Sealants for the bathroom - how to choose and apply the right

Sealants bathroom were widely spread.They are well sealed seams, joints, gaps between tiles and sanitary ware, protecting them from moisture accumulation.Splashes of water and condensate falling into these holes, creating a favorable environment for the development of microscopic fungi and bacteria, includingand disease.So, the debate black mold affect the respiratory system and cause asthma attacks.Therefore, in the sealing bath is often added fungicide - a special antibacterial agent, restraining growth of mold.

Sealant is a polymer mixture, hardener, filler, pigment, and other substances.

According to the type of polymer used sealants are divided into the following types on.

most in demand, but also the most expensive.It has excellent adhesion to almost all materials, so it is suitable for any kind of bath and exterior of the premises.Do not let the moisture is not afraid to ultraviolet light, withstands high amplitude of temperature extremes (from -50 to +200 degrees), it has a long service life.It shrinks no more than 2%.

Divided into:

• acid;
• neutral.

Acid still have a second name - vinegar, because of the characteristic odor. They are relatively less neutral, but not suitable for all metal bath because, vulcanizing, can oxidize certain metals and alloys.Acidic silicone sealants are used when working with plastic, wood and ceramics.

In other cases, preference is given to neutral.It is excellent for sealing joints and cracks after repairs.

practically not inferior in durability silicone, is also characterized by excellent adhesion to various materials, but is much cheaper.Easy to use, resistant to UV radiation, does not fade, it withstands temperatures from -25 to + 80 ° C, but the seam is not very elastic.Therefore, its use is not recommended for joints exposed to strain.

But these compounds can be coated with varnish, paint or plaster.As the scope of the sealant is very wide, and there are nevlagostoykie.When purchasing be sure to pay attention to it.

seam is smooth and elastic, resistant to mechanical damage.It also has excellent adhesion to various materials.Often used when replacing old joints, in particular of silicone.Top optionally coated with varnish or paint layer.Since it is required to operate a mask and gloves.

It is a hybrid of the two species, which absorbed all the best features of both - the durability and strength.It can be used as an adhesive for connecting surfaces.

most preferred considered sanitary, ieadding fungicides silicone.They perfectly closed up seams are sealed joints between walls and fixtures, fasteners, wiring the inputs and outputs sewer pipes.In addition, they are ideally suited for the renovation of the old joints.

For example, it may be extenders (extenders), various fillers (chalk, quartz powder) used to fill the wide joints, fungicide, organic solvents, colorants, mineral oils, instead of silicone plasticizers, rubber and others. In any case bethe presence of additives does not exceed 10% in the formulation.

basic properties that must have any sealant: water resistance, durability and safety.

On the construction market a lot of brands producing sealants for the bathroom.It is not difficult and confused.Consider the most popular.

Produces Polish company "Selena" - inexpensive, high quality, often used for showers.Available as an acrylic and silicone.The only flaw is available in tubes of 310 ml.

Another brand that is on everyone's lips.Country of origin may be indicated by Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Russia.This is a group of silicone sealants for a variety of purposes.Available in tubes of different sizes.

This branch of the German giant in the field of chemical production "Henkel" - also proved to be the best.It can be used as an adhesive, attaching decorating elements, but it is not suitable for sealing aquariums and food surfaces.

Sealant Turkish firm, it has a low cost but good quality.As Ceresit can be used as an adhesive.

Sealants bathroom can be manufactured with built-in tube with special applicators.If not, you will need to purchase a special gun.It is rechargeable and mechanical.Last inexpensive (150-500 p.) And is perfect for home use.

Also required:

• clean cloth;
• alcohol or acetone;
• soft narrow spatula;
• masking tape;
• gloves and a mask for protection.

can buy a special attachment that fits over the tube, if desired.Thanks to the simultaneous application and leveling sealant.

surface wipe dry with a clean cloth and degreased with alcohol or acetone.

to seam smooth and beautiful, and the sealant is not soiled surface, it is glued along the masking tape.In principle, it is not necessary, but desirable.

now prepared to work himself to the bathroom sealant.At tube at an angle of 45 ° cut off the tip, put on the cap from the kit.Then the tube is inserted into the gun.If it has included a special applicator gun is not necessary.

important to squeeze out sealant smoothly with the same pressure on the trigger.If the seam is interrupted, then place the gap may be left empty, which will fall in the mud and moisture.

to seam was smooth, it is carried out by wet silicone spatula.They can also adjust the seam if he came out crooked.However, some professionals to successfully manage without a spatula, gently just spent a finger along the seam.

After the sealant is allowed to dry and ventilate the area well.It is necessary to distinguish between the time of curing and drying.This is a completely different performance. curing time shows how many sealant "grab", iecease to stick to hands and harden. Drying time indicates how many hours it takes to complete drying of the layer.

Despite all the praise of silicone sealant for bath, over time it can form plaque mold, and in the seam - microcracks.Such compounds need to be replaced.

must first get rid of the old joint. For this silicone scraped off with a knife, you can use a regular or a special purchase for these works.This is the most labor-intensive and long work.

It is important to completely remove all the old layer.If a little silicone left, then a new layer of sealant will form a similar bad and have to repeat the work.Therefore, sanitary polyurethane sealant often used to replace old silicone joints.And to get rid of mold spores, the surface is further treated with antiseptic.

sure to check out the wall between the bathroom and the wall.If there is mold on the processing of exposed not only the joint but also the entire wall.Due to the inaccessibility it recommended to use tools that can be sprayed.

Next seam imposed by the standard technique.To be safe, you can use a plastic or ceramic border, which is easily mounted on the same sealant.Total employment will take about 2 hours.

another good and simple way to remove old sealant - use of special chemicals or removers silicone.

layer on the old silicone sealant is applied a layer of the cleaner, which should be 2-3 times thicker than the silicone layer.Standby time joint dissolution of the old - from 1 to 8 hours.To reduce the time available to a layer of the old silicone seam can be cut with a knife.Once completed, the silicone is removed with a cloth.

to protect the tiles and other surfaces from contamination from substances used masking tape.

joints between the bathtub and the wall, as well as the point of connection pipes sealed without fail.

width of cracks is also important when choosing a sealant bath.Acrylic is best suited for wide joints , but silicon, on the contrary, preferred to seal narrow .

Sometimes sealant gets on the bathroom walls or tiles.Remove it possible, rubbing with a cloth dipped in a solvent for paints or unleaded petrol.To do this, they moisten a cloth and gently rub the dirt.Many pour funds in rags do not need, or will divorce.

To update the old seams better to use sanitary sealants.And if the problem of mold is relevant always, check the ventilation system.Otherwise, the antifungal treatment of the entire room will have to carry out a few times a year.

Tubes come in different sizes (80, 280 and 310 ml).For small household works better to buy 2-3 smaller than a large one.Working with them is much more convenient, easier to calculate the flow rate.

And finally, do not skimp on the sealant to the bathroom.Cheap does not last a long time, and therefore eventually have to update the seams.This is an additional cost and effort.Remember, avaricious pays twice!