Spatula for forming the joints of the sealant

When arranging a bathroom, installing plumbing equipment, it is necessary to seal up the joints in order to create a barrier to moisture, dampness, and the development of mold. The filling compound is applied evenly, a spatula for the sealant helps in the work. A specialized device neatly aligns the line, prevents stratification of the product, removes excess in time.

Features of sealant spatulas

Spatula - a special tool in the form plates of different shapes with a handle... The materials for the manufacture are wood, metal, rubber, plastic, glass.

Features of the sealant fixture:

• perfectly smoothes, tightens and equalizes the joint between elements;
• does not destroy the edges of adjacent surfaces, and does not scratch them;
• designed for delicate filling of gaps and seams;
• the device is easy to take in the hand, it weighs little;
• there are special cutouts along the edges for increased functionality.

The sealing seam is angular or rounded; the shape is chosen at the stage of purchasing a spatula. The device is used not only for the installation of plumbing joints, it is used to seal the joints between individual ceramic or tile tiles.

Tool requirements

The main selection condition is tool strength... Despite the lightness of the sealant, the master's working element should easily cope with a thick and liquid composition, not bend during work. Convenience of position in the hand is also important.

Other Requirements to the sealant spatula:

• Compact size. The device is needed only at the final stage, so it should be possible to place it in a convenient place to use it if necessary.
• Durability. The instrument should serve for many years if its shape satisfies the master.
• Versatility. The product is used not only for an even seam, it removes excess composition from the corner external and internal joint.

Products that are easy to clean after use are in high demand.

Varieties of spatulas

The modern industry produces spatulas for leveling sealant of various shapes... All types are designed for specific procedures. The variety of types allows you to choose the appropriate option in order to form a suitable seam type.

Suture instruments differentiated by criteria:

• size and appearance;
• material of manufacture.

Spatulas are sold in a set and one at a time, but they all have a low cost. It's easy to choose the option that suits you best; you only have to try a few models.

There are products designed to work on wood, stone, plastic, ceramic surfaces. Also, the tools themselves are made from suitable alloys.

Shape and size

Spatula models are produced depending on the different types of joints between surfaces. Corner connections obtained between the edge of the bathtub and the wall, ceiling and vertical surface. Horizontal seams can be at the joints of plastic panels on the ceiling, at the section of entry into the ceiling plinth. All varieties require some kind of trowel to remove the sealant.

Popular models:

• with a square or rectangular projection on each side;
• with a notch in the center, so that it is convenient to keep the seam line;
• triangular;
• angled rubber spatula for silicone.

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In the square version, the corners converge at 45 °, an additional protrusion is obtained. The streamlined shape allows you to adjust the configuration of the seam, its height, width, etc. In the second case, sharp edges increase the smoothness of sliding, increase the tightness. Triangular are used to simultaneously seal the sealing compound.

Material

Craftsmen give preference to models made of silicone, rubber or rubber-like alloys... Such options are practical, convenient, do not break for a long time, compared to plastic or rubber spatulas.

Features of the selection of material:

• for hard edges of the seam, take a spatula made of soft material;
• soft surfaces are treated with a hard tool.

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They take into account not only the durability of the work, but also the ability to cleanse the sealant - the composition should not stick to the tool. The surface should be of a material that becomes smooth and even during manufacture. The material is selected so that the agent can be easily removed from the device without effort. Elastic rubber and silicone products do not crack and retain their original appearance.

Criterias of choice

When buying, take into account the density and hardness of the sealant, as well as its viscosity. Silicone sealant is difficult to apply with a plastic tool because the fixture is hard enough for this application.

Other factors for choosing a spatula:

• Edge relief. The future shape of the seam can be a decisive factor. Sometimes this is important when creating an interior.
• The type of plane to be machined. It is best to use silicone or rubber when sewing the seam between wood surfaces to avoid scratching the wood when pressed.
• Location and accessibility of the area to be sealed. What matters is the size of the fixture so that it can pass through the required gap.

A sealant is also used to fill the joints between tiles, rather than a grout compound. For such a case, take a rubber tool with a straight front edge to simultaneously form a seam and remove excess.

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The bathroom and kitchen have begun renovations. There will be a lot of work to seal the joints and seams of the tiles. Is it better to buy the spatulas one at a time, or buy a set? In this case, you can buy a set, and more than one. Variety of jobs will require many types of leveling tools for seams and joints. Sealants will be different in density, surfaces are not the same, so a selection of devices will be required for high-quality work.

Recommendations for use

Before applying the sealant, the surface is cleaned of dust. If there is moisture in the seam, it dry up a hairdryer, rags or wait for natural drying (if time permits). A bottle of sealant is inserted into the gun, evenly squeezed into the center of the joint along its entire length.

Surface near the seam moistened with soapy water. It is prepared according to the principle of a mixture for soap bubbles, so that when using a spatula, the remnants of the sealant do not stick in neighboring areas.

The spatula is also moistened with soapy water, the treatment is repeated after a while (if the sealant begins to be difficult to come off the surface). The formed seam is left to dry.

Spatula manufacturers

On the Russian construction market there are products of domestic and foreign manufacturers.

• Russia: "Master Plast", "Our Instrument", "Polytex South".
• Belgium: "Soudal";
• Poland: Startul Master and Torex;
• Germany: OTTO Fugenfux and Storch.

These manufacturers produce durable tools that last long and perform well.

Chinese companies also present their products to the domestic market. Such a product is usually of poor quality.