HOW TO USESILICONESEALANTS

WHAT YOU’LL NEEDTake this into store with you to make sure you get everything in one trip. For this project the following materials and equipment are required:

MATERIALS: Silicone sealant

Masking tape

TOOLS:

Silicone gun

Putty knife

Rags

Utility knife

REORDER CODE: EA1250D4

SCAN WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE QR APP

OR vIEW ONLINE AT MITRE10.CO.Nz

PREPARATIONSurface preparation

Make sure that the surface you are going to silicone is clean, dry and well prepared. This is essential to achieving good adhesion and a smooth bead.

Using a utility knife, remove any remnants of old silicone as new silicone will not adhere to it. After you have removed most of the old silicone with a blade (being careful not to scratch the surface), clean any remaining residue with a fine sandpaper or rub with alcohol.

If the surface is mildewed, use a concentrated mildew killer after removing the old silicone. Allow to fully dry before applying new silicone.

APPLICATIONStep 1

Make sure that the area you want to silicone is clean and dry. If filling between glass and aluminium, or whenever a smooth straight edge is required, use masking tape and mask off.

Take the tube of silicone and, using a utility knife (held at a 45 degree angle), cut the end from the tapered nozzle. The further away from the end of the nozzle you cut, the bigger the bead of silicone that will be available.

Step 2 Pull the handle of the caulking gun all the way back and put the tube of silicone in the gun. Turn the handle down and push the handle until it stops against the end of the tube.

Step 3 The recommended way to silicone is to “push” the bead of silicone ahead of the nozzle. This prevents air bubbles forming under the sealant.

Use constant pressure on the trigger to ensure an even flow of the silicone.

Seal the entire length.

When you are done, make sure that you turn the handle up so that the pressure on the tube is released.

Step 4 Ensure that the silicone bead is unbroken. If it isn’t, smooth with the filling knife dipped in a water and detergent solution. Remember to remove the masking tape before the silicone starts to cure.

Silicone is used to seal joints between two surfaces. It can be used indoors or outdoors, between almost any surfaces. It’s pretty useful stuff to have around the home. But there is more than one kind, and a few things you need to know to help you get the best out if it.

GETTING STARTEDSelecting your sealantTo choose the right sealant for the job, first take a close look at the problem you’re trying to fix – where is the gap, how big is it, what weather conditions will it face, do I want to paint over it? For first time users the range of sealants on the market can be quite daunting.

At Mitre 10, however, you’ll find experts on hand to give you the right advice on which sealant to use.

THE SEALANT GUIDEWindow and glass sealantUses: Windows, doors, aquariums, light fittings, awnings, refrigerator gaskets, exhaust fans.Features: Adheres strongly to glass, is flexible and non-staining.

Bathroom and tile sealantUses: Virtually all surfaces found in bathrooms, laundries, toilets and kitchens.Features: Built-in mould and mildew inhibitor, excellent adhesion to most hard surfaces.

Roof and gutter sealantUses: Guttering, downpipes, aluminium and galvanised iron roofing, sheet metal and garage doors.Features: Doesn’t corrode metal surfaces or cause rusting. Ideal for most roofing, guttering and wall systems.

Brick and concrete sealantUses: Concrete, mortar, stone, fibro, marble, granite, slate and plasterboard.Features: Permanent, flexible, waterproof seal, long working time for difficult applications, won’t eat away at surrounding materials.

Paintable sealantUses: Window frames, door frames, timber, masonry.Features: Most clean up in water, ideal for all house frames which require painting. Sometimes used between pavers to prevent weeds growing through. Limitation of Liability

This project planner has been produced to provide basic information and our experienced staff are available to answer any questions you may have. Because this planner is general in nature, neither your Mitre 10 supplier nor their staff are responsible for the application of these design principles in any particular case, as the contents of this brochure may need to be modified for the particular site and circumstances.Mitre 10 is not responsible for the quality of work carried out on the goods by the consumer and is not responsible for the design or construction of any structure in which the goods are incorporated.Where applicable consumers should ensure that they comply with The New Zealand Building Code and/or Local Body Bylaws in respect of any such structures.Consumers are advised to call a qualified tradesman such as a builder, electrician or plumber where expert services are required.Mitre 10 will not be liable for any consequential loss howsoever arising from the use of goods sold, nor for any loss caused by defective or inadequate structures in which goods are incorporated.

For more Easy As Guides visit mitre10.co.nz

Mitre 10 Handy Hints:• Do not use your finger to smooth out

sealant, as this can cause mould to grow in the sealant later.

Mitre 10 Handy Hints:• Silicone generally has a shelf life of one

to two years if unopened.• To ensure that your silicone is fresh enough

to work properly, test it on a non-porous surface before you begin your project.

• Make sure the silicone sticks, comes out of the cartridge smoothly, and most importantly, that it cures in the time it is supposed to.