Silicone sealant is a helpful material you need in your DIY projects at home. If you want to repair bathtubs or faucets, or sinks you can use silicone sealant. However, there are many types of silicone sealants available. Hence you need to find out the right one for your projects.
Here are tips on how to apply silicone sealant:
Contents
1. Choose The Right Silicone Sealant:
The type of silicone you choose determines the time will take to harden and how elastic it is. A universal sealant remains the right choice for broad use. If you need to use the silicone sealant in the washroom and moist places, you should select multi-resistant adhesive as it helps the joints not to blacken as time goes. You should also note that you can paint some sealants while others cannot.
You also need to note, not all types of silicone are ideal for every job. For example, an acrylic sealant is not suitable for use on tile, glass, or smooth surfaces. Teflon sealants are suitable for use in roofing areas. You improve silicone sealant adhesion by applying a primer coating.
2. Prepare The Surface You Want To Seal:
Before applying silicone sealant, ensure the surface is clean free from dirt and particles, or dust. The presence of any dirt on the surface you wish to seal will weaken your seal. To prepare your surface, soak a cloth in soapy water and wipe the surface. Rinse the cloth and wipe the surface again. Dry the surface with a sponge. Ensure you dry all the water as moisture can cause more issues.
3. Masking:
If you want to achieve the best result when applying silicone sealant but unsure if you can use the sealant correctly on a straight line on hard-to-reach areas, masking tape can be of great help. Apply the masking tape on both sides of the surface you wish to seal. Then remove the tape before the silicone tape dries. They can be of invaluable help in ensuring you apply your silicone sealant correctly.
4. Making The Seal:
Hold the sealing gun at an angle of 45 degrees, and pull the gun towards your side. Ensure you find the right working speed to help you apply the sealant correctly. When you move too slow, you will get a bumpy and uneven sealant surface, wasting the sealant pointlessly. If you move too quickly, you will not fill the gap nicely.
When you get to the end of the seam, release the gun handle and press the button at the back to apply pressure to stop the sealant flow instantly. Failure to do this, the sealant will not stop flowing from the nozzle.
5. Finishing Off The Sealant Line:
Smooth out the seam using your wet finger from soapy water. Soap helps silicone sealant not to stick to your finger. Use soapy water to get rid of any silicone sealant remains. You can remove the silicone sealant with a hard sponge or a knife after it has dried. Also, you can use special equipment to apply and remove silicone sealant.
Bottom Line:
Silicone sealant is useful in filing seams and gaps in bathtubs, sinks, and their surfaces. It is essential to look for the right silicone sealant type suitable for your project. Use mold-resistant silicone sealant in bathrooms and other moist areas.
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