Silicone Sealant for the bathroom: what is better to choose and how to remove it

All surfaces and equipment in the bathroom will inevitably come into contact with water.We have in mind not only the direct impact of water jets, but also the steam and condensate accumulating on the ceiling, walls and furniture.Of course, finishing materials, sanitary ware and home furnishings in the bathroom is usually made of water-resistant material, so that the air humidity does not affect their status.However, even in the well-equipped bathroom there are areas that we need to protect yourself from exposure to moisture.

Primarily, this joints between the various elements (such as tile joints, the gap between the tub and the wall, the connection between the parts of the water pipes, etc.).Previously, to seal these areas using a mixture of bitumen, which could not provide complete protection from moisture.

In recent years, used for this purpose sealant for sanitary silicone-based. This modern sealant and adhesive agent having a whole set of useful features.

• The presence of silicone sealant provides is its quality like elasticity.Therefore, even after the tool is grasped, the compounds of elements remain movable.
• Silicone sealants are made from silicon is why, despite the high degree of plasticity and elasticity, after curing the composition becomes very strong.
• sealant based on silicone can be used to connect elements from a variety of materials.It reacted equally well with a rubber, plastic, wood, glass, ceramics, etc.
• After hardening silicone sealant turns into tough coating resistant to various detergents, including containing harsh chemicals.
• a part of most silicone sealants contains fungicidal additives preventing the appearance of mold and insects.

• To apply silicone sealant to the working surface, it is necessary to first prepare: clean from dirt, degrease and dry well.The bulk silicone sealants when applied to the wet surface loses its properties.
• If as part silicone sealant for most components of inorganic origin, it will be impossible to paint using ordinary colors.
• professionals in the repair point out that some manufacturers silicone-based sealants are poorly connected, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, PTFE and PVC elements.

should be noted that all the above mentioned disadvantages are largely to silicone sealants budget price category.Dear sealants from reliable manufacturers have a higher quality, and these shortcomings are almost totally devoid.

Depending on the composition of the following types and subtypes of silicone sealants:

One component - the most common type of sealant, which is characterized by a wide range of applications. They freeze under the influence of moist air.As a rule, they are sold in tubes.

There are three kinds of one-component silicone sealants:

• Acid - considered a budget option;They have a strong vinegar smell.Packages of this kind of silicone sealant marked with the symbol "A".As part of the acidic sealants with aggressive chemicals, so they can not be used on the surfaces of brittle materials, such as marble.
• Alkaline - have a narrow scope, but because in everyday life are rarely used.
• Neutral - more expensive and higher quality group of silicone sealants.The smell is almost absent;They interact well with any materials.

Two component - to work with this kind of sealant is necessary to prepare a mixture of the two active ingredients that harden by reacting with each other. used mainly in industry.

• Good water resistance - high-quality silicone sealants are absolutely impermeable to water.
• high degree of elasticity - due to the elasticity of silicone sealants can be used for treatment of mobile connections.
• ability to adhere to the materials of different origin - in the natural sciences, this property is called "adhesion".
• Resistance to high and low temperatures, as well as to sudden changes in temperature - most silicone sealants retain their properties at temperatures from -60 to +300 degrees.
• UV Resistance - silicone sealants can be used, including, for exterior use.
• Resistance to chemically aggressive environment.
• Long life - Silicone sealant - this is a very durable material, which is beginning to need to be updated only after fifteen to twenty years.

sealant based on silicone is used not only for repair in the bathroom. Scope of application is wide enough, it includes the following types of construction and repair work:

• roofing works;
• laying water and sewer pipes;
• construction glass structures (such as greenhouses);
• laying natural stone or decorative;
• installation of vinyl cladding material;
• installing double-glazed windows;
• installation of window sills made of natural stone;
• connection pieces of equipment with high heating temperature;
• installation of various sanitary ware;
• mount mirrors.

In the market of construction and finishing materials are dozens of manufacturers of sealants based on silicone. order not to get lost in the variety of items and not to be mistaken with the choice, we advise you to give preference to one of the well-established manufacturers.

• Makroflex - a company from Finland, which has almost 40 years of experience in the production of sealants;Products of this brand is highly valued by professional finisher.
• «Moment" - a German brand, which, however, is well known to Russian consumers;the company has long been the production in our country, so its production is relatively cheap.
• Soudal - silicone sealant production Poland meets all European quality standards applicable to this group of building materials.
• Saving - as well as the "Moment" is a trademark of Henkel;characterized by comfortable modern packaging and fully justifies our understanding of German quality.
• Tytan - another product that produces the company from Poland;in addition to silicone sealants, the company Selena, which owns the trademark, produces sealing compounds based on acrylic, polyurethane and bitumen.
• Ceresit - is also a product of the company, which is part of the corporation Henkel;this manufacturer can boast a wide range of silicone sealants are suitable for different types of work.

Silicone Sealant is actively used for sealingseams and joints between finishing materials or design elements of various sanitary equipment. Sealing is usually made in the following order:

• You must first prepare the work surface: it is well washed, to remove dirt, degreasing process composition and dry.
• then fill the tube with sealant to the mounting gun.Further
• tip cap should be cut so that the width of the sealant layer coincides with the width of the seam.To do this, you need to find the right angle cut.
• Then you need to make sure that in the process of sealing is not soiled surface next to the seam.To this paste over their masking tape.
• Now you can proceed directly to the joint sealing of: using a punch-gun try to evenly distribute the sealant in the seam.
• While sealant is not seized, it is possible to adjust the seam with a special rubber spatula or a finger dipped in soap solution.
• Remove the masking tape and wash the remains of sealant with soap and water.

Firstly, it is necessary to provide silicone sealant appropriate storage conditions. Usually, manufacturers recommend storing means away from children, in a dry place at temperatures no higher than room temperature.

Secondly, when dealing with sealer try that no substance has got into eyes. And if it does happen, immediately rinse the eyes with plenty of clean water.Some danger is acid sealants based on silicone.If you choose to work exactly this kind of sealant composition, protect your hands with rubber gloves, and respiratory tract - respirator.

speed drying silicone sealant depends on several factors: the manufacturer, the layer thickness of the working surface of the material, the temperature and humidity, etc. grasping part starts after 20-30 minutes after application, but before complete drying takes about a day.

Fresh sealant on all types of surfaces removed easily - need only wash it off with warm water and soap.However, after the composition has dried to remove it would require more effective means. most commonly used for this purpose a variety of solvents such as mineral spirits. There are also cleaners designed specifically for silicone mixtures.For example, these include the "Foam-840."After using it on the surface may leave traces that can be easily washed off with water and a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar.Also well it removes the excess silicone sealant cleaner "Antisilikon".

In addition, the sealant can be removed mechanically using a scraper or a knife.After that, go over the surface with a dry cloth and rub the surface to cleanse.This method is suitable only for hard surfaces.

Silicone Sealant has excellent performance characteristics, so the joints treated with this means special care is not needed.Sealant bathroom silicone-based retains its properties even when they are in constant contact with the water at a very high or very low temperatures, as well as under the influence of a variety of cleaning agents.