Sealing is an essential process in building, especially bathroom sealing. The UK building regulation requires joint sealants to eliminate blisters and imperfections and achieve a tidy and neat appearance. However, bathroom sealants can wear out over time due to humidity, heat, or mould. Discover how to remove bathroom sealant, the DIY process of sealant for bathrooms, and how to maintain it.
How to Apply Bathroom Sealant, Step-by-Step Guide:
Prep Before Sealing:
If you are sealing after getting a new accessory or a renovated bathroom, ensure that the area is wiped and cleaned with soapy water or any detergent, and then completely dried. On the other hand, if you already have bathroom sealant applied you need to remove it first. Initially, check if the area is clean, dustless, and dry. Then scrape the silicone with a sharp knife or a removal spatula. After manually removing as much silicone as possible, apply a bathroom sealant remover around the leftover silicone and leave it on for a while. Ultimately, it will be easier to wipe away the rest of the silicone and end up with a fresh start.

Bathroom Sealant Tools:
- Waterproof silicone sealant (preferably anti-mould).
- Sealant gun / caulking gun: optional, but makes it easier to push the sealant in a controlled bead as you just pull on the trigger and it squeezes it out.
- Bathroom sealant tape.
- Soapy water spray.
- Sealant finishing tool (caulk pro tools, if not available, a popsicle stick).

Techniques of Employing Bathroom Sealant:
Now that you have the tools at hand and the surroundings clean, you can start:
- Stick the bathroom sealant tape just above and under the area you want filled.
- Hold the sealant gun at a 45° angle between the tapes and into the gap.
- Pull the trigger and move slowly to fill from one corner to the other. Do not worry about imperfections the first time, they can always be fixed later.
- Wait a couple of minutes for your bathroom sealant to be proofed.
- Spray the sealant finishing tool with the soapy water. If you do not have one, you can use a popsicle stick, craft your own out of wood, or even use your finger! Use a glove to avoid messes.
- Push on the edge of the sealant bead and run the tool all across while applying mild pressure. You can repeat this process 2 to 3 times until you perfect your silicone bead.
- Dispose of the excess silicone sealant properly.
- Remove the bathroom sealant tapes.
- Wait 15 to 20 minutes for the sealant to harden, depending on your product.

Fixing Usual Problems with Your Bathroom Sealant: Final Details
- You might struggle to have a perfect bead of sealant. To fix that problem, all you need to do is pour it as close as you can to the edge and start with compact areas.
- Do not let the caulk proof for long, as it can harden and you won’t be able to shape it. Instead, spray your finishing tool or finger and start working right after placing it.
- A common mistake people make is spraying the area first with soapy water. If you do that, the silicone sealant won’t have dry and hard ground to stick to, which makes it hard to stick and cause leakage in the future. To avoid this, confirm that the area is dry using an absorbent towel or cloth.
- If you make mistakes, it’s easier to wipe the silicone off. But if it is already proofed, use a damp cloth or knife and start from the edge, you should be able to remove it and start over.
- If the silicone bead cracks after curing, it is probably because of the cold temperature. Check that your bathroom is in the right temperature range for the sealant you use (usually from 5 to 40°).
Bathroom Sealant: Caulking and Silicone
A common misconception is that bathroom silicone sealant and caulk are the same. Silicone sealant contains primarily silicone polymers, which have more flexibility and durability. Silicone sealant fills the gaps in humid and damp areas with a risk of water leakage (like the bathroom). Whereas Caulk is usually a decorative filling, used in dry areas like the inside of the house where humidity is less likely. In addition, caulk is used when you require painting on it. Alternatively, it is almost impossible to paint over silicone.
Bathroom Sealant Maintenance:
You usually notice damage on your bath sealant, sink sealant, and shower sealant. Since these areas are at risk of water damage, mould can appear on them. To battle that from the start, the best silicone sealant you need to use in your bathroom is an anti-mould one. The latter is less likely to leak water or cause mildew. We also recommend cleaning silicone sealants regularly. You can use an anti-mould spray or white vinegar. Use a toothbrush or any small brush-cleaning tool to scrub.

Inspect your bathroom sealant from time to time for any signs of moulding and peeling. If the cleaning is not helping, you should most likely change the sealant altogether. The cause of the wear or mould infections is usually because of wrong application, the wrong type of sealant, or a low-quality one. Although, if you are certain your application is correct, it might be because of the lack of proper ventilation in your bathroom. Contact a professional renovator to check the issue and install extractor fans or windows.
Professional Help:

Although it is a cost-effective way to install your bathroom sealant, you can have trouble applying or choosing the right products. Hiring a professional on the other hand can bring you peace of mind. They offer solutions catered to your bathroom, check its ventilation, and recommend the best fixes for your home. Using the best products and their expertise, you know that your money is invested right and that your bathroom will last for a long time. If you want an affordable renovation and your bathroom vision come to life, hire our experts, who cater our services to your needs and budget, starting from £3,600 only! Get your free quote now and watch the process of elevating your bathroom.