Shower/sink sealant that works!?

Hakakahn · 1 Aug 2008

I have to keep re-doing mine every few months,
a) because it starts peeling or
b) because of the mould, both black and lovely pink mould that won't come off.

Q1
Does anyone know of a sealant that actually works?Perhaps a professional one?
Also is there a way of applying it so it looks even cos it always ends up a mess no matter what tools I try!!

Q2
Is there anything that will actually remove mould and mould stains as I've tried everything including products and toothbrushes...?

Q3
One further question, is there a certain type of sealant I should use on the kithchen sink where the work surface joins the tiles on my wall behind the sink? Or can I use the same one?

Cheers!

Hakakahn · 29 Aug 2008

Can I bump this as I really want some help?

graffspider · 29 Aug 2008

If you're having a big problem with mould you might want to look at improving your ventilation - perhaps by installing a decent extraction fan.

I would also look for a mould-resistant sealant rather than the standard stuff - go for one of the name brands rather than the own-brand stuff. More expensive but I've found you usually get what you pay for with sealant.

Applying it evenly is really just a question of practice - which it sounds like you're getting plenty of

. Make sure the surface is completely clean and dry before applying the new sealant to avoid it peeling later. You could try using masking tape to get a straight edge (remember to take it off before the sealant sets though).

p.s. You probably struggled to get a response because you posted a question about shower sealant in the 'Windows and Doors' forum.

Richard C · 29 Aug 2008

You need to use an anti-bacterial, sanitary silicone sealer not the cheapo acrylic ones; I use Cerafix Trade Silicone (available at B&Q) & never have any problems. Start in a corner & move the applicator nozzle away from the bead fairly quickly applying even pressure & then just run a wet finger over it; simple! Seriously, getting a neat bead does require a certain knack & comes with a little practice; most people just lack confidence & apply too thick a bead far too slowly or push instead of pulling & this gives tram lines. There are little plastic thingies you can buy which are supposed to give a pro finish but I’ve never tried them as I don’t have a problem. Clean the surfaces thoroughly with a non oil based spirit cleaner (UPVC cleaner is good), fill the bath to the overflow before you apply the sealer & leave it overnight to set thoroughly with the bath full.

Friendly tip; you may have got a better response if you posted the correct forum!

Hakakahn · 30 Aug 2008

I'd love to get an extractor fan, but money money money!

I have probably put the sealant on about 8 times in the last year so even with the practice, it's just not getting any better, it always looks awful!
It's not just about a straight edge it's about the fact that it always goes on unevenly on the actual layer itself

I'll try the Cerafix but I just don't have any faith anymore! I am going to B&Q today cos I want to get it sorted! !

I've always used a plastic thingy, it doesn't seem to help!

Why do u fill the bath to set it with it there?
Does it actually dry overnight? Because most of them take a few days?

Does it matter if you don't use a upvc cleaner?
I didn't realise I posted it in the wrong bit, was a bit tricky when I looked around and I was just so desperate to post!

Thanks for the help. Any more?!

Richard C · 30 Aug 2008

Hakakahn said:
I have probably put the sealant on about 8 times in the last year so even with the practice, it's just not getting any better, it always looks awful! It's not just about a straight edge it's about the fact that it always goes on unevenly on the actual layer itself.
I've always used a plastic thingy, it doesn't seem to help!
I'll try the Cerafix but I just don't have any faith anymore! I am going to B&Q today cos I want to get it sorted!

Unfortunately it doesn’t sound like there is much hope for you, have you thought about getting someone in to do it properly?

Hakakahn said:
Why do u fill the bath to set it with it there?

When you fill the bath to use it, the weight of the water (& you) will cause it to settle, sometimes up to a couple of millimetres. This stretches the bead of sealer & puts it in tension, which it doesn’t particularly like. Continued stretching every time you fill the bath means it can come unstuck, usually from the top of the bath. Filling the bath with water before you apply the sealer causes the bath to settle somewhere near where it will be in use & puts the sealer in compression when you empty the bath (which it prefers). This significantly reduces the amount of stretch the sealer will be subject to when you fill the bath & get into it & so making it less likely to come unstuck.

Hakakahn said:
Does it actually dry overnight? Because most of them take a few days?

If it doesn’t dry overnight, it’s not Silicone sealer.

Hakakahn said:
Does it matter if you don't use a upvc cleaner?

No, any non oil based (not white spirit or brush cleaner) solvent cleaner will do.

Hakakahn · 30 Aug 2008

I take it with the bath you mean if you're using it around the plughole? It's around the bath and sink hole I'm concerned with so will fill the sink for that bit? Or are you saying its good for wherever you put the sealant even if not near the bath?
Sorry gettin tired!
Can't afford to get it done properly. But going to try and sillicone one.

I can use the same one on the kitchen sink and around the bathroom tap (which never works) yeah?

It's just that one looks more rigid so thought it might be a different sealant?

Thanks for this!

Richard C · 30 Aug 2008

Hey there mod 7, are you referring to me?

gremlin16 · 30 Aug 2008

If you want one of the best sealer check the following supplier

www.dowcorning.com

Richard C · 30 Aug 2008

Hakakahn said:
I take it with the bath you mean if you're using it around the plughole? It's around the bath and sink hole I'm concerned with so will fill the sink for that bit? Or are you saying its good for wherever you put the sealant even if not near the bath?
Sorry gettin tired!

No I don’t mean around the plug hole;

only fill the bath/sink if your putting sealer around the edge of the bath or sink!

Hakakahn said:
I can use the same one on the kitchen sink and around the bathroom tap (which never works) yeah?

Yes

Hakakahn said:
It's just that one looks more rigid so thought it might be a different sealant?

I’m getting tired now!

lagunaglen · 30 Aug 2008

Dow Corning is the one i use,get it from pts.
As for applying sealant i think most people put too much on.
Get it dry, then use nozzle with a small hole in,dont cut it bigger, then apply, wet finger, usually middle one and run along to smooth out silicone, keep finger wet as it stops it sticking to your finger instead of bath etc.

skenk · 30 Aug 2008

I use Forever White

This stuff: http://www.toolstation.com/index.html?code=63890

(that is a good price, too)

gordonspants · 30 Aug 2008

moderator 7 said:
Please note rule 9 (Please do not use excessive quoting in your posts.) - See here for more information.
Removed

Whoops!

Best trick I can think of is degreasing the surface first as said above - try some car brake cleaner aerosol!
There is something new out called cornertape as well - not used it, but looks like a posh version of masking tape that might actually work!

jay1 · 30 Aug 2008

there is a cleaner and it does work.cant remeber what its called, ill try get the name 4 u monday

DaSpozz · 30 Aug 2008

I had similar problem.

Fisrt clean area completely - must be no remains of previous sealant attempts!

Fill bath with water.

Use sanitary silicone sealant and neatly do a long line of it - DONT use your finger to push it in as I was always tempted to do (although depends on gap size.

Sanitary Silicone Sealant = £1 from trade depot.

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Shower/sink sealant that works!?

DaSpozz

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