Differences between sandpapers

There are many varieties of sandpaper available on the market today. They come in different grits, sizes, abrasions, materials and backings. Each has its own purpose. Here is a list of the different characteristics and types of sandpapers.

Sandpaper materials – They are responsible for the smoothing and shaping of materials.

• Ceramic – one of the hardest materials that are used to make sandpaper, they are also the most expensive. They are used to shave and level woods.
• Garnet – it is made from fine sand particles. It is cheap but less durable. Also primarily used on wood.
• Silicon Carbide – this type of sandpaper can come in many grits and is very coarse. It is primarily used to cut metals, plastics and fiberglass. It can be used even on wet surfaces.
• Aluminium Oxide – this is available in all type of grits, making it perfect for general use. Its primary use is for sanding down wood and metals.
• Chromium (III) oxide – this has an extremely fine grit, measured at micrometre levels.
• Emery – commonly used to polish metals.

Grit level – this is the abrasive measurement for sandpapers. It is responsible for the coarseness of the sandpaper. The higher number of grits is used for polishing and refining, while sandpaper with a lower number of grits is used for shaping materials. Below is a table of sandpaper grits and their recommended usage.

Size	Grade	Recommended Material(s)	Purpose
30 – 40	Very coarse	Metal and Wood	Shaping, Removing rust
40 – 60	Coarse	Metal and Wood	Removing scratches, shaping and removing paint
60 – 100	Medium	Wood and Plaster	Removing marks or dents, smoothening of walls
100 – 160	Fine	Wood and Plaster	Used before finishing
160 – 220	Very-Fine	Wood and Plaster	Final sanding
220 – 250	Extra-Fine	Wood and Plaster	Final sanding
250 - 400	Extra-Fine	Wood and Plaster	To provide a silky feeling
400 - 800	Super-Fine	Wood, Plaster and Glass	Used for wet-sanding, it provides sheen
800 – 1000	Ultra-Fine	Glass, Car Paint	Primarily used for polishing

Backings – the most common sandpaper backing is made of paper. Other backings include cotton, polyester, rubber, fibre, rayon and mylar. Special backing materials like cloth are used for sandpaper discs, mylars are mainly used for finer grit sandpaper backing. The softer the backing material, the more flexible the sandpaper will be.

Backings are also classified into different weights – ranging from A to F. “A” being the lightest and “F” the heaviest.

Shapes and Forms– there are many sandpaper shapes to suit every application. The common shape is the sheet type.

• Sheet type – usual size is 230 x 280mm.
• Rolls.
• Triangle – specifically made for “palm sanders”.
• Sponge – used for tight areas.
• Belt – specifically made for “belt sanders”.
• Disk – specifically made for “orbit sanders”.

The above information is essential for sanders. If not used properly, sandpaper may do more harm than good.

Sealants Tools & Direct offers a wide array of sandpapers that are available in many forms, sizes and grits. We offer our sandpapers in bundles for maximum savings. For order placements you may reach us on 01626 333360. Alternatively, you may visit our website and use our online order form.

Silicone Sealants – Versatile and resilient

Sealants are useful for a wide variety of applications - there’s plenty to choose from and each has its special properties but if you only need one in your toolset, then we suggest silicone sealants. Here’s why they stand out from the rest:

·         Silicone is well-known for its strength, resilience and reliability. All good reasons why silicone sealants are widely used in several industries, particularly carpentry.

·         As an example of its resilience, silicone can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -55 °C, up to +300 °C. This is why silicone sealants remain useful in extreme environments and fire control.

·         Silicone performs just as other sealants - it is perfectly capable of sealing cracks and gaps, while filling up empty spaces. It can also adhere to most surfaces.

·         Silicone sealants are versatile and can keep out pretty much anything: dust, sound, liquids, air, fire and smoke. Other sealants may give a better performance in specific areas but for general sealing needs, silicone will be enough.

·         Silicone inhibits mould and bacteria from growing on it, making it the sealant of choice for bathrooms and aquariums.

·         Silicone has low water solubility, which again, makes it a great choice for bathrooms, aquariums, bathtubs and swimming pools.

·         Some silicone sealants have high dielectric strength, which means they can even withstand high voltages of electricity. Compare it to other sealants, which only become burned or destroyed.

·         Silicone will practically last throughout its expected lifetime, although this may depend on the environment in which it has been applied. Silicone sealants are especially useful if you expect them to be exposed to damaging sources like heat, ozone and ultraviolet.

·         No need to worry about highly volatile chemicals spilling on silicone sealants - silicone is highly inert and thus, does not react to most chemicals.

·         Silicone has good retention – it will go back to its original shape, even if it encounters extreme force or temperatures.

A tube of silicone sealant has all of the benefits listed above. You can buy sealant and other tools in our store.

The Importance of Sealants for Swimming Pools

Swimming pools should be well-maintained to prevent future accidents and injuries to swimmers. Whether it is just a broken tile or a carved part of the wall, it should be repaired right away to maintain 100% safety of the swimmers.

Injury Prevention

Stepping upon a broken tile accidentally is very painful. If you are practising your back stroke and your head bumped into a carved part of the swimming pool, surely, that will cause either a bruise, a cut, or some major injury. No one would want to be injured. If you have a swimming pool in your house or you are either the owner or the supervisor of the swimming pool activities in your resort, you have to take in consideration the safety of everyone. One way to prevent bad things from happening is to stock sealant for swimming pools in order for you to respond as soon as possible if your swimming pool had cracked or has broken tiles.

No need to call for Professionals

Because sealants are very handy and are easy to use, there's no need for you to call for professionals to repair minor damages in your swimming pool. You can even do it yourself anytime by simply following the instructions written on the sealant cover. This can help you save a lot of money and time for labour.

Reduce Repair Hassle

Swimmers, especially athletes, have to practise every day. Even if it's just a minor damage in your tiles, that can still affect the schedule of the swimmers' activities in the pool. Silicone sealant make wonders when it comes to reducing time that we spend in minimal repairs especially if the swimming pool is used every day like in a university, resort, hotel, condominium, or olympic training swimming pool. Good thing is that, because you can buy silicone sealants even before the damage comes, you can repair the minor damage in your swimming pool right away. Just like a first aid kit, swimming pool sealants are essential for you to maintain your swimming pool in best condition. Having sealants ahead of time will save you up on worries when an unexpected circumstance happened that caused your pool to have damage/s.

Save on Money

Sealants for swimming pools are very affordable. Rather than hire someone to repair the minor damages in your swimming pool and buy expensive labour materials, having a reliable tool for repair and by simply doing it yourself will help you save on money.

If you want to be updated on different kinds of sealants, you can like Sealants and Tools Direct's Facebook page. Thanks for reading!

Caulking Considerations You Should Not Overlook

If you're planning on making caulking a profession, then you’ll probably be looking for a sealant gun to help you work efficiently with your caulking projects.

Sealing or caulking is one of the most effective actions to fill and seal cracks, gaps or any joints inside and outside your home. Most caulking materials like silicone are easy to use, durable and virtually waterproof and weatherproof. This makes them a good choice if you want to improve the look of your home and lengthen the service life of any surface. The fact that you can use caulks on practically any surface including tiles, sidings, mouldings, bathtubs, plumbing fixtures, window panes, skylights, baseboards, roofing, blacktop, plaster walls, gutters and even your fireplace makes them ideal for you to use over multiple applications.

If you're planning to make a serious career out of caulking, there are some caulking considerations that you shouldn't overlook:

Never ignore loose caulk – loose caulks are one of the reasons that floor tiles get dislodged over time. Water is likely to cause mould, which makes the tiles slippery and hazardous.

Caulks can act as a glue equivalent or as a sealant – as you have read earlier, caulk is the best sealant material that can also be treated as a glue equivalent because of its flexibility and durability in sealing joints. Caulks can also prevent your tiles from becoming loose.

Never apply new caulks without removing the old – if you want to feel like a caulking pro, always remember the rule of remove, clean and re-apply. That is, remove the old caulks and thoroughly clean the surface before you re-apply.

There are different types of caulking material – you may hear about water-based caulks, latex caulks, acrylic latex caulks, PVA caulks or silicone caulks. Water-based caulks are those that can be cleaned by simply using a solution of mild soap and water. Silicone caulk on the other hand will require a sharp, single-edge razor to do the job properly.

When choosing the right caulk, make sure you consider the surface – different surfaces might require different caulking materials for utmost efficiency. For one, PVA or polyvinyl acetate and latex caulks are mildew-resistant, so they're good to use inside bathrooms or on surfaces that are often exposed to wet or damp conditions. When working with fibreglass or ceramic tile walls, silicone caulk is the best option.

Always wait at least overnight for your caulks to dry – whatever your choice of material, caulks will always take time to set in, dry and really harden. For bathroom caulking projects, wait at least overnight before you subject the newly caulked tiles to damp conditions.

Considering the above points, you are now ready to start your own caulking project.

Contact us at Sealants and Tools Direct if you want to buy your own caulking equipment.

6 Quick Steps to Repair a Leaking Aquarium

A leaking aquarium is a safety hazard both for both you and your pet fish. This article will help you to personally fix the leaking aquarium in just a few minutes. Just follow these step by step instructions and your aquarium will be as good as new in no time.

1. Find the spot where the leak is coming from. If the leak is not that noticeable, thoroughly check and source where the leak originates. You may also check any joins in the glass or the sealants. Once you have found the offending spot, encircle it using a marker. This will outline where you should apply the aquarium sealant.

2. Drain the water from the aquarium. Transfer the fish and plants to a container filled with water to keep them safe, before applying the sealants. It is important to ensure that the container is dry to guarantee the durability of the sealants. They may not stick to the aquarium if it is still wet.

3. Remove the old and damaged sealant using a cutter or razor. It is not advisable to apply new sealant without removing all traces of the old. Layering the new sealant on top will only make it weak and prevent it from adhering properly to the surface. If you opt to apply the sealant from the inside, make sure that all traces of unwanted sealant are removed so that the fish are not harmed.

4. Clean the aquarium using a towel. The aquarium should be clean and dry before you attempt to apply the sealant. Dirt can affect the sticking capacity and durability of sealants. If the towel is quite wet, let the aquarium dry for about 15 minutes.

5. Apply the aquarium silicone to the leaking area. Make sure that there is no excess sealant. Let it dry for a minimum of 12 hours. To ensure its best quality, do not move or touch it for 24 hours.

6. Check for further leaks. After 24 hours, you may fill the aquarium in order to check that it is water-tight. Once you have ensured that there are no further leaks, plants and fish may be re-introduced to the aquarium.

Since you already know how to repair a leaking aquarium, you may contact Sealants & Tools Direct now to purchase durable aquarium sealants. Thanks for reading!


Image Credits: Reef Addicts

The Advantages of Using a Sealant Gun

Being able to use a sealant gun doesn't necessarily make you an expert at caulking. On the other hand, sealant guns facilitate caulking, delivering far better results than any alternative. The caulking procedure with the use of a caulking gun might take time to perfect but there are several good reasons why a sealant gun may be a good investment.

Caulking precision

Not all caulking projects require precision. However, projects that require watertight results demand caulking precision. Windows and shower doors demand the procedure to be carried out correctly, as improper caulking procedures often lead to water leaks, weak caulks and the necessity to re-caulk. You don't have to worry about that when you use a caulk gun. In fact, sealant guns nowadays can be set so that you can control the flow of caulks, providing a more even and precise caulking application.

Reduced working time

Another good reason why you should consider the use of a sealant gun is the time it can save. The process of caulking without a caulk gun may prove tiring and will likely take much longer to complete. Compared to the easy and hassle-free process of caulking with a sealant gun, the same task without a sealant gun could strain your hands and wrists, especially if you're working on large projects.

Less sealant goes to waste

Providing precision by controlling the flow of caulks upon application, this method actually allows you to save money because there is less waste, due to dripping or uneven application. On the other hand, you may still need to purchase special cartridges instead of the standard caulk tubes that are readily available, to accommodate more caulks. Buying special caulk cartridges might be an expensive initial investment but it will pay off in the long run. Able to hold about 10 or more ounce tubes of caulks, they afford even application and less waste and they don’t need replacing on a regular basis.

You'll be able to use it on more than one application

Sealant guns are best to use if you are doing plenty of caulking projects. There are special tips meant for different sealant gun applications so that you may use the device to seal your windows, your bathroom, your car, your wood projects or any other project that requires caulking. A sealant gun is a handy tool that is adaptable to many different projects.

Visit us at Sealants and Tools Direct and choose from a wide variety of sealant guns. As you browse through our products page to view the different sealants and adhesives, for more information on our products, please contact us.

Fascinating Facts about Silicone Sealants

How to Use Sealant Guns

Sealant guns, also known as caulking guns, are used together with sealants to seal holes and cracks around buildings. It can bond several types of materials such as metal, cement, wood, glass, and ceramic. The sealants or caulks are composed of various chemicals, but silicone and latex are the most common.

Do you need a sealant gun to apply sealants?

You can apply sealants by hand, but this can be difficult and tiring. A sealant gun gives you much better control by allowing you to regulate how much sealant is released and keeping your aim steady, with a side effect of being less messy as well. We suggest using a sealant gun in most circumstances since they’re usually cheap and widely available. Here’s how you can use sealant guns

1. Press the release lever/button at the back of the gun and then pull the plunger until it reaches the back.
2. Put the tube of sealant in the gun. Position the tube so the nozzle is in the front.
3. Move the plunger until it secures the bottom of the tube.
4. Take off the cap so you can cut off a part of the nozzle. Use a knife or a pair of sharp scissors to make a diagonal cut. The size of your cut should depend on your needs. Some sealant guns have a built-in cutting function just for this.
5. The sealant is actually not open yet since there’s an inner seal. Get a pin or some other sharp object, and then puncture the inner seal. Now the sealant gun is ready to use!
6. Find the place where you want to apply the sealant. Hold the gun at a 45-degree angle for better accuracy.
7. Squeeze the trigger or handle depending on the amount of sealant you want to apply. Squeeze harder if you want to apply more sealant.
8. After you’re done applying it, smooth out the sealant with your finger or the nozzle.
9. Clean the nozzle afterwards then put the cap on. If you are not planning to use the sealant for a long period of time, you should take the tube off the sealant gun.

Image from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Glue_gun_for_cartridge.jpg

Simple Tips to Keep Your Sealant Gun Clean and Maintained

As discussed in our past articles, a caulking gun or a sealant gun is a tool that has a frame where you can fit a caulking or sealant tube. It has a handle that you can squeeze for proper application of sealants and the caulk. The majority of caulking guns available in the market also have cutters which you can easily use to cut-off the seals on caulking tubes. They are available in a wide array of varieties, size and price ranges. With proper care, your sealant gun can last a long time and preserve its good shape.

Keep it clean

Of course! Keeping it clean is the most important measure you should do. Remove the sealant or the caulking tube from the gun carefully to avoid drips of excess caulk. Doing this prevents caulk and dirt buildup which can be a downer during application. Simply brush or use wet cloth when you are cleaning your sealant gun. Remember to clean the handle as well.

Use the sealant gun properly

Proper use is important if you want your gun to last longer. Avoid using the sealant gun with other product that it is not intended to operate with. Always use it with the recommended tube size and avoid forcing it during your application.

Inspect the sealant gun regularly

As part of your maintenance, regular inspection for damage to any parts of your sealant gun is also important. Look for telltale signs of damage such as cracks, holes or broken parts. If you see minor signs of damage, repair it before your application. If the gun is still under warranty, feel free to have it fixed or changed by your trusted dealer.

Lubricate the ratchet at all times

Keeping the ratchet well lubricated will make your application easier. It can reduce the buildup on the caulking gun and can make cleaning faster.

Store in a proper place

Storing your sealant gun in a safe, cool and dry place will make it last longer. Excessive heat and moisture can damage it. Always store the sealant gun away from children’s reach.

These tips are easy but if done properly and maintained accordingly, can go a really long way in keeping your sealant gun in its optimal condition in every application. Please don’t hesitate to like us or give us a review on Bubblnews if you find this article helpful. We hope to give you more articles to help you in your home repairs and other DIY activities!

A General Guide on Sealants

The demands for infrastructure repairs could not be met without specific construction requirements such as sealants. Sealants are used in building and construction industry both for structural and decorative purposes. It is commonly used in residential housing, construction, car maintenance and infrastructure development. Despite its different uses, sealants may pose risk if mishandled incorrectly. Here are some of the general guides in dealing with sealants.

Hygiene

Food and drinks should be prohibited inside the storage of sealants. Some adhesives emit dusts or toxic vapours so suitable dust masks, respirators and adequate ventilation should be provided during application. Skin contact should be minimised. Manufacturers should advise on cleansing and barrier creams for their products. Suitable protective clothing and eye protection may be needed if you are using a strong sealant.

Allergies, Spillage and Waste Disposal

A possibility that an individual may be allergic to a substance is always present. There is no easy solution to this problem if physical protection is inadequate. Complete avoidance to the exposure of these products may be the only remedy.

Spillages of any type should be attended immediately. Water-based sealants may be washed away with water before it dries. Avoid disposal into drains as this may clog it up. Another method is to soak up spillage with a material which can be closed in a suitable container for proper disposal. This is specifically for solvent-based sealants using sand, clay or powdered limestone as the absorbent material.

Utmost care should be taken into account when disposing empty solvent-based adhesives in order to avoid fire hazard. Empty containers must be carefully punctured or left open to ensure that no vapour is trapped under pressure, taking concern about the usual precautions on flammable materials. In all cases, the manufacturer’s instructions or label accompanying the product should be observed.

Storage

Some sealants should be stored in suitable fireproof areas according to the requirements of authorities and the manufacturer. All sealants should be stored in dry condition and reasonable temperatures preferably 5C – 30C. To ensure that the shelf life of adhesive products is not exceeded, strict rotation of stock should be observed and possible safety hazards from ageing should be avoided.

Remember to read the packaging before anything else. Keep it even after your application. Always ask an expert if you are unsure of anything. Keeping these things in mind ensures safety and of course, good sealant application. 

Silicone Sealants – Versatile and resilient

Sealants are useful for a wide variety of applications - there’s plenty to choose from and each has its special properties but if you only need one in your toolset, then we suggest silicone sealants. Here’s why they stand out from the rest:

• Silicone is well-known for its strength, resilience and reliability. All good reasons why silicone sealants are widely used in several industries, particularly carpentry.
• As an example of its resilience, silicone can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -55 °C, up to +300 °C. This is why silicone sealants remain useful in extreme environments and fire control.
• Silicone performs just as other sealants - it is perfectly capable of sealing cracks and gaps, while filling up empty spaces. It can also adhere to most surfaces.
• Silicone sealants are versatile and can keep out pretty much anything: dust, sound, liquids, air, fire and smoke. Other sealants may give a better performance in specific areas but for general sealing needs, silicone will be enough.
• Silicone inhibits mould and bacteria from growing on it, making it the sealant of choice for bathrooms and aquariums.
• Silicone has low water solubility, which again, makes it a great choice for bathrooms, aquariums, bathtubs and swimming pools.
• Some silicone sealants have high dielectric strength, which means they can even withstand high voltages of electricity. Compare it to other sealants, which only become burned or destroyed.
• Silicone will practically last throughout its expected lifetime, although this may depend on the environment in which it has been applied. Silicone sealants are especially useful if you expect them to be exposed to damaging sources like heat, ozone and ultraviolet.
• No need to worry about highly volatile chemicals spilling on silicone sealants - silicone is highly inert and thus, does not react to most chemicals.
• Silicone has good retention – it will go back to its original shape, even if it encounters extreme force or temperatures.

A tube of silicone sealant has all of the benefits listed above. You can buy sealant and other tools in our store.

Sealing your Home against Pests

If your house has pest problems, sealing cracks and crevices around your house can help to prevent them from entering your home. It’s also one of the best ways of deterring them from entering your property and a vital step to complete pest extermination. Here’s how you can do it:

Identify the pests

It may not be obvious but you may have more than one type of pest in your home and it’s important to know as much as you can about them. While no one wants to be familiar with pests in the first place (particularly the disgusting ones), it’s important to be knowledgeable so you know the best steps to take to get rid of them.

Find where they’re coming from

These pests can usually enter your home through cracks, crevices and holes in your home but worst of all, their favourite entryways may be hidden or hard to reach. Some pests are easier to spot though, for example, you can easily see where the ants are coming from but for others pests like cockroaches, it may be too difficult as they can practically fit into anything. You should take note of places they frequent and consider locations where they are likely to pass through. The presence of droppings in a particular location may indicate a favourite place for a specific pest.

Seal the entrance or exit

If you find where they are coming from, apply pest control solvents to get rid of them and then seal the entrance/exit off with a sealant. Use weatherproof sealants if the entrance is outside to prevent it from being washed-off.

Look at the space between doors and the floor

Since most pests are small, they can simply pass beneath the door or even the windows. Most of the time, sealants are not an applicable solution here but you can use door weather strips to keep them out if the door is closed. As a bonus, it also lessens the problem of water getting in whenever it’s raining.

Use other pest control methods as well

Sealing won’t do you any good if the pests actually live inside the house, so it’s often best to use pest control methods, together with sealing to maximise their effect. Sealing alone may not be enough to get rid of them because they can just find another route.

If all else fails, call a professional

In worse case scenarios, there’s no choice but to hire a professional to do it for you. It may be expensive but it’s worth it if the problem is too much for you to handle.

Sealant Tools from Sealants and Tools Direct?

In general, sealant tools are devices that are used for the application, finishing or removal of sealants. Sometimes the term applies even to the sealant itself. Basically, if you want to have a sealant finish like a professional, having the right set of sealant tools available will help you achieve it.

The application, finishing and removal of sealants don’t have to be done manually anymore. Of course, you still have to exert effort to finish the job well but there are several tools right now that make the caulking process easier and better for you. With these products at Sealants and Tools Direct, a professional sealant finish is no longer difficult to achieve.

So, what are the probable sealant tools you might need?

Preparation Wipes

It is important to completely remove all traces of the old silicone caulks before applying a fresh lot because silicone won’t adhere to another silicone. Ensure that the surface is wiped clean with Sealants and Tools Direct CornerTape, Silicone Sealant Preparation Wipes. It’s the easiest way to clean your surface without scrubbing too much. One swipe is all it takes and voila! You have an instantly, clean surface.

Sealant Tapes

There is no need to break into a sweat over the traditional method of applying sealants. Sealants and Tools Direct offer an array of sealant tapes such as CornerTape. Using sealant tapes saves you time because they are neater and easier to apply, giving your work a professional finish. If you’re likely to stick with DIY-projects, sealant tapes are your best choice.

Sealant Nozzles

Admit it, there are just some areas that you cannot easily reach and caulking those areas can be a nightmare. Make the task easier by using long sealant nozzles. Longer than your average sealant nozzles, they’re perfect if you have to use them in hard to reach places.

Sealant Guns

One of the most common sealant tools, sealant guns are often used to fill in cracks and gaps that you have to fill with silicone sealants. Some models may carry a small or large amount of sealant, depending on the cartridge space available. Other models allow the use of rotational nozzles which makes application in hard to reach areas more viable. Depending on what you need, Sealants and Tools Direct have a wide variety of sealant guns for you to choose from.

Strip Out and Smooth Out Tools

It can be so annoying when there are sealed surfaces that need to be smoothed down or stripped out. Well, not anymore. The Everbuild Sealant Strip Out and Smooth Out tool allows you to create a perfect seal, after every application. No mess, no fuss, you’ll never do your caulking again without it. While this tool may be optional for some, it’s very useful if you want a smoother finish.

Sealant Remover Tool

If applying sealants is difficult, removing them is far worse. With CornerTape’s Composite Silicone Sealant Remover tool, all you have to do is push, pull and scrape the old silicone free with just one tool. 

Overall, applying, finishing and removing caulk is a lot easier with all these sealant tools available. The only thing you need to do is pick the ones you need, move forward with your caulking project and admire your work that has all the appearances of being done by a pro. 

Keep Your Caulks with Proper Tile Care

For homeowners, worn, old and mold growth along the edges of the tiles surrounding your bathtubs, sinks and showers are enough reason to remove silicone sealants. Although it’s easier to fill caulk cracks using a sealant gun, mold growth on worn and old sealants is unsightly and poses some serious health risks making the task of removing them an important thing to do. 

The thing is, removing sealants is not an easy task. It’ll require some time and might need an expert hand to be successfully removed. Since silicone sealants are usually applied on your tile walls and floors found in the bathroom as well as kitchen countertops, regular upkeep and proper maintenance involving your tiles will help you ward off those molds from growing and your caulks from prematurely wearing out.

Tile Care Do's

• Regularly remove dust or any kind of debris on your tile walls or floor by either sweeping or vacuuming them.
• Always rinse your tile walls and floor with clean water to make sure that no dirt is left and that it’s mopped clean and dry. Keeping your tiles wet and exposed makes it a better place for mold growth. That’s why it’s very important that you avoid this by keeping your tiles clean and dry.
• Damaged or broken tiles can be easily penetrated with water and coupled with humidity might result to mold growth. Avoid this from happening by replacing the tiles. If it can still be sealed using grout joints, do it. Or else you’d have to resort to applying a fresh silicone sealant to it.

Tile Care Don’ts

• Avoid using tile cleaners with bleach or acid especially for routine maintenance. Acid and bleach might wear off your silicone caulks faster so make sure that you choose only the right cleaning aids.
• Keep out harsh cleaning materials as well like metal scouring or steel wool pads. These materials will likely scrape the glaze out of your tiles and damage your sealants too in the long run.
• While it’s fine to use coloured cleaning agents for your tiles, avoid using it if you don’t want to stain your unglazed tiles.

Overall, taking proper care of your tiles makes it easier for you to avoid mold growth and delay the all too immediate need for caulk replacement. Not that you won’t need to replace your silicone sealants but follow these few simple dos and don’ts to take care of your tiles and you’ll have years to spare before you will need to replace your caulks anew. 

The Best Sellers at Sealants and Tools Direct

Sealants and Tools Direct is one of the leading companies when it comes to silicone sealants and other building and gardening products. As an established company in this field, it is not surprising that many customers find their products to be of high quality and their services, excellent and reliable.  

The Top 10 Best Seller Products

1. SIKA Sikaflex EBT + Adhesive Sealant Filler White Grey Black Beige Brown Clear – This product is a one part, gun grade triple purpose sealant, adhesive and filler of permanent elasticity. It costs £6.08, including VAT.
2. Cox Powerflow Heavy Duty Cartridge Gun 400ml – This product is a highly reliable professional gun that is ideal to be used on a daily basis. It costs £19.31, including VAT.
3. Quilosa Color Ral Coloured Bathroom & Building Silicone Sealant – Looking for silicone sealant with superb quality? Then this is the perfect product for you. Many have chosen this and they loved it! It costs £4.48, including VAT.
4. Everbuild Tecnic 825 Low Modulus alcoxy Neutral Cure Silicone Sealant 380ml – Here is another silicone sealant that is proven to be effective and efficient. This product can be yours for £3.43, including VAT.
5. Milwaukee M18 Compact Percussion Drill – This heavy duty product is a best seller because of its great quality and capabilities. It costs £239.91, including VAT.
6. Cornertape Silicone XP XC Sealant & Adhesive – This premium silicone and adhesive product is suitable to be used for various purposes. It can be yours for £6.95, including VAT.
7. PowerPro Sealant Cartridge Gun 400ml c4 – A powerful heavy duty sealant gun that can get the job done. This product costs £8.99, including VAT.
8. Geocel The Works Hybrid Sealant Adhesive 290ml – Here is another sealant that can manage all types of jobs. It costs £5.75, including VAT.
9. Dow Corning C60 Low Modulus Silicone Sealant 380ml – A quality construction silicone sealant that comes in 11 colours.  It costs £3.19, including VAT.
10. Fixology Colour Ral Coloured Bathroom & Building Silicone Sealant – This sealant is ideal for bathroom showers and wet rooms. You can get this product for £5.60, including VAT.

Over the years, the product range at Sealants and Tools Direct has greatly developed. This allows them to provide their customers with bigger and better offers. With their consistent suppliers like Geocel, Everbuild, Dow Corning and many others, every customer is guaranteed to find the product that they are looking for without having doubts about its quality.