Duravit D-Code sink in front of tiled wall

Renew silicone joints

Here's how it works, step by step

Silicone joints perform an important function in the bathroom. They protect the mortar in the tile joints from moisture, which could otherwise penetrate the wall. In this way, they provide effective protection against mold. However, this also means that the silicone joints themselves must be in good condition. As they age, they often become dry, crack, or flake off. They can then even become affected by mold themselves. To prevent this wear and tear, it is necessary to replace the silicone joints after about 5-8 years. Below you will find step-by-step instructions on how to remove old silicone joints and apply new ones.

Step 1

Removing old silicone joints

First, you need to determine whether the silicone joints need to be removed. If they are brittle, cracked, or chipped, then replacing them is usually the best option. Removing mold from silicone joints is also complicated, so replacement is also recommended if mold is present. Proceed as follows to remove the old silicone joints:

Close drains

It is important that no material enters the sewage system when removing old silicone. Therefore, the drains in the shower, sink, and bathtub should be closed before starting work.

Remove silicone joints

A joint scraper is particularly effective for removing silicone joints. Any remaining silicone can then be removed with a kitchen knife. Special liquid silicone removers are also an option. Work carefully when removing silicone residue from tiles to avoid scratching them.

Step 2

Clean and prepare joints

Once the old joints have been removed, you cannot immediately start applying the new silicone joints. First, everything must be prepared. These steps should also be carried out thoroughly and without rushing to ensure that the silicone joints are replaced with the desired clean result.

Tip: Here you will find instructions for cleaning joints in the bathroom.

Clean the surrounding area

When replacing silicone joints, this should be done on as clean a finish as possible. To do this, remove any remaining dry silicone and then clean both the joints and the tiles. This will ensure that the new silicone adheres properly.

Mask finishes

To prevent the finishes next to the joints from becoming dirty, you can cover them with adhesive tape as a precaution. This will save you from having to remove excess silicone from the tiles again afterwards.

Priming with primer (optional)

Applying a primer ensures that the silicone adheres better to the joints. Like silicone, primer is available from DIY stores or specialist retailers. It is applied with a small brush and usually needs to be left to work for a few minutes.

Step 3

Apply new silicone joints

Once the preparations are complete, it is time to replace the silicone in the tile joints. Please note that silicone dries very quickly. For larger areas in particular, it is therefore advisable to work through and smooth smaller areas completely (see step 4) before applying the next silicone joints.

Insert cartridge

First, the silicone cartridge must be made ready for use by inserting it into a cartridge press or gun. There is usually a dispensing tip that must be screwed onto the cartridge and cut open. The cut should be based on the desired amount to be squeezed out of the cartridge. The tip is narrower at the top, which means that less filler comes out at a time – this is recommended for narrower joints. A cut further down, on the other hand, makes sense for creating wider silicone joints. This allows more filler to come out.

Apply filler

The silicone is then pressed into the joint using a cartridge gun or press. To fill the joint correctly, you should add about 2 mm more than the joint previously contained. This is because the silicone will settle slightly over time. The silicone should be distributed as evenly as possible.

Detailed view of Duravit bathtub faucets in front of a tiled wall

Step 4

Smooth joints and allow to dry

After renewing the silicone joints, it is important to continue working quickly. The material only takes about 10 minutes to dry. Before this happens, the following steps must be carried out:

Spraying with soapy water

First, spray the freshly applied silicone joints with a mixture of dish soap and water. This will form a protective film on the joints.

Smooth joints

A joint smoother can then be used to smooth the new silicone joints and remove any excess material. The appropriate size of joint smoother should be selected depending on the width of the joints.

Remove adhesive tape

It is also essential to remove the adhesive tape before the silicone begins to dry. Otherwise, the freshly applied silicone joints may tear.

Allow to dry

The last step can be done without any time pressure, as all you need to do now is wait for the silicone to harden. This can vary depending on the manufacturer, but it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before the silicone comes into contact with water.

By the way: If you don't want to replace the silicone joints every 5-8 years or would like to design your bathroom without tiles and joints for aesthetic reasons, you can find everything you need to know about jointless bathrooms here.