A simple sealant can transform your kitchen and your bathroom, allowing you to make effective, economical renovations without creating a mess. But which sealant should you use?
A sealant’s main purpose is to serve as a barrier against moisture, sound, drafts and dust. However, they can also be used to keep different components steady, such as bathtubs, tiles, window frames and façade elements. Different sealants are available for various types of projects.
The first thing you will need to do is determine whether you need sealant or adhesive. When doing so, you should consider the following:
- is your project indoors or outdoors?
- do you need to fill gaps?
- do need to join two surfaces?
You can use sealants to seal joints and seams between two surfaces to keep air and moisture from leaking in. Sealants can also help keep your home free of dust and pests. Its flexible and protective qualities make it perfect for DIY projects in kitchens and bathrooms. If you’re wondering which product to use, look no further than UniBond; UniBond RE-NEW is great for repairing existing silicone sealant which has aged and cracked over the years. Apply this fast-acting, silicone-based solution in five minutes to give your home improvements a professional look.
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The difference between adhesives and sealants: the former are used for bonding two surfaces, while the latter seal joints. If you need both qualities for a certain project, try UniBonds range of One For All products.
Applying sealant is relatively straightforward. We recommend following the steps listed below for best results every time. Remember, you must know which sealant and tools to use, and it’s crucial to work on a clean, ready-to-use surface. Â
- Wipe down the old sealant. Use a damp cloth to wipe the sealant and then let it dry.
- Apply the product. Squeeze UniBond RE-NEW on top of the existing silicone sealant at a 45-degree angle.
- Smooth out the product. Use the specially designed applicator to go over the new sealant again and smooth out the product for professional results.
- Check for mistakes. If you’ve made a mistake, wipe off the new sealant with a damp cloth and repeat steps 1 to 3.
- Wait for the sealant to dry. After the sealant has dried for approximately six hours, your bathtub will be ready for use. Â
- Prepare your surface. Remove the old sealant and any debris like grease, dust or water.
- Cut the tip. Cut off the tip of the cartridge at a 45-degree angle to fit the joint width and screw it onto the cartridge. Then insert the cartridge into the cartridge gun.
- Apply the sealant. Pull the trigger to apply sealant into the joint and ensure sealant has good contact with both sides of the joint. Let the sealant sit for the time claimed on pack before applying paint.
- Allow 24 to 72 hours to cure. Your home improvement project will be complete after you allow the product to cure.
- To get the most out of your home improvement efforts, you will need to bear a few things in mind when working with sealants:
- Cut the tip of the nozzle so the bead will suit your project.
- Keeping a steady hand and applying pressure consistently will help you achieve an even look.
- If the depth of your joint exceeds 13 mm, you will need to use a backer rod (not more sealant) to fill the extra space.
- Make sure to observe the cure times. Cure and paint times for UniBond sealants are always quick.
- After applying the sealant, use the applicator tool to smooth out the sealant. This will make your work look neat and professional. Â
