Omar Khalid
Sealing a plastic bath is a simple way to refresh your bathroom and prevent water damage. The process involves removing old sealant, cleaning the area, and applying new silicone sealant with a caulking gun. It's important to fill the bath with water first to add weight and ensure the sealant doesn't crack later. You should also use masking tape to create clean lines and a smooth finish. After applying the sealant, you need to smooth it off with a tool or your finger and allow it to cure for several hours or a day. Sealing a bath can help prevent leaks and water damage, as well as unwanted mould growth.
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the area by cleaning and drying the bath
To seal around a plastic bath, it is important to prepare the area by cleaning and drying the bath. This step is crucial as dirt and dust can impact the sealant's ability to adhere to the surface, leading to potential issues such as bacteria growth. Here is a step-by-step guide to effectively clean and dry the area before sealing your plastic bath:
Clean the Bath:
Start by removing any old sealant or grout using a craft knife, a sealant remover tool, or a caulking gun. Be cautious not to scratch or damage the surface of the bath and surrounding tiles. An old toothbrush or a soft scrubbing brush can be useful for this step, ensuring that you don't use anything too abrasive. Once the majority of the old sealant is removed, use a damp cloth or your finger to rub off any remaining residue. If needed, put on some gloves and use a cloth with white spirit to help lift stubborn sealant residue.
Dry the Area:
After cleaning, it is crucial to ensure the area is completely dry before applying the new sealant. Use paper towels or blue roll to thoroughly dry the cleaned surfaces. Pay particular attention to the areas where the sealant will be applied, as any remaining moisture can affect the adhesion of the new sealant.
Prepare the Work Area:
Before sealing, it is recommended to use masking tape to mark the area to be sealed. Place the tape around the edge of the bath, at least 3mm from the wall, to ensure a neat finish. This step will help you achieve clean lines and prevent excess sealant from getting onto your tiles.
Final Checks:
Once the area is cleaned, dried, and taped off, perform a final inspection to ensure no dust, dirt, or moisture remains. You can create a soapy water solution using washing-up liquid and water in a spray bottle to help identify any potential leaks or points of failure. This step ensures that the surface is optimally prepared for the new sealant.
By following these steps, you will effectively prepare the area around your plastic bath, ensuring a clean and dry surface that is ready for sealing. Remember to wear safety gear, such as gloves and protective eyewear, throughout the process to safeguard against any potential hazards.
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Choose the right sealant and cut the nozzle
Before you begin sealing your plastic bath, it is important to choose the right sealant and prepare the nozzle for application.
Firstly, select a sealant that is suitable for your needs. Bathroom sealant comes in a range of colours and formulations, so consider the specific requirements of your bathroom. For example, if you are concerned about mould, choose a mould-resistant sealant. It is also essential to opt for a waterproof sealant to protect your bath from leaks and prevent water from seeping underneath the tub, which can lead to unwanted mould and damage to walls and floors. High-quality sealants that are properly applied and maintained can last for over ten years, so it is worth investing in a reputable product.
Once you have chosen your sealant, prepare the tube for use. Cut the top off the silicone sealant tube using a sharp knife, being careful to avoid any injuries. Then, cut the end of the nozzle at a slight angle, typically as close to a 45-degree angle as possible. This angled cut will make the application process much easier. Take your time during this step to ensure a precise cut, as it will impact the ease and accuracy of your sealant application.
After cutting the nozzle, you can attach it to a caulking gun or sealant gun, which will help you apply the sealant evenly and smoothly. Some sealants come with a built-in applicator, so check your product's instructions to see if an additional gun is required.
With your sealant prepared, you can move on to the next steps of the sealing process, which include cleaning the area, filling the bath, and applying the sealant.
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Apply masking tape to ensure clean lines
When sealing around a plastic bath, applying masking tape is an optional but handy step to ensure clean lines with straight edges. It is especially useful if you are applying bath sealant for the first time or tend to make a mess of it.
Before applying the masking tape, clean the area around the bath using a wet wipe or damp cloth to remove any dirt. Make sure the area is dry after cleaning, using blue roll or paper towels.
Now, place the masking tape around the edge of the bath, marking where you will apply the silicone sealant. Work from the back corner of the bath (the corner furthest from the bathroom door), and keep the tape at least 3mm from the wall. This will ensure a neat finish to the silicone.
Once you have applied the silicone sealant, remove the masking tape while the sealant is still wet. If there is any excess sealant, wipe it away with an old rag or kitchen roll.
Allow the new sealant to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions, which may take several hours to a day. Do not use the bath or shower until the new application has fully cured to ensure the best results and a fully waterproof seal.
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Fill the bath to add weight
Filling the bath with water before sealing it is a crucial step in the sealing process. The weight of the water in the bath ensures that the sealant won't crack when the bath is used later. This is because when a bath is filled, it exerts a lot of weight, and you want to make sure that you are applying the silicone sealant when there is weight in the bath. This gives a real representation of how the sealant will perform compared to an empty bath.
The bath should be filled up to two-thirds of its capacity. Once the bath has some weight in it, you can begin to apply the silicone sealant. It is recommended to start at one corner of the bath and work towards the other corner to prevent applying new sealant over old sealant. Hold the caulk gun at a 45-degree angle and apply consistent pressure, moving at a slow, even pace. This will allow you to run a smooth bead of silicone along the edge of the bath.
After applying the sealant, you will need to smooth it off using a caulk smoothing tool or your finger. Some people suggest dipping your finger in soapy water or using a wet round-ended tool like a wooden spoon. This step helps shape the sealant edge at an angle, ensuring that water sheds back into the bath.
Once you have smoothed the sealant, you need to wait for it to set. The length of time this takes will depend on the type of sealant used, but it typically takes around 24 hours. During this time, leave the water in the bath. After the sealant has set, you can empty the bath, and your bath is now sealed and ready to use!
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Apply the sealant with a caulking gun
To apply the sealant with a caulking gun, start by filling the bath with water to about two-thirds full. This adds weight to the bath, preventing the sealant from cracking later when the weight of the water and a person is added. Next, cut the top off the silicone sealant tube with a Stanley knife, being careful to avoid any injuries. Then, cut the end of the nozzle at a slight angle of about 45 degrees. After cutting the nozzle, insert the tube into the caulking gun. Now, you are ready to apply the sealant.
Hold the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle and apply consistent pressure while moving at a slow, steady pace. Start in one corner of the bath and work your way to the other corner in one smooth motion. This ensures you apply the sealant in one go and prevents applying new sealant over old sealant. Squeeze the trigger of the caulking gun gently to release the sealant, maintaining even pressure as you move the gun smoothly around the bath.
Once you have applied the sealant, use a caulking smoothing tool or your finger to smooth it out. Some people suggest dipping your finger in soapy water or white spirit, or wrapping an antibacterial wipe or cling film around your finger to prevent the sealant from getting on your skin. Smoothing the sealant at an angle will help guide water back towards the bath.
Finally, allow the sealant to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions, which may take several hours or up to a day. Do not use the bath or shower until the sealant has fully cured to ensure the best results and a fully waterproof seal.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a silicone sealant, a caulking gun, masking tape, a craft knife, a smoothing tool, and gloves.
Clean the bath and the surrounding area with a wet wipe or damp cloth. Ensure the area is dry, then apply masking tape around the bath to mark where you will put your silicone.
Cut the tip of the nozzle of your sealant at a 45-degree angle, then put the tube into the caulking gun. Starting at one corner, hold the gun at an angle and gently squeeze to apply a steady bead of sealant along the joint. Apply consistent pressure and move at a slow, even pace.
Smooth the sealant with a smoothing tool or your finger. You can dip your finger in soapy water or wrap an antibacterial wipe around it to prevent the sealant from getting on your skin. Allow the sealant to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions, then pour water over the seal to check for leaks.
