Bathroom & Kitchen Sealant Advice pls

waterwatereverywhere

Hi,

Hope someone can help. We're replacing some sealant around kitchen worksurfaces and around bath - which was badly done originally.

Have removed it. In both bathroom and kitchen there are "gaps" between worksurface and wall and between bath and tops of wall tiles.

What is the best way to fill these gaps before we re-apply sealant?

We thought we could use tile grout as that should dry hard and give a good surface for putting the sealant on top. Is this correct? Or would we be better off using the sealant first in the gaps, allow it to dry and then run the sealant again on top?

Also, must we use one of the more expensive sealants from the DIY shops as there are some in the Pound Shops far cheaper - what's the difference?

Any advice greatly appreciated! Many thx..

southcoastrgi

it depends how big the gaps are, NO DON'T put mastic in there first, mastic will stick to almost everything (providing it's not wet) but it doesn't like sticking to itself, "some in the pounds shops far cheaper" so i'm guessing mastic for a pound ?
some are better than others but you need one suitable for sanitaryware & with a fungleside in it to help prevent mould.

phill99

With reference to the kitchen, just fill the gaps with sealant as you go. Don't put sealant in, let it dry and then add more sealant as mastic isn't good at sticking to dry mastic. Make sure you clean the area down first with methylated spirit (NOT white spirit).

In the bathroom again, do not use grout to fill the gaps. Again clean the area down with meths. You need to fill the bath with water, put your swimming trunks on and then jump in the bath and then apply the mastic. You need an even bead with your mastic gun. Once you have applied it, spray with a mixture of water and fairy liquid, then smear off with a Magnum lolly stick (not kidding) for a smooth even finish.

DO NOT buy the cheap rubbish. Get a decent one such as Dow Corning and ensure it has an anti fungicidal additive or it will go black in a few monthS.

southcoastrgi

:rotfl:thanks phill

grizzly1911

phill99 wrote: »

With reference to the kitchen, just fill the gaps with sealant as you go. Don't put sealant in, let it dry and then add more sealant as mastic isn't good at sticking to dry mastic. Make sure you clean the area down first with methylated spirit (NOT white spirit).

In the bathroom again, do not use grout to fill the gaps. Again clean the area down with meths. You need to fill the bath with water, put your swimming trunks on and then jump in the bath and then apply the mastic. You need an even bead with your mastic gun. Once you have applied it, spray with a mixture of water and fairy liquid, then smear off with a Magnum lolly stick (not kidding) for a smooth even finish.

Thanks for the lolly stick advice.:D

What about using masking tape to give a nice straight edges on the bath/tiles - do you think it is worth it?

phill99

grizzly1911 wrote: »

Thanks for the lolly stick advice.:D

What about using masking tape to give a nice straight edges on the bath/tiles - do you think it is worth it?

I've never used it. I employ a professional mastic applicator from time to time and he never masks up. Just puts a single bead in and rubs a small piece of wood over the top and it gives an excellent finish.

tpt

i'd echo the advice about avoiding the cheap stuff. you wont go wrong with dow corning.

for a non pro, i would clean it, mask it both sides. Then cut the end of the nozzle on a 45 deg angle, leaving approx a 5mm hole.

Squeeze the silicone gun handle and move along the run at a steady pace, aiming for even coverage, if you have to stop thats fine, push the lever on the back of the gun to stop the silicone coming out.

Some use a lolly stick or other tools, personally i dont think you'll get better than your finger but wet your finger before starting and keep it wet as you go by dipping it in water again. as long as your finger is wet you can correct it a little if you need to.

Remvoe the masking tape straight away and if you need to lightly smooth again with a wet finger.

by far the biggest mistake made is to put way too much on, your aiming for a small bead of 5-6mm

Oldsoak

As tpt but a word of warning do NOT lick your finger to make it wet as silicone is carcagenetic (can cause cancer ((not meaning ot patronize))).
Good luck