How to seal a shower and rejuvenate your bathroom

Knowing how to seal a shower is a valuable DIY skill. With the right tools and know-how, you can make your shower sparkle again, transforming your bathroom. Read on to discover how to seal a shower tray like a pro.

How do you know when it’s time to seal a shower?

Take a close look at the current sealant in your shower. If it’s starting to peel away or going mouldy, it’s time to re-seal your shower – a quick and easy solution that will save you time and money. If ignored, old, cracked sealant will eventually let in water, damaging the walls. Learn how to seal showers now and you’ll avoid unnecessary hassle and expense in the future.

Sometimes a quick glance reveals no obvious problems, so it’s best to check with a spray test. Simply splash some water on the sealant. If the water drips down, the seal is still solid. If the water seems to be penetrating the seam, try blotting the area with a paper towel. If the paper towel becomes damp, that means the seal is not doing its job, so it’s time to apply a fresh layer.

Preparing to seal a shower

Before you start sealing, make sure you’re prepared.

Tools

To seal a shower you’ll need the following tools:

• silicone sealant
• silicone gun
• silicone sealant remover
• box cutter
• needle-nose pliers or joint scraper
• painter’s tape
• smoothing tool
• gloves
• paintbrush
• old rags or paper towels

How to remove old sealant

You can’t apply new sealant until you’ve removed the old sealant. Here’s how to do it.

1. Cut a line down the middle of the sealant. Use a box cutter or utility knife. Be careful not to scratch the shower.
2. Remove the sealant. You should be able to pull it away with your fingers, but if the sealant is particularly thick or stubborn, you can try using needle-nose pliers or a joint scraper.
3. Apply UniBond Silicone Sealant Remover. This will soften the remaining sealant and make it easier to scrape away any residue.
4. Clean and dry the surface. Scrub the area with a paintbrush soaked in non-ammoniated bath cleaner, then rinse and dry with a clean rag or paper towel.

HOW TO SEAL A SHOWER

So, now you’re ready, here’s how to seal a shower.

• Apply masking tape to the borders. This will give you straight bead lines.
• Prepare the silicone gun. Use a knife or pair of scissors to cut off the tip of the cartridge above the screw thread. Remove nozzle cap and trim nozzle diagonally to fit the joint width. Screw the nozzle onto the cartridge. Insert the cartridge into the sealant gun.
• Apply the sealant, starting in the corners. Work slowly and carefully to ensure a smooth, even application. Keep the gun at a 45-degree angle and maintain even pressure.
• Smooth the sealant. Use tools like UniBond Smoother & Remover Tool on the sealant and repeat the process. This will help to spread the sealant evenly.
• Carefully remove the tape and wait for the sealant to dry. Remember that just because it feels dry doesn’t mean that it’s fully cured. Check the product instructions for the cure time.

The best sealant for sealing showers

There’s a wide range of silicone sealants on the market, but if you’re sealing a shower you should be looking out for products that are waterproof, mould-resistant and durable. UniBond has a range of sanitary sealants that are specially designed for use in the bathroom.

For a quick fix, UniBond Speed Seal Sealant is perfect; it dries and sets quickly, so you can use the shower just one hour after application.

To avoid the hassle of regular re-sealing, try UniBond Triple Protection Anti Mould Sealant, which comes with a triple protection system, that repels, kills and prevents mould growth, ensuring your bathroom remains in pristine conditions.