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F I N I S H I NG TOUCH E S

K now you r sea la nts, cau l ks a nd ad hesives

Gappy skirting boards, discoloured silicone around the bath or loose panelling can make any room look less than perfect. Here’s our essential guide to making sure you get a professional finish…

Out with the old…

If you’re replacing sealant in the kitchen or bathroom, your first job will be to remove the old silicone. We’d recommend using a specially designed tool such as Unibond’s plastic remover and smoother tool, £2.75 from Wilko. It will get the task done easily without the risk of scratches, and can also be used to smooth new sealant later on. Simply scrape along the line of sealant and it should peel off in long strips, although it may need a bit more effort if it’s not coming away easily. If there are any bits of silicone that won’t budge, dab a little white spirit onto an old cloth and rub it over until they dissolve. Once all of the old sealant is removed, wipe clean with methylated spirit and leave to dry before applying fresh sealant.

UniBond plastic remover and smoother tool, £2.75, Wilko

Mind the gap

Nick King, Category Manager at decorating and DIY specialist Leyland SDM, offers his advice on caulking…

CAULK

Used to fill gaps around the home – including around skirting,

when decorating, but can also help to prevent draughts.

Silicone caulk is used in wet areas such as around the bath, for example, whereas latex caulk is ideal for dry areas and can also be painted. Caulk can be bought either in squeezable tubes or in cartridges, which are loaded into a caulking gun. Many people find the cartridges easier to use. It can also be bought in colours other than white, including magnolia and brown.

First, remove all of the old caulk using a utility knife, being careful not to damage the surrounding area. Specialist tools can also be bought to make this job easier. Next, clean the surface and vacuum up any loose bits. Use painter’s tape to mark off a thin area, approximately 6mm, where the caulk is to be applied. Cut the caulk nozzle at a 45 degree angle and puncture the tube or cartridge with a nail. Apply the caulk at a 45 degree angle by pressing firmly on the gun trigger, drawing the nozzle across the surface at a slow, steady pace. Smooth the joint by running either a wet finger or a damp cloth along the surface. Wipe off the excess and remove the tape. Leave to dry thoroughly.

Draper Tools 5-in-1 Sealant & Caulking tool, £5.54, Amazon

Toolbox essential

This multipurpose tool has four different options for smoothing caulk or sealant. It’s made from tough plastic, and also features a sharp blade, which is handy for cutting the end off cartridge nozzles or removing old caulk.

This nine-inch gun is a must for applying caulk, sealant or adhesive in cartridge form. Metal caulk gun, £2.20, Wilko

Decorator’s caulk in Magnolia, £1 per 300ml, Wickes Caulk is often used to fill any small gaps between skirting and walls. Most brands can be painted over, so if you’re making a feature of your skirting it’s easy to get a seamless look