Choosing the best sealant for the bathroom

Humidity is constantly increased in the bathroom; many surfaces are regularly in contact with water and remain wet. If you do not use a special sealant for the bathroom, moisture will seep inside the structures, get under the cover, causing them to detach and rot. A correctly selected product will protect the product from damage and mold due to its special fungicidal additives.

Content:

• What tasks does sealing a bathroom solve?
• Types of sealants
• Silicone
• Acrylic
• Polyurethane
• Silicone acrylic
• MS Polymer Sealants
• Which bath sealant is better
• Table of advantages and disadvantages of sealants
• Additional properties of sealants
• How to apply sealant in the bathroom: step-by-step instructions
• Tools and Supplies
• Surface preparation
• Preparation tool
• Final processing
• How much sealant dries in the bathroom
• How to remove sealant from a bathtub
• How to replace sealant in a bathroom
• Best Acrylic Bath Sealants
• Ceresit cs 7
• "The moment of Herment"
• The best sanitary sealants for the bath
• MAKROFLEX SX101
• S 400
• Belinka Belsil Sanitary Acetate
• Best Silicone Bath Sealants
• CIKI FIX Universal
• KRASS Silicone Universal
• Ceresit cs 25
• Dow corning
• RAVAK PROFESSIONAL X01200
• KIM TEC SILICON ACETAT 101E
• MASTERTEKS PM Universal
• The best polyurethane sealants for the bath
• Tytan power flex
• "Rabberflex" PRO PU 25

What tasks does sealing a bathroom solve?

It is practically impossible to install a bath close to the wall: a small gap still remains due to the curvature of the wall, floor, and due to the difficulties with the perfect fit of the plumbing. While taking a bath, water will seep into the holes, drain down the wall and fall onto the floor.

If the joints are not completely tight, this will lead to negative consequences:

• water can flood neighbors if there is too much of it;
• humidity in the room will increase even more; mold will settle on the walls;
• the seams between the tiles will lose strength and attractiveness: they will become dark, dirty in appearance, then will crumble and become worthless in a couple of years.

For these reasons, it is impossible to ignore the implementation of high-quality sealing of joints in the bathroom, and the joints between the bathroom and the wall, as well as in the shower, sink, toilet bowl should be repaired. To work, you need a waterproof sealant based on acrylic, silicone or other components.

Types of sealants

The sealant is an adhesive based on polymers, hardeners and fillers, target additives and plasticizers, which forms a dense elastic joint after drying. Depending on the composition, sealants are divided into several types.

Silicone

Silicone sealant for the bathroom is the most popular option, since it has a lot of advantages. Products from this group are characterized by a high degree of adhesion to ceramics, tiles, natural enamel, glass, and other building materials. Sealants do not leak moisture, are not afraid of ultraviolet radiation, easily withstand temperature extremes within the range of –50 ... + 200 degrees, serve for several years and practically do not shrink.

By the type of base silicone sealants are divided into:

1. Acidic (vinegar). They have a characteristic smell.Differ in the low price, availability, wide assortment. Acid compounds spoil the metal, some types of plastic are not suitable for stone, mirrors, surfaces coated with lime plaster. Such sealants are marked “A” on the packaging.
2. Neutral At a cost they are more expensive than acidic, but do not enter into a chemical reaction with metals, alkalis, other materials, so they can be used on any basis without restriction. Some sealants from this group withstand heat up to +500 degrees, therefore they are considered heat-resistant. To distinguish neutral sealant from other types, you need to pay attention to the marking "N" on the package and the complete absence of an unpleasant odor.

Acrylic

Acrylic sealant for a bathroom usually costs less than silicone, but has a slightly lower degree of adhesion to ceramics, glass, metal, and other materials. The disadvantage is less high elasticity, so acrylic should not be used for deformable substrates - it is better to give preference to silicone. If you ignore this rule, over time, the sealant layer will be covered with microcracks, through which water will leak.

The advantages of acrylic compositions are:

• resistance to UV radiation;
• lack of burnout;
• temperature tolerance within –25 ... + 80 degrees;
• the possibility of staining, varnishing, plastering;
• lack of smell.

Among acrylic sealants there are moisture and moisture resistant, and the latter are not suitable for the bathroom, which must be specified upon purchase.

Polyurethane

Despite the highest strength, excellent adhesion, resistance and durability, such sealants are used less often in the bathroom. They have a toxic composition, emit an unpleasant odor, and therefore require a long and thorough ventilation of the room. It is necessary to work with polyurethane compounds in a mask, gloves.

On top of the finished seam, if necessary, can be painted or varnished. If polyurethane sealant is available, it can also be used to fix various decorative elements and mirrors.

Silicone acrylic

They are acrylic and silicone based products that combine the best properties of both components. They are not afraid of water, smooth the temperature expansion of materials, have a long service life, and do not respond to the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Silicone-acrylic compounds are suitable for exterior and interior use and are widely used for sealing joints in the bathroom.

MS Polymer Sealants

They represent an improved form of polyurethane sealants. Recently appeared during experiments on polyurethane, into the structure of which a silanol (organosilicon) group was introduced. After contact with moisture in such compositions, the polymer cures, which additionally acquires the stabilizing properties of silicone.

Initially, due to the high cost, MS-polymers were not massively used and went only for the repair of military equipment. Now they are used mainly in industry, although they are also suitable for domestic purposes.

The advantages of sealants are obvious:

• quick solidification, high strength joints;
• the ability to apply at any temperature;
• lack of smell;
• environmental Safety;
• neutrality for any materials;
• the possibility of staining;
• service life - more than 10 years.

Which bath sealant is better

In order to qualitatively seal the joints and not be afraid of the appearance of mold, you need to find a sealant marked "Sanitary". In such funds fungicidal additives are present - substances that prevent the reproduction of the pathogenic flora. Due to their high moisture resistance, elasticity and reasonable price, professionals most often choose silicone sanitary sealants. They perfectly close the seams between the walls and the plumbing, seal the various joints, strengthen the fasteners, and make the entrances and exits of the pipeline wiring tight.

Silicone sealant does not shrink, so the seams will not lose shape over time.It can also be used to update old joints if they have darkened or lost their integrity. Acrylic sealants are suitable for an acrylic bath, and a neutral compound will have to be purchased to seal the joints between metal fixtures and walls. The main thing is that the sealant is waterproof, durable and safe for humans, then it will serve without complaints.

Table of advantages and disadvantages of sealants

If there are doubts about the properties of the sealant, it is worth paying attention to the characteristics of the most popular formulations:

Additional properties of sealants

Some sealants contain other components that can change their properties. Manufacturers introduce some substances to improve quality, and others - to reduce the cost of the composition:

• fillers (chalk, quartz) - reduce production costs, while enhancing adhesion to the base;
• extenders - cause the expansion of the material (by the type of mounting foam), due to which small cracks are more qualitatively closed;
• mineral oils - increase ductility;
• pigments - make the sealant suitable for use on colored plumbing.

If the composition is of high quality, the content of additives should not exceed 10%, otherwise the adhesion, elasticity and service life may decrease. When repairs are carried out in the country, where there is no heating in winter, only frost-resistant sealant with the corresponding mark on the package should be purchased.

How to apply sealant in the bathroom: step-by-step instructions

In order not to redo the work, you need to study in advance the manufacturer's data on the drying time, conditions and procedure for applying the composition, as well as prepare everything necessary for sealing the bathroom.

Tools and Supplies

If sealant in a tube is purchased, it can be squeezed out manually or applied using an applicator. The means sold in the cartridges are applied only using a special gun, which should be purchased separately. It is the gun that allows you to perform the most beautiful, even lines of the sealant, and regardless of length.

Also, before work, you need to prepare:

• soap solution (you can dilute ordinary soap or liquid for dishes);
• rags or soft sponges;
• small spatula for sealant;
• solvent (alcohol, acetone);
• masking tape.

Instead of a spatula, which is used to level the sealant in wide seams, you can use a special nozzle on the gun. It’s more convenient to work with it: you can immediately apply and align the seam. The price of such a device is quite low, it is sold in any construction stores.

Surface preparation

The base is carefully prepared before applying a new sealant.They remove the old product, thoroughly clean the surfaces even of small dried pieces. Wash the wall and plumbing with soap, wash the solution well, dry and wipe with a degreasing agent. After final drying, stick masking tape so as to limit the application of sealant and not to stain the surface. It is important that the adhesive tape lay flat, without creases and bends, otherwise after removal there will be defects on the seam.

It is necessary to remove the tape even before the sealant has set: if the seam has already begun to harden, the masking tape will make small tears in which water will fall. It is not necessary to paste over the edges of thin, narrow seams with tape. If the gap is too deep, you can fill it with paper or a sponge, leaving about 5 mm of space, which will then be filled with sealant, and after it has dried, remove the filling.

Preparation tool

To apply sealant, do the following:

• cut off the tip from the tube, screw on the nose, cut it at an angle of 45 degrees (the diameter of the cut should be approximately equal to the size of the gap or be 1-2 mm larger);
• insert the tube into the gun, secure;
• perform a couple of keystrokes with the handle so that the product appears from the nose, remove excess;
• in the absence of experience, it is desirable to draw several lines on a rough surface for the purpose of training.

Final processing

To apply sealant, attach the nozzle tightly to the gap between the bathroom and the wall, slowly press the handle, while guiding the cartridge along the surface. The result should be a smooth sealing seam.

Squeeze the product without stopping so that the strip is continuous. After they act like this:

• they trim the surface of the sealant: if the joint width is up to 5 mm, you can do it with your finger, with a larger width you need to use a rubber or metal spatula;
• excess sealant is removed with the sharp tip of a metal tool;
• once again check the seam, grooves and protrusions align;
• remove masking tape if it has been pasted.

When the sealant has a fairly liquid texture, it is worthwhile to attach a narrow strip of foam under the bath in advance - this will prevent the composition from draining down. Seams that are too large should be covered with a border, and sealant should be used to fix it.

The silicone compound can also be used to fix individual torn off tile elements on the floor or walls. The product is applied to the tiles in stripes around the perimeter and along the diagonals, pressed to the base. After final drying, the product will hold the tile no worse than cement.

How much sealant dries in the bathroom

Acid compounds do not dry for long - 4-6 hours. Neutral sealants dry in 10-12 hours, but some require longer drying times - up to 24 hours. When performing a thick seam or at a low temperature in the room, the specified time is delayed up to 2 days.

Do not pour water into the bath until the sealant is fully polymerized. If you want to speed up the drying time, you can do the following:

• increase the temperature to +40 degrees;
• provide good ventilation of the room (open doors, turn on the hood, fan);
• Spray finished joints with spray water.

How to remove sealant from a bathtub

To get rid of the old sealant, the mechanical method is most often used. Use a sharp knife to pry up the seam in the place of its fit to the bathtub or wall, then tear off the strip. Small pieces are scraped off with a knife blade or pumice. If the base cannot be completely cleaned, it is worth using the chemical method.

The surface should be moistened with acetone or another solvent, and 5 minutes after softening, remove the composition with a rag. You can also use special washes for work:

• Penta 840
• Lugato;
• Gasket Remover;
• Antisil 770;
• Dow Corning OS-2.

How to replace sealant in a bathroom

It happens that cracks appear in the old sealing joint, it darkens, becomes ugly. Then you can replace it by first removing the damaged sealant using any of the methods described above. Be sure to check the junction of the bath and the wall: often there is mold, which must be removed with a liquid antiseptic. Next, the sealant is applied according to standard technology.

Best Acrylic Bath Sealants

The range of acrylic compositions in stores is low compared to silicone. Among the quality products, it is worth mentioning sealants of the Ceresit and Moment brands.

Ceresit cs 7

Known sealant containing additives to increase the elasticity of the joints. Despite the acrylic in the composition, it lasts a long time and has a high degree of adhesion with basic building materials. Moisture-resistant, withstands sudden temperature changes, is subject to dyeing immediately after drying (if required). When applied too thick, it may crack.

"The moment of Herment"

Frost-resistant acrylic composition, which easily transfers direct contacts with water, is plastic, has a minimal risk of microcracks. Moment Germent has been in high demand among consumers for many years due to its affordable price, good quality and transparency, which makes it suitable for any surface.

The best sanitary sealants for the bath

Sanitary sealants are distinguished by the mandatory presence of antiseptics and fungicides in the composition.

MAKROFLEX SX101

This brand is especially appreciated by professionals for sealing joints in baths, saunas, and bathrooms. The sealant is very resistant to mold, does not require additional application of liquid fungicides. It has a white color, resistant to temperature extremes. Cons - an unpleasant vinegar smell, as well as difficulties with removing the dried composition.

S 400

This is a special sealant for child care facilities, clinics and hospitals, canteens. It boasts an enhanced concentration of fungicides, due to which it easily destroys any fungi and microbes. The seams will be strong and will not darken throughout the entire period of operation (several years).

Belinka Belsil Sanitary Acetate

Sealant from Slovenia is characterized by excellent value for money, has pronounced fungicidal properties. The product can be used in dry and wet rooms, elastic, dense in consistency, does not shrink, even closes wide slots. Due to the viscosity, the sealant is not washed out of the joints during daily exposure to water, and the thixotropic properties allow it to be used on vertical bases.

Best Silicone Bath Sealants

The group of silicone compounds presents the largest variety of sealants that are well suited for the bathroom.

CIKI FIX Universal

The tool is one of the most cost-effective. During operation, the seam remains elastic, does not wash out, does not crack, and remains resistant to temperature extremes. The composition does not contain antifungal components, therefore, in the bathroom after drying the joints it is necessary to reduce humidity - regularly ventilate the room. Also, the sealant is afraid of UV radiation, and for outdoor use it can not be used.

KRASS Silicone Universal

After drying, this quality composition does not shrink at all. It holds well on any surface, does not drain, completely covers all voids without air "pockets", even the deepest ones. Due to the presence of substances that protect against ultraviolet radiation, the seam will not darken with time. If necessary, the tool can be applied in a second layer over the old sealant.

Ceresit cs 25

In addition to high-quality silicone, the composition includes powerful fungicidal additives that inhibit the development of pathogenic microflora. It is characterized by high adhesion with ceramics, enamel coatings, does not emit harmful substances, withstands heating and frost. Available in different colors.

Dow corning

It belongs to the category of universal sealants, it is widely used when installing bathtubs, toilets, shower cabins. It destroys fungi, has a high degree of adhesion with basic building materials, and is not inferior in strength to gypsum mixtures after drying. Often used by professionals.

RAVAK PROFESSIONAL X01200

This composition is one of the best on the market, although due to the high cost it is not too popular. Adhesion with ceramics, glass, stone, metal is very high, there is no likelihood of even minimal leakage of the seam. The composition dries in an hour, does not wash out and does not change color over time, and serves for many years.

KIM TEC SILICON ACETAT 101E

This sealant has proven particularly good when working on plastic, concrete, glass. It can withstand heat, therefore it is used not only in bathrooms, but also in saunas, baths. The product hardens in a day, has strong antifungal properties, is completely transparent.

MASTERTEKS PM Universal

The composition is produced by a well-known brand, has an acid type of curing. It is suitable for work on plastic, ceramics, glass, wood, enamel, hardens quickly and remains flexible during operation. The sealant has a white color, is resistant to household chemicals, practically does not shrink. Minus - there are no fungicidal additives in the composition.

The best polyurethane sealants for the bath

Such products are quite expensive and, due to their price and unpleasant odors, are used less often than silicone.

Tytan power flex

It has high strength, ductility, sufficient adhesion to all materials. It does not lose its properties under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, high and low temperatures, water, and is durable. It is mainly used by professionals.

"Rabberflex" PRO PU 25

In stores, such a composition is not common, although its characteristics are very worthy. The seam made by this sealant is highly elastic and does not deteriorate from deformations of the base. The product is considered super resistant to moisture, chemicals, and other aggressive factors. After drying, the seam can be painted. The cost of sealant is low compared to peers, so it can be used for all plumbing works.

Sealing the bathroom with special compounds is an obligatory stage of repair work. Sealants can reduce the risk of leaks, damage to tiles and joints, the appearance of mold, therefore, they are recommended by professionals when facing walls and installing plumbing.