Applying a plumbing silicone sealant
Applying plumbing silicone sealant is an easy process, but doing it properly is critical to ensure a durable, waterproof seal.
Clean the surface. Make sure that the surface is completely clean and dry. Any dust, dirt, or particles can potentially cause a weaker seal.
Using the sealant cartridge. Load the cartridge into a sealant gun. Use a hobby knife to cut off the cartridge seal and open the applicator nozzle, just enough to allow a narrow line of sealant. Pull the handle to fill the nozzle with sealant.
Apply the sealant. Hold the gun at a 45-degree angle. Squeeze the trigger carefully to create an even, steady flow of sealant, dragging the tube nozzle slowly along the target seam. For an even seal, wet your finger with soapy water and spread the applied sealant evenly along the seam, clearing away any excess or residue as you go.
Curing. Silicone sealants must cure before achieving full bond strength. Curing silicone doesn’t require any special steps, just a bit of patience. Curing can take from 24 hours to several days (check your product’s instructions).