Bath Sealant

The need to use sealants when renovating a bathroom is obvious to everyone. The main task of the sealant is to prevent water from entering the gap between the bathtub and the wall, or between the sink and the wall. Also, with a full-fledged bathroom renovation, it may be necessary to fill cracks in the wall material and seal pipe connections. For all these purposes, a special sealant for the bathroom is used, but in order to choose the right sealant for the bathroom, it is necessary to understand what the compositions of silicone sealants are and how they differ from each other. We will talk about this in our article.

Bath sealant release form

To begin with, it is worth paying attention to the form of release of this material. At the moment in the store you can find several types of sealant:

• A regular tube. The tube usually comes with a tapered-nosed cap. The mass of the composition in a tube ranges from 60 to 100 grams. By itself. sometimes a small amount of the composition is required, but it is impossible to squeeze out an even strip of sealant from such a tube and it must be rubbed and leveled.
• Tubes for a construction gun. This package has a larger volume in comparison with a tube - 300 ml, but you can also find tubes for 500 ml. It is much easier to work with this type, since with the help of a tube gun, you can control the force, and you will have to correct such a silicone less.
• Aluminum tube(sausage) or buckets of various capacities. This type is used only for professional work.

High humidity in the bathroom is inevitable. It leads to the gradual destruction of unprotected parts of decoration and furniture, creates favorable conditions for the occurrence of mold and mildew. In this case, the joints of those surfaces where water often gets into suffer especially.

Previously, in order to prevent the destructive effect of moisture, grout was used, and now the problem is solved with the help of sanitary sealants.

Peculiarities

These compounds completely fill gaps and cracks, prevent mold growth, and are resistant to temperature fluctuations and water. Craftsmen use them to strengthen the fixing of plumbing to the wall or floor. In addition, sealants are also used for outdoor work.

The sealants include: polymer base (silicone, acrylic, polyurethane), adhesion enhancers, plasticizers, dyes. Some have antiseptic additives. There are products with organic solvents and mineral oils. The base substance determines the characteristics of the sealant, its area of ​​use, advantages and disadvantages.

Sealing agents differ not only in composition, but also in packaging.

• Tubes containing 60 to 100 grams of sealant. Sold with a cone nozzle. The advantage of packaging is small volume: there is no need to overpay for a larger amount of sealant when you need to close one gap. But it is inconvenient to work with tubes, since it is difficult to control the pressure force.
• Tubes with a volume of 300-600 milliliters for a construction gun. The most convenient form of packaging for household needs. Using a pistol allows you to distribute the composition more evenly.
• Aluminum tubes, buckets and barrels. Suitable only for professionals. Such volumes will be excessive even for owners of private houses.

Most often, you can see white or transparent products. In fact, their color range is wider - up to 20 colors. If desired, you can find sealants in black, gray, brown, blue, green.

Views

Let's start a detailed review of the types of sealing compounds with the most demanded ones - based on silicone. They are acidic (acetic) and neutral. Acidic ones are cheaper, but they have a serious drawback - a pungent odor. When working with them, it is necessary to constantly ventilate the room. Another important point: the scope of their application is limited to materials that do not oxidize (ceramics, glass, plastic, stainless steel). And metals deteriorate during contact with acetic sealants.

Aquarium sealants also belong to acidic compounds - this is a specific group, they are used only for working with glass.

Some examples of acidic sealants:

• Ceresit 25 - reliably protects against microorganisms, is well distributed over smooth and porous surfaces, holds tiles, glass, enamel;
• Bison silicone universal - refers to waterproof, even withstand the action of sea water, dries up in 15 minutes;
• Ottoseal s100 - the appearance of the seam remains unchanged for 4–5 years, 16 colors to choose from;
• Tytan silicone sanitary - its composition is improved with bactericidal substances;

There are no acids in neutral sealants. Once on the surface, they do not enter into a chemical reaction with the material. This makes the work more pleasant, but the price of these compounds is also higher.

Some of them:

• Somafix construction is a rare white compound that does not turn yellow;
• Ravak Professional - with anti-fungal additives;
• Lugato Wie Gummi is also bactericidal, the palette has sixteen colors.

The good thing about silicone formulations is that they:

• durable, do not change color over time;
• tolerate high humidity and sudden temperature changes;
• create reliable adhesion to various surfaces, including metal, plastic, glass, ceramics;
• elastic, and therefore they can be used when processing movable joints: a wall joint with a bath or shower, downpipes;
• dry within 30 minutes, finally harden in 36–48 hours.

But the compounds in this group can be affected by the fungus. To protect joints in very humid rooms, it is better to use sanitary or aquarium compounds with antiseptic additives. Sanitary sealant is most suitable for protecting joints that are frequently exposed to water.

Acrylic sealants are less suitable for bathroom work. When dry, they shrink strongly, so the seam, which is often in contact with water, leaks. The connection turns out to be tough and unreliable: it collapses already at a stretch of 10%.

Acrylic and steel bathtubs (or shower trays) change size slightly when heated, which makes the connection to the wall moveable. The acrylic sealant layer will crack soon.

But for filling cracks, cracks and other fixed joints, it is convenient to use such compositions. They can also be used to process the edges of furniture and the gap between the sink and the wall.

Advantages of acrylic sealants:

• chemically neutral composition, does not react with surfaces, is not hazardous to health;
• have good adhesion to plastic, glass, metal, concrete, brick and other building materials;
• dries up in 15–20 minutes, hardens in a day;
• on top you can apply putty, paint, varnish;
• withstands temperatures from -20 to +80 degrees.

Another nice thing is that acrylic compounds are cheaper than others. But the composition for the bathroom must necessarily be moisture resistant, even if water does not constantly flow onto it: the product may suffer from condensation or accidental splashes.

Here are examples of acrylic formulations:

• KIM TEC Silacryl 121 is a moisture resistant sealant that can withstand prolonged exposure to water;
• Dap Alex Plus - highly elastic siliconized acrylic compound with fungicides;
• "Moment Herment", Penosil - for sealing cracks and joints that do not interact with water.

However, manufacturers have found a way to "bring to mind" the compositions of acrylic: they made them siliconized. Silicone acrylic sealants are more flexible and last longer than acrylic sealants and are just as harmless. In addition, they can be used to glue different surfaces.

Another group of products is polyurethane. For adhesion strength, they are called adhesive sealants.

In addition, they differ:

• elasticity;
• lack of drying shrinkage;
• resistance to low temperatures, ultraviolet light, humidity.

But working with these compounds in the bathroom is difficult: their poor adhesion to plastics will interfere. They will qualitatively close the joint between the wall and a metal bathtub or faience washbasin, but in order to install an acrylic bathtub, you will have to look for another remedy.

There are other restrictions as well:

• the moisture level of the treated surface should not exceed 10%, otherwise a preliminary primer will be required;
• the maximum permissible temperature in the area of ​​use is +120 degrees.

Compounds with polyurethane are preferred over acrylic. And when choosing between compositions with polyurethane or silicone, it is advisable to focus on the surface material and the location of the seams.

Polyurethane sealants have no odor, but they are dangerous to the skin, so before work, it is advisable to stock up on protective equipment: gloves, a mask.

A few examples:

• Polyurethane 50 FC - dries in 10 minutes, creates good adhesion to plastic;
• Bostik PU 2638 - adhesive sealant, available in white, gray, brown and black;
• Tytan rubber - well suited for repairing joints made with silicone compounds.

A new type of products - with MS polymers - combines the properties of silicone and polyurethane sealants. These products form strong but elastic connections. The seams can withstand up to 25% stretch. They have good adhesion to all building materials, including plastic. They do not spread, they fit equally well on horizontal and vertical surfaces. Thanks to this, they are convenient to handle shower cabins.

Let's list the rest of the properties:

• practically odorless, there are no solvents in the composition;
• dry at room temperature within 10-30 minutes;
• do not deteriorate under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, do not fade over time;
• withstand prolonged contact with fresh and salt water;
• block the development of mold and mildew;
• treated seams can be painted.

Means with MS polymers are available from many large manufacturers. Among them:

• 1000 usos - has anti-mold properties, available in 10 colors;
• Bisin MS Polymer - glues any materials: from glass to brick, from rubber to iron;
• Soudaseal 240 FX - suitable for bathrooms, toilets and kitchens, cures in 10 minutes;
• Bostic Soperfix - waterproof, indispensable for work under water, in rooms with very humid air (even in swimming pools);
• Tecfix MS 441 - protects against chlorine and sea water, there are additives against microorganisms.

The compositions may differ due to additives that impart certain properties. The price of such sealants is higher, but the quality of the joints fully justifies it.

The only drawback of these formulations is that they cannot be removed with a solvent.

Scope of application

People are often interested in which areas of the bathroom need to be treated with sealants and how to choose the right product in each case. In this we will figure it out now.

First of all, you need to protect the cracks from water:

• near a bath or shower, where they border the floor and walls;
• the wall and back of the washbasin;
• between the floor and the toilet.

A universal remedy for this is silicone sealant. You can use formulations with polyurethane or MS-polymers. But it is better not to use acrylic: the seams will quickly deteriorate.

Sealant adhesives will replace conventional adhesives.

This property can be used:

• when assembling sewers - they increase the strength of the connections;
• for the treatment of the shower stall - they fill the gap between the door and the tray so that during washing the water does not run down to the floor;
• when decorating walls with tiles - if you want to glue tiles to metal, plastic, plywood, drywall, chipboard;
• for repairing cracks in tiles and cracks along door jambs, fixing a ceiling plinth - an acrylic compound will better cope with this task.

You can also use a sealant as a grout: fill the joints between the tiles with it. The connection will be more elastic and durable. If you want to revive the interior a little, buy a colored sealant. You can choose a color that is in contrast to the tile or is similar in color, but different in shade.

Sealants are also useful in the kitchen. They process all kinds of joints around the sink, protect pipe connections, and use them instead of glue. Also, sealants are needed when you need to change plumbing equipment.

Criterias of choice

Experts say that the right sealant will greatly increase the chance of getting long-lasting and beautiful seams. This is especially true for the bathroom. Constant fluctuations in temperature, humid air, a high risk of mold - not every composition will pass these tests.

There are a few things to consider when shopping for a sealant to increase your chances of not wasting your money.

• In rooms with high humidity, it is recommended to use only moisture-resistant compounds, and preferably with a fungicide that stops the growth of fungus.
• It is more convenient to work with a product with a thick pasty consistency, especially on vertical surfaces.
• Most of the white sealants turn yellow, but this does not happen with transparent ones.
• In a good product, the volume of additional components does not exceed 10%. Then they will not affect the insulating properties.

• It is better to choose not the cheapest, but high-quality sealant from a trusted manufacturer (Ceresit, Belinka, CIKI Fix, TYTAN, Moment).
• If there is a choice between a professional and reliable household composition, it is better to dwell on the second: it is easier to work with it in everyday life.

How to apply?

The sealing process can be roughly divided into three parts: preparation of products and surfaces, application of sealant and finishing. Do not skip the first and last parts of the process - the results of hastily carried out work will have to be redone more than once.

Remove from the surface anything that could impair adhesion and provoke fungus and mold: dirt, remnants of the old sealant. Some masters advise degreasing it with alcohol or nail polish remover. After that, everything must be wiped off, and the deep seams must be dried with a hairdryer. Traces of acrylic and silicone compounds can be easily cleaned with solvents (Penta-840, Silicone Remover and others). Residual polyurethane sealant can be wiped off with a wire brush.

Sealing the seam between the bathroom and the wall can be done in various ways: using ceramic or plastic decorative corners, using special mixtures based on cement and synthetic sealants. The latter method is considered universal, the easiest, cheapest and most reliable. Modern technologies make it possible to produce materials with high adhesion to surfaces, resistant to moisture, inhibiting the development of microorganisms.

Varieties of sealants

Type of	Brief performance characteristics
	They are most popular, they are distinguished by high rates of adhesion to polymers, natural enamel, ceramic tiles and other building materials. They can be acidic and neutral. Acidic ones are not recommended for use in residential premises, neutral ones are used for bathrooms. Sealants withstand temperatures in the range of + 500 ° С -50 ° С. The disadvantage is that they are very soft.
	The cheapest are the cheapest, odorless, approved for use without restrictions. They are not afraid of direct contact with water. The disadvantage is that plasticity decreases over time. As a result, as a result of thermal expansion, microcracks appear, in which dirt accumulates, leaks may appear. Requires periodic repair or replacement.
	Made of silicone and acrylic for improved physical properties. All the positive qualities of the constituent materials have been preserved. They are not afraid of the effects of water, they compensate for thermal strains, and have an increased service life. They can be used for sealing joints both in open premises and in the open air. They do not react to harsh ultraviolet radiation.
	The most modern sealants have excellent adhesion rates, occupy a leading position in terms of stability and durability. They harden quickly when exposed to moisture in the air. Polyurethane sealants are used not only for sealing bathtubs, but also for fixing various decorative elements during construction and repair plumbing work.

The quality of the sealant depends not only on the constituent parts, but also on the manufacturer. The higher its technological equipment, the more responsible the employees, the better the quality of its products. We will list several companies that have a positive reputation among numerous consumers.

Name	Approximate cost	Physical and performance characteristics
	150 rubles	The most famous brand on the European continent, the company has its own scientific laboratory, produces a wide range of sealants for various purposes. In addition to silicones, antifungal additives are added to the mixture - the reproduction of microflora is inhibited. Sealants have excellent adhesion to ceramic tiles and enamel coatings. They do not emit harmful chemical compounds into the air, they are operated in a wide temperature range. They can have different colors.
	160 rubles	Silicone sealants with pronounced anti-fungal properties can be used in very humid and warm rooms, mold and fungi do not grow on the surface. The material has a thick consistency, which makes it possible to close relatively wide gaps. Does not shrink much after drying.
	130-300 rubles	They can be acrylic or silicone, the physical parameters depend on the material of manufacture. In terms of consumer properties, they occupy an average position. They are not afraid of direct contact with water, they are distinguished by good plasticity, which minimizes the risk of microcracks.
	150 rubles	Shrinkage is minimal, sealing can be done in one technological pass. They have excellent adhesion to ceramic coatings and guarantee homogeneous filling of gaps without air pockets. If necessary, a second layer can be applied, it is repairable. The assortment has a full range of all types of sealants.
	150 rubles	Special sealant for hospitals, public canteens, kitchens, childcare facilities. Has the largest amount of fungicides, inhibits all pathogenic microorganisms. The seams do not lose their original appearance during the entire period of use.
	590 rubles	Modern universal adhesive sealant, used during the installation of shower cabins and sealing the joints of bathtubs. Differs in high adhesion to all surfaces, inhibits the reproduction of harmful microflora. In terms of hardness, it is not inferior to those of mixtures based on gypsum. Used by professional plumbing fitters.
	70 rubles	The lowest price is fully consistent with the same quality. It is used not only for sealing bathtubs, but also for gluing individual architectural elements. It is afraid of ultraviolet radiation, ages quickly and loses its original properties. Recommended for use as a temporary substitute for better quality sealants.
	200 rubles	In all respects, it satisfies the most demanding consumers, can be used as a basic or restoration material. Excellent ductility, high strength, high adhesion to all materials. Does not lose its properties under ultraviolet rays, is not afraid of high temperatures and water. In terms of durability, it occupies a leading position; it is used by professional plumbers during the installation and repair of equipment.

grout ceresit cs 25

This is only a part of the manufacturers, we have chosen the most famous ones. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account the maximum number of individual characteristics of both the sealant itself and the place of its use.

How to choose the best sealant

It is recommended not to skimp on sealant. The hope that emerging mold will be removed in a timely manner is often in vain. Sealants should not only have high physical indicators of strength and adhesion, but also have anti-fungal properties. It is better to purchase professional materials, although their price is the highest. One tube is enough to seal the bathtub, its cost will not have a noticeable effect on the price of finishing work in the bathroom. The leftovers are hermetically sealed and stored for a long time. You can use such a sealant in various cases, it will always come in handy for craftsmen.

Application technology

Performance indicators largely depend on compliance with the application technology. Do not skip operations, follow all professional advice and manufacturer's recommendations.

For the production of work, you will need masking tape, sealant, clean rags, solvent, and a narrow spatula. It is advisable to purchase a special attachment. It fits over the tube and allows you to create a flat surface of the sealant. After the nozzle, an even seam is obtained; with a little practice, additional alignment is not required.

Step 1. Clean the joint between the bathroom and the wall from dirt, dust and grease. To do this, use detergents, rinse the surfaces thoroughly after cleaning. Make sure that a lot of water does not get into the gap between the bathroom and the wall, use washcloths.

If you need to remove old sealant, there are two methods you can apply.

1. Mechanical. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the joints of the sealant to the bathtub and wall. Pry a strip with the end of a knife and tear it off. If small pieces remain on the surfaces, they can be scraped off. It is very convenient to use razor blades, but not new stainless ones, but old ones. In new ones, the sharp ends bend and they stop cutting. The old ones do not have such a disadvantage.
2. Chemical. The sealant is soaked in a special solvent or acetone. The surface is abundantly and several times moistened, time is given for softening (about 5-10 minutes), the old sealant is removed with a rag or wooden sticks. It is necessary to work with active chemical compounds in respiratory protection equipment. After removal, there are traces left - repeat the procedure again and so on until the old composition is completely cleaned. Sealant solvents are available as pastes, liquids, or aerosols.

Make sure the surface is completely dry. Dry with a hairdryer to guarantee.

Step 2. Cut off the end of the tube, screw on the spout. The nose should be cut at an angle of 45 °, during sealing, the cut should cover the gap as much as possible. The cut diameter depends on the width of the slot. The ideal option is a gap a few millimeters narrower, in which case you can get a flat surface of the sealant in one pass, nothing needs to be leveled and cleaned up. But this is not always the case, in some cases it is necessary to fill the gap in several passes. If the sealant fails, then you can first fill the gap with paper or a sponge, and leave no more than 5 mm of free space for the sealant. It will hold the liquid material until it solidifies. Of course, this is not the best option for sealing; it is better to seal wide gaps with cement mortars or special decorative ceramic corners.

Step 3. Insert the prepared sealant tube into a special gun.

Make several taps with the handle until the sealant comes out of the spout, remove the excess. It is advisable to draw several lines on the waste, in this way you can get at least a little practical experience. If your hands are shaking, call an assistant. You will never be able to beautifully and reliably close up the space.

Step 4. Cover the surface of the wall and side of the bathtub with masking tape.

Make every effort to keep the tape flat, without bends or gaps. It is necessary to remove the tape immediately after leveling the surface of the sealant, otherwise difficulties will arise. The scotch tape will undermine the thin edges of the sealant, water will get into the blasts, the sealant will peel off completely very soon, and a complete replacement will be required.

Practical advice. If the gap is not wide and you have enough experience to fill it evenly with the sealant, then you can skip pasting. The sealant will align perfectly with your finger.

Step 5. Attach the cut spout (or a special nozzle) as tightly as possible to the gap between the bathtub and the wall, slowly push the handle and at the same time guide the tube along the bathtub. An even layer of sealant should appear at the exit. The tracking speed depends on the depth and width of the slot. Squeeze out the sealant without stopping, filling the gap must be done continuously. Every stop will be visible.

• if the joint width does not exceed 5–7 mm and the surface is even, then it is better to align with the index finger. Do not press it strongly against the material, the touch should be light and even along the entire length. Wipe off excess sealant periodically with a rag. The finger must be clean;
• if the seam width is more than 7–8 millimeters, then the sealant must be applied several times, it is very difficult to align such a wide strip with a finger. Use a rubber or metal spatula. Practitioners recommend working with a metal spatula. Why? It has sharp corners, during leveling, they completely cut off the flat surface from excess on the wall and side of the bath. Then you can easily remove these excess with the tip of a knife. No work experience - use masking tape.

The final result

Video - Types of bath sealants

Bath Sealant - elastic compound for sealing joints. The mixture is used to prevent water from entering the gap between the wall and the sides of the bath, as well as between the drain hole and the siphon. For this, various types of polymer-based sealants are used. Sealing seams with moisture-resistant compounds is reliable, easy to perform and versatile.

Modern insulating materials have good adhesion to the surface, they are resistant to moisture and the development of microorganisms. The editorial board of "Plumber Portal" will tell you in detail about all types of insulating compounds. To understand which sealant is best for your bath, you need to know how they differ.

Forms of release of insulating compounds

The waterproof bath sealant comes in several varieties:

1. In an ordinary tube with a cap and a tapered spout. The mass of such a product is about 60-100 grams. It is used when you need to seal a small area. It is difficult to squeeze a thin and uniform strip out of the tube. We'll have to rub the gap, level the layer and wipe off the rest of the composition.
2. Tubes for a construction gun. They are characterized by a large volume - 280-320 ml or 500-600 ml. It is easier to work with such products, since you can control the thickness of the strip by the degree of force. It will also have to be corrected, but much less.
3. Aluminum tube (sausage), buckets of various sizes and barrels. It is not used in private housing construction, these are professional volumes.

The most practical home option for bathroom seams is to use the substance in a construction gun tube. This is the optimal form of release for sealing joints with your own hands.

Features of the use of acrylic sealants

Acrylic sealant is used to fill voids and cracks in a variety of building materials (brick, concrete, etc.). This material is excellent for gluing fixed joints (gaps between the jamb and the wall, sealing joints in pipes). This mixture is used to treat the unprotected edges of the furniture installed in the bathroom, and also to fill the joints between the sink and the wall.

These are the most budgetary insulating compounds. At the same time, acrylic sealant has good technical characteristics, among which the following properties are worth highlighting:

1. Does not contain hazardous toxic components.
2. Chemically neutral.
3. Good adhesion to concrete, brick, plastic, glass, metal, wood and its derivatives MDF, chipboard, plywood.
4. Temperature range from -20 ° C to + 80 ° C and more.
5. Withstands long-term exposure to low amplitude vibration.
6. Suitable for use in mechanics and mechanical engineering when installing devices.
7. After hardening, the seam is inelastic, destruction begins only at a stretch of 10-12%.
8. Relatively fast drying.
9. The dried surface can be painted or varnished.

In general, the acrylic sealant has good performance especially considering the low cost and safety for human health. You can work with acrylic-based mixtures without protective equipment. In addition, the insulation work is accelerated due to the quick hardening of the compound inside the joint.

There are also disadvantages. The mixture shrinks as it dries. As a result, on contact with liquid, the seam leaks. Therefore, such a composition is best used to connect joints that do not come into direct contact with water. Another disadvantage is that the surface must be primed before applying the mixture to ensure maximum adhesion and a leak-proof joint.

Another drawback is the excessive rigidity of the earned seam. When expanding more than 12%, the material will burst. That is, it is not worth using an acrylic sealant to seal the junction of a bath or shower tray with a wall. But you can process the bathtub skirting from below for better adhesion to the wall surface. Under load, the seam changes its size, so the joint must be elastic so as not to collapse.

In addition, the acrylic mixture in the bathroom quickly loses its whiteness and turns yellow. It is better to use a colorless or colored (there are such) product. Another nuisance is the active multiplication of fungi and bacteria in a humid environment on acrylic sealant without antiseptic additives. There are products with an antibacterial composition, but they are also not suitable for constant contact with liquid.

When choosing, it is worth remembering that there are waterproof and non-waterproof products. To use acrylic sealant in the bathroom, you need to take a waterproof one. Even in areas where water cannot come into contact with it, the composition absorbs moisture from the environment. There are also acrylic mixtures designed for direct contact with liquid, but their other characteristics are much weaker.

Using silicone sealants

Bathroom silicone sealant is very popular. In addition to joining plumbing fixtures with supporting structures, it is used for:

• insulation of joints of wood, glass, metal, plastic, ceramics;
• fastening drywall to walls and ceilings;
• for pipeline installation.

In terms of composition, silicone mixtures can be acidic and neutral.

The cost of acidic products is cheaper, but it is problematic to work with them indoors - there is a strong chemical smell until the moment of complete hardening. Another negative side of acidic compositions is that when in contact with metals, the material quickly oxidizes. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it for sealing cast-iron and steel baths.

Neutral silicone sealant does not react with any materials, therefore the area of ​​their use is wider. However, this complicates the production technology, and the final cost of the product increases accordingly.

Both acidic and neutral formulations may or may not be waterproof. Only waterproof silicone sealant is suitable for connecting the bathtub to the walls and connecting the drain to the siphon.

They are also divided into one-component and two-component. For home use, as a rule, choose one-component, which does not need to be mixed immediately before application.

The main positive characteristics of silicone sealants:

1. Good adhesion. They can be used for the impermeability of joints of plastic, wooden and stone window sills, when installing a built-in slab, sink and other devices in the countertop.
2. Increased resistance to high temperatures. Silicone sealant glue can be used to seal the joints around the chimney.
3. Resistance to liquids, used to ensure the tightness of the joints of bathrooms and showers, sinks and other plumbing fixtures with walls.

The main advantage of silicone mixtures is that after hardening, the seam remains sufficiently elastic. It does not crack from pressure or stretching when processing a wall joint with an acrylic or steel bathtub.

The main disadvantage is the susceptibility to the emergence and reproduction of the fungus. To solve the problems, a sanitary silicone sealant with antiseptic additives is used. Waterproof silicone sealants for aquariums and special plumbing compounds also have antibacterial properties.

Polyurethane sealant

Polyurethane sealants perform best when applied externally. They are resistant to temperature extremes, ultraviolet radiation and high humidity. Polyurethane compounds can be used in the bathroom, toilet and kitchen, as well as on open or closed, but not heated balconies and loggias.

Polyurethane-based insulating compounds can be used outdoors at sub-zero temperatures (down to -10 ° C). The ability to work in frost is the main and advantage of polyurethane sealants over analogues.

Other advantages of polyurethane formulations:

1. Good adhesion property, which is why they are called adhesive sealant
2. Elasticity after drying.
3. Water resistance.
4. No shrinkage and deformation during drying.
5. High adhesion adheres to metals, brick, concrete, stone, glass and wood.
6. Most formulations can be painted over after drying.
7. There are also colorless mixtures that create a more accurate seam.

There are also disadvantages:

1. Poor adhesion to plastic, which reduces strength when sealing acrylic or plastic products.
2. It is forbidden to use in areas with surface heating above + 120 ° C.
3. It is applied only on dry surfaces with a moisture content not exceeding 10%. When processing wet areas, they must first be primed.

Poor adhesion to plastic fittings imposes restrictions on the use of polyurethane sealants. They are suitable for insulating the joints of a steel or cast iron bathtub with a wall, stone, earthenware or glass sinks.

These types of sealing mixtures belong to general construction compositions. Many of them are perfect for sealing interpanel joints in multi-storey buildings and similar work.

Compositions with MS polymers

Some experts consider this to be the best bath sealant. Due to the combination of the characteristics of silicone and polyurethane compounds, this mixture reliably protects the joints from leakage, forming elastic and strong joints.

The main advantage of sealants based on MS polymers is their high adhesion, but they also have other quality characteristics:

1. Excellent adhesion to all building materials without the need for prior priming.
2. Free of chemical solvents, safe and almost odorless.
3. They dry quickly and harden even at sub-zero temperatures.
4. Remains elastic when dry (elasticity range 25%).
5. Can be painted after polymerization.
6. They do not crack under the influence of UV radiation.
7. Waterproof, can be used in fresh and salt water.
8. When applied, they do not spread, on vertical and horizontal, inclined surfaces, a neat seam is easily created.
9. The anti-fungal component effectively counteracts the growth of mold and microbes.

Among the disadvantages are the following:

1. High cost, but it is justified, since over time the seam does not crack or leak.
2. During the period of operation, the surface of the white seam may turn yellow, while the quality of the joint will remain. You can remove yellowness with refined gasoline.
3. If the mixture hardens, it can only be removed mechanically. No solvents act on it.

Almost every manufacturer has MS sealants for the bathroom, and with different additives that give the compositions special characteristics. Therefore, this type of sealant is used to treat the junction of a bathroom or shower stall with a wall. In the case of a shower cabin, it is also good because it does not slip when applied vertically.

Another positive point - most of the compositions have a pasty consistency, which lays down evenly, does not bubble. After application to the initial curing (skin formation), the applied sealant can be easily leveled to the desired shape.

Which sealant to choose for your bath?

Choosing which sealant is best for the bathroom is necessary for specific purposes. Then you can choose the ideal properties.

For example, the best sealants for acrylic bathtubs are MS polymer-based compounds that are ideal for sealing plumbing fixtures to walls. A silicone and polyurethane sealing product with antibacterial additives does a good job of this.

Polyurethane is the best choice compared to bathroom acrylic. It retains elasticity, does not crack. When compared with a silicone mixture, it is difficult to unequivocally answer which one is better. The advantage of silicone is good adhesion even to plastic, and polyurethane is odorless.

For attaching the mirror to the bathroom wall, a neutral silicone sealant is the best choice. Acidic can be used to process cuts of countertops, furniture edges, which are constantly exposed to moisture.

If you need to stick loose ceramic tiles in the bathroom, a polyurethane product or with MC polymers will come in handy. Due to their fast bonding ability, they will almost instantly fix the part in place. Since the compositions do not shrink during polymerization, there is no risk of damage to the tile.

If you need a sealant for sealing pipe connections in a bathroom, you need to take into account the material from which the pipeline is made. For steel and cast iron lines, a neutral silicone, polyurethane and MS polymer composition is used. For plastic and metal-plastic products, it is better not to use polyurethane, but here a silicone mixture is more suitable.

When arranging a bathroom in a wooden house, the walls, as a rule, are sheathed with moisture-resistant plasterboard. But since the building is constantly moving in height, a gap remains between the ceiling and the gypsum board to compensate for these changes. To prevent moisture from entering the gap, it is filled with silicone and MS-polymer compounds, which are highly elastic.

To solve the problem of blackening of the seams, you need to choose formulations with antibacterial additives . There are also specialty sanitary sealants with antifungal properties.

For each type of construction, installation and finishing works, a certain type of sealant is used. The best in terms of versatility is the blend based on MS polymers.

The site consultants recommend not saving when choosing a sealing material. Compositions should not only have high physical indicators of strength and adhesion, but also have anti-fungal properties. Better to buy professional sealants. although their cost is the greatest. To seal the joints in the bathroom, one tube is enough; its purchase will not have a noticeable effect on the cost of all finishing work.

Bathroom sealant technology

Performance indicators largely depend on compliance with the application technology. Do not skip operations, follow all professional advice and manufacturer's recommendations. For the production of work, you will need masking tape, sealant, a clean rag, solvent, and a narrow spatula.

We recommend purchasing a special attachment. It fits over the tube and allows you to create a flat surface of the sealant. It turns out an even seam, with a little practice of work, additional alignment is not required.

Preparation of the base. If you need to remove old sealant, you can use one of the following methods:

• Mechanical. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the joints of the sealant to the bathtub and the wall. Pry off the strip with the end of a knife and tear it off. If small pieces remain on the surfaces, they can be scraped off. It is very convenient to use razor blades, but not new stainless ones, but old ones. With new blades, the sharp ends bend over and stop cutting. Old products do not have such a disadvantage.
• Chemical. The sealant is soaked in a special solvent or acetone. The surface is abundantly and several times wetted, time is given for softening (5-10 minutes), the old composition is removed with a cloth or wooden sticks. It is necessary to work with active chemical compounds in respiratory protection equipment. If traces remain, then you need to repeat the procedure again. Sealant solvents are available as a paste, liquid, or aerosol.

Sequence of applying sealant:

1. Clean the joint between the bathroom and the wall from dirt, dust and grease using detergents. After cleaning, rinse the surface thoroughly and allow to dry thoroughly. Can be dried with a hairdryer.
2. Cut off the end of the tube, screw on the spout and cut at a 45 ° angle. The cut diameter depends on the width of the slot. Ideally, the gap is a few millimeters narrower. If the mixture fails, then you can first fill the gap with paper or a sponge, and leave no more than 5 mm of free space for the insulating layer.
3. Insert the prepared tube with sealant into a special gun. Make several taps with the handle until the substance appears from the spout. It is advisable to draw several lines on the waste, in this way you can get at least a little practical experience.
4. Cover the surface of the wall and the side of the bathtub with masking tape evenly, without bends and gaps. It is necessary to remove the tape immediately after leveling the surface, otherwise difficulties will arise. The scotch tape will undermine the thin edges of the sealant, water will get into the blasts, the sealant will peel off completely very soon, and a complete replacement will be required.
5. Attach the spout tightly to the gap between the bathtub and the wall, slowly push the handle and at the same time guide the tube along the bathtub. An even layer of sealant should appear at the exit. The tracking speed depends on the depth and width of the slot. Squeeze out the substance without stopping, filling the gap must be done continuously. Every stop will be visible.
6. Smooth the surface. This can be done in several ways: if the seam width does not exceed 5–7 mm and the surface is flat, then it is better to align with a light touch of the index fingers; if the seam width is more than 7–8 millimeters, then the sealant must be applied several times, it is very difficult to align such a wide strip with a finger. Use a rubber or metal spatula.

Attention! Do not pour water into the bath until the sealant has completely hardened.

All work must be carried out with protective gloves and a mask. Inhaled chemical vapors are very dangerous, especially with polyurethane formulations. After sealing the joints, the room must be left open for ventilation.

How long does the insulating compound dry?

The drying time of the sealant in high humidity conditions depends on the components that make up the sealant, as well as its quality.

1. Acidic compositions on a silicone basis dry faster - 4-6 hours. But it is not recommended to use a mixture for metal products, since corrosion is possible.
2. Universal sealant 0.2 cm thick dries in 24 hours, but only at positive temperatures.
3. When processing the joints between the wall surface and the bathtub, a thick layer of sealant is often laid. Therefore, you should not look at the drying period of the mixture indicated by the manufacturer on the package. Practice shows that the duration of this procedure often reaches two days.

How to speed up the drying of your bathroom sealant:

1. Raise the ambient temperature to 40º.
2. Ensure ventilation of the room by opening the doors, windows in the apartment, turn on the extractor hood in the bathroom.
3. Spray the sealed joints with water using a spray gun. Moisture speeds up the curing of the sealant.

Advice! Do not immediately apply two layers of the substance to one joint. The layers will lag behind each other. It is best to immediately apply a layer of sealant of the desired thickness.

How to remove mold in a bathtub on a sealant?

The method of removing fungus from silicone sealant depends on the age and extent of mold growth. If a small area is affected by a fungus, and more recently, it is enough to rinse it off with water and treat this area with an antiseptic. Instant action can ensure that no further mold is made. Otherwise, you will have to take more decisive action - completely change the sealant.

Cleaning the sealant from the fungus:

1. Fill a small container with warm water, add a little of any cleaning agent intended for the bathroom and mix well.
2. Moisten a sponge in the resulting soapy solution and carefully treat the surface affected by mold with fungus with it.
3. Further, the cleaning solution must be thoroughly washed off with clean water.
4. After that, the area cleared of mold must be treated with any disinfectant (ordinary bleach is suitable) to prevent the development of the remaining pores.
5. For maximum effect, the bleach applied to the seam should be left on for at least 10 minutes. After such a procedure, the surface will not only be well disinfected, but will also shine.
6. Before washing off the disinfectant, the treated area must be thoroughly rubbed with a brush (sponge) so that it is guaranteed to penetrate the micropores, in which the remains of mold are still preserved.
7. After this procedure, the disinfector can be washed off, and the surface of the sealant must be wiped dry.

The harm from the fungus to the human body does not appear immediately. The person inhales harmful spores along with the surrounding air. Their accumulation in the body can cause very serious diseases of the digestive and respiratory systems, as well as other organs. The greatest danger of mold spores is for a person with a weak immune system and allergy sufferers.

Bath sealant is used to securely bond plumbing fixtures to walls or other parts, and to create a waterproof joint. Which composition is better - based on acrylic, silicone, polyurethane or polymers, depends on the purpose of using the sealant mixture. Universal version - MS sealant in a gun tube.