Applying silicone sealant / mastic advice needed

relief123 · 25 Apr 2006

What a messy job.

Is there any tools or advice for applying this stuff and getting a perfect finish.

I have tried plastic gloves, spitting on it to smooth out (not nice when you eat a load) lol

Anyway there has gotta be a better way, whats your secrets to that perfect sealant (straight lines and smooth)

jobloggs · 25 Apr 2006

Masking tape on either side of the bead a distance appropriate to bead size.

Apply a slight access and smooth off with a wetted rounded implement of suitable radius. Clean off tool requently.

Remove tape as soon as bead is smoothed off.

JPC · 25 Apr 2006

no, no ,no

apply ur silicone, one length at a time ie one side of the bath.

in a mug put a finger of water and a good squirt of washing up liquid.

put ur finger in it, start from one edge and start by just applying enough pressure to wet the silicone...do the full length....just wetting it really.

keep wetting ur finger and cleaning any silicone that sticks to ur finger.

now go back to the start and same again but this time ur shaping it, taking off any excess. keep the finger clean (with a tissue)...note the silicone does not stick to ur finger....

if u need more depth just apply it and redo the above...

job done....do a few baths and u'll get the hang of it !!

Nige F · 25 Apr 2006

JPC........no no

you`ve admitted youre a new-ish plumber, now listen to 30 years experience

Masking Tape+ spit

yesx3........been ,done, T shirt

DannyFlash · 25 Apr 2006

Hi all I have found a product called "Fugi" does the job absolutley smack on!! Got loads of different edges to different sized beads etc..

http://www.plumbworld.co.uk/0-13240 Great tool, less sticky mess too!! Have a looksy! It really is a must for a perfect job every time!

I have one, and must admit, it does finish the job off really well!

ACOperson · 25 Apr 2006

Go with washing up liquid + finger mate!

Make sure and fill the bath first though so that when they fill it it doesn't break the seal.

Do one side at a time, put loads of washing up liquid in a bowl, put the silicone on, liquid on fingers then push the silicone in lightly into the joint, then more liquid on finger and run it along to smooth it over. Any silicone that falls off, remove it with your washing liquid covered finger ASAP.

relief123 · 26 Apr 2006

Thanks all... Have a lot of good advice here, i will be trying it all out when i do my shower and bath.
I really like the idea of the fugi tools, if all gets a bit messy i may have to try that..

Thanks again its been great help.

relief123 · 26 Apr 2006

DannyFlash said:
Hi all I have found a product called "Fugi" does the job absolutley smack on!! Got loads of different edges to different sized beads etc..

http://www.plumbworld.co.uk/0-13240 Great tool, less sticky mess too!! Have a looksy! It really is a must for a perfect job every time!

I have one, and must admit, it does finish the job off really well!

Watched the video and was well impressed and for the cost i ordered one to give it a try..

DannyFlash · 26 Apr 2006

The vid was what swung it for me, and it really is that simple to use!

The trick to get a great finish, is to do short sections like 24ins or so, that way there is less chance of a "skin" forming on the silicone, chaulk or whatever your using.

Have fun with your fugi!

JPC · 26 Apr 2006

nige....yes yes yes...

tried the masking tape and did not get on.

my method works very well for me....

Bahco · 26 Apr 2006

That Fugi looks a brilliant tool BUT if you look at it closely, you can see it is just a thin piece of shaped plastic that I think anyone can make by cutting at an angle.

Don't think I will be paying out £12

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Applying silicone sealant / mastic advice needed

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