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Housekeeping

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How easy is it to replace shower sealant?

7 replies

stonecircle · 15/08/2017 00:17

How hard is it to dig out existing sealant around the shower tray (which is starting to become porous/mouldy) and replace it? Do I need a professional or will I be able to get a clean straight line myself?

DH has done it in the past on previous shower and it looked awful so I'm a bit nervous of tackling it on the current one.

OP posts:
HarrietSchulenberg · 15/08/2017 00:53

You can get it off with a very sharp knife, like a Stanley knife but wear thick gloves to avoid A&E and stitches (bitter experience). Make sure it's all off and clean with white spirit afterwards.

It's tricky to go a good, neat job of resealing but have a look at some YouTube vids first. Use a sealant gun and a flat knife or a teaspoon and be prepared for aching hands afterwards. Don't be tempted by the sealant strips if you're applying over tiles as they don't stick in the grouted gaps properly (more bitter experience).

To be honest, if I was doing mine again, I'd pay someone to do it for me.

AhoyPirates · 15/08/2017 07:32

I am really good at sealing but even I would pay someone to do a shower tray for me. Basically because it is very hard and cramped even when the doors are removed.

Have a go at facing the door whilst in the shower tray, if you think you can manage to stay pretzelled like that then go ahead.

I use a stanley knife to separate the sealant from the shower tray and wall, so horizontal and vertical. Then when I have pulled off the majority I use a sealant remover and sealant remover tool (B&Q sell it, my shops of choice are screwfix/toolstation)

Use white spirit to clean the area thoroughly, and then apply new sealant. DO NOT wet your finger with your saliva, it introduces bacteria to the sealant. Use a teeny amount of washing up liquid in water to smooth out. Or treat yourself to a Fugi kit. You will need lots of kitchen roll to wipe off the excess onto. The fugi kit can leave a thin film of sealant, so I would tape and fugi.

DIY wise, Dh and I install our own bathrooms etc so we are really competent DIYers. I have installed and sealed an entire bathroom recently and I will say that it was easier than the shower tray Grin

There are lots of property maintenance companies that service rentals, I would honestly get someone in.

AhoyPirates · 15/08/2017 07:34

*wish there was an edit button. The fugi leaves a thin film of sealant above and below where you want the sealant to be, so the bead is amazing but you may have to clean up bits above and below. It is a great tool, just not perfect.

stonecircle · 15/08/2017 08:37

I'll get a professional in I think! I thought people would say it was easy and I was being silly not to do it myself. Clearly not!

OP posts:
EmGee · 21/08/2017 08:05

It's actually not that hard. We bought a small plastic tool from the hardware store which was great at digging out the old sealant. It took a while but wasn't as onerous as I thought it would be. DH did the actual resealing with the gun so can't comment on that. He hadn't done it before so wasn't an expert.

CatsCantFlyFast · 21/08/2017 08:14

Wd40 sprayed on old sealant and left to soak for a bit helps immensely with getting it off

LittleWingSoul · 23/08/2017 17:36

My plumber friend laughed a my attempt but his advice was gloved finger with soap (disposable glove) to smooth and finish. As a pp said using a bare finger could add bacteria that than propagates mould. It's the angles that are awkward and not having too steady a hand!

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