How to silicone seal a shower enclosure, by South Coast Sealants Ltd on YouTube. 3 min.
- Video length
- 3 min
- Time to do it
- 1 hour, plus 24 hours curing
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Cut out the old silicone with a sharp scraper or sealant remover. Work along the joint slowly so you do not scratch the tray or chip the tiles.
Wipe the joint with methylated spirits and a clean cloth to remove soap scum, grease and dust. Let the surface dry completely before you go further.
Run a strip of masking tape along the tiles and another along the tray, leaving a gap of about 6 mm over the joint.
Cut the nozzle tip at 45 degrees so the hole is slightly wider than the gap. Fit the cartridge into the gun and squeeze until the silicone reaches the tip.
Push the gun along the joint at a steady speed, keeping the nozzle at 45 degrees and the bead in contact with both surfaces. Overlap corners rather than stopping short.
Smooth the bead in one continuous pass with a silicone tool or a spatula, pressing the silicone into the corner. Wipe the tool after each run.
Peel both tape strips off straight away while the silicone is still wet, pulling away from the bead at a low angle.
Leave the seal to cure for 24 hours before you use the shower. Keep the room ventilated and do not touch the bead while it skins over.
Tips and common mistakes
Buy a mould-resistant sanitary silicone rather than a general purpose one, since showers stay damp.
Never smooth the same section twice, as the skin will drag and leave ridges.
Skip sealing over old silicone, because the new bead will not bond and will peel within weeks.
Wear gloves and keep the window open, as the smell is strong and the sealant is hard to remove from skin.
Questions
How long before I can use the shower?
Most sanitary silicones need 24 hours to cure fully. Check the cartridge for a skin-over time, which is usually around 10 to 20 minutes, but keep water off the joint for the full day.
Why does my silicone keep going mouldy?
Damp, poor ventilation and soap residue are the usual causes. Clean the joint properly, use a mould-resistant silicone and run the extractor fan or open a window after every shower.
Can I seal a shower tray without masking tape?
You can, but the edges will be uneven. Tape gives you a straight line and lets you peel away the overspread, which is how professionals get a sharp finish.
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.
