Bathroom sealant: which is the best to choose?

If the owner is repairing the bathroom, then he cannot do without high-quality sealant. Such mixtures are necessary to prevent the penetration of water in the gaps between the bathroom (or shower) and the wall. In addition, sealing compounds also insulate tile joints, pipe joints and even furniture edges.

Renovation of a bathroom should be taken especially responsibly, since a high level of humidity is always maintained in this room. In such conditions, not all finishing materials can be found, but only those that are designed for such operation - they must be reliably protected from deep penetration of moisture and dampness. To cope with these tasks, you can use a sealant.

A high-quality composition will not only hide the tile joints and various gaps of decoration or furniture, but also provide a more attractive and neat appearance, because darkened and damp gaps look very ugly and sloppy. Due to such elements, the design of the bathroom can be hopelessly ruined.

Modern sealing compounds are used to increase the strength of joints when assembling sewers, as well as to prevent water leakage from the gap between the shower stall and the tray. These elements cannot be left without high-quality sealing, since otherwise the room will always be wet and untidy.

With the help of a sealant, tiles can be glued not only to concrete floors, but also to substrates such as drywall, plywood, chipboard or plastic. This feature of the compositions pleases consumers who have bathrooms with uneven and deformed walls. Tiles should not be laid on such bases until they are perfectly flat. Various linings are the only effective way out in this situation.

Floor tiles lined with quality sealant will withstand heavy loads. The finishing material will serve for many years without causing any problems.

Nowadays, you can pick up a sealant for the bathroommade in any color. The range of these mixtures is presented not only in simple white and translucent, but also in multi-colored compositions. As a rule, they are selected according to the color of the tiles.

Such specimens are among the most popular types. Most often they are chosen for sealing the bathroom. Silicone is the basis of these formulations.

Advantages.

• Such materials have excellent water-repellent properties. Thanks to this advantage, they can be safely used in the bathroom.
• The silicone based sealant is durable.
• Such a mixture will guarantee excellent adhesion of various types of liquids and solids at the molecular level.
• The formulations are available in a wide range of colors.

• Gaps and tile joints treated with silicone sealant will not be susceptible to mold and mildew formation.
• After complete drying, the mixture shrinks no more than 2%.
• Silicone compounds can be used not only for the bathroom, but also for other indoor and outdoor surfaces.
• Such compositions are not afraid of temperature drops.So, a high-quality silicone sealant will seamlessly transfer temperatures from -50 to +200 degrees. Under these conditions, the performance of the mixture will not be affected.

There are two types of silicone sealant.

• Acidic (acetic) composition. These options are very popular because they are very inexpensive. However, such a sealant can only be applied to stainless and non-oxidizing materials.
• Neutral composition. There are no acids in this sealant. It costs more than an acidic product. However, this material does not have serious drawbacks - it can be used to coat different surfaces without restrictions. It seamlessly contacts any substrates: from acrylic to steel.

This type of sealant is cheaper than silicone, but it doesn't feel as good in a wet bathroom.

The advantages of acrylic composition include:

• low cost;
• tolerance of temperature changes;
• not susceptible to burnout;

• the possibility of finishing with paint, varnish or putty after complete drying;
• ease of application - it is very convenient to work with such a sealant;
• high adhesion rates - the composition easily adheres to most different materials.

However, acrylics are not flexible enough. Because of this feature, they should be used only in those areas that are not subject to deformation during operation.

There are no organic components in the composition of acrylic compounds. Most experts attribute this feature to the pluses of acrylic mixtures, since because of this it is possible to work with them without additional means of protection - sealants do not exude pungent and unpleasant odors during the application process.

Several types of acrylic sealants can be found in stores today. Some formulations are moisture resistant, while others are afraid of moisture, so you need to pay special attention to the composition of the purchased product so as not to stumble upon a mixture that will not last long in a bathroom.

Such mixtures contain acrylic and silicone. This type of sealant is in enviable demand because it has many positive qualities and a minimum of disadvantages. After complete curing, such a composition becomes very hard, but at the same time remains elastic, like rubber.

Siliconized acrylic sealant is highly durable and reliable. It is often used as an adhesive when you need to connect two different surfaces together, while insulating them at the same time.

This sealant is based on polyurethane. Such compositions are characterized by ease of application, durability and high efficiency of use. The content of the polyurethane putty contains moisture, which, when it comes into contact with the ambient air, starts the polymerization process.

The polymer composition is perfect for the bathroom, because it becomes even more durable in contact with excess moisture. In addition, polyurethane putties are resistant to mechanical damage and heavy loads, therefore they form a fairly durable and elastic coating.

Polyurethane sealants have their own distinctive features. So, they are distinguished by fast adhesion to most surfaces, just as fast hardening and increased adhesion characteristics.

In addition, these types of sealants are economical and easy to use. If in some area the layer has been damaged, then it can be very easily and quickly restored. The polyurethane compound can be applied to a wide variety of materials.

Once completely dry, these putties can be painted or varnished. However, it should be borne in mind that open packaging must be used as soon as possible - the sealant polymerization process begins already inside.When applying such a material, you should use personal protective equipment and make sure that it does not come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes. Experts recommend stocking up on tight gloves and working in them.

Modern sealants are produced not only in white and transparent, but also in different colors. By purchasing a color composition of a suitable tone, you can give your bathroom finishes a more complete and harmonious appearance.

Today in stores you can find sealants of the following colors:

• gray;
• black;
• brown;

• metallic;
• caramel;
• yellow;
• coral.

High-quality color compositions do not lose their saturation over time, with the only exceptions being acrylic mixtures. In a bathroom, they can turn yellow, so it is better not to take light options - they will have to be changed soon. For such a room, a colored or transparent acrylic composition is more suitable. On such sealants, yellow spots are almost invisible.

Many consumers underestimate the role of sealants in the design of a bathroom or toilet, and it is precisely such putties that directly affect how well all the seams and joints will be sealed. Fortunately, modern manufacturers offer a wide range of adhesive mixtures of different compositions and colors to choose from.

When choosing such products, you should rely on a number of important criteria.

• Colour. As mentioned above, sealants are not only available in transparent form. Of course, these options are as versatile as the white ones. However, a room modified with a sealant of a suitable color will look more interesting and harmonious.

• Water resistance. A bathroom is a room with a high level of humidity, therefore it is necessary to select compositions for it that will tolerate the destructive effects of dampness and moisture without any problems. These characteristics of the sealant are always indicated on the packaging.
• Appointment. Sealing compounds are available for household and professional use. The latter have improved technical characteristics, but they are a little more difficult to work with, and they are more expensive.

• Surface. For some types of surfaces, it is necessary to select special sealants. Such bases include PVC panels or metal.
• The volume of impurities. It is worth paying attention to the number of additional components in the composition of the sealant - there should not be too many of them.
• Brand. You should buy only high-quality sealing compounds from well-known manufacturers - this way you can save yourself from purchasing a low-quality product. Many branded sealants are expensive, but their performance and durability justify the price.

For gluing mirrors, experts recommend buying a neutral silicone sealant. As for the more aggressive acidic version, they are often treated with countertops, sinks and furniture edges, not only in the bathroom, but also in the kitchen.

If the tiles have fallen off in the bathroom, then they can be attached back using a high-quality polyurethane-based compound. Such a sealant is characterized by increased adhesive ability, therefore, with its help, you can quickly and reliably fix the fallen off part in its original place.

If you want to choose a suitable sealant for sealing pipe joints in the bathroom, then you should pay attention to what they are made of. So, for steel structures, you can purchase a silicone or polymer composition. As for plastic and metal-plastic pipes, it is better not to buy polyurethane mixtures for them - instead, you should look for a high-quality silicone sealant.

Bathrooms located in wooden houses are most often finished with waterproof plasterboard sheets. However, they often "play" in height, so there are usually noticeable gaps between the drywall sheets and the ceiling. They should not be left open, otherwise destructive moisture will get there. The gaps must be filled with a suitable and elastic compound. High-quality silicone or polymer material can easily cope with these tasks.

You can seal one or another surface in the bathroom yourself. You do not need to have special knowledge and rich experience for this. It is enough to follow the simple instructions. If done correctly, the result will not disappoint.

The sealant should only be applied to carefully prepared surfaces. To begin with, the base should be cleaned of dust, dirt and remnants of the old sealant. Then the surface must be well degreased - for this, alcohol or acetone is best suited. After processing with these compounds, the base should be wiped dry.

If there are seams of great depth on the base, then it is recommended to douse them with hot air - for this you can use a regular hair dryer. As a result, the surface will be perfectly clean and completely dry.

Then you should carefully and evenly glue the masking tape on both sides along the seam. This is necessary so that the finishing coat is protected from the ingress of putty. This step is optional, but experts advise using it. This will keep the sealant strip tidier and keep the surrounding materials clean.

Modern sealants are sold in tubes of 80-400 ml. According to professional finishers, it is much more convenient to use small bottles. An applicator for application can be included with the tube. If it is not there, then it is worth using a special pistol (manual or battery-powered).

The tip of the bottle must be cut off. It is desirable to make the incision at an angle of 45 degrees. The location of the cut must be selected depending on the width of the joints that need to be sealed. After that, you can insert the tube into the prepared gun.

To accurately apply the sealant, it is necessary to place the tip of the tube at the starting point of the seam and smoothly squeeze out the mixture, slowly moving forward. It is necessary to "hammer" the composition as deep as possible and always press the trigger of the construction gun with one effort. Avoid tearing the applied layer, otherwise water will seep into the seam.

To make the seam smoother, you can simply run your finger dipped in soapy water over it. You can also use a special elastic trowel to level the sealant. Some masters put on a special nozzle on the tube, which evens out the applied layer of the sealing compound. Such a device allows the sealant to be applied and smoothed out.

At the end of all work, the strips of masking tape should be removed. This must be done until the sealant has had time to completely harden. If in the process of removing the adhesive tape the applied layer of the sealing compound is damaged, then it needs to be slightly wetted and leveled.

If the sealant gets on the surrounding objects (plumbing, tiles or furniture), then it should be quickly removed with a regular wet rag. It is recommended to use thinner or refined gasoline to remove stubborn dirt.

For the quality implementation of all work, you should rely on the advice of professionals.

• If it is necessary to fill the seam between the bathtub and the wall, then it should be borne in mind that it is usually quite deep. You need to glue a narrow strip of polystyrene under the bathroom shelf and only then process the joint. Thanks to this action, the sealant will not drain.
• Sometimes it is necessary to install a corner between the bathroom and the ceiling. This part is necessary to prevent water from dripping onto the floor. In this case, a sealant is used for additional fastening of the corner. However, it should not be applied to the curb itself, but to the wall and bathroom shelf. After that, the corner should be put in the right place and pressed.

• Often, an airtight material is used to glue tiles. In this case, the composition should be applied only to the tile itself in small stripes along the entire perimeter and diagonal. After that, the finishing material must be pressed tightly against the previously prepared base.
• Tile joints can also be sealed with a sealant. During such work, it is recommended to use masking tape to protect the tile, and remove excess material as quickly as possible with a spatula. All joints must be filled to the full depth.
• To prevent fungus or mold from appearing on the surface of the sealed gaps, the room must be provided with high-quality ventilation and sufficient heating.
• For sealing, it is necessary to use compounds that contain additional components against mold and mildew. Such mixtures do not turn black over time. However, you shouldn't buy products that have too many additives (more than 10%).

• If it is necessary to apply the sealant as accurately as possible, then you can use a small plastic spatula - with its help it will be possible to quickly and efficiently cover the seams.
• Do not use the bathroom until the sealant is completely dry. Most often it takes about 8-10 hours.
• Always remove the old sealant before applying a fresh coat of sealant. Otherwise, the mixture will not adhere well to the base.
• Experts recommend treating various surfaces in the bathroom with branded and high-quality compounds from well-known brands. These include products from Ceresit, Somafix, Boxer, Belinka, Tytan, Krass, Moment, Ciki Fix.

For information on which sealant to choose for the bathroom, see the next video.