Using Silicone Sealants in the Bathroom

There are many types of sealants out there but silicone sealant is one of the most widely known of its kind. Sealants are substances which are used to seal two surfaces effectively and to fill in gaps and cracks. They are very important tools in the industry and are most effective in fixing small to large scale facilities. 

The most common place where sealants are used is in our own homes. Over the years or due to careless use, things begin to show signs of wear. There could be cracks on the wall, a leaking floor or other similar issues.  These small projects could be easily fixed with silicone sealants, in a matter of minutes. The bathroom, for example, is an area of the house where these concerns usually occur.  For sealing the wash basin, shower trays or even the bathtub using silicone, you will find the following tips very helpful.

·         Clean the area. The first thing you need to do is to prepare the area you need to seal. Ensure that your work area is dry and any old silicone is properly removed. You can safely remove old silicone with the use of a utility knife. To further ensure that the new silicone will be effective, you must use alcohol to further clean the area. 

·          Prepare the silicone gun. The next step is to load the silicone gun with the tube. Cut the tip at a 45 degree angle, using a knife. Make sure that the hole is just small enough, so you can control the amount of silicone to be released. Load the tube into the gun properly afterwards.

·         Practice first. It is ideal to practice sealing after preparing the gun. Ensure that the tube is loaded accordingly and check that the silicone is distributed, as required. If you are not an expert, it is recommended that you first try sealing on a practice piece, until you feel comfortable to performing the task on the real thing. 

Now, start sealing. Position the gun at a 45 degree angle to achieve the best results. Apply the silicone with a steady hand and make sure that you apply just the right amount. Removing excess silicone may prove to be difficult, so it’s better to be precise from the onset.

Sealants & Tools Direct Products

Having a dependable one-stop, online shop is one of the many novelties that we enjoy today. Online shopping has never been easier, especially if you are looking for high quality sealant tools. With just a few clicks, all the materials that you need can be delivered straight to your door. There’s no need to visit one store after another because all your sealant needs are readily available at one of the most reliable online shops, Sealants & Tools Direct.  

The Company

Sealants & Tools Direct has been in the business for many years and has grown to be one of the most established sellers of silicone sealants and sealant adhesives. The company has expanded and developed their product range to further improve the quality of their service.

The Products  

The wide variety of products at Sealants & Tools Direct gives the customers an opportunity to find the perfect product to suit their needs and budget. The Products menu is well-categorised to ensure easy browsing. Customers will surely find whatever material they’re searching for in a matter of minutes, complete with product details. 

Below are some of the many product categories at Sealants & Tools Direct:

Abrasives & Glass Papers – A customer can find the following items: cutting discs, detail sander pads, grinding discs, sanding belts, rubbing blocks & tools and many others.  

Adhesives – Those who are in need of quality adhesives will not be disappointed with the choices: chemical anchors, contact adhesives, glue sticks & guns, tile adhesives, wood glue and a lot more.

Aquarium/Vivarium/Terrarium Products – This category allows you to choose from a variety of silicone sealant for an aquarium, as well as find a dependable thermometer.

Batteries – From Alkaline batteries to standard battery chargers are amongst our standard stock.

Bird & Pest Protection – Looking for a quality, yet affordable mouse trap? How about a galvanised mouse trap cage?  All these and more are available under this category.

Building Products – Add mixtures & cement colourant, fence post spikes & shoes, flashing products, roofing products – you can find all these items under Building Products.

These products are complete with specifications and prices (taxes included). With accurate descriptions, the customer is given a clearer view of what they are purchasing. All items sold at Sealants & Tools Direct are guaranteed to be effective and of the highest quality.

A Closer Look on Silicone

We all have heard about the term silicone, when it comes to the subject of sealants. We also know that it is one of the most effective and widely used materials in terms of filling in gaps, cracks and other similar purposes. Today let us take a closer look on what silicone is all about and the important role it plays in the industry.

What is a silicone?

A silicone is technically a synthetic material that comes in a variety of forms. It can also be used for different purposes. A silicone is a polymer with unique chemical structure – it has a combination of silicon and oxygen atoms. It is resistant to both chemical attacks and extreme temperature changes that making it an invaluable compound in the industry today.

Effects of silicone in our daily lives

Silicones have changed the way many things work – silicones affect the way electronic devices are developed and the way they perform. Our cars, homes and most of the electronic devices now have become safer, more reliable and easier to maintain because of this unique material.

Silicone sealants are just one of its many forms and this particular material is considered as one of the most indispensable sealant tools today.

It has been three decades since we have started using silicones as part of our personal care products. They have been proven to be safe and effective in making our lives better and more efficient as well. Imagine, a silicone sealant lasts way longer compared to an organic sealant and this allows us to have much lower amounts of garbage.

In addition to this, a lot of silicone fluids and elastomers are environment-friendly because they can be recycled.

Different forms and capabilities of silicones

Silicones are deemed unique because of its many abilities and the way it can take different forms. Silicones can be used for a wide variety of purposes. They can either be hard, soft, brittle or flexible. Silicones can also be in liquid or solid forms, and they can either be temporary or durable, depending on what is required.

Silicones have the ability to make a thing soft or smooth, and it can also either destroy foam or make it stable.

Silicone is widely used in various industries because of its unique components and varied properties and there is no doubt that this synthetic material has surely changed our lives for the better.

Top Home Caulking Pitfalls

Caulking is one of the many ways of sealing joints, seams and some types of piping. Caulking is used to provide thermal insulation, noise mitigation and control water penetration. This is mostly done with a combination of readily available construction materials such as silicone, polysulfide and polyurethane and acrylic sealants.

Caulking doesn’t only apply to shipbuilding but to home maintenance as well. Toilet bowls, wall joints, windows and other parts that are in need of sealing are all in need of caulking. Before you venture out on any do-it-yourself ideas and instructions, here are some of the common mistakes to avoid when caulking at home.

Settling to adhesive rather than sealant

Caulk is used for sealing cracks and gaps that exist between two materials especially in places where water and air could seep through. In the event when you see daylight through the crack or feel a draft, seal it with silicone. It is not an adhesive therefore, it is safe to use on door frames, sink and counter tops.

Failing to locate all leaks

Yes. It is important to seal leaks of your windows, electrical wirings, doors and plumbing but how about places like the attic, basements and crawl spaces. These leaks can pose bigger threats if left unattended.

Forgetting the caulk gun

Never leave the hardware store with just a caulk cartridge. It isn't designed to be squeezed and applied. You’ll need a caulk gun to properly dispense it when you apply it.

Neglecting the old caulk before applying new

Most people believe that applying a new caulk to the old one will help strengthen it, but no. Use a razor blade first to remove the old caulk. With this, not only will you remove the old layer but also the mildew and mold that may have formed. Follow it up by cleaning the surface with a household cleaner or rubbing alcohol with a wire brush or clean cloth. Be sure to make the surface clean, free of soap, dust and grease before caulking.

Wrong tube cut

The line of the caulk is called a bead and is usually formed with every squeeze of the caulk gun. The right bead starts with the right cut. Be careful to cut the opening of the caulk tube to fit the job. As a rule of thumb, cut near the top for a thin bead and further down for a thick bead. For silicone caulk, there is an inner seal that should be pierced before application.

These are some of the common pitfalls of home caulking. Always remember to read the instructions provided on the product packaging before you do the caulking. Keeping this information is important not only for instructions but for storage and first-aid reasons as well.