Best way to use silicon sealer

[camerart]

Hi,

I have never got the hang of using silicon sealer without smearing it around.

Is there a good technique of cutting the nozzle, and only using the tube and finger to get a good finish?

Cheers, Camerart.

 

[StephenW]

I cut the nozzle at 45 degrees, the size dependant on the gap I'm trying to fill.
Then with the longer side of the nozzle away from the surface push the tube away from you at a rate that keeps up with the silicon coming out. The shorter side of the nozzle then helps form the final profile whilst pressing the silicon into the gap.
Works for me!

 

[s60alex]

By far the best way to do this is with a silicone profiling tool - they are <£10.

Just search for 'Fugi kit' and you should find similar results.


These can be purchased on eBay cheaply:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silicone-...Plumbing_MJ&hash=item27c8d04a44#ht_500wt_1317

Alex

 

[camerart]

Thank you both for your replies,

I'll try stephenw's suggestion first, then if I can't do it this way, I'll try yours s60alex.

Cheers, Camerart.

 

[TonyW2]

Cut the nozzle smaller than the strip width you desire.
However much sealant you intended to squeeze out, reduce it by half!
Use a water/detergent wetted finger to smooth out.

 

[pukka]

get some CT1 and spray you can then work it all day long

Paul

 

[camerart]

By far the best way to do this is with a silicone profiling tool - they are <£10.

Just search for 'Fugi kit' and you should find similar results.


These can be purchased on eBay cheaply:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silicone-...Plumbing_MJ&hash=item27c8d04a44#ht_500wt_1317

Alex

Hi,

Good tool, but I think the silicone I have is not as creamy,more sticky. Will it work with proper silicone?

Cheers, Camerart.

 

[camerart]

Cut the nozzle smaller than the strip width you desire.
However much sealant you intended to squeeze out, reduce it by half!
Use a water/detergent wetted finger to smooth out.

Looks like a good tip thanks,

Camerart.

 

[Graemevw]

Dont use a wet finger.

All that does is stop the silicone sticking to your finger.

If it doesnt, where else will it go? All over whatever your putting the silicone on.
Also, silicone doesnt stick to water so if you have left damp on the work you cant touch up very easily.

Apply a small bead, make it as even in thickness as you can. Any variations in the bead will cause problems.
This is the most important part!

Then, with a dry finger, smooth the bead.

Any excess silicone sticks to your finger, not the work. If too much builds on your finger, wipe it on a cloth. If you've put to much on, the excess will want to come out either side of your finger. Dont let this happen.

If you got the bead size right there wont be any excess build up anyway.

Apply ,even pressure. Not to much, just lightly. If you need to adjust the silicone size/shape (say the gap widens a bit) you can do this by changing finger pressure or finger angle.


I also cut the nozzle straight, not at an angle. I find that easier to lay a neat even bead.

 

[jdpjamesp]

Make sure when you're running your finger along the edge it doesn't rub against any exposed sharp edges near the work though. Particularly as silicone really smarts in a cut.

Sadly speaking from experience here!

 

[Steve]

Anyone use masking tape? I did this on my worktops and tiling joints in the kitchen, it gave a really neat, tight line of silicone and I am very pleased with the results.

I also used sealant on the internal corner tile joints so that any movement in the pipe boxing and windowsills etc will not result in as much cracking.

Just a thought!

 

[mickthegas]

a bit of fairy on your finger to smooth it out

 

[gregd72002]

fairy works for me as well! Just give it a try and you won't regret

 

[peterperfection]

Fanny finger and spit.
Otherwise- first finger and spit .
Years of experience -- .
Keep a few tissues handy for wiping your .
lips

 

[foxhole]

By far the best way to do this is with a silicone profiling tool - they are <£10.

Just search for 'Fugi kit' and you should find similar results.


These can be purchased on eBay cheaply:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silicone-...Plumbing_MJ&hash=item27c8d04a44#ht_500wt_1317

Alex

Hi,

Good tool, but I think the silicone I have is not as creamy,more sticky. Will it work with proper silicone?

Cheers, Camerart.

I bought one, made a right mess with silicon, may work if you have perfect 90 degree angle , but that's rarely the case so silicon slips round the edges.