Handyman tips
How to Reseal a Bath: Step by Step
Remove the old sealant, clean and dry the joint, mask the edges and apply new silicone. The steps, the tools, and when to call a professional.
· Handyman Manchester
Sealant can crack and grow mould, and a failed seal lets water behind the bath and under the tiles. Resealing a bath yourself comes down to preparation: clean, dry joints and the right sealant.
What you need
- Mould-resistant, waterproof sealant for baths and showers.
- A sealant remover and a scraper.
- Methylated spirit and tissue or a cloth.
- Masking tape, and a sealant gun.
- A smoothing tool or a finger, for finishing.
Step by step
- Scrape off the old sealant. Screwfix's guide is to scrape, apply sealant remover, then scrape again. Get every trace off the bath and the wall.
- Clean the joint. Screwfix and Toolstation both recommend methylated spirit, so the surface is completely clean and free of dirt and grease. Wickes suggests bathroom cleaner first.
- Let it dry. Sealant will not stick to a damp surface, so wait until the joint is completely dry.
- Mask both sides. Wickes says to run tape along both sides of where the sealant line will go. It gives you straight edges.
- Apply the sealant in one continuous line along the joint, then smooth it before it skins over. Peel off the tape straight away.
- Leave it to dry. Wickes says to allow at least 24 hours before using the shower or bath, and usually 24 to 48 hours for the sealant to dry fully. Follow the instructions on your cartridge.
When to call someone
- The sealant is black behind the bath or the wall board feels soft. Water may already have got in.
- There is a leak that a new seal does not stop.
- The gap is wide, because the bath has moved. A wider gap needs more than sealant.
We reseal baths, shower trays and screens with high-modulus silicone, remove old cracked or mouldy sealant, and fix leaks and water damage. See our bath and shower re-sealing service, or ask for a fixed price.