How to Apply Silicone Sealant - the Easy Way!

[@stoveman]

I picked up one of these tools and wondered how best to use it. KZbin, bringing video tutorials to the world. Cheers Mate thanks for the video.

[@CharlieDIYte]

stoveman You're welcome! Thanks for the comment.

[@CharlieDIYte]

By the way Stoveman, I don't mean to diss my own video, but whilst the tool we're talking about is pretty good for light silicone jobs, you'll find a much better one in the FUGI kit - kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk

[@stoveman]

Thanks both videos are very informative. So let me ask you this question. I just have drawn a bead all the way around my kitchen splash board. About 15 ft or 5 meters. Maybe a little less. As I drew the silicon along with the tool some of the concave parts did not fill in smooth. Going back over it again just made it worse as it began to dry. There are slight imperfections. After letting it dry 24 hours I should just be able to put a thin coating across the existing imperfections and smooth everything out with a small top coat. How would you handle such a situation. Thanks again for your replies. Sorry for the long message.

[@CharlieDIYte]

stoveman For kitchen applications that tool you bought is pretty good as it gives you a nice tight bead. You don't want the silicone to be too obtrusive in the kitchen, whereas in the bathroom where it takes a lot more abuse the FUGI tool reigns supreme as you need a flat rather than concave profile. Sorry - back to your issue! It really depends how clean it all looks. If the silicone is fairly tidy albeit with the imperfections you mentioned, then yes, there's no reason why you can't go over it when the initial coat has set - and the chances are the repair will be pretty invisible. If on the other hand it's a bit of a mess, then if the surface is granite or marble I'd be inclined to remove the bead - either with silicone remover or a Stanley blade, or both, and redo it. Formica or wood on the other hand could be damaged with a Stanley blade so you would need to be a lot more careful - maybe use a plastic silicone removing tool with the silicone removing agent. Two tips when redoing the silicone - 1) work in short runs of 60cms to 100cm; and 2) if you need to retool the silicone, do it straight away. If you wait 5 minutes it will go lumpy when you try and resmooth it. That's why you work in short runs!

[@susankelly5585]

I adore my Fugi kit, I think it's the next best thing to sliced bread! I used to dread using silicon, but now it's a piece of cake!

[@jambuzzbuzz55]

Hi, Charlie used to do this with my finger and some lube, just shows you how you have tools for everything now. nice wee vid for the not-so-good with their fingers.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks. I've produced a few update videos to this, e basin one being this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk The Cramer tool is far superior to the Everbuild I used in that video as you really need a diagonal rather than concave profile. It makes the joint so much stronger.

[@AZ_sunshine]

thank you. you provided details and also demonstrated how to apply caulk in a difficult area (working around the faucet). Appreciate your tips.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Mary, and for a more comprehensive approach, you might take a look at this kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk

[@drnh4444]

Something really rewarding and therapeutic about creating a perfect silicone line.... Maybe I'm just odd like that 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@immanueljo9770]

Very useful for a DIY Home owner who wants to fix leakages. Best wishes from India!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks but there's a much more comprehensive one here kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk Humbled you've found my channel from India 👍

[@ericprice4533]

Thank to your videos (this one and the other one) I can finally do it right. Bathroom beading has never looked better!

[@CharlieDIYte]

There are now two more up-to-date videos on my Channel: Complete Pro Siliconing Guide bit.ly/2rwGOSv and How to Silicone Corners bit.ly/2YMjbBA 🛠Charlie DIYte Amazon Tool Store amzn.to/3fcLnY4 - all my tried, tested and much loved DIY tools. Help support me by Buying me a Coffee ☕ bit.ly/3xuQ3zb and unlock a host of benefits - thanks so much 🙏.

[@kevinbender2009]

such cheerful music...sort of makes applying silicone FUN

[@CharlieDIYte]

Kevin Bender Thanks Kevin. That's just about the only positive comment I've had about the music - which in hindsight the videos could probably do without!

[@mynameisyasser]

No!! The music is great, better than silence. Cheery feel to DIY

[@CharlieDIYte]

yass b Thanks! That's really good to hear, considering how many of my vids have music 🙂

[@sherlockian21]

Hi Charlie, does the applicator's sides need to be perfectly (90 degree) touching the walls when you smooth the sealant?

[@CharlieDIYte]

Yes it does really. Here's my update vid kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ21f4GidreLla8si=V-JAU_OZcoIZnlke but check this one out also if you've got corners to do. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3bVk6ilmbKCd68si=5aYcZo1Y81nLBBb3 Ideally you want the Cramer tool and a diagonal rather than concave profile as it's much stronger.

[@jaolin6042]

I tried one of these today. Worked quite well, but a thin layer was left along the sides of the tool. Is that easy to rub off later, without crating an edge? Would spraying soap have taken care of that problem?

[@gamingegg8945]

It’s good for those who don’t want to get their hands dirty but it’s also recommended to use a wet rag over your finger and remover excess silicone every few inches and you don’t ever have to go back to fix fill or clean anything it’s a one time 30 second hit and move on

[@TheF0rtress]

How does this compare to fugi kits? Which do you prefer and why?

[@CharlieDIYte]

The problem with this tool is that it only has one profile, and it's concave, whereas what I've learnt since doing this video is that the silicone joint needs to be straight not concave otherwise it's not strong enough. So it's the FUGI for me every time!

[@jonbuder]

helpful video and i like the ending with putting up the boards, nice touch

[@RestorationAustralia]

Well done, great little tool.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks but the Cramer Fugi is infinitely better. 👍

[@RestorationAustralia]

@@CharlieDIYte I have that one actually.

[@toniserissaar8989]

important in this application is to use silicone that is designed for natural stone. There are special silicones that don't stain natural stone. Most products contain mineral oils and other additives that get into the porous surface of the stone and ruin it.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks. I recently re-did this kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ21f4GidreLla8 and I'm pretty sure there was a bit of staining.

[@JanineKazmi]

In this video you mention to cut the nozzle at a 45 degree angle, although you mention a 90 degree cut in another video. Should a 45 be used for smaller gaps and 90 for bigger? Or do I just use a 90 and then use the smallest tool? Thanks

[@feraudyh]

Wish I'd seen this *before* I started! What about storing the silicone once you have applied a part of it?

[@charliehobson33]

put a screw in the end of the tube

[@feraudyh]

@@charliehobson33 great!

[@charliehobson33]

@@feraudyhno worries, that is what my housemate does anyway, maybe a nail would be better and cause less damage to end

[@feraudyh]

@@charliehobson33 She'll be right.

[@Spacerunneruk1]

Use cling film between nozzle and tube and at end of nozzle before screwing on the final cap.

[@katperson1955]

How do you keep the caulk from sticking to the tool?

[@CharlieDIYte]

You want to wipe it after each run with a tissue and decorators wipes are also very good. This is a much more comprehensive video kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk

[@openmike239]

Great video - thanks very much. Just about to resilicone a bath that a "professional" tradesman made an absolute hash of

[@CharlieDIYte]

Alexander Wood Thanks for the comment - much appreciated! Please watch this video though kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk before you start, as it contains much more complete advice!

[@alanmarriott9216]

What size silicone bead would you use in worktop please @charlie?

[@CharlieDIYte]

As small as you can get away with, but ensure it has a 2mm overlap on each surface.

[@metallitech]

Good choice using clear silicone there.

[@CharlieDIYte]

I've since redone this kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ21f4GidreLla8

[@metallitech]

@@CharlieDIYte Thx. It's not too bad with white caulk, because the white wasn't too bright, but I still think I prefer clear here.

[@stevemattie13065]

So very helpful - thanks so much.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Thanks Steve, but the updated vid you need to watch is this one bit.ly/3k3UAVn

[@annab5961]

Thank you very much ! I’m an older Aussie lady and find all these things very scary to do .. but this vid helps me to attempt them . Is white spirits metho ? (Metholated spirits ) So you don’t have yo use the awful smelly turps then ?.. that’d be better 👍 I went into our Bunnings yesterday and asked for a smoothing tool but they gave me a packet of all these little rubber shaped squares that are supposed to do the job . Your one looks better with the handle

[@CharlieDIYte]

Hi Anna. No, the one you've got is much better than this tool. If you have a moment, please watch my updated videos kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk and this one for siliconing corners kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3bVk6ilmbKCd68 As you really want a diagonal profile on your tool rather than the concave profile you see on this tool with the red handle. White spirit is different to methylated spirits but metho would work well. Just give it a wipe with a clean damp cloth afterwards to clean off any residue.

[@marklucas328]

is this ok for a bathroom wet floor? the grout I have applied isn't great - so want to try a clear silicone???

[@hortiplor1935]

Clear sealant on white marble, very hard to tell if it's a good finish or not.

[@CharlieDIYte]

That's why you need to watch this once kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3bVk6ilmbKCd68si=IWWrJGHmSxQZHY82

[@stephenwain7543]

Should use non oil based mastic for natural stone

[@nja3224]

What’s your take on using ammonia free glass cleaner? I don’t silicone often, but it seems to work. Any down side?

[@CharlieDIYte]

I would worry that it would leave behind some residue. I did a much more comprehensive video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk and when I replaced the silicone you saw in the video you've watched here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ21f4GidreLla8 I use something called Multisolve spray which is fantastic as it cleans and evaporates leaving no residue. What you must never do is use WD40, as the oil residue is very hard to remove.

[@nja3224]

@@CharlieDIYte Appreciate the response and link, thank you.

[@Mr11Davis]

Spray your silicone with soapy water fbefote using the smoothing tool.. it will stop all smearing and glide easier which is how most professionals do it.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Absolutely not - it's the worst thing you can do as discussed here kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsksi=qfPAKbiWPJ2Hl-Jq

[@pyjama9556]

Lovely if you’ve barely got a gap on your join but not quite as simple as this otherwise!

[@scottishjimmy9813]

Is there no way to change the rubber on the profile tool so that you can get different thickness of silicone bead?

[@johnmilner7603]

Scottish Jimmy See 13:31 video kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk

[@letloverule100]

You do seem to love your kiddie tools.

[@rumpires6485]

Very nice, but I still see residue of silicon on the horizontal surface after you finis h.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Rum Pires Interesting, but it's not something I've noticed since - check this out kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk The FUGI is a much better tool 🙂

[@jmdds]

In your precious video you said to push the silicone instead of pulling it into the groove.

[@0YouCanCallMeAl0]

actually, this is the previous video ;)

[@11sutty]

And one more time working around the taps

[@KaiTeBriga]

I just use my old credit card and isn't bathroom silicone suppose to be opaque??

[@CharlieDIYte]

No, no, no, no, no, no, no. Check this out kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk and go and buy yourself a FUGI kit. You'll never look back :)

[@guineapig55555]

credit-card is convex and thus will create concave silicon; not good

[@unaninanine3743]

@@guineapig55555 Not.

[@frasermarshall2029]

Another top tip when applying silicone is to use a standard household spray bottle to spray the silicone with warm soapy water immediately after applying it. This makes the silicone workable for longer.

[@JanineKazmi]

He actually suggests not to do that and some instructions explain it's not necessary.

[@grantcivyt]

My understanding is you're supposed to "push" the gun instead of pulling it when applying sealant. The problem with pulling is that it's easy to leave thin gaps through which water can seep. By pushing, you accumulate sealant so there's less opportunity for gaps.

[@stephenboothby7446]

He learns and teaches this in a later video but I am confused as to how this method will also form the silicone as a result.

[@congyiq5918]

thanks

[@oleglvl]

Spray soapy water on new silicone layer and on tool will help remove excess silicone very smoothly

[@repo3673]

Yessss

[@francescodaiuto6085]

Can't really see the bead as clear silicone was used but good job!

[@CharlieDIYte]

Agreed. I'm re-doing this in my next vid, so keep your eyes peeled for that. In the meantime, you might like to check out my update videos bit.ly/3g3npwx and for corners this one bit.ly/2OLgzzx. You want a Cramer tool, not this red Everbuild tool. Much better!

[@sircsenoj]

Great video's but myself being hard of hearing, the music in the background overpowers your voice, please drop the music, cheers.

[@trishlett40]

@ CHRIS JONES-----You can click on the CC button for subtitles which will help.

[@VeraPlatt]

I had to stop the video because of the music. It is super annoying to hear kids 'how to' music on all of these sorts of videos :(

[@boredmillionaire9914]

so funny that in the UK there are two separate faucets for hot and cold.

[@teresawhitmore6797]

Bored Millionaire - my child hood home is the USA was built in the the sixties and we these faucets!

[@bryanhughes9236]

I hear a lot of people say that but there were good reasons. If you are interested there is an article which explains why here. sinkadvice.co.uk/fitting-a-tap/4594131583

[@surg01]

Not funny but because historically we were more advanced with our water supply than other countries and had piped potable water so we had that on it's own tap (C) and the hot on its own tap (H).

[@alvinadesir5801]

Most importantly. Why did you choose that music. ... its unacceptable... I had to stop half way through when I realised, what is this music... 😂😂 Apart from that, I do have one of these tools and looking forward to using it. Thanks ...

[@CharlieDIYte]

Alvina, sorry about that. It was a big mistake in my early videos. However this is a very outdated video now. You need to watch this kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk then this kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3bVk6ilmbKCd68 and if you've got time, this kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ21f4GidreLla8 If you can, use a profile tool with a diagonal profile rather than the concave profile on this tool. You'll get a much stronger bead of silicone.

[@monsterp1970]

There's some better tools around which leave a different size of bead, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, etc. Effectively, they look like a credit card with the corners cut off! :-) . The removal, however, is an excellent idea, as that's the most time consuming part.

[@CharlieDIYte]

monsterp1970 I agree. See my updated video kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk Thanks for the comment 🙂

[@monsterp1970]

Just watched it! Great detail on a number of points, and agree with you about the soapy water, although I used to dip my finger in some before when I used the finger method, haha. Oh those Fugi kits... I'm ordering one . :-) Nice little set of videos, well done.

[@CharlieDIYte]

monsterp1970 Thanks - much appreciated. I just need to find a way of diverting everyone to the new video now! The FUGI kit is awesome - make sure you get a combination kit like mine that has the FUGI II tools - even on my tiles with all the deep transverse grout lines it handled them with ease! Thanks again!

[@helenwebb8602]

monsterp1970

[@zlee415]

Your sink bowls appear to be backwards

[@InviCtusChamp]

its not that magical when you have 2inch gap there; how would you do it if it were 1cm?

[@CharlieDIYte]

You might need a joint backer rod if the gap is quite deep, and then select a Cramer tool with the diagonal profile, allowing 2mm overlap on each side of the surface so you've got a nice strong joint.

[@1RandomMiss]

The Gordon Ramsay of caulking

[@kyleallen1858]

Hard to tell with clear caulk

[@CharlieDIYte]

Check this one out. It's much more comprehensive kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ_WpKxnoZKJsJo

[@balrajaguruvugarumeekusast1952]

👌

[@mikesandes2493]

The videos are great but the music is so irritating!

[@CharlieDIYte]

I'm sorry about that. It was an error of my early recordings that I wish I could get rid of. You'd be better served looking at this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk and this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3bVk6ilmbKCd68. Much more comprehensive, and neither have the cheesy music!

[@smiah2009]

waste of time watching this try using white silicone for better view on camera...

[@CharlieDIYte]

Then you might like to take a look at this kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk

[@paguliukas]

Hi u work as handyman or ???

[@conradyo9274]

The German fugi is way better

[@johnrogers1478]

your background music takes away from the video. I want to know how to do a good caulking job, not be irritated by too LOUD music with someone WHISTLING.

[@CharlieDIYte]

I know. Big mistake in my old videos for which I can only apologise. However don't watch this one. You want to watch this updated one kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk and for corners this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3bVk6ilmbKCd68

[@kbu812]

didnt watch full video becouse music was too annoying

[@CharlieDIYte]

Agreed. This was a one of my early videos. The music was a big error. However I've done a few updates to it since, like this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk with no music and will be posting a new video this week, resiliconing the vanity unit you saw in this video.

[@mattryan9719]

This lad loves f'ing caulking.

[@williamzinser2378]

He keeps calling it silicon. Silicon is a nonmetallic chemical element in the carbon family. What he is using is SILICONE, NOT SILICON. Silicone is a synthetic polymer.

[@robertgeiter7958]

What no Cramer fugi just joking

[@niallmackenzie99]

These things are terrible, get the fugi kit.

[@musicalmind9591]

You are doing this for years and you are doing it wrong, you have to mix dishwash liquid with water, spray and after cleaning with that spatula or else tiles will be very dirty especially the rough tiles. Amateur

[@CharlieDIYte]

Mick TileSolution Yes, I am an amateur but I don't agree with the approach of so called professionals such as yourself. I don't like using spray and washing liquid because if the washing liquid gets behind the silicone before you tool it, there is no bond and water can later get in. I've seen so many "professionals" using the approach you outline and I see the silicone on those jobs fail often.

[@CharlieDIYte]

+Charlie DIYte Also, the tiles don't get "dirty" as you say, because the rubber edges of the tool removes all the excess silicone. If I had tooled it with my finger - as I suspect you do - then clearly the tile would end up "dirty" - but you've only got to watch my video to realise that thisv was not the case.

[@musicalmind9591]

If you are an amateur don't matter if you agree or not. And no...the washing liquid doesn't behind the silicone at all if you know how to apply the silicone in the 1st place, other than that your rubber will be consumed after a a bathroom or 2. In full daylight, especially with other color, your edges will look dirty and your line scratched. I see amateurs like you everyday, try using this method on other materials, mosaic, stone, etc. cose that was easy on the shiny polished granite, film it in daylight and upload it here, but don't forget to use other color and zoom in, ok?

[@CharlieDIYte]

Mick TileSolution That's a big "If" though, as it's often not applied right in the first place, as then you have a problem with your method. I've applied it on tiles - ceramic, hand made and always got a good result this method.

[@musicalmind9591]

On such a little line and with clear silicone you could do it with a spoon or a lipstick and have the same result, looking forward for your the next video to prove me i'm wrong

[@jan208]

Can't concentrate because of that damned annoying music.

[@Pollys13a]

Very helpful and clear, thanks.

[@CharlieDIYte]

Much better to watch this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXWsZZucfbKSfsk and this one if you've got corners to do kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3bVk6ilmbKCd68 👍 You'd be better getting a Cramer tool than the one you saw in my original video as you don't really want a concave profile.