How To Re-Silicone A Shower (BEGINNERS GUIDE), by DIY For Beginners on YouTube. 7 min 30 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 30 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour plus 24 hours curing
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Run a silicone remover tool or sharp scraper along the joint at a shallow angle and pull out every strip of old silicone. Work away from your body and wear gloves.
Scrub the joint with mould spray or white vinegar and an old toothbrush to lift soap scum and black spots. Wipe it clean and let the area dry completely.
If mould has stained the gap, spray a bleach-based mould cleaner into it, leave it 30 minutes, then rinse and dry. Silicone will not stick to a damp surface.
Press masking tape along both edges of the joint, leaving only the strip you want to fill exposed. This gives you a straight line to work to.
Cut the nozzle at a 45 degree angle so the opening is about 5mm wide, roughly the width of the gap. A slightly oversized hole gives a smoother bead.
Load the cartridge into the gun, pierce the seal and push a steady bead of silicone along the whole joint. Keep the nozzle tip buried in the bead as you go.
Smooth the bead in one continuous pass with a silicone profiling tool, or a wet finger. Do not go back over it again and again.
Peel off the masking tape straight away while the silicone is still wet, pulling it away from the joint.
Leave the seal to cure for at least 24 hours with no water on it. Check for gaps or thin spots before you use the shower again.
Tips and common mistakes
Buy sanitary grade anti-mould silicone rather than general purpose sealant, it lasts far longer in a wet room.
Never smear new silicone over old. Fresh sealant will not bond and the joint will peel within weeks.
Keep the room ventilated when using mould sprays and bleach, and open a window.
If you are sealing a bath instead of a tray, fill it with water first so the weight pulls the gap open before you seal.
Questions
How long before I can use the shower again?
Leave it at least 24 hours, and longer if the room is cold or damp. A thin bead may feel dry in an hour but it is not fully cured.
Do I have to remove all the old silicone?
Yes. Any leftover silicone stops the new bead bonding, so take the time to scrape the joint back to clean tile and tray.
Why does my silicone keep going black?
Mould grows in damp, soapy gaps. Dry the shower after use, run the extractor fan and reseal as soon as you see the bead lifting.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
