DIY Projects

Maintenance DIY Projects

What you will need:

  • Utility knife
  • Sharp pointed pliers or tweezers
  • Anti-mildew product
  • Masking tape
  • Soapy water
  • Silicone/sealant

Method:

When resealing the junction between the wall and the rim of a basin, bath or sink, the trick is to achieve the neatest result possible. And it’s so easy. This is how to do it…

  1. Use a utility knife to carefully cut away the sealant in the affected area. Take care not to cut or chip the bath or basin.
  2. Use a pair of sharp-pointed tweezers or pliers to remove the sealant that is in the gap between the bath/basin and wall.
  3. Once you have cleaned the area thoroughly, spray in an anti-mildew product to kill spores that may still be lurking unseen.
  4. Thoroughly dry the surfaces in the area of the repair.
  5. Apply two strips of masking tape, one on the wall, the other on the bath/basin, to ensure there is a neat edge to the applied sealant (ensure the tape extends somewhat beyond each end of the repair area).
  6. Apply the sealant, as per the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring that you work it well into the gap.
  7. Now use either the tip of your index finger, dipped into some soapy water, or a purpose-made plastic tool (it is about the size of a credit card and each corner gives you a different profile) used to shape the sealant, to give the sealant a neat contour.
  8. Once satisfied, carefully remove the tape and then wet the tip of your finger (or the plastic profiler) with saliva or soapy water and run it once more over the new sealant, to get rid of the little ridge left by the tape.
  9. You now have a neat, straight-edged repair.

These materials are available at Selected Mica Stores. To find out which is your closest Mica and whether or not they stock the items required, please go to www.mica.co.za, find your store and call them. If your local Mica does not stock exactly what you need they will be able to order it for you or suggest an alternative product or a reputable source.