Tile sealants: Learn how to seal and protect tiled areas

When used correctly, tile sealant keeps your kitchen or bathroom clear from unsightly mould and looking fresh. Read our easy guide on how to use tub and tile sealant!

• The many uses of tile sealant
• How to use tub and tile sealant
• How to choose the best tile sealant for the job

The many uses of tile sealant

Unfortunately, the moist environments and gaps between corners, countertops and backsplashes found in kitchens and bathrooms allow mould and mildew to grow.

The good news is: You can protect your tiled areas with a quality tile sealant – keeping bathrooms and kitchens looking neat and clean. Read on to find out how!

How to use tub and tile sealant

Thankfully, applying tile sealant to help seal and protect your bathroom and kitchen isn’t rocket science. Better yet, it doesn’t require an extensive list of tools to get the job done. Here’s all you’ll need to get started:

• standard tile sealant gun
  
• utility knife or scissors
• masking tape
• protective gloves
• tile sealant spreading tool 

Then, simply follow these easy steps:

1. Put on your protective gloves (safety first!).
2. Carefully tape around your working area using masking tape, making sure to cover each side of the gap or joint you plan to seal. For best results, make sure the edges of the masking tape are straight and parallel to each other.
3. Prepare the tile sealant gun by slicing off the end of the tube with a utility knife or scissors (a 45-degree angle cut works best). Once you’ve created a small opening, screw on the nozzle provided and you’re good to go.
4. Applying steady pressure on the trigger of the sealant gun, carefully squeeze out a bead of tile sealant along the join or gap you want to seal.
5. Using a tile sealant spreading tool (or your finger) smooth out the bead of sealant, making sure all gaps are filled in the process.
6. Carefully remove the masking tape. For best results, smooth out the sealant again.
7. Allow the sealant to cure according to product directions.

How to choose the best tile sealant for the job

Wondering what is best tile sealant for the job? Well, that depends on your needs.

For example, due to its flexibility, silicone tile sealer is a great choice for wet areas like bathtubs, showers and sinks. Many tile silicone sealants also contain fungicide, which helps repel and stop the build-up of mould and mildew. Silicone tile sealers are ideal for use in bathrooms and kitchens.

For a silicone tile sealer, we recommend Loctite RE-NEW. It’s auto-smooth nozzle and mould-resistant formula makes it so simple to use and will take your seals and joints from ‘urgh’ to ‘ahhh’ in minutes! You can even apply it directly over old joints – no extra tools required.

The only catch is that silicone tile sealers aren’t paintable. If you’re sealing areas you want to paint, it’s better to invest in an acrylic sealant.