Tim Mitchell wrote:
In article , Roger Mills
writes

"Reestit Mutton" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I've recently renewed the sealant in my bathroom as the old stuff
was covered in mould.

However, although I filled the bath with water before using the
sealant and left it for almost 24 hours before emptying it and
using the over-bath shower, it seems that every time weight is
applied to the
bath, a large open crack appears in the sealant.

Similarly, when I run my finger along the sealant above the sink
that
was renewed a few days earlier, bits of it come away on my finger.

Should I have left the bath sealant a lot longer before emptying the
bath and using the over-bath shower (it *seemed* dry to me) or is it
possible that the sealant (although advertised as for kitchens and
bathrooms) is just plain rubbish? - It was a B&Q branded sealant.

FWIW, both areas were stripped of the old sealant, cleaned and dried
before the new sealant was applied.

cheers,
RM


It sounds to me as if your bath isn't supported properly - if it
moves enough to disturb the sealant when you stand in it. Are you
sure that all of its supporting feet are properly wound down onto
something solid?

In addition, the surfaces to which you apply the sealant must be
clean and dry for it to stick properly. This can be difficult to
achieve - if there was old sealant there previously, and in the
presence of water and steam - but it is still essential!

Sounds to me like the sealant you've used is acrylic or partly acrylic
rather than silicone. You need to use "sanitary grade silicone", you
will recognise it because it's the most expensive stuff on the rack!
It
is very flexible and should take up a lot of movement. Stinks of
vinegar while curing.

The unibond one I used says it is water based acrylic kitchen/bathroom
sealant. Says it is waterproof when dry. And shows a picture of someone
applying it around a bath on the tube.....