How to Use Silicone Sealant Like a Pro: Simple Tutorial

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Plus, the best silicone caulk product recommendations for your project
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Silicone sealant is a versatile material used in many do-it-yourself projects, like sealing bathtubs and corners. Once you know what you’re doing, it’s very easy to use. For this article, we interviewed professional handymen and kitchen and bath designers to teach you how to apply silicone sealant with an application gun or without one . We’ll also explain when it’s best to use silicone sealant for projects and list tried-and-true product recommendations.

How do you apply silicone sealant?

For the easiest application, insert the silicone tube into a silicone gun and cut the tip of the nozzle off at a 45-degree angle. Squeeze the gun’s trigger to slowly apply the sealant along your project’s seam. Clean up the edges by running a damp finger or spreader tool along the line of sealant.

Section 1 of 4:

Using a Silicone Gun

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  1. The pressure valve is the long, metal plunger on the back of the silicone gun , usually underneath the release tab. Pulling it allows you to load the tube of silicone sealant into the gun. [1]
  2. Insert it at an angle, base first, and then push it up into the gun. The nozzle of the silicone tube should be sticking out of the opposite end from the release tab and pressure tab. [2]
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  3. Squeeze the trigger slowly and gently until the mechanism touches the silicone tube. This allows you to lock the silicone tube firmly in place. [3]
  4. Before you apply silicone sealant, make sure that the surface is completely free of any dust, dirt, or particles, as any debris can cause a weaker seal. Wipe down the surface with a sponge dipped in soapy water, then rinse out the sponge and wipe the area again. Dry the area with a towel, making sure to remove all water completely, as moisture can cause problems when applying sealant. [4]
    • If you need to get rid of stubborn, old silicone, kitchen and bath designer Eric Shipe explains, “Use a hairdryer and straight razor. Start with a low setting on the hair dryer. Once [the silicone is] melted, use a razor blade to scrape it off. This only works when the caulk isn’t between pieces of plastic, or it will cause damage.” [5]
  5. Using scissors or a utility knife, snip the tube at a 45-degree angle. Cut as close to the tip as possible to ensure the hole is very small. This makes it easier for you to control the flow of sealant. [6]
    • Test your silicone on a piece of scrap material. If it isn’t flowing to your liking, snip a little bit more off the tube. Gradually cut small bits off until the sealant flows at your desired pace.
  6. Squeeze the trigger as evenly and steadily as possible, and drag the tube nozzle slowly along the seam of your project. Pull the gun away from where you started, as you don’t want to push the nozzle through silicone you’ve already spread. [7]
  7. 7
    Spread the sealant evenly to clean up the edges. Dip your finger into a container of water to dampen it, then run your finger along the line of sealant to spread it evenly. Rewet your finger as necessary until you finish cleaning up the edges. [8]
    • When you’re done, immediately wipe your finger with a damp rag to prevent the silicone from drying on your skin.
    • Silicone spreader tools are also available to help you clean up lines without getting a mess on your finger.
    EXPERT TIP

    Art Fricke

    Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
    Art Fricke is a home renovation and repair specialist and the owner of Art Tile & Renovation based in Austin, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, he specializes in bathroom and kitchen renovations. Art focuses on a single contractor approach to customized renovation work, and performs projects such as installing custom tile showers, fixing tiled shower leaks, replacing cracked tiles, and installing floor and wall tile.
    Art Fricke
    Home Renovation & Repair Specialist

    Use masking tape to get a nice line of caulk. After applying the caulk, take the masking tape and mash it into the silicone to get it nice and smooth. Pick up the tape before the silicone gets tacky, and you’ll have a perfect caulk line that goes exactly where you want it to go.

  8. Check your silicone’s packaging to determine how long to let it dry. In general, wait at least 24 hours for the seal to dry before using your project. According to handyman Art Fricke, it’s difficult to speed up silicone drying times because “You don’t have vapor coming out of the silicone. Instead, it’s just exposure to oxygen that causes silicone to crystallize a little bit. It changes the chemical nature to solidify, so you can’t really speed that up.” [9]
    • In some cases, however, Fricke adds, “You can speed it up a little bit with some heat and blowing air on it, so a fan or a hair dryer on low helps. If you heat the silicone up [too much], that’s actually going to make it take longer to cure.” [10]
    • If you need something that dries more quickly, Fricke recommends buying a quick-curing silicone caulk: “That’s 100% silicone that’s fast cure and water-ready in 30 minutes. It’s not really any more expensive than any other silicone caulk.” [11]
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Section 2 of 4:

Applying Sealant Without a Silicone Gun

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  1. If you’re resealing the surface, use a window scraper to remove any old caulk or residue. Then, use a cleaning brush and some paper towels to brush away all dirt and debris. Make sure your surface is absolutely clean so that the sealant will adhere properly. [12]
    • In some cases, it may be necessary to scrub the surface with soapy water. If you do, make sure the surface is absolutely dry before continuing.
  2. In general, using sealant without a silicone gun works the same way as using it with a gun; it’s just a bit messier. Cut the tip of the sealant off at a 45-degree angle using scissors or a utility knife. Test the sealant on a scrap surface, and if the hole isn’t big enough, cut a little more off. [13]
  3. 3
    Apply pressure to the tube to apply the sealant. The way you do this depends on the type of silicone sealant you’re using. Some are hand-operated, meaning you simply squeeze them with your hand. Others, like cartridges designed for caulking guns, often require you to place a long, narrow object (like a dowel or rolling pin) into the base of the cartridge in order to apply even pressure. [14]
    • Alternatively, opt for a silicone pressure can . These aerosol cans allow you to gently press the nozzle to apply a line of sealant to your project.
  4. Pull your silicone tube away from the line of sealant you’re applying so you aren’t pushing into the sealant. Once you’ve applied silicone to the entire surface of the seam, dampen your finger or a silicone spreader tool and run it along the line of sealant to evenly spread it. [15]
    • If the silicone dries on your hands, remove it by scrubbing your hands with soap, water, and an abrasive, like pumice.
  5. Check your sealant’s packaging to determine how long to let it dry. Some sealants may appear to be dry within an hour or so, but in general, it takes at least 24 hours for the seal to fully set. If you have sealant left over in the tube, handyman Ryaan Tuttle explains how you can prevent it from drying out : “The old school trick is to put a nail in the end of it and tape it off.” [16]
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Section 3 of 4:

When to Use Silicone Sealant

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  1. Apply silicone sealant to prevent water from leaking into gaps. There are many different kinds of sealants, so it’s important to choose the type that is most appropriate for your project. Silicone sealant is known for its waterproof properties, so it generally works best for areas that are exposed to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. Apply it along seams and in gaps to prevent water from seeping into the surface. [17]
Section 4 of 4:

Silicone Sealant Product Recommendations

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  1. 1
    Newborn 250 Smooth Rod Revolving Frame Caulking Gun The Newborn 250 caulking gun makes applying caulk and sealant easy and smooth, as it has comfortable hand grips and a revolving frame, which makes it easy to caulk around corners. It has an 18:1 thrust ratio to easily dispense medium-viscosity caulk and a thumb release for dripless operation. [18]
  2. 2
    Gorilla Silicone Sealant Caulk The Gorilla brand silicone caulk is highly recommended for caulking showers, bathtubs , and other surfaces because it dries completely waterproof, shrink-proof, and crack-proof to create a mold-resistant barrier. It dries in just 30 minutes and has a barely noticeable, clear finish that won’t yellow over time due to the sealant’s mold-resistant formula. [19]
  3. 3
    TOPCCI Silicone Seam Tool The TOPCCI seam tool comes with four different tip sizes so you can smooth the sealant in any crack or crevice. It has an ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in your hand to prevent fatigue and discomfort, and its durable plastic means it can be reused for many projects.
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How can I speed up silicone drying time?


Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can you make silicone dry faster?
    Art Fricke
    Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
    Art Fricke is a home renovation and repair specialist and the owner of Art Tile & Renovation based in Austin, Texas. With over 10 years of experience, he specializes in bathroom and kitchen renovations. Art focuses on a single contractor approach to customized renovation work, and performs projects such as installing custom tile showers, fixing tiled shower leaks, replacing cracked tiles, and installing floor and wall tile.
    Art Fricke
    Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Silicone has to be exposed to air in order to cure. You can speed it up a little with heat and blowing air, like a blow dryer set to low or a fan, but really, you just have to let it do cure for about 24 hours. However, you can buy quick-drying caulk, which will cure in about 30 minutes.
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      Tips

      • If you don’t have a silicone gun or you’re having problems with your silicone tube, removing the sealant and putting it in something else, like a cake decorating bag or resealable plastic bag, is your best shot.
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      Warnings

      • Wash your hands thoroughly after using silicone sealants. Chemicals in some sealants can be toxic.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Silicone sealant
      • Silicone gun (optional)
      • Utility knife or scissors
      • Water
      • Scrap material
      • Cleaning supplies (cleaning brush, paper towels, etc.)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-use-a-caulk-gun/
      2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-use-a-caulk-gun/
      3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-use-a-caulk-gun/
      4. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/bathrooms/21015082/laying-down-a-perfect-bead
      5. ↑ Eric Shipe. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.
      6. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/bathrooms/21015082/laying-down-a-perfect-bead
      7. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/how-to-caulk-bathtub-shower-6824008
      8. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/renovation-project-secret-how-to-lay-a-perfect-bead-of-caulk-apartment-therapy-tutorials-200252
      9. ↑ Art Fricke. Home Renovation & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 14 August 2020.
      1. ↑ Art Fricke. Home Renovation & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 14 August 2020.
      2. ↑ Art Fricke. Home Renovation & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 14 August 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/bathrooms/21015082/laying-down-a-perfect-bead
      4. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/bathrooms/21015082/laying-down-a-perfect-bead
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/hG3aNaBMEMU?t=12
      6. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/renovation-project-secret-how-to-lay-a-perfect-bead-of-caulk-apartment-therapy-tutorials-200252
      7. ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/bathrooms/21015082/laying-down-a-perfect-bead
      9. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-caulking-gun/
      10. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-caulk-for-shower-or-bathtub/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Silicone sealant is used in many do-it-yourself projects and is easy to apply. Start by making sure your surface is clean and dry so the sealant will adhere properly. When you’re ready to use your sealant, cut the tip off the can at a 45-degree angle. Then, pull the tip of the sealant along the surface of the seam. Let the sealant dry for a full 24 hours so it fully sets. You can also use a silicone gun to apply your sealant. To load the tube of sealant, press down on the gun’s release tab and pull the pressure valve. Put the sealant in at an angle, making sure the nozzle of the tube is sticking out of the opposite end from the release tab and pressure tab. When you’re ready to apply your sealant, squeeze the trigger as evenly as possible as you drag the nozzle slowly along the seam. To learn how to adjust the trigger of your silicone gun so it’s calibrated with the size of your tube, keep reading!

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