Bath sealant

[PoppyBird]

My bathroom was retiled about 3 years ago - the tiles were placed over the old ones as the walls are not in great condition (false economy, I know, but can't afford all the replastering just yet). I don't think the tiler had filled the bath first as quite quickly a gap appeared plus mould. I've replaced the sealant at least twice since and doing it again due to mould (it's black at the wall side). There's quite a gap in the centre because of the double tile which I previously tried to fill with sealant but I wonder if I should use a filler first? I'm going to use a mould spray and let it properly dry out but any other suggestions to get a little longer out of it would be welcomed!

Sorry, trying to picture. Why is the gap just in the centre?
We had a bath that endlessly sank, even if filled with water and a couple of breeze blocks. It seemed to have very flexible legs. It was a nightmare. Also I just wanted to say, when we removed our bathroom tiles and had a plasterer (friends husband so trusted him) around to give us a quote, he said there would be no need to plaster as we were just going to be putting tiles on. He was right. The new tiles went on fine.

There is a sort of plastic tape which bridges the gap between two surfaces. We used this very successfully in a similar situation . B&Q have it and probably tiling shops.

Use the tape, it is fantastic.

The gap in the centre is approx 5mm tall and about 1cm deep but very little gap at the ends of the bath. I'll add a probably unhelpful photo

You should be able to just use sealant. I removed the sealant around my bath (metal) to find there was massive gaps in places. I was able to replace it with anti-mould sealant. I did get a better result when I used those smoothing tools.


Dreetino Bath Sealant Strip,11ft Self Adhesive Caulk Strip Sealant Tape for Kitchen, Bathroom, Toilet, Wall Corner with Sealing Tool - White
Dreetino Bath Sealant Strip,11ft Self Adhesive Caulk Strip Sealant Tape

@PoppyBird look for this on Amazon....really cheap and works a treat 👍

I used the gorilla sealant from Amazon. Used on windowsill and bath, brilliant stuff

Does the sealant strip reduce mould or is it just easier to replace? I'm ok with either...

The sealant strip is mould resistant...very easy to apply and wipe clean.

When you apply the sealant, don't use your finger. Instead use a sealant kit. It comes with little extenders meaning it doesn't go in when you come to a grout line but keeps a lovely smooth texture. Using your finger, if that is what you do, can leave unintentional residue which can start mould growth.

www.amazon.co.uk/Fugi-Professional-Tilers-Pieces-PRODUCT/dp/B00NA2PD3E/

For that gap I would just put more sealant into it. Force it through and apply more on top. Filler is likely to crack as it is not meant for movement. We bought a metal bath so that it wouldn't flex. I have installed 3 bathrooms and have resealed when needed in both a bathroom and kitchens. I think the tape looks awful to be honest.

HG mould remover is one of the best on the market. Keep on top of any new growth if it happens again.

@HillCrestingGoat I used one of those.

I used anti-mould sealant from Screwfix or Tool Station, and as you can't use your finger to get a smooth even-looking line especially with unequal gaps you need one of those kits.

OP the kits are very easy to use. Look on YouTube for videos if you aren't sure.

Videos I recommend are anything from Charlie Diyte, he does at least 3 silicone vids on application and corners. Really useful. To prevent any mould occurring from behind definitely get a thin scrubby brush into any tile gap to give it a good clean out.

Thank you again for the tips. I'm back on the diy this weekend. I did try the tape but the colour is the wrong kind of white and I can see it'll let water in through the gaps between tiles. So it's coming off and sealant back on. I do a pretty slick job of that now, too much practice over the years, but the gaps have had a generous couple of sprays with the anti-mould so hopefully that will keep it at bay for a little longer.