How to install & apply silicone caulk | Tutorial | Video Guide | DIY | Bathroom Hacks 

It's a free tip that someone has kindly used their own time to try and show us mere mortals how to try and not make a mess using silicone sealer, so thank you Bathroom, Plumbing and Fitting for your efforts, even if all the closet experts can't be arsed to put there videos up, it certainly made my bodgit and scarper work look good enough for the Mrs so thank you ;-)

Of all the millions of RU-vid videos I have watched I think this is the most useful one I have ever seen! This should be mandatory watching in all schools throughout the world. I’ve met several handyman and plumbers who shake in fear when it comes to applying silicone. I’ve been trying for years to learn how to do it properly, thank you thank you!

I'm a professional. To be able to apply silicone just like an experience professional caulker, I have been watching many videos on how to apply it perfectly. This video probably was the 20th one that I watched over about a week time. I gota say that this video is the most thorough one. Although he applied silicone roughly purposely, he taught us how to manage it. Very well done. I am saving this video.

Excellent in-depth tutorial! As someone who has struggled to create a professional appearance the few times I’ve worked with caulk, this has definitely demystified the methods used. Thank you!

Kris-- Thanks so much! Just caulked my tub and toilet and it looks absolutely perfect because I followed this tutorial. Your directions are great!

This was a fantastic video, very easy to follow and I like how you talked us through each step. That little silicone smoothing tool is a must have.

Thanks for taking the time to post the video, just a few points. If you measure the silicone tool against the nozzle and cut the nozzle 2mm less than the length of edge you're using on the tool (and cut the nozzle straight, not at an angle), you can run the tool (flat edge every time not the bevel !!) in one go and job done. Also, clean the area with methylated spirit before application (leave to evaporate for a few minutes). Another point (and a basic guide) - low modulus silicone - good flexibility - for areas likely to see flexing of surfaces (acrylic bath/ shower edge against tiles etc.). High modulus silicone - more hard wearing but less flexible - where no/ little flexing is expected (internal corner of a tiled wall, kitchen worktops, porcelain toilets, sink, shower etc)

A lot of the videos on this show confident passes with little to no gummed up mess (what I’d typically end up with). You show that even if you apply it inconsistently it’s still salvageable and ensures the caulk gets a good seal. Cheers for a clear and helpful clip!

I am always impressed by the tips and tricks to get projects done and looking professional. I wish I would have seen this before. Thank you so much, looking forward to your next project.

A 63 year old would like to thank you so much. I've spent a lifetime dreading doing the silicon sealant bit of decorating, usually ending up with more on me than the job. After yet another botch, I found your video, watched it twice, cleaned off my botch job then did it again - PROPERLY!! It's the best job I've ever done and the secret is the squirty bottle. Thanks - I don't think I'm ready to go professional yet but I won't dread the sealant job so much in the future. Much respect.

Ok, I JUST re-watched your video because I got to the point where I needed to caulk around the base of my bath. You are my hero: you make me look like a pro!

Hint: If you don't have one of those silicone spatulas, use the plastic tags that come with bread, cut it if needed. Worked great!

This is a great video, he does use a lot of caulk and I understand that the reason he does is for beginners. A few homeowners do not know how to use it and it is better to show an abundance than what a proffesional would do. It almost guarantees the beginner a proper seal the first time. Great video!

Whenever anything is posted in any forum there follows a stack of negative comments from people who can all "Do it better" Thank you for a very informative video.

Mindblowing. This video makes me wanna refurbish my bathroom so that I can silicone my shower again and again and again :)

Hey mate, thanks for your take on the ideal method. My local hardware chain gave different advice, but you explained why you do it your way, and it makes more sense. I'll check out your updated video, too. Cheers

That's such a good video! Pitched perfectly at a level to an average DIY bloke like myself. None of the silly obvious or unnecessary stuff but pure quality non-patronising instruction. Brilliant, thank you. Subscribed, liked and alerts set to new videos.

I use a credit card or any kind of card with a round edges, does the same job, and I learned the liquid soap trick 2 years ago, helped me a lot. As someone else said, don't lay too much silicone, make it easy to clean.

Very well demonstrated, filled in all the mysterious black-out periods of the how and why silicone should be so neatly done and it is possible. And I sure thank you!

Kris, you're a diamond! You just saved me from a world of pain. Thank you

Just thank you for your tome you put in to make the video I enjoyed it and learned something good /useful. How can that be anything but good. From Canada 🇨🇦

Great work. I thought I was good at caulking but I didn’t even know to use the soapy water with it always used mineral spirits for clean up. Water with latex. Thanks!

Fantastic tutorial! Your step-by-step guide made the process so clear and easy to follow. I especially appreciated the tips on preparing the surface before applying the silicone caulk

excellent tutorial thank you . I have been making a complete mess with silicon for 30+ years now I have the secret to a perfect finish thanks to you.

Love the info, appreciate the effort to share!

Thanks, bud! That was really helpful, and explains why my last DIY-job in the master bath turned out so badly.

Smoothly done! Crystal clear explanation! Thank you!

This is the best video I have seen on RU-vid, I’ve now mastered it without getting in a mess!! Very helpful video

great video one of the most valuable peice of tools i have owned. worth every penny. Very good job my friend

I've been doin this the hard way for far too long. Thank you for this tutorial. Learned a TON!!! End of line.

Oh man, THANK YOU for this tutorial!! I had limited time to do a re-caulk on my bathroom for a home showing, and I was dreading the job based on past frustration of trying to do it right. Mixed up my solution, bought my smoothing tools for $10, and BOOM, I got unbelievable results!

Fantastic video, really easy to understand. Have just resealed a section along my bath where the original silicone had failed allowing water to leak in. The finish is so good and blends with the existing silicone u'd never know 😁

this man sounds like an excellent sales person, sold me. I ended up subscribing.

Brilliant and great presentation, Thanks!

Great tips for someone like me who makes a big mess. Love the idea of a bit of spray and constant clean than the little edgers for a nice smooth line. Thanks for the video.

Dude, you're the best! I have these silicone applicators & boy I have been using them incorrectly. I just stumbled onto your channel. Thanks a million.

Your tutorials are very good, I thank You 😊 for helping me to make a better job of using silicone sealants.

Nice! I wish I saw this before I just used the masking tape like I saw on this old house :/ When I moved in the white line was so thin it was not even attached to both sides. I had to use a lot like in this video to make sure it was actually sealed.

Brilliant! Hated caulking silicon because I screwed it up so often. Just bought some smoothing tools and redid a disaster of a bathtub finish (my fault). Took a while to remove the old crappy finish, but re-applying it was easy. Thanks for the video.

I'm a novice and I learned a lot. Thanks for showing me how to do a professional job.

Brill video with clear & concise explanation. Thanks a mill!!! :)

Nice movie. Perfect explanation of worki with silicone in bathroom. Thank you

Excellent job! It couldn't have come at a better time as I'm in the process of doing up our bathroom.

You need your own show, my friend. Very nicely done indeed. Good workers always keep everything clean!

"It's so straight it follows the curvature of the screen"!! Brilliant!

Great video coming to that stage on my bathroom so really helpful video

Wow, those scrapers are a life saver!! Thanks for the tutorial!

Just did three sides of a sink sitting on tiles. Very pleased with my first time attempt. Took less time to do it than it took to watch this video...although I did watch it twice. Thanks.

Wow! The mystery is solved! I wish I had seen this years ago. I agree with you, why are all the smart asses searching a 'how to silicone' when they seem to know better than you? Well done mate I really appreciate this.

Excellent insights, thank you. Just wondering how did you tackle the rear silicon joint behind the hand basin as it looked too tight to get the spatula in...?

Amazing video. When you first started applying it I honestly thought what are you doing, that's not how to apply silicone. However, I stand corrected. The job is absolutely amazing, and in fact is the best I have seen. I'll be trying this out for sure. This just looks so good, and I have definitely learnt how to do it properly 👍🏽

Excellent video! One of the most articulately explaned videos i've seen. Thanks you

At this point, I'm usually covered head to toe in caulking. Thanks for the tutorial.

Looks great. How would those scrapers work on say a bumpy finish like amtico/karmdean flooring? How would you get around the silicon thats pushed in the grooves?

Excellent. A skill that has foxed me for years is now sussed. Thank you very much indeed.

Great demo video. Had both our bathrooms renovated over 12 months ago. Tiler must have used his fingers applying silicon on tiled corners because, there's bacterial growth on some parts of the silicone seal. I'll buy those handy silicone spatula tools from local hardware, remove/reseal joints myself. Makes sense about bacterial growth attaching itself to rough surfaces. We always squeegee shower cubical, then use a chamois to wipe any water/ moisture after a shower, leave the shower cubical door open for ventilation. Electric exhaust fans installed in the ceiling above the shower cubical for steam/moisture extraction. Still bacterial growth after all precautions. Thankyou very much. 👋🇦🇺

Really useful explanation. My caulking generally looks like a war zone.

You've got more spatulas than a pastry chef!

Just a simple job but I still learn a lot out of your tutorial, thank you very much.

This video saved me a lot of mess today and those plastic things from Screwfix are a lifesaver! Thanks very much!

The formula is :- speed of the nozzle has to be proportional to the pressure on the trigger of the gun .

This is excellent.

This video is fantastic, thank you so much for uploading. It gave me the confidence to redo the mastic on our bathroom and it looks great!

straight forward video helped massively with our bathroom! thank you so much

Nice!

Never use fingers. Cut the silicone tip at a 90° angle instead of 45°. The cut tip should be no more than 10mm, any larger is overkill. Apply the silicone while using the gun at a 90° angle to push the silicone into the join. Let the gun do the work. Finish with the silicone finishing moulds. No spray needed. No fingers used. No bacteria made. No mouldy bathroom in 5 months time.

Great tips . It makes the job ‘pop !’ If your silicone is done correctly. Glad I watched this . I’m siliconing a bathroom tomorrow

I found this very useful because beginners (I include myself) tend to use excessive amounts of silicon and this video shows you how to avoid the mess I’ve often found myself in. The use of profiles was new to me! Thank you.

After watching hours of plumbing vids, I've concluded that every tradesman on RU-vid is a Londoner.

Have been sealing for years and never thought of the water spray AARGH what a simple idea I be at £shop the morra , at least I've already got same silicone forming kit ,, Many thanks for the excellent tip I will subscribe and spy for more. Many thanks Big man.

Thank you 😍 my bathroom looks fantastic with your help xx

This was REALLY helpfull! First thought was to just use my finger, but i now have the knowledge and tools do so a 99% better job! Thank you man

Thanks, I didn’t know those silicone spatulas existed.

I never realised how much sealant you have to lose to get a pro finish! Great video, will be using your tips today, many thanks...

OMG, after years of messing with silicone, you have shown me the "secret" - the plastic spatula thingies. Many thanks!

Great video. It’s the best caulking technique I’ve seen. You’re a master caulker!

I apply mastic, spray water then trail with setting tool. Works first time every time for me.

Great tutorial. Just what I wanted to know. It's simple when you know how. :0)

I've done this numerous times at home and for friends, but it was far from what I learned in this footage.Thank you so much.👌😊

Great video! Thank you for being so thorough.

I was looking for a video showing me how to silicone like an amateur. Any suggestions?

How do you get over tile grooves? It always leave a bumpy result, right where the groove is.

Mate, thanks so much. I was going to pay someone to do mine but you’ve made this look so easy I’m going to try it myself.

Probably the best video in applying silicone I’ve seen on you tube

I can watch a craftsman's pride all day.

Surprised at the hate comments, if you so called guys know so much about caulking why are you watching this tutorial?

Very enjoyable, watched 3 times and made notes. Tommorow my first attempt !

Well that has to be the best silicon sealing job that I as a home DIY'er have ever done .. bar none! And ALL thanks to this video. Not up to the standard of an experienced pro for sure. It'll pass the wife's inspection though and does the practical job it is meant to do. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. You may have posted it six years ago but it really helped me out today. Cheers!

You should do it with the back of an empty silicone tube, its flexible and you can szqueeze it to adjust the radius you want.. also its hollow and takes all your excess and leaves a very clean finish.. try it.

Where do we purchase the special tool thanks Ron

Great video, I’ve just finished sealing round a bath and it looks brilliant 👍 the smoothing tools are a must have, so simple but they do a great job.

Thank you for this video, I went from having no clue how to get this done, to doing it like a pro !

Thanks from LV

Ah, Use each clean up towel only once, that's where I've always gotten into trouble!

This was excellent! I was going to pay to have my re-caulked, but may just tackle it myself.. Only thing missing in your tutorial is how to cut the tip off the caulk tube so just the right thickness of caulk comes out.. great video!

Thanks so much from Canada! Great Tutorial!

Great Vid. I was more worried about when the tiler is going to come back and finish the grouting...

But how would you slide that tool along a tiled wall? Wouldn’t you get a dip or bump every time you hit a grout line?

Wonderfully clear demonstration. I'd love advice on the removal of black bacteria on white floor tile grouting. George

Thanks for making this video. Very straight forward and easy to understand.