How do I get a really neat finish to my sealant around the shower and bath?

Question

When it has been done by professionals before it is really neat but I seem to make a mess of the edges all the time.

Answer 1

Like some others have said, I use a tapered spoon, also add a bit of soapy water into a pot and dip smoothing tool into it. Don't over do the soapy water bit though as you don't want to incorporate bubbles and water into the surface of your sealant when you smooth it off. You should fill the bath with water to the normal use level before putting sealant round, this helps with any future flexing of the sealant when the bath is in actual use. Also make sure you can move comfortably round all the job area before you start, you need sufficient sealant, a gentle consistent pressure, the worst thing you can do is have to stop and start on a straight run, if need be do any changes at a corner or out of sight position. Once the job is done and set to clean it use an old softish tooth brush with some cleaning cream, ziff or similar, and gentle brush to get rid of black mould etc.

Answer 2

Put a thin line of sealant around the bath, wet your thumb or finger and lightly trace over the sealant. The wet will stop the sealant sticking to your skin and making a mess. It takes a little bit of practice so try it first

Answer 3

Use masking tape to outline the exact area you want the sealant to cover, then apply the sealant normally, finally run a wet finger over it to smooth it down. Leave to dry overnight, when you remove the masking tape you should find a perfectly smooth and straight line of sealant. It worked a treat in my bathroom.

Answer 4

I like to use a wet spoon. I have one that tapers quite a bit (rather than round). With this method, the pressure and contour on the caulk is constant and cannot vary. Just place the handle on a 45 degree angle and wedge the end of the spoon between the wall and tub.

Answer 5

Clean dry tub/fiberglass to start, apply thin line of caulking,
wet your finger and use a wet rag to clean your finger.
Do not like results, can be scraped up and do over. or practice on inside corners of cardboard box. Wet your fingers before you smooth over the caulk.

Answer 6

After application (not too much) run a wet finger gently around, to smooth the surface, then leave to dry completely.

Answer 7

try using a piece of cardboard with a square edge and bend the corner a bit or cut it(depends on how big of a bead you want ) and scrape it off

Answer 8

Spoon is my preferred tool, but use a teaspoon and use the handle end, not the spoon end. Try several types until you get the desired curvature...and don't accidentally put it in your mouth!

Answer 9

Wet finger. works a treat

Answer 10

do it your self run a wet finger smoothly