Finally found a caulk that doesn't drive me nuts

For a new silicone bead, the manufacturer’s stated cure time matters more than the calendar, especially in a poorly ventilated bathroom. Keeping the tub dry and ventilated for the full cure period helps prevent weak adhesion at the wall or moisture getting trapped underneath, which can resemble product failure later.

The cure conditions matter, but they aren’t the whole story. If a bead still peels, I’d look at the prep before switching caulk: leftover silicone or residue, or a tub and tile surface that wasn’t clean and completely dry, can keep a new bead from bonding. And if the product isn’t compatible with those surfaces, changing caulk type alone may not fix it.

“Better” depends on the joint’s exposure. Mold-resistant labeling doesn’t mean a caulk is rated for immersion or standing water, so check the product’s stated service rating before comparing silicone with another type. For an ordinary tub-to-wall joint, that rating may not narrow the choices much; for a joint that stays submerged or regularly has water sitting on it, it can rule out a product that otherwise sounds like a good fit.

Tub material can narrow the choices for an ordinary tub-to-wall joint, too. Some silicone products aren’t suitable for acrylic or fiberglass, so check the label for compatibility with the tub material, not just the joint’s water exposure. A product that isn’t compatible with the surface may not bond well, regardless of its mildew or immersion rating.

I’d use those as successive filters: first check that a product is suitable for the tub material, then that its service rating fits the joint’s actual water exposure. Only among products that pass both would I compare mildew claims or ease of application. That avoids choosing a product that sounds appealing but may not suit the surface or conditions.

Once a product passes both checks, which would you give more weight to: a stronger mildew-resistance claim or easier application? The opening author was frustrated by mold and the hassle of redoing the caulk, so the priority could change what “better” means.

I’d lean toward easier application, while treating mildew resistance as a useful bonus rather than a promise. A bead that goes on cleanly is less frustrating to redo if it eventually needs replacing; a stronger mildew claim wouldn’t by itself convince me the joint will stay clean or last longer. Given the opening author’s dislike of the whole repeat job, though, I can see why mold resistance might take priority for someone who finds cleaning the bead especially bothersome.