How to Apply Silicone Sealant easily and quickly is a common question! In a previous blog post, we discussed how to choose a high-quality, mold-resistant sealant for the bathroom. Some customers have asked me: The sealant in my kitchen and bathroom has gone moldy, can I replace it myself? Of course, why not?!
Tools and Materials Needed :
Putty knife or small scraper
Masking tape (painter’s tape)
A clean rag/cloth
Caulking gun
Mold-resistant sealant
Sealant profiling tool (or spatula/grout smoother)
Step One: Remove the Moldy Sealant
Use the putty knife or small scraper to remove the old, moldy sealant strip. When scraping, maintain an appropriate angle and force to avoid scratching the substrate surface. Make sure corners are also thoroughly cleaned and no moldy sealant residue remains.
Use a clean cloth to wipe the substrate surface clean and ensure it is dry, free of grease, dust, or other impurities.
Apply masking tape to both sides of the joint, leaving the area that needs to be sealed exposed. This ensures the edges of the applied sealant are neat and attractive, and makes it easier to clean up excess sealant after application.
Step Two: Prepare the Caulking Gun
Use scissors or a blade to cut the tip of the sealant cartridge, then attach the nozzle. Cut the nozzle tip at an angle. Note: The size and shape of the nozzle opening will affect the application method and flow rate of the sealant.
Place the sealant cartridge into the caulking gun and secure it. Before application, test the sealant flow on a piece of scrap cardboard: squeeze out a small amount of sealant to ensure a moderate flow, avoiding the extrusion of too much sealant.
Step Three: Apply the Sealant
Hold the caulking gun at a angle to the area that needs to be filled, and press the trigger to uniformly extrude the sealant and fill the joint.
Once the sealant is applied, use a sealant profiling tool or a finger (wear a glove or wet your finger with soapy water) to smooth the sealant, ensuring full contact between the sealant and the joint area.
Remove any excess sealant and then carefully remove the masking tape.
Step Four: Wait for Curing
Generally, the sealant will fully cure in 24-48 hours. During this period, avoid contact with water and dust. Afterwards, you can look forward to your kitchen or bathroom being completely refreshed, and you won’t have to see annoying mold anymore!
If there is any unused sealant remaining, cap the cartridge opening to prevent curing and store it according to the sealant’s storage product guidelines.
If the area of mold is large, severe, and repeatedly occurring, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional applicator!
