Walls and floors·7 questions

QUESTION: Walls and floors: how to choose and apply sealant/grout?

Answer

The choice and application of sealant or grout is a crucial stage of repair work that requires following a specific sequence of actions. When it comes to home improvement and decorating walls and floors, the eighty-twenty rule works great. First, you should solve the main functional tasks, such as protection against moisture, tightness of joints, and overall surface cleanliness, and only then move on to decorative details.

Before starting work, it is important to properly prepare the base by cleaning it of dust, grease, and remnants of old materials. To do this, the joints and seams are thoroughly washed, dried, and, if necessary, treated with a special antiseptic primer that prevents the appearance of mold. Such a preparatory stage guarantees maximum adhesion of the sealant to the surface and prevents it from peeling off in the future.

The process of applying sealant or grout requires neatness and adherence to technology. Here are the main steps to achieve a quality result:

Apply masking tape on both sides of the joint to protect the wall and floor cladding from accidental smudges and contamination.
Carefully fill the joint with sealant using a caulking gun, trying to squeeze out the composition evenly, without gaps and void formation.
Moisten your finger in a soapy solution or use a special spatula to smooth the joint and give it a neat concave shape.
Immediately remove the masking tape at a slight angle, without waiting for the composition to dry completely, so that the edges are even and sharp.

After completing the work, you must let the sealant or grout dry completely in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. During this time, mechanical loads on the treated areas and exposure to large amounts of water should be avoided. Such a careful approach to details guarantees the durability of the joints and the aesthetic appearance of the interior for years to come.

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