4 Quick Steps on How to Apply Silicone Sealant

You don’t have to be a pro to be able to apply a silicone sealant on windows, doors or other leaking equipment. Follow these 4 quick steps on how to use silicone sealant effectively:

1.       Clean the area

Clean the area first before applying the silicone sealant. In case there are traces of the old sealant, remove this by using a knife or a screwdriver. Be careful not to cut or scratch your window, door, etc. Also, be careful not to hurt yourself. Use a cloth to wipe the entire area where the silicone sealant is to be applied.

2.       Prepare the materials

Make sure that you have all the materials that you need to apply the silicone sealant before you start the application process. Prepare the sealant, the sealant gun (if needed), water and the soap to save on time and hassle.

3.       Apply the silicone sealant

Put thin linings of the silicone sealant on the areas that leak. Make sure that you completely fill the gap so that it will totally stop water or other liquid from leaking. Make the application process as neat as possible to ensure that the sealant will be unnoticeable.

4.       Polish the area

The last step is to polish your work. Dip your finger into the water and slightly rub it into the soap. Smooth the silicone sealant that you have just applied. Tighten the sealant on the gap to make the effect of the sealant long lasting. Dip again into the water and soap if you noticed a build-up of silicone on your finger. Continue until the entire area is totally smooth.

Silicone sealant is very easy to use and is non-hazardous. Follow these quick steps to stop the leaks in your house. The application process usually only takes an hour or less.

Sealants & Tools Direct offers quality building and garden products. You can simply contact at 01626 333360 or email at info@sealantsandtoolsdirect.co.uk. 

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.

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.

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!

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. 

Sealant Guns at Sealants and Tools Direct

The quality of materials we use is a very important factor to ensure the effectiveness of any task or activity that we perform.  Low or substandard materials can not only produce poor results, they usually prove to cost more in the long run. High quality and appropriate tools are crucial in order to achieve the desired effect or outcome. If you are looking for quality building and gardening products Sealants and Tools Direct can offer you a wide variety of these materials. From silicone sealant to sealant guns, they have it all in store for you.

What is a sealant gun?

A sealant gun - sometimes referred to as a caulking gun, depending on the substance that’s being used - is a tool that is used to effectively fill in cracks in your windows, doors or other areas of the house with gaps or cracks.

How does it work?

First, you have to load the tube of sealant or caulk into the gun. Make sure that the nozzle is placed towards the front of the gun. Once this is properly done, you then proceed in cutting the tip of the tube according to the needed size. It may be necessary to use a pin to puncture the seal. You can now hold the gun along the crack or gap that you want to seal and squeeze the trigger to release the sealant or caulk.

The different sealant guns available at Sealants and Tools Direct

At Sealants and Tools Direct you can choose from a wide range of high quality sealant guns according to your needs and budget. The most affordable sealant gun, the DIY Sealant Cartridge Gun 400ml C3, C4 costs a mere £3.50 (£4.20 VAT included). On the other hand, if you prefer to spend a little more, their most expensive gun is the Milwaukee M18 Cordless Sealant Caulking Barrel Gun which costs £296.10 (£355.32 VAT included).

Other brands and kinds available:

• Cox Easiflow HD 400ml Pro Sealant Mastic Applicator
• Cox Powerflow Combi Manual Sausage Barrel Gun
• Cox Powerflow Heavy Duty Cartridge Silicone Sealant Gun
• Everbuild Power Pro Silicone Sealant Gun
• Everbuild Professional 900ml Jumbo Sealant Gun
• Everbuild Tecnic Combi Barrel Sausage Foil Pack
• Milwaukee M12 Cordless Sealant Caulking Barrel Gun

These sealant guns vary depending on their weight, speed settings and whether a unit comes with Lithium Ion battery or bare unit only.