Silicone vs Latex Caulk (GE Advanced Silicone 2 vs DAP Alex Plus)
By The DIYPicks Team · Updated July 2026
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GE Advanced Silicone 2 Kitchen & Bath Sealant
A 100% silicone sealant that is the reliable choice for waterproofing showers and tubs, as long as you never need to paint over it.
| Type | 100% silicone |
|---|---|
| Cure | Water-ready in ~30 min, full cure ~24 hrs |
| Waterproof | Yes (100% waterproof) |
| Paintable | No |
| Use | Interior/exterior |
| Cleanup | Mineral spirits (not water) |
DAP Alex Plus Acrylic Latex Caulk Plus Silicone
A cheap, paintable, easy-cleanup caulk that is the right pick for interior trim and gaps but not for constant water immersion.
| Type | Acrylic latex plus silicone |
|---|---|
| Cure | Paintable in ~30 min, full cure ~24 hrs |
| Waterproof | Water-resistant (not for submersion) |
| Paintable | Yes |
| Use | Interior/exterior |
| Cleanup | Soap and water before cure |
Our verdict
The core trade-off is waterproofing versus paintability. GE Advanced Silicone 2 is 100% silicone, fully waterproof, and mold-resistant, so it wins for showers, tubs, and sinks, but it cannot be painted, smells strongly while curing, and cleans up only with solvent. DAP Alex Plus is an acrylic latex plus silicone that is fully paintable in about 30 minutes, tools smoothly, and cleans up with water, which makes it ideal for trim, baseboards, and gaps you plan to paint. The rule of thumb is simple: use silicone where water sits and paint never goes, and use paintable latex caulk on trim and drier interior joints.