What is the difference between silicone and acrylic sealant?

I am installing a shower door and the instructions state that silicone sealant should be used. My local DIY store only has acrylic. Does that matter?What is the difference between silicone and acrylic sealant?
There are many good sealants these days. 100% silicone is still the best choice for your shower. It should say ';Tub %26amp; Tile'; or ';Kitchen a %26amp; Bath'; because they have mold inhibitors in them. These silicones are not paintable. The acrylics are paintable but don't generally last as long in the wet conditions of your shower. They also don't generally have mold inhibitors in them. There are some paintable silicones but I have never seen one that had mold inhibitors. There are other less flexible caulks used in showers. They are cheaper for a reason. I don't recommend the cheap, hardening type of caulk for anything.What is the difference between silicone and acrylic sealant?
Yes. Silicone resists moisture as well as temperature changes, acrylic does not. Over time acrylic will suffer cracks and allow moisture in and out.
acrylic dries over time to a hard shell like skin....silicone will stay pliable much longer....silicone is paintable, use it all the time.....but u shouldnt need to paint.....we install about 25 shower unit and doors a year...we use silicone but one that is only used for showers..$12.00 a tube, u can use the regular silicone that u can get at lowes and such......





lic. gen. contractor