Applying silicone sealant

escapee

This topic brings back a tale when I was showing a neighbour how to use silicone, I too told him to apply as evenly as possible with a slow continual line of silicone then lick your finger and rub it over the silicone to smooth it out, I left him for five minutes and upon returning he was pulling a face, I asked him what the matter was to which he opened his mouth and showed me the silicone on his lips and tongue, I would have thought it was common sense to either wipe your finger at regular intervals with a cloth or failing that at least use a different finger next time lol!!

TimBuckTeeth

Try half filling the bath with water before applying sealant, this will give a midway position so the sealant doesn't have to flex as much.
I have used a plastic right angle strip from B&Q on the bath and fixed it in position with silicone, the excess silicone can be wiped off with soapy water and it is easier than getting bare silicone smooth. Also it gives an extra layer of protection and you don't eventually get mold growth that can happen with water direct on the silicone.

MagdaMagda_2

Sorry I am in a hurry for an answer to this question and have not learnt how to use the site ( I am covered in grout and silicon at the moment) . Everyone has advised Lady_K NOT to add a second layer to her first one. Why not? What would happen if she did? My first bead is lovely and smooth but just a bit too narrow ( although it spans the gap). I was hoping to add a second wider bead on top of the first, the second bead would touch the wall and the shower tray, not just sit on the original bead, as if spanning a gap wher my original application of silicon would be the floor of the gap. Couldn't I leave the first bead of silicn as a base layer? Hope I can track down this page again with the answer to this question.

Lady_K

All I'll say is I put mine on top and its been ok, I had no choice that time around till I get a tool for next time it needs doing as the gap is far too wide for just one run of sealant.

Just make sure there is no lubricant on the top of the sealant already on as obviously this would stop it sticking. Make sure its completely dry or it will drag it, if you have any meths wipe it with that first and let that evaporate to its easier to stick to

MagdaMagda_2

Thanks for the advice, and so quick too!

I use washing up liquid straight from the bottle on finger and I use it generously, I leave it over night, then wash it off with a sponge and water, (very gingerly) next day, that always gives me a lovely finish.

Can I use white spirit in place of meths I haven't got any at the moment?

What a lovely site? (Can I post all my life's problems here?)

Lady_K

Well I wouldnt use white spirit myself as I have found it leaves a slightly greasy film sometimes and turps too. Its up to you, unless you wash it off with ditulted stardops or something and dry it with a towel it just doesnt have to have any grease on it or washing up liquid etc

I should also add the cheaper sealants dont stick themselves very well at all, I've always bought the fairly expensive ones that stick to anything in sight basically

markdavey

This works a treat but you MUST take the old stuff out first and clean the area with a suitable cleaner (white spirit etc.): -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-Sealant-Tool-29-326/dp/B0001IWE7I

Different_Corner

Right in my quest to become a home maintenance goddess I need some idiot guide advice.

The sealant at the tap end of the bath needed replacing, (showers causing leaking in downstairs porch area ) so I did my research, cleaned the old stuff off, dried the area, wielding my new sealant cartridge sealant gun duly applied, wet soapy finger to smooth off. However the area behind the taps is very awkward to reach with added complication of the shower hose being in the way. So basically it looks like a 2 year old found the toothpaste tube.

Added to this the bath mixer/shower kit has had it, there is a slow seepage from the hose join at the base when the shower is 'up' so to speak. Can't replace the hose because I can't unscrew it for the life of me. So I'm going round in circles.

Is there any relatively easy way to do this sealant thing behind the taps ? Or shall I just leave my bodge job there, get a plumber in to replace shower/mixer taps and kit and let him do the sealant too ?

Lady_K

markdavey wrote: »

This works a treat but you MUST take the old stuff out first and clean the area with a suitable cleaner (white spirit etc.): -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stanley-Sealant-Tool-29-326/dp/B0001IWE7I

Is this suitable for really wide gaps for sealant and does the sealant stick to the actual thing itself?

desthemoaner

woodbutcher wrote: »

You could always get some upvc quadrant,stick it to the wall with silicone and then seal both edges.This is something i have done in the past to cover big gaps.It's neat,cheap and does the trick.

Five years (ish) after originally posted I found the above and have to agree. I've just fitted a new bath, and where the gap between wall and bath was widest I used UPVC quadrant held in place by silicon to finish off. It wont rot so wont need replacing, it looks good as long you keep the use of silicon to the minimum, and the water runs off it just fine.