Relatively simple job, but one of my worst DIY jobs! How to recover repair. this.?

Section62

EssexExile said:

Ganga said:

I thought it was just me who was terrible at applying silicon ,tried every method and cannot get a professional finish .

It's an art, and I'm not an artist.

Me neither, but I've found the rounded end of a Sharpie pen (not the nib end) to be a better tool for finishing silicone than any of the tools designed for the job.

Timing is everything - if it starts to 'skin' then either leave it alone, or clean it all off.

ThisIsWeird

Ganga said:

I thought it was just me who was terrible at applying silicon ,tried every method and cannot get a professional finish .

Have you tried these tools? They are pretty amazing.

ThisIsWeird

EssexExile said:

Ganga said:

I thought it was just me who was terrible at applying silicon ,tried every method and cannot get a professional finish .

It's an art, and I'm not an artist.

Pish, you ain't

Ganga

ThisIsWeird said:

Ganga said:

I thought it was just me who was terrible at applying silicon ,tried every method and cannot get a professional finish .

Have you tried these tools? They are pretty amazing.

Yes i bought some but when you see the chap use them on youtube they never have any gaps or have loads spreading over the sides of the tools. 

chris_n

Ganga said:

ThisIsWeird said:

Ganga said:

I thought it was just me who was terrible at applying silicon ,tried every method and cannot get a professional finish .

Have you tried these tools? They are pretty amazing.

Yes i bought some but when you see the chap use them on youtube they never have any gaps or have loads spreading over the sides of the tools. 

That's because they put the right amount on in the first place. If the gap is inconsistent in any plane you need to adjust the speed of travel of the gun to get a consistently full gap. Very difficult if you don't do it regularly, as they say 'practice makes perfect'.

ThisIsWeird

Yes, it's a learning process.

Lay out the bead for a couple of feet, and then try the tool for size, but not pressing it down firmly - drag it along. You'll soon see if you have the right amount.

Then, deep breath, go for it with confidence. Keep the tool at 90o to the faces. Press it gently/firmly into place, and move it as smoothly along as you can.

If you see a holiday, stop by lifting the tool away as you keep moving it. Add a small amount of extra sili, go back a foot, position the tool but don't press, get moving and slowly press it in to the previous amount. It'll touch-down gently and not make a mark - so you can carry on with the job.

If, on the other hand, you've applied too much and it's building up and threatening to go over the tool sides, then again gently lift away whilst moving, wipe the tool clean (plenty of kitchen paper handy...), go back a foot, and repeat.

Ganga

ThisIsWeird said:

Yes, it's a learning process.

Lay out the bead for a couple of feet, and then try the tool for size, but not pressing it down firmly - drag it along. You'll soon see if you have the right amount.

Then, deep breath, go for it with confidence. Keep the tool at 90o to the faces. Press it gently/firmly into place, and move it as smoothly along as you can.

If you see a holiday, stop by lifting the tool away as you keep moving it. Add a small amount of extra sili, go back a foot, position the tool but don't press, get moving and slowly press it in to the previous amount. It'll touch-down gently and not make a mark - so you can carry on with the job.

If, on the other hand, you've applied too much and it's building up and threatening to go over the tool sides, then again gently lift away whilst moving, wipe the tool clean (plenty of kitchen paper handy...), go back a foot, and repeat.

I normally go on holiday twice a year but do not intend to do any plumbing wok whilst there 
The curse of auto correct 

ThisIsWeird

Ah, but I did mean 'holiday' - a missed gap in paint or sili or stuff
Not a known term?!

Chickereeeee

Most of these replies assume you are using silicone, which you aren't. Plumbers Gold is a polymer sealant, and different 'rules' may apply. For instance, I am not all sure it doesn’t stick to itself. I have used it between a standalone bath and a wall (to stop tap drips getting down there, and also to prevent bath movement) and it has been excellent. I don't thick silicone would have stopped the bath moving so well.

If memory serves, (it was 7 years ago) I was unhappy with my first attempt, and dreaded having to strip it off, but it came off in one piece with no residue (unlike silicone). My second attempt was perfect(ly adequate).

baser999

If it’s any consolation OP, I also have trouble using sealant, get in a right mess