Useful Facts to Know
Tip1
Silicone sealant is great for finishing joints neatly and preventing moisture penetration, but a drawback is that it can't be painted over. While it is flexible and accommodates some movement, it typically needs replacement every 5-7 years as it starts to peel or accumulate mold.
Silicone sealant is preferred for sealing areas like bathtubs, shower bases, bathroom tiles, sinks, kitchen countertops, or backsplashes.
Tip2
How to Clean a Surface
You can use vinegar, acetone, or methylated spirits(denatured alcohol) for degreasing. Methylated spirits are more commonly available than acetone and are less harsh as a degreasing agent. The advantage of any of these options is that when applied to a joint, they effectively remove grease, leaving a perfectly clean surface for applying silicone. Once they evaporate, you’re left with an ideal surface for sealing. Although vinegar isn’t a strong disinfectant, it works exceptionally well as a cleaner due to its acidic nature, which easily breaks down grease, grime, and dirt.
Tip3
Don’t use water detergent
A lot of trades out there use water detergent mix. They apply it before they actually smooth the silicone. The whole point of this water and detergent is that it creates a slippery, greasy surface that the silicone can’t grab onto. By doing so, you will be creating a surface that is so slippery that won’t let the silicone form on it. No matter how much you try you can not get the silicone to stick. Moreover, all of this detergent and water is going behind silicone gaps. The joint will begin leaking nearly right away.
Tip4
A tip for your bathtub
There's an old tip that suggests filling the bathtub with water before applying silicone around the edges, especially if it's installed on a wooden floor. The reasoning is that the tub slightly shifts downward under the weight of the water. If you skip this step, the silicone may stretch and potentially tear when the tub is filled, especially if the silicone is quite rigid, leading to easy peeling.
Tip5
What’s the best way to get silicone off tiles?
Applying silicone is straightforward, but removing it can be quite tricky. Silicone forms strong bonds with materials like carbon and hydrogen, making it tough to eliminate. Removing silicone sealant from tiles is especially frustrating. There’s really only one method to do it effectively: you’ll need tools like methylated spirits, a Stanley knife, or a window scraper.
Start by carefully cutting along the first edge of the silicone, but avoid slicing through the entire bead or deep into the joint. Then, move to the opposite side and make another cut close to where the silicone adheres to the tile. Once you’ve lifted a loose edge, peel the silicone away from the tile.
Remove any leftover bits, and wipe off any remaining residue with a cleaning cloth and some spirit. When using methylated spirits, always ensure the room is well-ventilated—open a window and wear a safety mask. Take your time and work gently to avoid scratching or damaging the tile surface.
Tip6
Is it possible to apply new silicone on top of the existing silicone?
As a general rule it is advisable to remove silicone where you can. however if your bathroom has clean joints you shouldn't worry too much. In terms of silicone onto existing silicone, it is less likely to tear but generally speaking silicone adheres well to silicone.
Remember, if mould was previously in the silicone joint this will be visible on the new silicone again very quickly. It should always be renewed the entire silicone joint to achieve a long-term result of the new silicone joint.