Sealing the bathroom, kitchen or window frames with silicone sealant is a regularly recurring job for people who carry out maintenance on their home. Unfortunately, sealants are also known to make a huge mess, especially for those with little experience with silicone sealant. The tough and slow-drying adhesive often sticks to the fingers and clothing usually does not escape from sealant stains that are difficult to remove. With a handy step-by-step plan, a kitten becomes an easy job.
Which silicone sealant to use?
It is sometimes difficult to determine which kit is suitable for which application. The composition of the silicone sealant determines the elasticity and the speed of curing. Universal silicone sealant is suitable for general use. If you are using the silicone sealant for the bathroom or other areas that get wet, use a fungicidal sealant. This prevents the joints from becoming black. There is also a special paintable silicone sealant, something to be aware of if you are planning this. Acrylic sealant is excellent paintable, but less suitable for the bathroom if you want to seal on glass, tiles and other smooth surfaces. Acid sealants can oxidize mirrors, marble, aluminum and copper. If you want to apply sealant to these materials, make sure to purchase acid-free sealant.
Preparation to seal easily and without problems
Kitten requires a tight hand and smooth movement. To achieve a good end result, you make the following preparations:
- Grab a Stanley knife (for removing old sealant residue)
- Get a roll of masking tape
- Prepare a dish with water and washing-up liquid
- Do not use old kit (note the expiration date)
- Put on old clothes to avoid sealant on your clothes
- Open a window (a sharp and irritating smell may come off the silicone sealant, especially during curing)
- Put on old clothes to avoid sealant on your clothes
Step-by-step plan for easy sealants
Good technique will help you stay clean and get a nice end result. Kitten can be a frustrating activity, especially when things aren’t going the way you want. Therefore, use the correct technique and use the step-by-step instructions below to make the kitten an easy job. Also prepare a dish of water with soapy water to finish the sealant strip neatly and without spilling.
Step 1: Remove the old sealant layer
Removing an old sealant layer can generally be done quickly and easily with the help of a utility knife. If you are unable to remove all of the sealant, remove the remainder with a special silicone remover. Spread the sealant residues with this agent, after which you can easily remove the sealant residues after a few minutes. When removing the old sealant, wear old protective clothing and latex gloves.
Step 2: Cover with painter’s tape
By sticking masking tape along the entire length, you make the kitten a lot easier for yourself. Masking takes some time, but gives a smooth result. You can also tape off hard-to-reach places. The tape must be removed before the silicone sealant dries.
Step 3: Use a caulking gun
To be able to seal properly, use a caulking gun. Use a sharp knife to cut away the nozzle of the sealant tube and do the same with the tip of the nozzle. If you cut a small piece, it will result in a narrow sealant strip. If you cut it a little further, your sealant strip is wider and you don’t have to use as much force while applying the sealant. After cutting, place the cartridge in the gun and squeeze the handle until the nozzle is completely filled with silicone sealant.
Step 4: make the grout
Hold the caulking gun at an angle of about 45 degrees and slowly pull it towards you while pulling the handle of the caulking gun with your hand. You will notice the correct kit speed automatically. If you go too slow, you will get a bumpy surface and if you go too fast, you will not get enough sealant in the crack. Finish one length in one go and let go of the handle at the end of the joint. Quickly press the button on the back of the caulking gun. This takes the pressure off the tube and the silicone sealant stops immediately. This way you prevent sealant from coming out of the gun.
Step 5: neatly finish the sealant strip
Take the previously prepared dish or container with soapy water and smooth the entire joint with your finger. You do this by putting your finger in the soapy water and then moving it over the joint in a smooth motion. Also try to find a good speed in this and finish a length in one movement. The soapy water will keep the silicone sealant from sticking to your finger. If some silicone sealant remains, it can also be removed quickly with the same soap solution.
Remove silicone sealant from your clothing
How do you remove silicone sealant from your clothes? There are a number of useful ways to do this, although removing the sealant can be a tricky job:
- Use methylated spirits and a piece of toilet paper and rub the area.
- Dab the stain with acetone, the sealant will dissolve in it. Make sure your clothes are not discolored.
- Use an ice cube and chill the sealant stain. Then rub with a sponge and remove.
- Remove dry sealant stains with a knife and hard sponge.
