HOW TO SILICONE A BATH OR SHOWER WITH A METEX SILICONE BLOCK, by plumberparts on YouTube. 13 min 12 s.
- Video length
- 13 min 12 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Remove the old silicone with a scraper and silicone remover. Clean the joint with methylated spirits, then let it dry completely.
Cut the silicone nozzle at a 45 degree angle. Make the opening about the width of the gap you are sealing.
Load the cartridge into your silicone gun, puncture the seal and fit the nozzle. Test the trigger before you start on the bath.
Start at one corner and work along one edge first. Keep the nozzle at a steady angle and pull the trigger evenly.
Apply a continuous bead into the joint. Push the gun along at a steady speed so the silicone fills the gap without gaps.
Spray the bead lightly with soapy water if you want easier smoothing. Mix a little washing-up liquid with water in a spray bottle.
Press the Metex silicone block onto the bead and drag it along in one smooth pass. Wipe the block clean between passes.
Smooth each corner in one direction, then the other, without overworking the silicone. Fix any rough spots while the silicone is still fresh.
If you make a mistake, wipe the fresh silicone away and apply a new bead. Cut away cured silicone with a sharp knife and start again.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not silicone over old sealant. Remove every trace first or the new bead will not stick.
Keep the bead continuous and avoid stopping halfway; joins are harder to smooth.
Leave the seal to cure for the time on the cartridge, often 24 hours, before using the bath or shower.
When cutting away cured silicone, use a sharp knife and keep your fingers behind the blade.
Questions
How long before I can use the bath or shower?
Check the cartridge; many silicone sealants need about 24 hours to cure. Do not get the fresh bead wet before then.
Can I apply new silicone over old sealant?
No. Remove the old silicone completely and clean the joint first, or the new bead may lift.
What if my silicone bead looks lumpy?
Spray it with soapy water and smooth it again with the Metex block while it is fresh. If it has started to skin over, wipe it off and apply a new bead.
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.
