Last updated: 20 May 2026
If you are fitting a new curved shower screen seal, this guide shows the safest way to remove the old strip, press the new seal onto the curve, and trim it to size.
Video: Fitting Your Curved Shower Seal
There are many ways to do this, but this is the simplest method for a "proper job."
1. Out with the Old
- Old curved shower door sweeps are usually brittle and covered in grime.
- Grip the soft fin and give it a firm pull!
- Don’t worry about breaking it—it’s headed for the bin anyway.
2. Prep the Glass
- Scrub away any leftover limescale or mould.
- A clean edge is vital for a watertight, professional-looking seal.
3. Fit the New Curved Seal
Start at the inner edge (nearest the hinges/rollers). We’ll fit the whole length first, then trim it back.
Hook the U-channel onto one corner. Top Tip: Use your thumb to slightly widen the opening—it makes sliding it onto the glass much easier.
Note: "Opening up" the channel is far easier than trying to force it straight on.
Work your way around the curve, pressing it on inch by inch. Take your time—if you skip a bit, the ends won't line up correctly.
4. Trimming to Size
Standard curved screen seals are 950mm long, so you’ll likely have some excess. Fit first, cut later!
Once the seal is pressed on, mark the excess with a pen. Pull just that small end off the glass to make your cut.
Pro Advice: Use garden secateurs for a clean, effortless snap. If using scissors, score the PVC first. Always cut with the U-channel facing up to keep the structure rigid.
5. Job Done!
Firmly in place? Leak fixed? Enjoy your dry bathroom.
After fitting: two things worth checking
Before calling the job done, check two common issues that can still affect curved shower screens.
Check the hinge-side corner.
On some curved enclosures, a small gap can remain where the bottom seal meets the hinge or roller side of the door. If water still escapes from this corner, a threshold bar may be needed to bridge the gap.
For curved enclosures, a low threshold bar such as the PV29 Threshold Bar may help when the leak is coming from the hinge-side corner.
Read more: How to Stop Water Leaking from the Corner of a Shower Screen
Make sure you are using a curved seal, not a straight one.
If the seal pops off shortly after fitting, or keeps springing back, it may be a straight bottom seal being forced onto curved glass. Even when the glass thickness is correct, a straight seal can remain under tension and come loose over time. Read more: Why Straight Shower Door Seals Don’t Work on Curved Glass Doors
Before you finish, avoid these fitting mistakes
To help the curved shower door seal stay in place and keep a clean finish:
Skip the soap. Washing-up liquid or lubricants may help the seal slide on, but they can also make it slip later and encourage mould growth.
Avoid very hot water. Water above 70°C can cause PVC to curl, warp or lose grip.
Do not use a hairdryer. Excessive heat can damage the PVC memory and reduce its hold on the glass.
For more practical fitting and care advice, see our shower seal fitting and maintenance guides.