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After some time, the silicone joints become porous and it becomes necessary to renew them. We have summarised for you exactly how you can proceed correctly and what you should pay attention to.
Renewing silicone grout in the bathroom or kitchen: The first step
When renewing the silicone joints, it is important to follow a few steps. This is how you make sure that everything succeeds ideally.
- Before you start to draw a new joint, the old silicone coating must be loosened. For example, mould may have formed on it or there may be other damage to the surface.
- Remove the old joint easily with a cutter knife. To do this, first go along the bottom edge of the joint in a straight line, then repeat this in the same way on the top edge.
- Once you have loosened both edges, the joint will no longer adhere to the substrate. Now simply loosen it in one piece. You can then simply dispose of the old joint.
- Often there are still small silicone residues on the edge where the joint used to be. These can best be removed with a ceramic hob scraper or a knife.
- The best way to remove the residue is if the surface is smooth. Always take care not to damage the surface with the utensils.
- To remove even the smallest residues particularly thoroughly, you should go over the edge with a cleaning sponge and some washing-up liquid. The hard side of the sponge is particularly suitable for this.
Step two: Redraw the silicone grout lines
Once you have completely removed the old joints, you can start to draw the new joints.
- It is essential that the edge as well as the surrounding surfaces are completely clean. Stains, grease splashes or similar must no longer be visible on the surface, otherwise the new joint will not adhere well.
- So clean the joint thoroughly in the first step. Also make sure to dry the surfaces again afterwards: this is the only way to achieve the desired end result.
- If you have not done the process yourself very often, you should mask the joint with some masking tape. This will make it easier to draw the joint without smearing.
- You can vary the width of the joint by the distance you leave between the two masking tape lines.
- Now take the silicone cartridge in hand and cut off the tip. To be able to distribute the silicone more precisely, you should make the cut at a slight angle and not too deep.
- Now go over the edge with the silicone mass in a line. Go along the line that you prepared with the masking tape.
- Finally, smooth the joint with a joint smoother. For an even result, you should go over the joint in one go.
- Immediately afterwards, remove the masking tape. Now you just have to wait until the joint has dried out. This usually takes a few days.
Additional tips for renewing silicone joints
Finally, there are a few tips you should keep in mind before you venture to renew your grout joints.
- Even as a beginner, you can succeed in renewing the joints. However, if you are unsure or do not dare to do it yourself, it is always a good idea to ask a specialist for help.
- Make sure you use the right colour of silicone. If you have a grey colour on the other joints and only wanted to renew one joint, it is best to use the same colour for a harmonious overall appearance.
- If you are unsure how much of the silicone compound you need, it is better to apply a little more than too little. Excess silicone can be removed later.
- To prevent silicone from sticking to the trowel, wipe it with baby wipes beforehand. The oily surface prevents silicone from sticking.
- If you don’t have a trowel, you can also use a popsicle stick as a simple household remedy. This should also work in an emergency.
- Make sure to remove the joint quickly: After just 15 minutes or so, a layer will have formed on the silicone, preventing further work.
- It takes a few days for the silicone to dry completely. Usually, one day is calculated per millimetre of the silicone layer.
- Now go over the edge with the silicone mass in a line. Go along the line that you prepared with the masking tape.
- Now take the silicone cartridge in hand and cut off the tip. To be able to distribute the silicone more precisely, you should make the cut at a slight angle and not too deep.
