Decorating a bathroom presents its own unique challenges. With such high moisture content, fluctuating temperatures and an increased risk of mould, the need to protect this room is high. And, silicone sealant is one such way that you can do this. You would have spotted sealant around your bathtubs and sinks already. Perhaps you’ve even tried your hand at applying a new layer. But one of the biggest challenges we get queries about all the time is the best way to remove old silicone sealant before refreshing it with new. So we thought we would create a guide, walking you through the step-by-step process.

WHY IS SILICONE SEALANT USED ON BATHTUBS?

With bathroom sanitaryware, a sealant is used for a number of reasons. Not only does it breathe new life into your bathroom, giving a clean and refreshed feel throughout. Sealant is also a highly effective way to prevent leaks. Fixed bathtubs are designed to sit close to the wall but few are designed for your exacting specifications. Therefore, there is always a gap around the edge. And, this is where water can easily settle - especially when bathing small children or animals. Without a proper seal, this cavity between the bath and the wall can become a breeding ground for mould and moisture-related damage. It can also increase the likelihood of leaks that make their way to the downstairs ceiling - a key cause of structural damage.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

Depending on the type of bathroom sealant you’ve used, you should find that it lasts somewhere around 5 years. However, this will depend on a number of factors, including:

• How well it was originally applied.
• The surface condition before application.
• Varying humidity levels in your bathroom.
• Any existing mould or moisture-related growth.
• How often and with what chemicals it is cleaned.

DO I NEED IT?

We always recommend sealing the outer edges of your bathtub, unless you have a free-standing design. Not doing so can cause many more issues than it’s worth - especially when you consider how simple sealant is to use. If you’re concerned about the application process or want advice on a specialist situation, our experts here at Sealant & Tools are here to help.

REASONS FOR REPLACING SEALANT

It’s easy to spot when it’s time to think about replacing sealant around the bathtub. You may notice:

• Cracking.
• Sections peeling away from the wall.
• Sections becoming discoloured and unsightly.
• Mould or water damage.

If you notice that the sealant has begun to show any of the signs above in a short period (6-12 months), it’s likely that the original product used was not suitable for the bathroom environment. Silicone sealant has exceptional waterproofing properties and elasticity, meaning it can deal with the consistent expansion and contraction that happens in bathrooms.

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WHY REMOVE OLD SEALANT?

So, the time has come to replace the sealant around your bathtub but you’re looking to make the process as easy and swift as possible. It can be tempting to consider simply laying new sealant on top of the existing stuff. After all, surely this will just double-up the protection offered?

In true fact, applying a new sealant over an old sealant is a fool's errand. It does nothing except create an unprofessional and messy look, and it won’t provide the seal you’re looking for. Old sealant is likely to have broken up, fallen away or split. These textural imperfections mean that the new application won’t go on smoothly. Water is likely to find its way through small bumps or cracks, reducing the effectiveness of your efforts.

HOW TO REMOVE SILICONE SEALANT?

While removing and applying silicone sealant is an easy and simple process, it pays to take caution. You will need to work with a sharp blade or scraper to ensure you remove all sealant from around the bathtub. This increases the risk of scratches, dents and damage to the bath itself. Taking additional care is the best way to prevent this. We recommend using a combination of a tailored silicone sealant removal tool and a remover gel for the best results.

To remove the sealant around your bathtub:

1. Make sure the surface is clean, dry and dust-free.
2. Carefully cut away as much of the sealant as you can with a removal tool or sharp blade.
3. Apply a silicone sealant remover gel around the bathtub. This needs to be at least 2x the thickness of the silicone in question and needs to be left for between 2-4 hours to work properly.
4. Wipe away and rinse the surface to remove unwanted silicone.
5. Repeat the process with the silicone sealant remover gel again, if necessary.

To apply new sealant around your bathtub:

1. Make sure the surface is clean, dry and dust-free.
2. Tape up your edges to ensure you create a straight and neat.
3. Work from the back corner of your bathtub.
4. Cut the silicone cartridge open and then cut the applicator tip to a 45-degree angle.
5. Place the cartridge in the caulking gun.
6. Keep the applicator tip close to the bath and apply the sealant by pressing consistently on the trigger on the gun.
7. Move smoothly and consistently for the best application.
8. Wet your finger and run it along the bead of silicone to smooth it out.
9. Leave for 24 hours to dry before using the bathtub for the best application.

Make sure to read the guidance provided on sealant removal gels. Some only produce good results on silicone sealants, however, these may be able to soften acrylic, mastic and butyl sealants too for easier removal.

Here at Sealant & Tools Direct, we have a wide range of sealant and silicone products that are ideal for finishing off your bathroom. We always have experts on hand to provide advice and guidance, helping you choose the right solution for your needs. Browse our products available on our website or speak to a member of the team by getting in contact here today.