Kitchen rubber lining/seal between counter and wall

MinB

@MitchellMc

Not sure entirely what this part of the kitchen is called that seals, I think, the area so water doesn't get in.

Only a small part of this is like this and I was wondering:

1) If the whole thing needs to be redone?

2) Just the part affected?

3) Is it a DIY job?

I read about caulking and what have you so would that be the way to go, and if so, what would I need.

If not, what would you suggest so that it looks white again.

Images below.

Thanks!

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MitchellMc

Hi @MinB,

That looks like the silicone caulking joint which seals the gap between your benchtop and splashback tiles. It's a bit hard to see in the images if that is mould growth or damaged silicone. In either case, you might find it easiest to replace the section. With any type of continuous sealing joint, I would encourage you to replace it all. You could replace just that section, but it will always be a point where water could get into.

You can use a Monarch Caulk & Sealant Remover to cut out the existing silicone along the entire length of the splashback. Once it is removed, you can then use Selleys 300g Wet Area Waterproof Silicone Sealant - White in a caulking gun to replace it with fresh silicone. Once you have applied the silicone, dip your finger in water and run it along the bead to form a cove shape or use Paint Partner 4 Piece Silicone Scraper Set.

Here's a step-by-step guide which you should find useful: How To Silicone A Gap.

Please let me know if you need further assistance or had questions.

Mitchell

MinB

Heading to Bunnings this week - thanks very helpful! 👍

MitchellMc

Keep us updated on your progress @MinB, and let us know if you run into any difficulties. We're here to help.

Mitchell

redracer01

Hello @MinB

Below is my favorite silicone removal tool. Sharp enough to take out any silicone wedged in to tiny corners. Please post your progress so that readers in the same situation can see how you did it. Looking forward to the results.

Cheers,

Red

Screenshot_2021-03-22 CornerTape Standard Silicon Remover.png

MinB

Thanks! @MitchellMc @redracer01

Will be checking out the added item as well. 👍

MinB

@MitchellMc

Was going to start this this weekend, but realised I don't have any turpentine so I will pick that up tomorrow hopefully.

Do I also need "ice block sticks"?

I know it takes 3 days to cure, but can it still be exposed to water at all after some hours or must it fully cure over that 3 days?

MitchellMc

Hi @MinB,

I can't see the reference to "ice block sticks", but I presume they would be used to form a cove on the silicone. The same can be achieved with a damp rag as per the step-by-step guide I provided above or the Paint Partner 4 Piece Silicone Scraper Set.

It's best to keep water off the new silicone for three days. Just be mindful that you don't spill water over the areas for the first couple of days. A few light splashes will be fine, so you'll still be able to do your washing up.

Mitchell

MinB

@MitchellMc

I did get that scraper set last week so all good. 👍

Just got the turpentine so think I'm sorted now.

Thanks!

MinB

@MitchellMc

Good news is I have started, but getting the old sealant out hasn't been as easy as I had hoped.

The Bunning's tool below isn't going in deep enough nor taking it out in long unfragmented pieces. Very messy and a lot of work - still not complete. Am not sure I want to do the whole lining at the back of the tap so am back and forth on that one. Also, the scraper on this is not going in deep enough to clean it all out either. I have had to use a Stanley knife to get as much of the sealant off as possible with great reluctance.

Photos:

a) The tool below isn't quite panning out as I would have liked and as you can see it doesn't go deep enough and it is bits at a time.

b) Just scrapes the surface but not enough to really do much.

c) Ended up using Turpentine to soften it and a Stanley knife to take the bulk of it out, but the scraper at the end of that tool doesn't quite scrape it all out either and so it's hard to really get it cleaned out enough to apply the new silicone.

Do you have any suggestions as to how to get it all out so that it is clean enough to put the new silicone in?

Thanks!

MitchellMc

Hi @MinB,

I'd suggest that the Stanley knife is likely the easiest way to get it out. Place it against the tiles and make one long downward cut, then place it against the bench and make another cut along the wall. You should then be able to pull out the silicone bead. There is also the option of using Selleys 375g Silicone Remover to make the silicone soft. I'd normally not advise using it unless it's a last resort as it can make a bit of a sticky mess.

You don't need to remove 100 percent of the silicone, just the bulk of it exposing the gap.

Mitchell

MinB

@MitchellMc

Thanks!

Good to know as I thought no residue should be leftover whatsoever and was a bit worried about that because not sure all of it can be quite removed.

Treated the small mold/mildrew area with bleach overnight - that dark area shown in the photo image. Will probably take out the rest (untouched old sealant) today and do the whole lining.

BTW - I did end up doing the Stanley knife along the top and bottom, but still messy and not in one piece as I would have liked, but it does seem to go rather deep.

Bought some masking tape to "line" it up better, however, just from a local shop nearby so not what I would have chosen for the task so crossing fingers that works out despite it being wider than I wanted.

Will make sure it is cleaned with turpentine and dried before putting the new silicone in.

Adding: Will watch a few vids on that before actually doing it.

MitchellMc

Hi @MinB,

Any updates on your project? I trust it would delight our members to see your results.

Please let me know if you need further assistance.

Mitchell

MinB

@MitchellMc

Next time I'm hiring someone, but YES I did do the seal and although it isn't the finishing professional look I wanted I think it is definitely sealed and looks fine if not looked at too closely.

Have seen one dodgy UK job where it is far more noticeable in a very bad way and that was only noticed by chance - she was sharing a recipe or gardening tip or something. YouTube Vlogger.

1) The scrapers proved rather inefficient/ineffective and I ended up having to use my finger and water with a drop or two of dishwashing liquid in it.

2) As for the professional caulking gun I bought - the bench went deep at one end so balancing on a stool proved rather tricky to form one bead line properly - had to go over it a bit again which wasn't in my plan. (Photo 2)

3) Lastly, by mistake, for about the length of one tile and a bit when cleaning up the excess silicone I grabbed the rag with Turpentine accidentally and wiped it right across too quickly to catch it in time. Not exactly behind the tap so am hoping that didnt mess it up too much when it came to curing.

It is probably a job that is easy for those that do it as a profession, but not for someone that doesn't do it at all.

I'm just hoping it has been sealed properly.

Photo 1: Fine.

Photo 2: Off a Bit.

Fine though as the dishwasher is being put here so its not like it will be seen. A few parts like that, but from a distance not too obvious. This is probably the most noticeable section and can likely be cleaned up, but I'm not sure I want to attempt.

Will see what it is like between now and the next 6-12 months - if any issues will hire someone to re-do it professionally.

Next up is the benchtop dishwasher which has finally arrived!

MitchellMc

That looks perfect, @MinB, and I think you are being a little hard on yourself. If someone told me a professional did that caulking job, I would not for a second question it. I did a quick inspection for my mother of an apartment she was purchasing before the sale. The caulking was nowhere near as nice as yours. There were no continuous caulk runs, just short sections overlapping each other, which changed from thick to thin to thick again and was generally horrendous. There were even sections they had failed to cover altogether.

I know for a fact that your job is far better than my first attempt, and I would struggle to get it as neat as you have done even now.

Many thanks for sharing your update and experience with us all.

Well done!

Mitchell

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