-
If you have a multi tool, a sealant blade (I’ve got a silverline one) makes removing it very easy.
I’m not sure about how to prevent a hidden leak but you can usually see if it hasn’t adhered properly.
-
It's mostly uncomfortable in showers because of the cramped conditions. After many years of doing the job I've settled on a method.
Spray with CT1 Multisolve, this softens the silicon.
Run a stanley blade between tray and silicon and between wall and silicon. You can use a multitool and specific blade but be careful with plastic trays as they scratch easily and you don't want to have to polish out the scratches (don't ask how I know!)
Remove as much silicon as you can with a plastic silicon removal tool.
Spray again with CT1 Multisolve, now you will see small amounts of silicon lifting from the tiles and tray, wipe these off with rags or the catering type blue cloth. Try to resist using toilet roll, it's just not very good at the job.
Check that the surfaces are completely clean of old silicon.
Apply masking tape to tray and wall leaving the right size gap for the bead of silicon that you require. (I like the blue Tesa tape, not some £1 shop roll that's been stored in the shed for 10 years.)
Apply fresh silicon. You will never get the quantity correct, it will almost always be too much or too little. There must be a scientific law that covers this phenomenon.
Smooth it out with some kind of silicon smoothing tool. I also use a specialised mix of water and some agent that makes the smoothing process very easy but you can use diluted washing up liquid.
Remove the masking tape very carefully. It will leave odd edges probably. Finish the smoothing process very carefully if necessary, sometime I use the tip of my finger for this part because you need very light pressure, the less of this final finishing you have to do the better. It all depends how well you've calculated your masking tape position/silicon quantity/silicon consistency.I've been using this method for 5 years achieving professional results every time but there are little bits of technique involved that only really come with experience. The previous 25 years were a learning curve involving all kinds of blood, sweat and tears.
Don't be surprised if it takes you 4 hours at least. It took me a long time to get quicker than that.
You are reading a single comment by @rogan and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
Dramatic_Hammer
Airhead
@rogan
and a second, unrelated question, ive looked up removing and reapplying silicon in shower tray - it doesnt look too difficult if you take your time, but im worried if i do it wrong ill cause a leak and not even notice it.. is it that hard to fuck it up?