A Guide On How To Apply Silicone Sealant
04/04/2025Silicone sealant is a versatile material commonly used to create a waterproof, heatproof, or airtight seal whist also giving a clean finish to your tiles in various areas of the home, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Proper application is essential to ensure durability and effectiveness. This guide will walk you through applying silicone sealant, using the appropriate silicone tools, and addressing common questions related to its use.
What Is Silicone?
Silicone is a synthetic polymer known for its flexibility, durability, and resistance to moisture and temperature variations. These properties make it ideal for sealing joints and gaps in areas prone to water exposure. We stock clear silicone, black silicone, white silicone, grey silicone, and so many other coloured silicone options at Pro Tiler Tools, whether you need silicone for your bathroom, wetroom, windowsills, or kitchen.
Popular silicone brand options include Mapei silicone, Everbuild sealant, Kerakoll Fugabella Color silicone, EVO STIK adhesive, and C-tec CT1 silicone, amongst many other choices.
Tools and Materials Needed To Apply Silicone Sealant
Silicone tools or silicone sealant finishing tools are often used to achieve a professional, smooth, and even finish when applying silicone sealant by effectively shaping and smoothing out the bead of sealant, removing excess material, and ensuring a tight, clean seal around joints and surfaces.
Here are the key tools needed to apply silicone sealant:
Silicone gun, such as the Everbuild Professional Sealant Gun
Masking tape, such as the popular Faithfull Masking Tape
Utility knife or silicone sealant remover, like the Siliex Silicone Strip Out Tool
Clean cloths, like the LTP Blue Microfibre Buffing Cloth
Smoothing tool, such as the Vitrex Silicone Smoother, Fugi silicone tool or the Cramer silicone profiling kit
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply Silicone Sealant
Prepare the Area:
Remove any old sealant using a Utility knife or a specialised sealant remover, like the Siliex Silicone Strip Out Tool.
It’s important to ensure all residues are cleared for optimal adhesion.
Clean the surface with a suitable tile cleaner or industrial wipes to eliminate dirt, grease, and moisture. Allow it to dry completely.
Read more: Tile Cleaner: What Is The Best Thing To Clean Tiles With?
Mask the Edges:
Apply masking tape along both sides of the joint or gap to ensure a clean, straight line and protect adjacent surfaces.
Prepare the Silicone Gun:
Cut the nozzle of the silicone sealant cartridge at a 45-degree angle to match the width of the joint. If you ever need handy nozzle replacements, take a look at the Everbuild nozzle 6 pack.
Insert the cartridge into the silicone gun.
Press the trigger until the sealant begins to emerge from the nozzle.
Apply the Sealant:
Hold the gun at a consistent 45-degree angle to the joint.
Apply steady pressure on the trigger, moving the gun smoothly along the joint to dispense an even bead of sealant.
Smooth the Sealant:
Immediately after application, smooth the sealant using a smoothing tool to get proper adhesion and a neat finish. Great options include the Vitrex Silicone Smoother, Fugi silicone tool, or the Cramer silicone profiling kit.
Remove the Masking Tape:
Carefully peel off the masking tape before the sealant begins to skin over to achieve clean edges.
Allow to Cure:
Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for curing time. While silicone sealant may become touch-dry quickly, full curing can take up to 24 hours or more.
Tips for Best Results When Applying Silicone Sealant
Always work in a well-ventilated area.
Wear protective gloves to keep your hands clean. Make sure you stay safe at work, with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Whether you need work gloves, dust control equipment, ear defenders, safety goggles or glasses, or even knee pads and kneeling pads.
Practice applying sealant on scrap material to get a feel for the silicone gun and the flow of the sealant.
Choose a high-quality, mold-resistant silicone sealant suitable for the specific area of application. If you need help choosing the best silicone sealant for your project, our expert team is ready to help: 01604 859800.
Silicone Sealant FAQs
How Long Does Silicone Take to Dry?
Silicone sealant typically becomes touch-dry within 30 minutes to an hour. However, full curing can take 24 hours or longer, depending on factors like humidity, temperature, and the thickness of the application.
How Long to Leave Silicone Before Showering?
It's advisable to wait at least 24 hours before using the shower to ensure the sealant has fully cured and is waterproof. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Can You Silicone Over Silicone?
While new silicone can adhere to old silicone, it's not recommended. For the best bond and seal, remove the old sealant before applying the new silicone.
How to Remove Silicone Sealant
Use a Utility knife or a specialised sealant remover, like the Siliex Silicone Strip Out Tool to carefully cut and peel away the old sealant. As above, we advise you to properly clean any residue before applying new sealant.
How to Clean Silicone Sealant
In terms of silicone sealant maintenance, it’s best to regularly wipe down the sealed area with a mild detergent and water to prevent mold and mildew buildup. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can degrade the sealant over time.
How to Use the Silicone Gun
Insert the sealant cartridge into the gun, cut the nozzle to the desired bead size, and press the trigger to dispense the sealant smoothly along the joint.
From silicone options such as CT1 silicone, BT1 sealant, Mapei Mapesil, or Fugabella silicone to silicone tools for smoothing and application and tools for removing silicone or a silicone gun, we stock all silicone sealant essentials for your bathroom, kitchen, windows, or wherever a long-lasting waterproof seal is needed.
With such a wide variety of choices when it comes to finding the best silicone sealant or silicone tool, it’s worth noting that if you require guidance when placing an order, our expert team is ready to help. Contact us at 01604 859800 today.