Blog>Questions>How to apply silicone sealant for a neat finish
Last updated: 27 October 2023
How to apply silicone sealant for a neat finish
Applying silicone sealant and achieving a neat finish can be a bit challenging for beginners, but it's achievable with patience and by carefully following a series of steps.
Applying silicone sealant can be a bit challenging for beginners, but it's achievable with a bit of patience and by carefully following a series of steps. Here, we offer step-by-step instructions on how to apply silicone sealant for a neat finish, with a specific focus on how to apply it around baths and sinks.
As always, if you can't manage this work yourself, connect with a local expert by entering your postcode below.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
How to apply silicone sealant for a neat finish
Follow these general instructions when applying sealant to achieve the best results.
Step one: Prepare the surface
Before applying the sealant, make sure the surface is clean, dry and free from dust, grease or old sealant. Depending on the current state of the surface, you might need to use rubbing alcohol or a commercial sealant remover to clean the surface.
Step two: Cut the nozzle
Cut the nozzle of your silicone tube at a 45-degree angle. Be careful when cutting the tube, as the size of the hole you make determines the bead size, so consider how large you want the sealant lines to be before cutting.
Step three: Use a sealant gun
Place the silicone tube inside your sealant gun, ensuring it's fitted properly.
Step four: Apply sealant
Holding the gun at a 45-degree angle to the surface, squeeze the trigger gently, applying even pressure, and move the gun smoothly along the joint to lay down a consistent bead of silicone.
Step five: Clean up and curing
Wet your finger or a finishing/smoothing tool with soapy water (as this prevents the silicone from sticking) then run it along the bead. Press your finger or tool into the joint for a clean, smooth finish and wipe away any excess.
How do you get a nice finish when applying sealant around baths and sinks?
Applying silicone sealant neatly around baths and sinks presents unique challenges. Here are some steps you can follow to overcome them:
Step one: Fill the bath or sink partially
When working on baths or sinks, partially filling the vessel with water weighs it down, ensuring that once it's used, the additional weight of water won't pull the sealant away from the walls.
Step two: Tape the area
To achieve the straightest lines, it helps to apply masking tape above and below the area where the silicone line will be. This is particularly helpful for beginners trying to achieve straight edges.
Step three: Apply sealant
Using the same technique as described earlier, hold your sealant gun at a 45-degree angle to the surface, squeeze the trigger gently and move the gun smoothly along the joint to lay down a consistent bead of silicone.
Step four: Smooth out
Wet your finger or a finishing tool with soapy water then run it along the bead, pressing your finger into the joint for a clean, smooth finish. Wipe away any excess.
Step five: Remove the tape
Straight away after smoothing, carefully remove the masking tape from each side of the silicone line, which will leave a neat, straight line. It's important to remove the tape before the silicone starts to cure to prevent damage to the silicone.
Step six: Empty the bath or sink
Finally, drain the bath or sink and allow it to rise to its natural position. This ensures the silicone remains intact when the bath is filled next time.
Get a professional to apply silicone sealant
If you don't have the time, tools or know-how to complete this job yourself, you can easily and quickly connect with Checkatrade-approved plumbers in your area by entering your postcode below.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job