How to apply sealants in wet areas

No matter whether you own an old home or new, it’s always best to keep an eye on wear and tear in wet areas. Leaks can cause long lasting damage over time and become even more difficult to fix once it’s a major issue.

Problems with mould in wet areas can be harmful to the structure of your home and also cause health issues for the people who are exposed to the mould particles. Applying fresh sealant in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry or toilet will help keep nasty mould and water damage at bay.

Half the secret is in the application and the other is the sealant, so make sure you pick a quality waterproof quality sealant. A tradesperson is only as good as their tools. So for best results when sealing, make sure you have top notch products and items on hand from your local Mitre 10 store.

Materials you’ll need

• Sealant
• Applicator gun
• Masking tape
• Damp cloth
• Spray bottle
• Ice cream stick
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Protective gear

To get the job done right the first time, we’ve put together a super easy four step guide on how to apply sealant in the wet areas of your home. If you follow these you’ll be sure to have a perfectly sealed surface with no more leaks.

Step 1: Use applicator gun

To prepare, screw the nozzle onto the end of the tube of sealant and cut the sealant nozzle at a 45-degree angle. Insert it into the applicator gun as per the instructions on the canister of sealant.

Step 2: Wipe surface

Wipe the surface that you will be sealing with a damp cloth to remove any dust and debris. Make sure that the surface is dry so that the sealant can adhere to the area.

If you are not confident that you will have a clean edge, apply masking tape to either side of the area where silicone is being applied, leaving a 2-3mm gap. This will help stop the sealant bleeding and keep you on track and sealing inside the lines.

Step 3: Apply the sealant

With the sealant gun in hand, place the nozzle in the area you want to seal and gently pull the trigger, moving the applicator to ensure the bead is the same thickness throughout its length.

Step 4: Smooth the joints

Use a spray bottle with water and soap, spray the sealant and run an ice cream stick along the joint to make it smooth. This will ensure that you have a tidy and finished product that isn’t so visible to the untrained eye. A razor blade or scraper can be used to gently remove any access sealant that has made its way to tiles or other surfaces you don’t need it.

If you happen to get any of the silicone sealant on your hands, you can use an acetone based nail polish remover to dissolve the product or alternatively you can use baking soda or soap soak.

Do you still need a little help with how to apply sealants in wet areas? Get in contact with us today or find your nearest Mitre 10 store to speak in person with one of our home improvements specialists.