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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.