Using Bathroom Sealant For Diy Projects

By Author: Andrew Richards
Total Articles: 32
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Bathroom sealant is a very useful product for home DIY projects. If you are installing a new bathroom suite then sealant can be used to contain water leakage from around the bath and sink. Bathroom sealant is a silicone based paste that can be applied at the join where the bath meets the wall. This will dry to form a waterproof seal that stops water from leaking down between the bath and the wall when you are using the tub. This can also be applied around sinks and shower units.

Why Use Bathroom Sealant?

If water does drip down between the bath and the wall then it can pool in hard to reach areas. This can cause a number of problems including flooding and damp, rotten floor joists. Dampness in bathrooms can also encourage mould and mildew to form and this can create a musty, unpleasant smell.

Are There Any Alternatives to Silicone Sealant?

If you have a wide gap between your bath and the wall then you could use flexible caulking to seal the gap. This product is more effective at covering a large area and is a type of tape which can be applied along the edge of the bath. Silicone sealant is more durable ...
... and easier to apply though so unless you do have a large gap to seal this is the best choice for preventing water leakage between the bath and the wall.

How to Apply Bathroom Sealant

Bathroom sealant comes in tubes and is a semi-dry liquid which hardens on contact with the air. When you first apply silicone bathroom sealant it will look a little like toothpaste. This thicker consistency makes it easier to direct the flow of the paste as it leaves the tube. Before you start to seal the bath you do need to prepare the area first. Good preparation ensures that the sealant lasts as long as possible. Firstly you need to clear away any old bathroom sealant with a sharp knife. Clean the area thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Next half fill the bath with water. Although this can make things a bit more awkward it is important as this will mimic the movement of the bath when it is used in the future. This will ensure the silicone sealant has enough stretch in it to last through every day use without cracking or splitting.

Once you have prepared the area you can then seal the bath. Run the nozzle of the sealant tube along the edge of the bath smoothly whilst applying a line of the sealant paste. It is important to do this evenly to avoid using too much or too little paste. As soon as you have done this dip your finger in a little washing up liquid and then smooth the line of sealant gently to remove any excess and create a flat even finish. You can use a silicone gun to make sure the application of the sealant is as even as possible.

Bathroom sealant can help to prevent any damp patches in difficult to reach areas of your bathroom. This product is a durable and long lasting way to seal the edges of baths, shower units and sinks to ensure they remain watertight during every day use.