Applying silicone sealant

Lady_K

Oh heck I hate this job I get in a terrible mess everytime. Can anyone give any tips on how to apply it smoothly and with as least mess as possible.

Its the very very sticky one, the more expensive one as I've found others don't last nowhere near as long but it is messier to apply.

I have already done one layer but I will have to do another on top as its so uneven it looks like its covered in white gravel. I put cellotape either side coz I dont have any masking tape but it still ends up a mess. I put a bit of water on my finger before running it along. Its a bit awkward doing it behind the taps though, not enough room to smooth it out evenly but the whole lots a mess at the moment anyway. Another layer on top should stick though shouldnt it?

k3v1n123

Hi,

You best starting again peel it all off should come off easily if its only just been done wait for it to set then just simply peel.

First is the preporation clean and wipe dry.

Second cut the nozzle on a slight angle and just a little bit wider than what your siliconing.

3rd apply the silicone try to keep the same pressure on the gun all the time to apply an even coat.

4th the best way to smooth out silicone is using spit i know it sounds disgusting but its the only way i do this every single day when im sealing windows or doors up

When i first started i did try water but it doesnt have the same affect as spit im afraid, I have heard people say use sopy water but i have never tried it so spit is the easiest way to do it.

You should not have to use maskin tape aslong as you just put an even amount of silicone on dont push hard on the silicone just go across it gently.

Hope this helps you

Lady_K

Well its quite set now cant I just put some on top?

nick_080880

I'd say peel it off and start again, it should come right away.

The easiest way to shape your sealant is using the nozzle, make sure you cut it so the diameter is slightly larger than the gap you're sealing, at an angle. When you put the sealant in push the nozzle forward, don't drag it as sealant comes out, while keeping a constant pressure. That should shape it nicely, and a wet finger will tidy up any mess you left behind. There'll probaby be a large blob of sealant at the far end of your run, so use your finger on that too.

That's been working for me, have a few practice runs on some spare bits of wood or whatever first, and when it comes to the real thing you'll be better prepared.

markdavey

Lady_K wrote:

Oh heck I hate this job I get in a terrible mess everytime. Can anyone give any tips on how to apply it smoothly and with as least mess as possible.

Its the very very sticky one, the more expensive one as I've found others don't last nowhere near as long but it is messier to apply.

I have already done one layer but I will have to do another on top as its so uneven it looks like its covered in white gravel. I put cellotape either side coz I dont have any masking tape but it still ends up a mess. I put a bit of water on my finger before running it along. Its a bit awkward doing it behind the taps though, not enough room to smooth it out evenly but the whole lots a mess at the moment anyway. Another layer on top should stick though shouldnt it?

I had this problem and found an excellent solution. JML do a sealant application 'kit' which includes silicon rubber moulded 'tools' that virtually guarentee a smooth finish (did for me anyway and I was rubbish at it with my hand). Believe the kit was about £10 and I got it from Homebase. I have used it multiple times and get as good a finish as the doubleglazing fitters do when fitting windows.

pldd4

This is all you need for the professional look.

http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/app.detail/params.item.516612/walk.yah.UKGD-U085

weekendwarrior

This is one of the jobs that is easy if you get enough practice, but for most people who do it once in a blue moon it can be a pain in the butt- Applying silicone sealant

misgrace

Like the OP says, cut the nozzle at an angle, and slowly squeeze the trigger, I use soapy water in a bowl, and it works wonders.
For the diyer, do a bit of the sealant, then dip your finger into the soapy water, and spread the sealant from the wet bit (bit you have just done)into the dry end,(bit you havent done) then get your gun again, and do a bit more, then do the finger soapy water bit, and spread from the second bit you just did, into the bit you have already done, this will keep the sealant smooth, till you get the hang of of doing it in one go.

It does take practice, but if you do a wee bit at a time, and keep your finger moist with soapy water whilst your spreading it, it will make the finish look neater, and give you a bit longer workable time to finish it.

plumb1_2

Lady_K wrote:

Well its quite set now cant I just put some on top?

Thats a Big NO you will have to remove the 1st layer and start again.

woodbutcher_2

I personally don't cut the nozzle at an angle but most other builders i know do.I push the gun,don't pull and you need to keep the gun moving applying even pressure and keeping the gun moving at a regular speed.Sounds easy but it's not.Takes practice.

A word of warning to the guy(or anyone) who uses spit to smooth silicone.I worked for the local authority for a while fitting windows and before we started,had to watch a health and safety film.One of these told us in no uncertain terms not to lick your finger,then wipe silicone.Apparantly,the silicone contains a chemical that can rot your gums and make your teeth fall out.Made me think anyway.

tim158

Hi i am glad you asked the question about applying sealant to a bath because i have had major problems with it still leaking.

I first cleaned off the old sealent, and then filled the bath.

Used a good quality sealant then let it set.

Kids had a bath ant it started leaking again (i have the kitch roof off because it damaged it and will not put a new one up till i solve the leak.

It seams to be the bath flexing so i am wondering if anyone recommends teleseal 10?

and is it power shower proof.


Sorry to highjack the post

regards (newhomeowner)

Tim