How to Apply Silicone Sealant Like a Pro - Easy and Quick DIY Guide

[@M3xFutb0l_short]

As of now, I am 14, going into Year 10, I have been adding these useful videos to my playlist, in like 6-7 years I want to renovate a house and without your help, i wont be able to one day, love the videos!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Best of luck! And thanks for watching

[@DIYHouseUK]

You've got this!

[@cannonball9177]

You’ve got fucking no chance unless you live in a rough area kid! Sell drugs and pay people to do the work for you instead country is broken. Go outside, kick a football or get sticky fingers that aren’t from silicone

[@hewhorocketh]

Based

[@M3xFutb0l_short]

@@hewhorocketh thanks bro!

[@Morbidia]

The only influencer on youtube i listen to and buy recommended products. Thank for showing how to silicone the edge of a bath properly with DIY tools.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

I only recommend good products that I would use myself 👍. Your welcome

[@kevinhamill-on4wh]

Great video mate, keep them up. You're no nonsense, straight talking is a welcome in this world.

[@twelveightyone]

Amazing. Just ordered the silicone block and will be doing my bath, sink, kitchen window and a lot more with a new confidence. Thank you!

[@patburke5740]

I have the kramer kit and find it excellent, some good tips in this video, not using spray directly on the silicone and not using your finger, so many people still do it.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks for sharing!

[@xorsyst1]

Great video. A couple of extra points as I've made loads of mess over the years as a DIYer: 1 - Don't buy the cheapest silicone gun. They give much less reliable pressure and make profiling much harder. 2 - If you really struggle to get the amount of silicone right, especially as a beginner, use masking tape at about the right gap, then silicone, then profile, then remove tape, then profile again (to avoid the lip). It helps avoid too much overspill / clean up. Over time you'll be able to squeeze the gun better and get a decent even amount the first time.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍 cheers for sharing

[@dand3975]

I use a pneumatic silicone gun with a pressure regulator for a paint spray gun, you can dial the perfect pressure for consistent beads of silicone. I use masking tape and rubber gloves (wet) for finishing silicone joints.

[@flexhems2447]

Thank you very much

[@benhill7904]

I’ve been doing silicone for years. I was almost disappointed for the first time when I saw the washing up liquid, but you quickly redeemed yourself. My tip in addition, it’s far easier to silicone a new bath or shower tray, when redoing silicone, getting the old off is essential, and the best thing I’ve found lately to get the last of any grease off that won’t effect the new silicone is a solvent based spray cleaner. X Pro do a good one, but OB1 universal cleaner from screwfix is cheaper and brilliant.

[@55thState]

Do you know if Soudal Silicone Remover would work to remove the silicone from from a bathtub?

[@benhill7904]

@ it does work to a degree. It’s very harsh. If you use it wear gloves, but don’t expect miracles, it will always leave some behind. First time I used it I was disappointed, I only use it when it’s a tricky access like in a small shower. Best tool I bring to remove silicone is a sharp wood chisel. If it’s sharp, it won’t scratch plastic or tile, and gets more out than a Stanley blade.

[@55thState]

@@benhill7904 Do you think it would be easy for a beginner doing it for the first time? Many thanks for your helpful responses!

[@benhill7904]

So a lot of its effectiveness comes from the age of the silicone you’re trying to lift. The older the silicone, the more brittle and harder to lift. If it’s been down for 10 years plus, it’s worth it. If it’s been down a short while and you’re unhappy, then it will have elasticity still and pull up fairly easy. It’s not that expensive, so I’d say get some, try without it first. Then if you don’t need it, take it back. Last thing you want to do half way through is go out and buy something.

[@StuartofShrewsbury]

Have just tried the silicon block. It was easy to use with great results. Corners were a bit tricky, but I started at each one and then blended in. Was sorely tempted to use my finger for the verticals, but resisted! Great video!

[@StuartofShrewsbury]

A couple of months in, still looking good and no sign if any mold

[@HansBrusselmans]

Thanks to test it out for us, how do you start at the corners? Outward or inward?

[@vojtechsleha8473]

There is a lot of silicon application videos and tips, but your explanation makes sense. I just think I will do without silicon block, seems not essentiall. Update: It went quite well, but now I understand that the silicon block would be better for corners. One can't ignore geometry. 😄 I will reconsider. Thank you!

[@scottishzoomer]

Thanks for the video, interesting as always. As someone who works in a hotel I’ve done my fair share of bath and shower siliconing. I always use surgical spirit to clean the area before applying, it gets rid of any nasties, dries almost instantly and doesn’t inhibit the new silicon adhering. I’ll be honest, I’m really not sure about that block thing, unless you get the bead exactly right it could create quite a mess and be more difficult to wipe clean than the more traditional shaper. I stopped using diluted washing up liquid, if your prep is right and you’re using a good silicon shaping tool then it isn’t really necessary. Would have liked to see you do the corners as they are the most difficult bit to get right, again I speak from experience !

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍

[@bertbox69]

Used dowsil silicone before. Great stuff, doesn't peel away and manageable. Always been my achilles heel the silicone seal, hate it with a passion. Will definitely give that blue block a go. Tried different applicators, even kramer, none seem to help. Will redo a failed kitchen worktop seal now!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Give it a try 👍

[@blackcobolt1520]

Great video. It would've been good to see how you do the corners, especially ones where you have a vertical coming down as well, as they are the tricky bits. Straight runs are usually ok with various methods. Maybe another video of explanation on corners? Great and helpful channel.

[@MetexOnline]

With the Silicone Block we recommend doing the horizontals first by placing the block in the corner and swiping outwards, then running the vertical bead to meet it. The area it meets needs some care of course, if you're unsure the best thing to do is bring the vertical up to 10mm or so of the horizontal, and then just do the final blend.

[@GH-ez4rm]

Bought a new build and had a few snags.... house builder sent the 'mastic man' round. He doesnt use blocks but pushes the tube rather than pulls it so the nozzle forms the silicone as you go.... the finish is perfect. Ive been doing it ever since

[@buzzlightswitch]

Absolutely correct, push rather than pull. Pulling will be weaker -pushing fills all the gaps and creates a far stronger seal. Also, do a 'dry' run first so you know if the nozzle will hit anything that might impede smooth progress. (Over 40 years of training kitchen and bathroom fitters, but now retired!)

[@amazulu3401]

Yep, I push as well, then wipe with finger if needed.It is a black art, there is no two ways about it. The REALLY annoying bit about all of this is the tube never comes with a screwable cap to save what you haven’t used. Infuriating.

[@diddywright6165]

I use the Cramer tool, I particularly like the black clip ons for bevel edged or metro tiles. I also have a cheaper set that have all been cut down for “behind the tap” situations. Might give the other one a go, the only con I can see is the amount of cleaning it takes between pulls. I use cheap wipes instead of blue roll as I find it’s better. Great video 👍🏻

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍 thanks for sharing

[@diddywright6165]

@@sumone5580 I use prowipes which are available at around £4 a tub. For removing the old silicone try Multi Solve by Ctec, just spray it on leave it for 5 minutes and it will degrade the silicone. Remember to remove all traces prior to applying new silicone. Hope this helps.

[@kidinthecloud]

This is adding an extra part to a very simple solution. I’ve done this 1000 times… you don’t need the block. Just use the Cramer and a small bucket of water with washing up liquid round the edge. Learn to use the Cramer or similar tool properly and you’ll have proper beads in a very short time with practice 👍🏼

[@cartyharley]

Many thanks I am just refurbishing my bathroom as was not looking forward to sealing the walk in shower tray. Followed your instructions and used the block which worked out just perfect. Thanks for sharing your expertise - much appreciated👍

[@tomalex4806]

Looks a decent tool, will have to get one. However the spray bottle and water can stay where they are as they're not really needed. Long as you've got your blue roll or tissue then you're good to go. Many people go with wetting the tool but for me it works fine with just giving it a wipe and carrying on

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks for sharing your experiences

[@anotherinternetaddict]

Agreed. No need to wet

[@bertbox69]

But with the kramer tool also, I use a dab of white spirit also cos the silicone is messy and sticky

[@Ricky-ribs70]

I’m a plumber and have been installing bathrooms for twenty five years use the Kramer. Clean around the bath first with methylated spirits,allow a little time for any residue to evaporate. The very fact that the Kramer product appears video at all when he’s been paid to showcase somebody else’s product probably tells you what you need to know .

[@pixiemoon3020]

When you say slide the block in one direction, the excess silicone is pulled right across the bottom of the block. Surely this transfers onto your surface and subsequently needs to be cleaned off. Looks like there was smear marks from the block. Was that because was wet or from smeared silicone, and did mean there was another clean up job? 5:15

[@HawkerPaul]

I was thinking exactly the same. We couldn't see the residue on the white bath, but was plain to see on the black surface. Perhaps spray the surface after applying the silicone before using the block will prevent this happening?

[@Leggg]

Another brilliantly informative video, thanks. I need to hunt around to find out if you have done one showing how to remove old silicone before renewing.

[@ruionwriting]

Mate not only your are very competent but you also a great educator.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thank you, glad to help out

[@stevewilliams6191]

Siliconing.......my nemesis!! Thanks for this video. Will definitely apply your tips the next time I do it 👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Good luck!

[@IrieLC13]

Thanks this is the most informative video i found regarding re siliconing. I failed first go from pooling water spots on the shower floor edges as I didnt clean the excess silicone with turps after I re sealed it.

[@J.Valentino.R]

Mate I’ve been watching your videos for the last couple of years and you have helped me massively with my work around the house. These bathroom videos could not come at the right time! Im just about to finish my bathroom and you have done pretty much similar to what I have👍🏻👍🏻 great video!

[@wlgrd7052]

What do you do about the excess on the surface at 5:15 ?

[@mfree9202]

Thank you - you made it look easy - I've got some upstands to fit on the kitchen worktops which needs some silicon work done - I've ordered the silicon block using your link - thank you

[@nickg2431]

Nice to know that i have been doing it (mostly) wrong all these years!! I still got decent results but not i,m afraid to say as good as yours subscribed!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks for the sub and happy to help

[@dijpurdy]

Nice, I've always found silicone around anything a pain, a builder had already shared his fill the bath first but thanks for sharing, I will definitely get a metex block.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad to help

[@stepbackandthink]

I'm a fitter but never used that particular block. Bought one on your link to give it a try.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Give it a go, cheers 👍

[@andrewmogg591]

Some sound advice, a quality silicone. But personally it'd avoid installing the taps against the back wall for maintenance/replacement, I'd opt for a corner tap on a front corner.

[@Saeed-ke8sh]

Hi,what a superb video for an amateur like me, the tips are great and I am sure will prove 100 percent useful for any of my future d.i.y silicone projects ..thanks once again,

[@BarnacleBill77]

Great video, very helpful.....how do you do corners though?

[@justinf1343]

Thanks for sharing. I have always used a really cheap gun. Does it make a difference if you use a quality manual or electric gun?

[@h9Kw7AN]

What would you suggest is the best method when the tiles are uneven by design not smooth likes yours are. Thanks

[@garygoldsmith3887]

Useful video, thanks. However all videos ive seen show large tiles. Ive have 1 inch square tiles from previous owner, to remove silicone, then re silicone which is a very bumpy edge along bath....any advice or videos on such situations. Thanks

[@TalibHussain-o1x]

Excellent demonstration as usual.Thanks

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Very welcome

[@youtubeman5033]

I use a cut credit card and masking tape takes a little bit longer but I’ve got it down to a fine art , I’m pleased with the results,

[@starmole5000]

Thank you that's great thinking!

[@lawrencer25]

Fabulous video ❤❤🎉

[@TheFrog767]

🎉🎉 it looks great

[@cookiemonster2299]

Excellent cheers, I'll definitely be buying a blue block 👍❤️🇬🇧

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Give one a try 😊

[@avarlin]

Nice video with some good tips! Personally when it comes to baths and shower installs that bead is always a cosmetic thing, when I fit a bath or shower there's always 3 times I use sili. The first when I fit the bath to seal the edge to the wall, the second when I tile where I ensure the tile above the bath has 30mm or so behind its bottom edge ensuring there a good seal from the first sili running up behind the tile and then the final bead that makes it look good and gives the final seal, obviously cleaning the previous sili prior to doing the next goes without saying. In 40 years never head one fail.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

I do pretty much the same as this 👍

[@Beliefisthedeathofintellect]

As a bathroom fitter, I would never use fairy or any other liquid. 40 years I've done this only heard of this in the last 10 ish. Where this crazy idea has come from I've no idea.

[@GK-qc5ry]

What method do you use?

[@CycloneCyd]

@@GK-qc5ry no reply, so probs a troll

[@spookybaba]

Comes from 40 years plus, in my experience.

[@overseastom]

​@@CycloneCydor they've turned reply notifications off, or they don't even check replies. No need to presume trolling.

[@Deckard-]

Quick question mate, when you ran the block along, did you get streaks of silicone under it? I thought I saw some residue when you lifted the block up?

[@Deckard-]

At 5:19 on the video

[@foxy1960]

I was a wet room flooring installer for 40 years and got through many hundreds of tubes of silicone over the years. the biggest mistake people make is to cut to much off of the nozzle and end up with a lot of wastage. once you get the hang of it its easy to get a good finish with no waste

[@TheDIYGuy1]

✅

[@scottspeig]

For the tradesperson, I agree that there's a lot of wastage in most youtube vids. When it comes to DIY though, wastage is the least of the problem - Its throw it out at end of project anyway, so the finish is more important. Better to have too much on a and use a lot of blue roll than not have enough. :) The tip on cutting the nozzle to suit the block was a new one on me & looked simple and efficient.

[@iainrutherford184]

Top job. I've recently been using 'lollypop' type sticks, but appreciate they also leave a concave profile. Next time, I'll be following your advice 😉

[@davidwilliams68]

Thanks for the tips very helpful, I’d luckily already bought that sealer from screw fix Dave

[@ramunasolechnavicius6822]

Goodbye masking tape from now on, and this nice touch with the finger at the end.

[@toddlouiso1884]

May I ask why you used the second tool (that's red) after the silicone block and do you need to hit that red tool with soapy water as well? Thanks!

[@Brian18741]

What about the two inside corners, any special tricks?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Practice 😊

[@Brian18741]

@@TheDIYGuy1 Sound 🤣

[@dusrdev]

I personally use the kramer, without soap and water, I feel it maximized the adhesion. But after the that, I do spray the bead with soapy water, and run the finger angled with very light pressure, almost no pressure over it, it just helps smooth the bead horizontally, the tooling can sometimes leave a sort of jaggedness on the bead because of inconsistent angles or pressure, this makes it completely smooth. Because soapy water is sprayed during this part, I don't worry much over the bacteria from my fingers, and after the curing of the bead, I go over and spray it with just water, to loosen any dried soap and clean it off with paper towels (again light pressure and making sure the bead is no longer squishy).

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks for sharing your methods

[@mrpurpleman9698]

agree with the adhesion being better, I used Kramer tools + Dow recently and it bonds much better without the soap. My logic is if you are spraying soap onto the tools rather then the silicon beading, are you not just adding smaller amounts of soap to the silicon anyhow and thus breaking it down? I do see why a type of soapy mixture is needed almost since without it my finish was not as smooth or easy. Anyhow lets see how long this silicon last lol

[@chrisaris8756]

Those blue paper rolls are really designed to feed centre pull dispensers. I find it much better to pull out the cardboard centre and pull from the middle. They don’t unravel that way.

[@EvilBroski]

that is a really good tip. Thanks mate, will defo try it out!

[@Cous1nJack]

But the sheet comes out all twisted..

[@neiltitmus9744]

I leave them in the it comes in keeps it together and dry and clean too

[@Sunny-3]

@The DIY Guy Thank you for all your helpful videos, appreciated, keep them coming my friend :)

[@raytailor9251]

Good video. Excellent presentation!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thank you kindly!

[@caspergw]

Another great video. Have I missed the wall panels being installed tutorial? Got a dodgy bathroom with two layer of tiles half way up each wall, and plaster on top. Hoping to remove one layer of tiles so the wall is level and wall panel the lot!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks. Bathroom complete reno is next Saturday at 3pm and panels are in that video👍

[@MetexOnline]

Looking good! 👍Spraying the block with glass cleaner before tooling is another way to keep it clean!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍

[@הגר-ע6ק]

יש גם נשים שלומדות ממך את העבודה הנהדרת עם הסיליקום😂 למה לא לפנות גם לנשים שביננו❤ חוץ מיזה,עבודה נהדרת👍🏾

[@mpasaa]

Very nice. I usually use those others ones you showed but that block looks handy. Next time I have to caulk I'll get one of those blocks. Very cool.

[@rockypup1968]

I was a mastic applicator 20 years ago , i use to use tooling sticks and soapy water , if you used those blocks in the industry, you'd be sacked for wasting loads of mastic 😂

[@riaanmocke3364]

What about the huge amount of overspread on the tub and wall?

[@sajjadzaidi8173]

Good video to learn about perfect DIY skills thanks to share

[@jamesyee4143]

Nice tool tip repairing around the tub!! Thanks 😊

[@TheDIYGuy1]

No problem!

[@paulmarshall8012]

will give the block a go did you use it on the corners

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Yep you can use it on corners 👍

[@paulmarshall8012]

@@TheDIYGuy1 thanks just moving house will get some use have to do some brick pointing and lead flashing

[@F.Reyes39]

Great job! But I cant find the silicon block! in the US

[@darrenpaulgreen]

Fugi do some narrow profile tools with a long stick handle that have got me out of trouble before with bath taps close to the wall. Innovative solution of cutting a standard tool in half though 😂!

[@SamMC08]

Perfect timing! Planning on sorting this next week. How long should a seal last before mould creeps in?

[@simonlunt353]

I have been silicon for some years now in bathrooms kitchens and glazes but I have found keeping your silicone blocks clean is very important l use the big blue rolls of paper and roll it back on its self so l never have paper around with silicone on it and you never lick your fingers as silicone is poisonous💀l did like your silicone block 😊

[@ColinSchofield-g7w]

Notice you avoided showing the difficult corner bits!!!!

[@MikeKeel]

Yep, corner and vertical beads running down to the corners

[@lovematters7122]

How do you caulk curves please? Thank you.

[@johnelbro127]

Great video cheers. 👍👍👍

[@Bustadhed]

WOW Great advice !!!

[@ironclad57]

If you fill the bath to stop the silicon cracking when weight is added later. Wont the reverse happen when you empty the bath afterwards. The bath will move up, instead of down.

[@dennyvarghese8152]

hi ,last month i put new vinyl sheet in my bathroom,but the clear silicon used around toilet,bottom of wash basin leg is not in good finish,silicon missing in some areas,could you please tell me if i remove the old silicon by using silicon remover tool will damage my vinyl sheet ,how can i apply silicon properly ?should i need to remove all old silicon?

[@mzleal22]

Did you spray the Kramer tool with soapy water too?

[@DIYHouseUK]

Another brilliant vid! keep up the great work Cameron

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks! Will do!

[@chrisenglish1922]

Will this process work with sanded grout in a tube?

[@AlbieSol560]

Great video. Really useful, thanks! 👍 PS: It took me a while to realise that not all silicone guns are the same! Cheap ones make runs difficult.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad to help. Your right about cheap silicone guns

[@johnclowes3894]

Block looks ok on the straight but How you sort the corners out?

[@gsau3000]

I do a lot of silicone for work and I think these blocks are more trouble than their worth. I find a large popsicle stick or sometimes the rounded handle of wooden cutlery best to use

[@naebadyersel]

I recommend watchin charlie DIYtes video for scilliconing, he recommends cleaning the surface with methalated spirits and the reasons NOT to use spray just profile only

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Everyone has their methods. I am more than happy with mine and have perfected it across many many bathrooms, as I’m sure charliediy is with his.

[@tomalex4806]

​​@@TheDIYGuy1if your methods work for you then it's all good mate

[@cfgman1]

A hardwood piece of wood is the preferred method by specialist who do this. The results are spectacular

[@overwatch761]

I use my tongue.

[@spooner1949]

Putting on has never been my problem. What is the best way to remove old silicon prior to renewing?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

I’ll see if I can do a video on this in the future. I use a mixture of removal tools and WD40 or sealant remover

[@mrpurpleman9698]

Avoid WD40 imo, I tried it since I ran out of silicon remover while WD40 worked well even having a good clean up with towels and clothes and water. I let it dry and applied fresh silicon on and it peeled off shortly after. Either scrap it off with the tool that is inside the Cramer frugal kit or get the bladed tools or silicon remover itself. I believe the oils/grease within wd40 even if a tiny bit is left it can ruin your fresh silicon either that or spend lots of time cleaning it up properly!

[@stevenmurray7814]

Morning bud! Hopefully you see this or anyone that can help, re-siliconing my shower cubical tray do I go for corner to corner or go from corner to half way from each side if that makes sense any help would be appreciated cheers

[@kathyisaacson4645]

I would like to know how to do this with small tiles that meet larger tiles on a shower floor. Seems like you can not get a nice even bead.

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍 Great tips. Thank you

[@TheDIYGuy1]

My pleasure!

[@MalcolmJames-sg3zg]

Thanks interesting video, love your videos all the time

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you like them!

[@awesumlewy]

Mate, thank you!

[@pawemajorkiewicz9778]

What about the joints, corners.....

[@freddieleethompson3536]

As someone that installs bathrooms I’m not sold on that block at all. Looks very clumsy to use. I switch to wood and few years back, game changer.

[@emuhead]

Good tip, do you make these up yourself or can you buy them?

[@EvilBroski]

can you elaborate please mate? 😀 what do you mean by wood exactly? just random piece of 2x2/ 2x4 or something with round edges? Intrigued.. never thought of that

[@terencecoeart]

@@EvilBroski I have seen videos where guys use popsicle (ice lolly) sticks cut at an angle on the end.

[@JB12132]

Sausage fingers.

[@brentsingleton8649]

Someone with a waggy tail pleased with the finish near the end 😄😄

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Haha yep, she always tries to get in my videos

[@anthonyberry7362]

4:50 Also if the silicone has any mico content it can be carcinogenic (cancer causing) DONT LICK YOUR FINGER!!! don’t know if Dow has any mico content but I know soudal doesn’t from personal use! Really like the silicone block though!

[@jlmain5777]

Beautiful job.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍

[@darren8042]

How do you get the corners neat?

[@davidl1253]

I wish we could find trades people like you.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

They are out there!

[@coolmonkey619]

Is the block hard plastic or soft rubber

[@MetexOnline]

It's soft and flexible

[@Timmy51m]

Any tips on refreshing old grout?

[@louiskatzclay]

are the blocks available in the US?

[@andrewtomlinson18]

Just hope those taps never need replacing 🤞🤞🤞

[@philmiddleton1313]

How do you get the block into the corners?

[@DDowson284]

Looked at many of these videos no-one yet does a proper review of corners especially vertical joint meeting horizontal corner?

[@rusticrye5413]

I see that your wall surface is flat. Do these tools work just as well on tiles and grout?

[@ironclad57]

I want advise on how to silicon behind bath taps without having to remove the taps

[@johndoherty3884]

Did you record the wall SPC panels being installed?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Yep, next Saturday at 3pm episode 2 of the complete bathroom Reno will be out 👍

[@johndoherty3884]

Thanks . I’m considering doing it myself