Bath sealant - which is better?

The bathroom is a unique room: there is constantly high humidity, huge temperature changes, but at the same time it should always remain as clean, hygienic, comfortable, beautiful as possible. Accordingly - the materials used in the repair of the premises should be of the highest quality and resistant to various kinds of influences. No exception and sealant. Today we’ll try to find out how to choose a quality sealant for the bath, which is better and why.

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What is a sealant?

In general, a sealant is a tool designed to fill seams and joints, as well as protect various coatings, plumbing from moisture. Excessive moisture leads to the spread of pathogenic bacteria, therefore, ideally, the sealant should still protect the treated surfaces from such microorganisms. The composition of the sealant includes polymers, hardeners, fillers, coloring agents, etc. The polymers in the compositions are different, respectively, they differ in the types of sealants.

Important! Also, various components can be added to the composition, which either improve the properties of the product or reduce the cost of the product.

Additional components:

• Extenders, or expanders.
• Fillers - fill wide seams. These can be substances such as chalk, silica flour and others.
• Fungicide - prevents mold, bacteria from spreading on the surface.
• Organic solvents.
• Coloring matter.
• Mineral oils.
• Rubber and other additives.

Important! The main rule - in aggregate, all additives should not exceed ten percent of the composition. If the product contains more than ten percent of additives, it is preferable to choose another option, since such a sealant for the bath will not be the best, and will last you a very short time.

So, for the bathroom it is important that the sealant is waterproof, durable, safe for human life and health. We will examine in more detail what sealants exist.

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Kinds

Most often, funds are used on dry surfaces, but there are exceptions. Silicone sealants are applied on a slightly damp coating. Let's start with them.

Silicone

Perhaps this is the most popular type of sealant today. However, it is one of the most expensive options.

Important! It can be used on any coating, it is moisture resistant, easily tolerates ultraviolet radiation, and temperature drops. Also, the tool is very durable. Therefore, it is very often used to decorate bathrooms.

This type of funds can be divided into two subspecies:

1. Acidic, or vinegar compounds. They got their name because of the unpleasant vinegar smell. These sealants are slightly cheaper than the subspecies shown below, but are not used on all surfaces. For example, for metal coatings, the use of such compositions may result in surface oxidation. But ceramics, plastic and wood products are excellently treated with acidic sealants.
2. Neutral silicone sealants. This type of sealant is acid-free, perfect for any surface, including metal.

But silicone is not the only polymer in such formulations. There are also acrylic products.

Acrylic Sealants

This sealant, like silicone, will last quite a long time, it can be used on various surfaces, but it tolerates exposure to sunlight and can withstand large temperature extremes. At the same time, the product is cheaper than silicone-based sealants.

Another important advantage of the tool is safety. It has no smell, and you can work with it without special protection.

Important! He also has drawbacks. Other things being equal, with silicone products, the seam will not be as elastic as in the previous version.Therefore, if the joints can be deformed during operation, it is better to give preference to the option with silicone.

It is easy to apply a layer of plaster or paint on acrylic sealants.

Important! Since this type of agent is used in various conditions, that is, non-moisture resistant agents of this type. They are unsuitable for bathrooms. Therefore, when choosing, always carefully read the label.

We looked at two options for bathroom sealants, but there are still a few tools ahead.

Polyurethane sealant

In this case, the main component of the composition is polyurethane. The product has a smooth and elastic seam, resistance to various damage and is well suited for most surfaces.

It, like the acrylic composition, can be coated with paint.

Important! Sealant components release substances that can have a negative effect on human health. Therefore, when working with it, be sure to protect the skin and respiratory tract.

There is another, combined option.

Acrylic silicone

This is a mixture of the best qualities of the two remedies. It can be used both as ordinary and as adhesive sealant for the bath. Waterproof, durable, resistant to impacts, and of course, elastic.

Important! It can be used not only in bathrooms, but also for sealing aquariums.

We examined the types suitable for repairs in the bathroom. There are also bituminous, thiocol and other sealants, but they are not used for bathrooms. But the question of which product to choose to repair the bathroom remained unresolved. Let's try to determine further with the brand of funds.

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Manufacturers

If you look into a hardware store without preparation, then in a huge selection of sealants you simply can not find the necessary one. Therefore, a small review of popular brands will only benefit.

Tytan

These are sealants produced by Poland, Selena company. They are of good enough quality and somewhat cheaper than their competitors. Acrylic and silicone products are manufactured under the brand name. The quality mark can be considered the confidence in this brand of professionals in the construction market. The downside is the small packaging volume - only 310 ml.

Moment

This is one of the most popular brands today. They can produce goods under this brand in the Czech Republic, Germany, Russia or Belgium. On the packaging, the manufacturer always indicates the place of production by code.

Sealants, which are produced under this brand - silicone, are of good quality and average price in a competitive environment. The manufacturer took care of the different purpose of its funds, and also released several options for the volume of the product.

Ceresit

This is a brand from the huge German concern Henkel. Today, the brand occupies a leading position in sales in most countries of the world. Its products are of good quality, can be used as glue, but are not suitable for sealing coatings used in the preparation and storage of food, as well as aquariums.

Ciki fix

Sealants of Turkish manufacture, in comparison with competitors, have a small price, can be used as glue. In principle, not bad, but less popular than analogues of other brands.

Makroflex

A company originally from Finland, operating in the construction market for more than 30 years. Distinctive features of the brand are ease of use combined with quality. Silicone sealants are equally convenient to use for both novice and specialist.

We figured out the types and major manufacturers. After familiarizing yourself with popular brands, you can make a choice.

Important! The main advice here is - do not chase for cheap options, but choose a quality and proven manufacturer, otherwise - you will have to overpay not only for sealant, but also for alteration.

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Choose

Of course, which manufacturer you prefer is up to you.We will only list the main tips for choosing a quality sealant that will retain its properties in the bathrooms for a long time.

Advice:

1. The first thing to note when choosing a bath product is that the sealant must have anti-mildew properties. These are funds with the addition of fungicide, otherwise - sanitary sealants.
2. Silicone products also have the best results, so if the budget allows, choose them for the bathrooms. It is easy to work with them even for beginners. They are universal, and allow to seal up both seams and joints with the wall, and pipes. They can also be used when updating old seams.
3. Remember that when choosing a silicone sealant, you should consider where you will apply it. For metal structures and bathtubs, pick up products without acid.
4. If you choose an acrylic bath sealant - which is better, the question is almost inappropriate. Acrylic sealant will definitely suit you, because the compositions of the sealant and the plumbing coatings will be similar.
5. Today on sale you can find various color options of funds, which allows you to choose the best option for your room.
6. If you are not sure about the brand, or for the first time encountered it, be sure to study the composition and user reviews.
7. Consider the possibility of fake. Be sure to read whether the mark is written correctly, whether all the information on working with the product, its purpose and safety precautions is on the package. If you do not know what the remedy is in front of you, ask the consultant to provide product certificates.

If the question is which silicone sealant is best for the bathroom, we decided, the most important thing remains - to understand how to work with the product.

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How to apply?

Remember that when you select which silicone is best for the bathroom, you can’t answer right away. After all, it all depends not only on the premises, but also on the purpose of use.

In the bathroom, sealants use:

• for sealing joints of a shower cabin and a wall;
• when sealing plumbing joints with a wall;
• during the sealing of water and sewer pipes when connected to plumbing;
• on mirrors and bathroom furniture.

So, a package with sealant may already be with a special “nose” for even distribution, or it may be without it. Then you have to additionally purchase a spray gun. They are mechanical or with a built-in battery.

Important! In addition to the gun, today you can find nozzles on the tubes, which allow you to apply the product and level it at the same time.

In addition, you need to prepare other materials and tools.

What else is needed?

• A clean white cloth.
• Mild solvent - nail polish remover, acetone or alcohol.
• Narrow silicone spatula.
• Paper tape.
• Skin and respiratory tract protection.
• Work clothes.

After preparation, you can begin to apply.

Work order:

1. To begin with, the surface is cleaned with a soft cloth and solvent is applied. For a beautiful and even seam along the surface, stick paper tape. This is not an obligatory part of the work, but thanks to the adhesive tape you will also protect yourself from the need to clean the surface after work.
2. Next, prepare the tool itself. First cut off the tip of the tube at an angle of 45 degrees, then install the nozzle or gun.
3. When working with sealant, try to press gently so that the seam is continuous and uniform. Otherwise, voids may appear in the seam, which over time will fill with water and dirt.
4. To smooth the seam, it is leveled with a silicone spatula. They also carry out correction with curved lines.
5. At the end of the work, the sealant is allowed to dry and ventilate the room by opening the door to it.

Important! Distinguish between the curing time and the time required for the product to dry. The first indicator indicates the time when the tool hardens on top. The final result is indicated by a second indicator.

We examined the procedure for applying a new seam, but there are times when it is necessary to update the old one.

Update

Even though silicone-based products stand out among their competitors, plaque and microcracks may appear on the seam as they operate. If you saw such changes, the seam should be replaced, but first you need to remove the old layer:

• To remove, use a knife. It takes time and effort, but it is necessary to remove the old sealant completely. The layer is carefully cleaned, and a new one is applied according to the instructions described above.
• There is another removal option, but it is more expensive. In construction stores, you can purchase special silicone solvents. They are laid on the seam, waiting for the necessary time and remove the old sealant with a cloth.

Important! To make the seam last longer, you can still use special borders for the bathroom.

In conclusion, we will give some advice from experts.

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Advice:

1. Whatever sealant you choose, advice from professionals in your field will never be superfluous.
2. Be sure to seal all bath and wall joints as well as pipe joints.
3. If you need to close a wide seam, use acrylic sealant. For narrow cracks it is better to use silicone.
4. If during the work it was not possible to do everything carefully, then you can remove unnecessary drops with a rag soaked in a paint thinner.

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Stock footage

And of course, do not save on material, otherwise - you will have to carry out work on updating the seam quite often. Have a good repair!