Any installation work in the bathroom or in the kitchen cannot do without a sealant that isolates moisture. If you need to replace a sink, bathtub, window frames, shower cabin, then a bathroom sealant, the types of which we will talk about in detail today, must be purchased. Before going to the store and buying, it doesn’t hurt to decide which sealant to choose and what types generally exist. So you protect yourself from not always correct and profitable advice of consultants.
Read in the article
- 1 Types of sealants for the bathroom
- 1.1 Silicone compounds
- 1.2 Products based on acrylic resins
- 1.3 Polyurethane compounds
- 1.4 Silicone-acrylic compositions
- 1.5 Sanitary varieties
- 1.6 Bituminous and rubber sealants
- 1.7 Thiokol or polysulfide sealants
- 2 Applications in the bathroom
- 3 Selection Tips
- 3.1 Type by chemical composition
- 3.2 Additives and their properties
- 3.3 Color palette
- 3.4 Manufacturers
- 4 Application recommendations
- 4.1 Surface preparation
- 4.2 Sealant technique
- 5 How long does the insulating material dry
Types of sealants for the bathroom
Sealant is a special composite that prevents moisture from penetrating into seams and cracks in rooms with high humidity. His choice depends on the types of work and materials with which he will have to come into contact during application. If you do not use a sealant, mold can easily form in the bathroom or dangerous microbes and fungi can appear.
Depending on the type, sealants can be divided into two large groups - single-component and multi-component. The composition of the sealant includes various additives and polymers, thanks to which they obtain the necessary properties for each type of task.
If we talk about one-component formulations, then they are more convenient, since they need to be applied without special preparation. Multicomponent compositions must be mixed in a certain sequence before starting work.
Conventionally, such sealants can be divided into drying (harden when moisture evaporates) and curing (mixed with a special hardener). There are also special mastics that do not harden. Outwardly, they resemble plasticine.
Silicone compounds
These are the simplest and most versatile bathroom sealants. They practically do not shrink during operation, do not let moisture through, are not afraid of drying out, behave well when in contact with plastic, glass, and ceramics.
At the same time, two varieties can be distinguished within the group. The first type is acid, which includes vinegar and caustic fillers that have a certain smell. Usually, due to exposure to acids, they are not used when working with metal, mirrors, several types of plastic. These sealants are labeled A on the packaging.
The second version of the sealant is neutral. They are a little more expensive, but on the other hand, they are suitable for working with metal, mirror and other complex substrates. In addition, some types of sealants of this type can withstand high temperatures up to + 500 degrees.
Products based on acrylic resins
Acrylic sealant is less flexible than silicone sealant and is not suitable for use on glass, metal or other materials. Among the main advantages can be called high resistance to ultraviolet radiation. In addition, such compositions do not have an unpleasant odor, do not fade, and easily tolerate staining.
Polyurethane compounds
Such compositions are very rarely used in the bathroom, as they are quite caustic and constant ventilation is necessary when working with them. Despite the highest strength, excellent adhesion, resistance and durability, these sealants are used less frequently in the bathroom.
Most often, such compounds are used for grouting thick cracks and seams, because after drying and grouting they leave an ideal base for painting or applying a finishing material. They have good adhesion. If desired, they can be used as a means to replace old seams and as glue for decorating a decorative panel or mirror.
Recently, another type of polyurethane grout has appeared after connecting the main component with a silicon group element. Due to this, after contact with moisture in such compositions, the polymer is cured, which additionally acquires the stabilizing properties of silicone. Initially, due to the high cost, MS-polymers were not widely used and were used only for the repair of military equipment. Now they are used mainly in industry, although they are also suitable for domestic purposes.
Silicone-acrylic compositions
The perfect combination of the properties of silicone and acrylic sealant. Such products are not afraid of water, smooth out the thermal expansion of materials, have a long service life, and do not respond to ultraviolet radiation. Silicone-acrylic compounds are suitable for outdoor and indoor use and are widely used for sealing joints in the bathroom.
Sanitary varieties
Typically, such sealants are marked "sanitary". They necessarily use special fungicidal additives, namely substances that prevent the reproduction of pathogenic flora. Due to high moisture resistance, elasticity and reasonable price, professionals most often choose silicone sanitary sealants. They perfectly seal the seams between walls and plumbing, seal various joints, strengthen fasteners, and seal the inlets and outlets of the pipeline distribution.
Bituminous and rubber sealants
Such sealants are mainly used for roofing to strengthen sheets of roofing material and seal cracks in the foundation and drainage system. The basis of the sealant is a bituminous mixture, to which various fillers are added, which enhance their performance.
Such sealants are used, among other things, for fixing polystyrene foam, polyurethane and other insulating materials. In addition, both compositions can be used for sealing joints in rooms with high humidity and even for repairing rubber products.
Thiokol or polysulfide sealants
The most expensive types of sealants are those that consist of three components, but they are among the most durable and strong. Usually they include a base, a curing element, a vulcanization accelerator. To work with them, it is important to follow the mixing instructions exactly.
Such compounds have increased strength and wear resistance, they are not at all afraid of the effects of chemical, including aggressive compounds. They are used in the construction industry, for example, for the treatment of pools, baths and other rooms with high humidity.
Applications in the bathroom
In the bathroom or shower, due to high humidity and warm air, all conditions are created for the appearance and reproduction of microorganisms, fungi, and mold. That is why all the connecting seams in the bathroom, bathroom and sink must be treated with a sealant.
Selection Tips
Before buying a sealant, decide on the price category and the room where it needs to be applied. It is not difficult to buy a good sealant today, but it is important to understand where and how it will be applied, on which surface.
Usually, the packaging clearly indicates for which materials and coatings the composition is suitable. The sealant can be used for both exterior and interior applications. Pay attention to the specified working temperatures of the composition, comparing them with the existing climate features in the region.
Type by chemical composition
As we have already mentioned, sealants can be single-component and multi-component. The adhesive composition intended for bathrooms is indicated on the packaging with the word “sanitary”, it contains biocidal additives that kill pathogenic bacteria and fungus. Some sealants contain other components that can change their properties.
Additives and their properties
Manufacturers introduce some substances to improve the quality of the composition, while others - to reduce its cost. Fillers (chalk, quartz) reduce the cost, while increasing adhesion to the base, extenders cause expansion of the material (like mounting foam), due to which better close up small cracks, mineral oils increase plasticity, pigments make the sealant suitable for use on colored plumbing.
The most important property is the stability of the composition to temperature extremes. For summer cottages, it is better to use frost-resistant sealants.
Color palette
Today, many sealants can be used in conjunction with coloring compounds. An example of this is acrylic resins. You can add the desired color to them, which will make them invisible for use in a certain color scheme.
Manufacturers
It is not unknown that the quality, safety of use, and hence the result of the work depend on the name of the manufacturer. Here is a list of the most trusted manufacturers who have proven themselves well in the Russian market:
- CeresitCeresit - a well-known manufacturer of building mixtures, finishing and building materials. Among other things, it produces silicone and acrylic sealants. The quality is the highest.
- "Moment" - also a proven manufacturer, produces adhesives, acrylic paints and other finishing materials. In addition, under the Moment brand, good sealants for various types of baths are produced.
- CIKI FIX - a well-known Turkish company that produces silicone sealants. Quality is decent, prices are reasonable.
- Belinka Belles is a manufacturer of protective paints, sealants and varnishes for various surfaces.
- TYTANSelena - a popular manufacturer of paintwork and finishing materials, including sealants. Produces both household sealants and professional formulations.
- Krass is a group of companies whose factories are located in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Poland. Among the sealants are silicone, siliconized and acrylic compounds.
Application recommendations
Typically, household sealants are fairly easy to apply. They are produced in special tubes with nozzles in the form of an elongated spout, which simplifies their application into cracks and seams. For convenience, you can additionally use masking tape, a protective mask, gloves, acetone and a spatula. Particular care should be taken when working with acidic silicone composition. Working with them involves the use of protective equipment in the form of glasses and a protective mask.
Surface preparation
If you apply sealant to an old base, it must be carefully prepared: remove the old grout, clean the seams with a brush. If the grout will be applied to a wall with tiles, it must be washed and dried.
After the final drying, masking tape is glued so as to limit the application of sealant and not stain the surface.
Sealant technique
To apply sealant, you need to do the following: cut off the tip from the tube, screw on the spout, cut it at an angle of 45 degrees (the cut diameter should be approximately be equal to the size of the gap or be 1–2 mm larger), insert the tube into the gun, fasten it, perform a couple of clicks with the handle so that the product appears from the spout, remove surplus. In the absence of experience, it is desirable to draw several lines on the rough surface for the purpose of training.
How long does the insulating material dry
The composition is evenly applied throughout the seam without interruption, so as not to create gaps. If you leave them, during operation, dirt and moisture will get there. Excess sealant is removed with a sharp tip of a metal spatula, the seam is checked again, the recesses and protrusions are leveled, and the masking tape is removed if it was glued.
It is not recommended to use the bathroom during this time.
If you have any questions, watch this video
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