & Adhesives Store Kitchen & Bath Ultra Seal Pro | 1.07 pounds | All plumbing applications | Mold and mildew resistant | |
  |
DAP 27521 Clear DynaGrip Tub Surround Construction Adhesive | 10.3 ounces | Interior use | Low odor | |
  |
Loctite 2546759 Power Grab Express Construction Adhesive | 10 ounces | Common building materials | 0 sec instant grab | |
  |
GE Sealants & Adhesives 281 Advanced Silicone 2 Kitchen & Bath Sealant | 2.8 ounces | N/A | 30-minute water-ready | |
  |
Akzo Nobel-macco LIQUID NAILS LN-915 | 10 ounces | Polystyrene, plastic and fiberglass tub, shower units | No burn through | |
  |
Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile Adhesive Caulk | 8 Ounces | Ceramic, porcelain, glass, fiberglass composites, enamel, aluminum, stainless steel, wood, plastics, wallboard. | Non-flammable |
Best Tub Surround Adhesive Reviews
1. Loctite – 2546759 Power Grab Express Tub Surround Construction Adhesive
Loctite is one of the famous brands out there in terms of adhesives, so it is no surprise to have one here on the list. While being a top brand is proof enough of performance, let us still take a look at the details which make it worth the buy.
This adhesive is called the power grab express tub surround and it is a construction adhesive. While it specifies that it can be used for tub surrounds, it can also be used for other bathroom requirements or shower enclosures.
Since this adhesive is not affected by water, steam, or moisture, it can be used in pretty much all sorts of areas, be it the bathroom, the kitchen, or the basement.
Once the adhesive has dried, one can paint over it if needed. There is no fear of the adhesive cracking, as it will stay intact and will hold onto that professional finish.
The strength of this is also really good, as it can substitute for nails or screws. You do not need additional bracing after using this adhesive.
Highlighted Features
- Bonds most shower and bathroom enclosures
- Resists water, steam, and moisture
- The adhesive dries white
- It allows for repositioning up to 15 minutes
2. Liquid Nails – LN715 Tub Surround and Shower Adhesive (Low VOC)
Liquid Nails is a name you will hear a lot when you are looking into construction adhesives. As a popular choice by professionals, it will undoubtedly get the job done without any fuss.
This is the tub surround and shower adhesive, which specifies its purpose. But to be more specific to how it can be used, it is compatible with plastic, fiberglass, and polystyrene. So be it a tub or a shower unit, the adhesive works really well with surfaces made from these materials.
Because the adhesive has a light color, you do not have to worry about it being shown. Even if it is being used on something like fiberglass, after it dries, you will not see it since it will dry clear.
With strong adhesives, one thing that users often worry about is the burn through. Well, here, all you get is a strong adhesive that does its job. You will not experience any form of burn through.
Highlighted Features
- The adhesive does not cause any burn throughs
- It is both steam and heat resistant
- The light color will not show through afterward
- It can be used on fiberglass, plastic, and polystyrene shower units
3. GE Sealants & Adhesives GE712 Tub & Tile Silicone 1 Sealant
Here we have a tub and tile sealant from GE Sealants & Adhesives. It is a good choice for tub surrounds, or any other fixtures in the bathroom, kitchen, etc. As a sealant that provides good protection from water, this is useful in areas where there is a lot of water exposure.
The adhesive also provides mold-free protection for a whopping 7 years. So be it mildew growth or stain-causing mold, you do not have to worry about any kind growing here. The adhesive ensures that materials are fixed without any extra damages occurring in between or on top of it.
One of the finest features of this adhesive is how quick it is. Usually, with such strong sealants, it takes a good time before it is ready. However, here, it is ready in 12 hours. After 12 hours, you can get ready to use the tub as you like, and even splash water without any consequences.
Highlighted Features
- Complete silicone formula prevents water damage
- Provides mold protection for one year
- It can be exposed to water after 12 hours
- The adhesive is both crack and shrink-proof
4. Loctite Power Grab Tub Surround Construction Adhesive (1402263)
This is the Loctite Power Grab Tub Surround Construction Adhesive that has been formulated to be used specifically in the bathtub or surrounding areas like the shower.
As an adhesive that is meant to be used in such areas, it is resistant to all types of temperature changes, be it extremely hot or cold. It is also resistant to steam, water, and moisture which is frequently found in the bathroom.
When users see the word construction adhesive, one of the primary thoughts is that it must be complicated to use. Well, it is anything but. It is easy to apply using the cartridge, and just as easy to clean up. Even if you end up spilling some, all you need are some water and soap to clean it up.
Compatibility wise, it can be used on most bathroom surfaces. Be it waterproof drywall, wood, gypsum board, plastic, sanded ceramic tiles or sanded Barker-tile, the adhesive will work just as well everywhere.
Highlighted Features
- Adhesive helps to add shine
- It is not affected by external factors after being cured
- Venting is not needed
- Usage is easy and mess free
5. GE Sealants & Adhesives Store Kitchen & Bath Ultra Seal Pro
Sometimes when making changes around the home, we hit more spots than one. If you want an adhesive that will work in multiple spaces, including the tub surround, then this GE Sealants & Adhesives Store adhesive makes a good choice.
This has been made with Bio Seal Mold-Control that makes it a good choice for any space that is prone to moisture. This of course includes the bathroom, but also the kitchen, sinks, showers, counters, and even the basement for some.
Thanks to the durability of this, the adhesive does not shrink or crack and keeps its strength all through, regardless of conditions.
After application, you can paint over it if needed, or if you want to. Because this does not crack or fade, it can be painted over without having a change in the texture.
Usage is also easy here since you can simply smooth it out using the tube. In most cases, you will not require professional help but will be able to get it done yourself.
Highlighted Features
- The adhesive is both mildew and mold resistant
- It can be painted over without cracking
- Applies smoothly onto surfaces without a mess
- It is shrink-proof and crack proof
Tub Surround Adhesive Buying Guide
Quantity
Different adhesives come in different sized tubes. While some are considerably larger in size to cover more area, others are smaller for people who want to use it for smaller spaces. Which one you need purely depends on the amount of area you plan on covering.
If you are looking for an adhesive for a small fix up or something you will use maybe once, go for a smaller tube, something around a few ounces.
However, if you are using it for the tub surround, then you will require more, in which case look for the ones that come in at least 10-ounce containers.
Of course, if you are covering more than one tub, you will need multiple of these. That is a calculation you should do before ordering an adhesive.
Compatibility
While looking for the best tub surround adhesive, make sure you check for compatibility. While most you will find are compatible with tubs and have been made for the bathroom, some are more specific. You will find that some of these adhesives only work with ceramic, while some work only with plastic.
Since everyone has a different requirement, checking for this is important to know that the adhesive you get will work on your materials.
But if you are ever confused, or wish to use the same adhesive on other areas of the house as well, then look at the ones that can be used on most common surfaces, or have specifically mentioned the surfaces on which they can be used.
Since this is not your everyday glue, getting the wrong one would mean a complete waste of money, making it all the more important to focus on this factor.
Miscellaneous
While you are at it, do make sure to check for other features such as the odor. Some of these tend to leave a strong adhesive odor behind while they are still drying, while others do not. If you are sensitive to such things, go for ones that are odorless.
Being waterproof sounds like a no brainer here, but do look into it since there are mild differences here as well. While some of these take up to 12 hours to dry, others become waterproof in under an hour. These are the small things to watch out for depending on how fast and efficient you need or want the adhesive to be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What Do You Put Behind A Tub Surround?
Behind a tub surround, you must use waterproof or a moisture-resistant material. This has to be done behind the grouted stones, tiles, or plastic. Plumbers usually install a cement board that comes with glass mats on each side plus a cementitious core which gives its strength.
2. How Do You Seal A Tub Surround?
To seal a tub surround, you have to start off by cleaning off the old joint. You can use a razor for this. After the old one is removed use a new caulk to seal the joint so that water and other materials cannot seep into this space. Remember to keep the pressure steady all through to ensure a proper application.
3. What Can I Put On My Shower Walls Instead Of Tiles?
There are lots of alternates to put on your walls instead of tiles. Acrylic panels are good if you like a smooth outlook. PVC panels are a good option if you are on a budget. And if you want something luxurious, marble is a good option.
Then are there wooden walls, stainless steel, or even stone resin depending on what you personally like.
4. How Do You Fill The Gap Between Shower Surround And Drywall?
If the gap is up to ¼ inches, then you can use caulk to fill it in. You can also use caulk for gaps up to ½ inches, but in this case, you will need two beads. If the gaps are bigger than this then your option is to use a backer rod first and squeeze it into the gap. Then use the caulk to seal it up!
Conclusion
That concludes the article for the best tub surround adhesive. You should also know that this is not limited to the tub. If you are installing other fixtures at the same time, and need something similar for those, this one adhesive will work in most cases.
To understand where it will and will not work is the main point, and that is why you need to take the time to do a little research. We hope this article clarifies everything related to tub adhesives and helps you find the perfect one!