How to Seal the Shower (with Pictures)

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Sealing a shower is simple but, if you've never done it before, it can seem complicated. For a job done in a workmanlike manner, you need a shower, the appropriate filler or silicone, the right equipment as well as proper and adequate pressure and speed in application. If you want to know more, read on!

Steps

Part 1 of 5: Prepare the work area

Step 1. Remove the old sealant

There are several methods to remove the sealant, usually the use of a blade scraper, a small knife or a 3 in 1 spatula used by painters is suggested.

Remove it with quick movements, cutting it along the entire track and using your fingers to remove it and thus keep the work area clean.
Keep in mind that metal scrapers or spatulas, as well as chemical solutions, can damage bathroom fixtures made of plastic. Use a plastic putty knife or scraper if the tub or shower is plastic rather than ceramic.

Step 2. Thoroughly clean the work area

Rub the surfaces where there was the old grout or silicone with a non-abrasive sponge to carefully remove all residues.

After this operation, clean with a soft cloth to remove any traces of dust. Dry thoroughly with a dry cloth or with the help of a hairdryer or kitchen paper.
In the event that silicone has been removed, it is good to wipe with a rag soaked in white spirit. Be careful to use a soft cloth and not an abrasive one.

Step 3. Place the paper tape

Place two strips of paper tape (the yellow one for body shops or painters) parallel and equidistant, about 9.5 mm, leaving only the area where the sealant will be applied uncovered.

The tape is used to help you place the grout evenly and evenly

Part 2 of 5: Prepare the sealant

Step 1. Choose the right sealant

When choosing a grout for the shower, check that the wording "showers and bathrooms" or "kitchen and bathroom" appears on the label, so as to avoid the future (and annoying) appearance of mold.

Most of the time the choice of which type of grout to use falls on silicone sealants or on cementitious grout with latex additives.
Silicone is very flexible, strong and waterproof. The downside is that it can be difficult to spread and may require the use of white spirit to clean up and the range of colors available is somewhat limited.
The cementitious grout with latex additives is easier to apply, clean and spread. It has the advantage of being offered in a wide range of colors. The downside is that it dries slower than silicone and shrinks so it will likely have a shorter shelf life.

Step 2. Cut the spout

Cut the nozzle of the cartridge at a 45 degree angle, near the tip.

The hole must be large enough to fill the joint. As a general rule, the hole in the pipe should be about 2/3 the size of the joint that needs to be filled. The measurement for most showers should be around 4.8mm.
To cut the spout, use a sharp knife or cutter.
Some spouts have to be drilled at the tip to allow the filler or silicone to come out. Help yourself with a needle or thin wire (e.g. a metal hanger).
Before cutting, take a good look at the spout. Some manufacturing companies mark where to cut.
Try to squeeze the sealant out. In case it is too thin, you can cut the tip further until you get the desired width.
Check that there is not a piece of plastic hanging from the spout and, if necessary, remove it with a small knife or a utility knife. Otherwise the grouting would not be smooth and homogeneous.
For best results, lightly sand the tip of the nozzle with 100 grit sandpaper.

Step 3. Invest in a good gun

Choose a professional sealing gun. Cheap guns tend to be less reliable and can lead to inaccurate application unlike a professional gun that applies more constant pressure.

Choose a professional-grade pistol, but not necessarily the most expensive on the market. Professional sealing guns can be very expensive, but you need to consider purchasing an item that also takes into account your budget.
A professional cradle frame hand gun will give more pressure and, in the long run, is a better investment, than an open frame construction sealing gun. If you have opted for the open frame model, be sure to choose a filler / silicone that is guaranteed "drip free".

Step 4. Pull the trigger

After placing the sealant tube in the gun, lightly press the gun trigger until you see some material come out. Then release the trigger and wipe the tip of the nozzle with a damp rag.

This operation will allow the filler / silicone to be ready for use

Part 3 of 5: Apply the grout to the shower joints

Step 1. Position the gun at a 45 degree angle and centrally to the sides of the area to be filled

The tip of the nozzle should be in direct contact with the surface to be sealed

Step 2. Move the gun along the joint, applying even pressure

Squeeze the trigger gently to allow the material to settle into the joint, maintaining constant pressure along the entire edge.

The gun can be pushed or pulled. It is a matter of preference, so do as it is easier for you.
If you are right-handed, hold the cartridge with your left hand and squeeze the handle with your right. If you are left handed, try the opposite.
After pulling the trigger for the first time, do not do it again until you see a drop of the appropriate size coming out.

Step 3. Combine your speed with gun speed

If the speed at which the sealant comes out of the gun is not balanced with the speed at which you move the gun, the result may be poor.

If you move the gun too fast, the seal will be too thin and will break easily.
If you move the gun too slowly, you will end up wasting product and creating a mess.

Part 4 of 5: Touch up the sealing of the tiles

Step 1. Assess the damage

In the event that small portions are missing between the tiles you can use the sealant for a touch-up, if a large amount is missing, the result will not be excellent.

Ultimately, retouching the missing grout may be the best solution, but it can be difficult to find the exact shade.
In situations where large areas of sealant are missing, remove the old grout with a scraper before re-grouting.
A touch-up is always a touch-up, do not consider this operation as a lasting solution: the putty is always old and, sooner or later, you will have to replace it.

Step 2. Remove the loose filler

Use a knife with a sharp blade or a scraper with a sharp edge to remove the putty that comes off on its own.

Identify the areas where holes have formed. Slowly chisel the putty surrounding the hole and remove the material.
Work carefully to avoid breaking the tiles.

Step 3. Apply a small amount of sealant

Quickly smear a small drop or line of sealant over the hole to fill it. Hold the tip of the gun at a 45 degree angle to the hole itself.

Maintain uniform pressure while dragging the gun along the hole, moving at a speed corresponding to that of the sealant release, to avoid messing with an excess of material.
If you want, you can apply some painter's paper tape around the hole to avoid dirtying the tiles.

Part 5 of 5: Clean up

Step 1. Smooth out the sealant when it is still wet

Immediately after application, smooth it out by wiping it with a wet finger or a damp, lint-free rag.

If using a rag, press on top and along the grout with your finger, applying the right amount of pressure.
Work in one continuous motion to create a smooth, concave line.
If you can do both at the same time, you save time and effort. With one hand, hold the gun and position the sealant and at the same time pass the tip, moistened, of the index finger of the other hand over the seal. By applying light and even pressure, you will simultaneously be able to spread and smooth the sealant.
If you have chosen to use your index finger, remember to wipe it often with a damp rag to avoid smearing the material everywhere.
Smoothing is essential for both aesthetic and practical reasons. During the smoothing process, the sealant adheres more firmly to the surfaces, eliminating any air bubbles.

Step 2. Clean with white spirit if necessary

For many silicone sealants, it is imperative to wipe off excess sealant with a soft cloth soaked in white spirit.

Wear a disposable latex, nitrile or vinyl glove to protect your finger - it will also be easier to clean, as you can simply remove the glove and throw it away

Step 3. Remove the tape

Peel off the tape slowly and make sure it does not touch the fresh sealant.

If you notice any streaks or bits of sealant left after removing the tape, wipe them off with a damp rag or wet finger.
Peel off the tape in a downward motion, angled outward.