Both the installation of a bathtub new and replacement of old coating require a new seal. The version silicone lasts longer, comes in several colors and adheres well to the tiles. To seal around your tub is important to remove mold and prevent damage of the water that occurs on the walls. With a methodical approach, the right materials and a few tips, you will achieve your sealing silicone without much trouble.
Instructions
- Place a few sheets of newspaper on the basis of the tub to avoid wear on the surface with your shoes, or you can take them off if you prefer.
- Apply two horizontal lines of masking tape parallel to the junction of the tub wall (both at a distance of 3/8 to 1/2 inches (1 to 1.5 cm) of bonding). Applies both on the surface of the tub and the wall, along the entire length of the joint to be sealed with silicone. Press firmly to ensure adhesion.
- Locate a cartridge of silicone sealant to seal the gun. Press the trigger until you feel a slight resistance. With a knife or a wire cutter, carefully cut the tip of the tube with a slight angle (45 degrees or less).
- Place yourself in the tub to work, perhaps in a kneeling position. For a firmer stand, take the gun with both hands; place your right hand on the trigger and the other in the gun barrel.
- Place the tip of the cartridge in a corner of the tub area to be sealed with the tip pointing angle against the surfaces of the tub and wall. Gently but firmly press the trigger and start drawing a line of sealant from the corner. In one continuous motion, slowly apply a line of equal size of the silicone material within the boundaries of the masking tape and continues until reaching the other corner.
- Flatten the sealer line with your finger (slightly moist) or with a plastic spoon using the convex side, pressing it against the area of the junction as you go. Remove excess sealant spoon or your finger frequently to avoid that extends beyond the boundaries of the masking tape. Continue doing this around the tub, in a couple and continuous line.
- Repeat steps 5 and 6 for all sides of the tub.
- Inspect the masking tape to make sure the silicone is light and finely close to the edge of the tape. This will make it easier to remove the tape. Clean any excess with a damp cloth or paper towel.
- Remove the masking tape starting with an easy end to lift; gently pull the tape out of the tub or wall perpendicular. If you notice that some of the silicone material begins to rise when the tape strips, quit, and returned to accommodate the material to be detached.
- Allow the silicone to dry for 24-48 hours to prevent evil cured material loses its effectiveness as a sealant.
Tips & Warnings
- To achieve better adhesion, make sure the entire area is dry before applying the silicone.
- Some tubes have an internal sealing plug that needs to be pierced with a screwdriver or a nail (be sure to remove all the silicone material of the tools that you use for this job).
- To prevent the sealing material from escaping the tube release the pressure on the gun until you are ready to use it.
- Wait at least two hours before removing the masking tape, and you’ll want to do this while silicone is still wet.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions for safe work regarding the silicone sealant materials.
- Be careful with knives and other cutting tools.
- Use suitable protective clothing (such as recommended by manufacturers and tools).