Sealants: Everything you need to know

Have you just moved in, and you want to get the old kitchen in top shape? Chances are, a simple sealant can go a long way. You can avoid turning your home into a construction zone and save money by doing it yourself with the proper LePage sealant for your project. Keep reading to see how to easily apply sealant and give your home a professional edge.

Sealants are used in construction, and their main purpose is to act as a barrier against draft and moisture, sound pollution, and dust. They are also used to compensate for movements between individual construction components like bath (shower) tubs and tiles or window frames and façade elements. Depending on the type of project you’re working on, there are many sealants available to meet all of your specific needs.

You will first need to determine whether your job is interior or exterior, whether you are going to be fastening two surfaces together, or whether you will simply be filling gaps. This knowledge will help you choose between the two types of sealant: caulk or adhesive

Caulking is used to seal the joints and seams of two surfaces to eliminate air and moisture leaks, as well as keep out dust and pests. Its flexible hold and protective qualities are perfect for renovating spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. There is no need to take out the old sealant if you apply LePage RE-NEW on top of existing sealant. With this speciality silicone for a longlasting and durable seal, you can repair existing sealant that has yellowed and cracked over time. This fast-acting, silicone-based solution is the ultimate choice for achieving a professional look in under 10 minutes.

As far as renovations go, caulking is a relatively easy application. We recommend following these specific steps to achieve the best results every time. Know what sealant you want to use and which tools you’ll need, and ensure you have a clean, ready-to-use surface. But, that’s just the beginning. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to approach different surfaces.

You are looking for an innovative solution for repairing ugly looking caulk in your bathroom? Just easily repair moulding, yellowing and cracking old sealant joints without removing existing sealants. 

1. Use a damp washcloth to wipe down the old caulking and let it dry.
2. Squeeze LePage RE-NEW at a 45-degree angle on top of the existing sealant.
3. With the specially designed applicator, go over your new caulking again to smooth out the product for perfect results.
4. Not satisfied with your first attempt? Simply wipe off the new caulking with a damp washcloth and start over.
5. After a six-hour drying time, your bathtub will be ready to use and just like new.

1. Prepare your surface by removing any debris or residue, such as grease, dust, snow, or water.
2. Cut the application tip of the caulking tube at a 45-degree angle to about 1 cm (which is best for protecting the joints), and add it to the caulking gun.
3. Prep the joints: Apply new caulk to a small section or joint to see if you need a primer. If the new caulk does not stick, you probably need a primer.
4. If necessary, apply primer. If not, continue to step 5.
5. Apply sealant to the area. Let sit for one hour before painting.
6. Allow 24 to 72 hours to cure, and your project will be complete and durable.

When you work with sealant adhesives, there are a few things you need to watch out for to make sure you get the best results every time. After you’ve chosen the best caulking sealant for the job and have carefully prepared your workspace and tools, you can get straight to the fun part: home improvement!

Here are a few things to keep in mind when applying sealant, so you get the ultimate professional look:

• Be sure to cut the tip of the application tube so your bead fits the project at hand. Some surfaces require a finer tip than others.
• Having a steady hand and applying consistent pressure are key. This will ensure an even look. 
• Mind the gap. If the depth exceeds 1.25 cm, you will probably need to add a backer rod to fill the extra space. Do not add more caulk to fill this space!
• Note cure times. Fortunately, with LePage sealant, cure and paint times are always quick. 
• After you’ve applied the caulk, be sure to use the applicator tool to smooth out the sealant for a neat and professional-looking job.