A sealant is a viscous material that changes to a solid state once applied and is used to prevent the penetration of air, gas, noise, dust, fire, smoke or liquids from one place to another through the barrier sealed. They help to maintain and care for the properties of the surface they are applied on, hence the correct choice allows to obtain greater benefits of the product, such as: impermeability, elasticity, performance, durability, aesthetic finishes, etc.

A specific category of sealants is composed of the silicone sealants, which offer a great amount of benefits thanks to their characteristics: they avoid the formation of fungi, they maintain properties over time and, being an inorganic material, they last longer and are more resistant.

The use of silicone sealants is particularly important in the bathroom areas, since bathtubs and showers are exposed to a constant flow of moisture, which can create mould and mildew or cause damage to problematic spots.

In order to avoid such problems and obtain the best results, it is important to choose the perfect bathroom silicone sealant.

Sealant around bath

Sealing around a bath is a very common problem that almost everyone encounters at some point. Both the problem and the solution are in the sealant. If the edge of the bathtub is not properly sealed, the water may leak between the tub and the wall causing flooding, mould and rotting of the beams. Therefore, sealing the gap between the tub and the wall is very important.

The problem with the conventional silicone sealant is that it contains a high amount of solvents and begins to shrink during curing. This happens because the solvents evaporate and, over time, they will eventually crack and break, allowing the water to enter. This does not happen if you seal the tub with a special bathroom sealant, as it is specifically designed for this kind of use, making the product permanently elastic. It stays in good condition and prevents the damages caused by the water, such as the discolouring of the sealer or the black spots on it as a result of the dampness which may lead to forming mildew.

Preparation and application

It is important that you choose a tube of silicone that matches your bath. It is usually white, but there is a wide variety of coloured silicone sealants. The tip for an optimal result when sealing a bath is a regular and homogenous application for which you need a firm hand and a gun applicator to squeeze the silicone out of the tube by slowly depressing the trigger.

The first thing that you have to do is prepare the surface. It is primordial that you don’t apply the silicone sealant on top of the old one. Make sure that the area is dry and clean and free from dust or any remaining from previous applications. You can remove the old bath sealant by using a sharp knife, cutting and peeling it, or simply with a silicone remover and a spatula.

In order to keep the sealing limits well marked, it is convenient to extend a strip of protective tape on the edge of the bath and on the wall, so you can get a much more straight line, and avoid the sticking of the silicone in unwanted places.

Prepare the silicone tube by cutting the applicator end open with an angled cut for easier application.
For your safety it is recommended to use protective gloves when using silicone sealants. Carefully apply the silicone in a continuous way by the joint to avoid leaving spaces that can generate small fissures. Once the work done, moisten your finger with soapy water or pick up a specific spatula and smooth the line to remove the excess of silicone. Before the silicone hardens, remove the tape and let it dry.

Silicone vs. Acryl in bathrooms

Silicone sealants and acrylic sealants have very different characteristics and are designed for specific purposes. Acrylic sealers are very popular because they are very easy to use and provide a clean and neat seal. They are suitable for painting applications as well as sealing joints and connections between walls, ceilings, windows and doors. Although acrylic sealants can be used to guard against water penetration, due to their propensity to shrink and distort over time, they are suitable for applications where little to no contact with water is needed.

In the other hand, silicone sealants remain flexible without peeling, cracking or distorting and they keep a waterproof barrier against moisture much longer than acrylic sealers. In addition, silicone sealants contain mould and mildew prevention additives, which makes them the best choice for bathroom applications, around showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilets.

Our delivery pricing is simple and transparent.

Charge for orders
£0 - £90
£7.50via courier 
Charge for order
£90+
freevia courier 

We endeavour to send all orders received by 1pm on the same day, however, during busy periods orders make take longer to despatch.

Please note that courier deliveries may be made from 8am - 6pm and must be signed for on delivery.

We cannot courier items to P.O. addresses.

 

Returns policy

If you are not satisfied with our products, please return it within 14 days from date of receipt for an exchange or refund. The item(s) must be returned in an 'as new' condition with your full name, address, phone number, email address and the details of the item(s) you are returning. Furthermore, you must state your reasons for the return and if you would like to exchange the item(s) or have them refunded.

FSBF can not accept returns if the item(s) have been used or are damaged.

If FSBF receive a returned item(s) that has been used or damaged, it will be returned to sender and an invoice raised against shipping costs.

Please note that all carriage costs are non refundable.

Please insure the package with the delivery company and obtain a “proof of purchase”.

FSBF will not be held responsible for losses by the delivery company.