Lesson 1
Removing Old Sealant Properly
Clean the substrate thoroughly to ensure your new silicone adheres correctly and lasts for years.
Do not skip the prep
The most common reason sealant fails is poor preparation. You must get down to the bare surface. Use a plastic scraper to remove the bulk of the old silicone, then use a chemical sealant remover to soften the stubborn residue.
The deep clean
Once the old material is gone, scrub the joint with methylated spirits or a dedicated mould cleaner. The surface must be 100% dry and free of any soap scum or grease. If there is even a trace of moisture or mould, the new sealant will fail to bond, and water will start seeping behind the bath again within months. Take your time here. If you find black mould behind the old seal, treat it with bleach and let it dry completely before proceeding to the next step. A clean, dry surface is the secret to a professional result.