Replacing sealant round bath - help please

chris_n

Bradden said:

I've never got on with the tools... finger with a bit of washing up liquid works for me.

What a waste of washing up liquid, just lick your finger! Seriously though finger is fine if you are well practiced with a cartridge gun and can get a reasonable finish straight from the gun, if this isn't you then the tools are far better.

MoneyMoney555

Hi,

I've had the same struggle, and using masking tape really helped me. Here's a foolproof way:

• Clean the Area: Make sure the area is clean and dry before applying new sealant.

• Apply Masking Tape: Put masking tape on both sides of where you'll apply the sealant. This creates a boundary for a neat finish.

• Cut the Nozzle: Cut the nozzle of your sealant tube at a 45-degree angle, making sure the hole isn't too big.

• Apply Sealant: Slowly and steadily apply the sealant, filling in the gap. Use a sealant gun for better control.

• Smooth It Out: Use a sealant smoother or the back of a spoon to even out the application
• .Remove Tape: Carefully peel away the masking tape before the sealant dries completely.

stuart45

Bradden said:

I've never got on with the tools... finger with a bit of washing up liquid works for me.

What most of the pros use. Easier to control. Having a good quality gun helps. 
Release the pressure when you finish to stop more coming out. Don't keep going over it. 
Masking tape helps DIYers. Although the job looks easy when a pro does it, it is easy to make a mess of the job. 

outtatune

Charlie White and Andy Mac have loads of videos covering this

NeverTooLate

Masking tape does make it look good, but you do get slight ridges when you pull it away.
Licking your finger may introduce bacteria to the silicone which will later make it mouldy.

The tools are the best thing to use - wish I'd bought some years ago.

Anoneemoose

Thanks again everyone. I’m going to give it a go. What would be the best gun to use? Are some better than others? 

stuart45

I've got an Everbuild SG400, which is good enough for my use. You can get cheaper ones if you only want it for one job.

ThisIsWeird

The gun doesn't matter - it just needs to deliver the silicone in a reasonably even bead. Any skeleton gun should do.
The quality of sili will matter - some have got excellent anti-mould properties, and are a nicer consistency to use. Having said that, I'm out of touch, so can't give a recommendation.
BUT, do use the tools. Do. Just do.
'Finger' ma botty.

stuart45

I've found the better quality guns give a more even pressure, especially when you release the trigger and the ratchet keeps it coming out evenly inbetween.
Mine gets used mainly on movement joints in brickwork, so it needs to be a decent job in the facework. 

digannio

Dowsil 785, carefully placed masking tape and a wet finger... I'd post pictures of my finest hour but I just know some smart arrrse would find and point out the smallest of flaws in my pride and joy🤣