When finishing seams, joints, as well as when repairing various surfaces, it is customary to use mixtures for sealing - sealants of different composition... For the work to be done efficiently, it is not enough to take the product and place it in the crack. The application of the sealant must be carried out in accordance with a number of requirements, starting with opening the package, and ending with painting the already hardened composition.

The first thing to do right is to choose a sealing compound in accordance with the work being performed. In this case, it is necessary to take into account where the sealing is carried out, inside or outside the room, how much the composition will be subject to different precipitation and temperatures, whether it will need to be painted, and what is the desired service life.

To work with wooden structures, it is correct to use polymer compounds based on an acrylic base. They can be overpainted after application. They are also suitable for sealing windows, walls and ceilings, but in this case it is better to give preference to acrylic siliconized compounds. They are more plastic and less afraid of moisture.

For work in a humid environment where the seams are constantly in contact with water, a silicone-based compound with antifungal properties is best suited. This type is most popular when performing various types of work.

Sealants are sold in tubes. To use it easily, the packaging must be opened correctly. For this, the tip of the tube is cut at an angle. The cap that comes with the kit is put on it. The already prepared tube is loaded into a construction gun and fixed.

If everything is done carefully and in the correct sequence, it will be easy to use silicone sealant. To start filling the seam, you need to insert the tip of the tube deeper into the crack and apply moderate uniform pressure along the joint.

To get high-quality sealing, you need to adhere to the following sequence:

2. Make sure the seam is dry again.

Related article: How to use a sealant gun - step-by-step instruction for a beginner

3. Apply assembly tape on both sides of the crack.

4. Apply the prepared sealant to the working area.

You need to start applying the composition from the corner, holding the tube at an angle. You need to try to squeeze out the product evenly along the entire length. After the main work, you need to create with a spatula correct shape seam by treating the tool with a solution of soap. Then you can remove the tape.

A spatula or cloth can be used to remove excess material. Subsequent work is performed after the composition has dried, the time of which is individual for each sealant.

How to apply silicone sealant

The rules for applying a silicone-based sealant are not significantly different. However, you should be aware of some features. The silicone composition dries up to two days, while its surface becomes dry after half an hour, which does not mean the possibility of further work. During the entire drying period, care must be taken to ensure that no liquid and moisture gets into the seam.

Before sealing the joints with silicone, it is important to remove the remnants of the old material:

  • Mechanically - with a knife, sandpaper, spatula.

  • Special washes and solvents.

A small amount of the product can be removed with gasoline or alcohol. But you can also buy products specially designed for this. Some will only help to soften the silicone mass, but it will then be much easier to remove it.

Problems such as uneven filling of the seam, the appearance of protrusions and grooves may arise. In this case, you should not be upset, but you need to remove the excess material that has not yet been dried with a knife soaked in soapy water. Many people use a finger to smooth the seam, which is practical and convenient. But it is important to moisten your hand in water.

When performing individual works, additional components are taken into account in the composition of the tool. A high-quality composition consists of a quarter of silicone polymer, rubber mastic by 5%, acrylic putty and thiokol by 3%, epoxy resin by 2% and cement additive by 0.5%.

If the product contains antiseptic components to prevent mold and mildew, it cannot be used for joints that come into contact with food and drinking water... These mixtures are not suitable for filling aquariums and terrariums.

Professional craftsmen recommend using silicone compounds for external work, in order to seal small gaps in window frames from the side of the room. This will provide a long period of operation, since they can withstand the sun's rays and UFOs.

Related article: What is the best shower enclosure sealant?

For sealing glasses, mirrors, mosaics, you can pick up good colorless sealants. It is better to treat floor gaps with a sealant in dark colors.

Silicone sealants are available in different types, therefore they are universal, and you can choose a tool for almost any joints, seams and cracks. They are easy to work with and have all the information you need to know on the packaging.

In the video: How to work with silicone correctly? We make a neat seam!

Additional materials and tools

So that everything goes well and does not have to be redone, you need to prepare necessary tools... In this matter, it is better not to save money, since an uncured composition can be dangerous, and it is better to carefully prepare. For example, you can remove excess material with your finger, however, remember that if the skin is sensitive, irritation may occur. Consequences such as allergies, peeling of the skin and nails are not excluded.

Set of tools for working with silicone sealants:

  • Construction gun, scissors.

  • Paper wet wipes and soft rags with clean water.

  • Alcohol, professional degreaser or acetone.

  • Mounting tape and tape.

Expense of funds

To save money, even before buying the material, you need to calculate its required amount. It should also be borne in mind that the compositions have a certain shelf life, and it is better not to purchase them for future work. The consumption of the silicone mixture according to the standards is 300 ml per 17 running meters with a layer thickness of up to 4 mm. At the same time, the recommended layer thickness for high-quality sealing is 3.5 mm. A smaller volume of material will affect the quality, the seam will depressurize faster and will be more susceptible to external factors.

A wide range of applications and convenience when working with silicone sealant are due to its technical characteristics. They have a number of features that determine the possibility of using for indoor and outdoor use.

Features and properties of a silicone-based sealant:

  • Good elasticity- it can be used to insulate movable joints subject to slight deformation, which is compensated, the composition does not collapse under the influence of temperature and weather factors.
  • Increased durability- this is due to its flexibility, it can also withstand temperatures up to plus 200 degrees, and some high-temperature compounds up to 300 degrees, they are resistant to deformation and durable.
  • Increased level of adhesion to different materials - silicone base provides good adhesion to plastic, wood, glass, concrete, metal and many other surfaces.
  • Resistance to environmental factors- silicone-based sealants do not lose their properties in the open sun, some can be used in a humid environment, in frost and in areas with severe climatic conditions.

Related article: Effective means for dissolving silicone sealant

Silicone compounds are acidic and neutral. For interior work, as well as for the joints of metal surfaces, it is better to choose the second option. Acidic ones are cheaper, but at the same time chemical reactions become a factor of corrosion of the material.

There are also one-component and two-component. The former can be used as sold. Two-component formulations are required to be mixed in a certain proportion. It is more convenient to work with ready-made mixtures, then the probability of error is reduced.

There is nothing difficult working with silicone sealants. The packaging can be easily opened and inserted into the gun. The composition comes out without difficulty under pressure. However, you should consider the setting time and the temperature at which you can work with them. Some formulations dry quite quickly, so you need to do everything with them faster in order to have time to correct the shortcomings. Some agents are not suitable for sealing in bad weather conditions. It should be borne in mind that the silicone composition will not stick to a wet surface.

When working with a sealant, you must not forget about the rules of personal safety. The frozen composition is safe, but in liquid form it can damage mucous membranes and skin. Therefore, it is best to wear a mask and gloves. After personal safety, you need to take care of the decorative surfaces so that they do not get dirty with the sealant. For this, it is convenient to use masking tape.

How to use a sealant (2 videos)


Using silicone sealant (21 photos)












More and more housewives prefer to opt for kitchen utensils made of silicone. This is due to the practicality of the material, as well as its long service life. Baking dishes are no exception. Numerous reviews on the forums say that silicone molds for the oven have a number of advantages, among which are: easy use at high temperatures, elasticity, variety of shapes and sizes, non-stickiness, some people claim health safety. Is this really so?

Silicone characteristics

Silicone bakeware allows you to prepare desserts without the use of oil. Silicone is highly resistant to temperatures up to +240 degrees.

The dense structure of the material can withstand about 2000 bakes.

Many people think that such forms are harmful to health, but this is not the case. When used correctly, silicone does not release any harmful substances into food.

Kinds of silicone molds for baking

The main difference between silicone molds is their purpose.

For cupcakes

When baking muffins, it is better to pay attention to small sets of identical containers (usually there are 6 of them in a set), and a form that is a single canvas: you can make several lush desserts on it at once.

The main advantage of forms located on one canvas is that all baked goods will be cooked at the same temperature.

A wide range of volume allows you to choose the best option for each family member. So, for children it is better to choose small molds, and for adults - larger ones.

For large baked goods

For cupcakes having big size, you should use rectangular long or round shapes with a hole in the middle. This will reduce the thickness of the cake for easy cooking, or help it bake in the middle.

Containers in the form of flowers, objects, animals, fruits are of great interest. Also of interest are detachable silicone molds. They are usually made with a ceramic bottom to facilitate the removal of the finished dessert from the mold.

Other silicone accessories

Mat

Such accessories are very convenient at several stages of desserts preparation.

For kneading dough.

Silicone mats help knead the dough without sticking to the table. Here flour will only be needed to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands. The main advantage of many rugs is the markings on their surface for even rolling out the dough layers. There are rugs with a voluminous texture that help the hostess create an interesting pattern on the surface of the cake.

For baking.

You can also use silicone mats in the oven. For this, the accessory should be laid on a baking sheet, and the future dessert should be placed on it. This rug does not require oiling before baking. This use is due to the fact that cleaning a silicone rug is much easier than baking sheets.

How to choose and take care of.

The whole care of this thing is that it only needs to be cleaned after use with running water, detergent and a soft sponge.

When buying a rug, you need to pay attention to several factors:

  1. It is better not to choose cheap products for purchase, as they can be harmful to human health.
  2. For the dessert to bake faster and better, you need a rug that has a thickness of up to 4 millimeters.
  3. After purchase, you need to hold the rug in the oven for 2 hours at a temperature of 240 degrees.

Siliconized paper

Thanks to the use of siliconized paper, the baked goods do not burn. Unlike parchment, it does not stick to the dessert. Also, the advantage of this accessory is its 100% natural composition.

This paper can withstand up to 6 oven uses.

The sheets allow the dough to be rolled out to a uniform thickness. It is convenient to move the prepared pie into the oven on such paper, since you can bake it directly on the sheet. This will also prevent the trays from becoming dirty.

Terms of use

There are a few tips to help you uncover the functionality of the silicone mold, as well as its safety while cooking.

  1. It is required to pour the prepared dough into a mold that is installed on a baking sheet, otherwise the dough may leak out, since silicone is a flexible material.
  2. Containers made of such material can be used not only in the oven, but also in the freezer. This is due to the fact that silicone can withstand temperatures from -40 to +240 degrees.
  3. When using for the first time, you need to lubricate the mold with oil, and further processing is optional. Before each use, the mold must be washed with liquid remedy for dish washing. For the first time, the container must be rinsed well, and also rinsed with boiling water.
  4. The cooking time for desserts using silicone containers does not differ from cooking in ceramic, glass or metal dishes. But only the top is reddened in them, and the walls and bottom of the baking have a fairly moist structure.
  5. After cooking, the pastries must be removed from the oven and left in the form for about 7 minutes. If the dessert is stuck, you need to turn the edges of the mold in the opposite direction, and use a spatula to separate the prepared cake from it. Do not use metal cutlery as they can pierce the product.
  6. Baking tins can also be used for cooking main courses in the oven. But for this, you should give preference to containers large sizes... The optimal solution for such a dish would be a round dish about 25-30 centimeters in diameter.
  7. With all the abundance of various patterns, it is better to choose a minimum of carving and small details on the form, so that in the future there will be no problems with removing the baked goods. It is also worth considering that small parts on the mold are very difficult to clean after cooking.
  8. To wash off dried dough, you need to soak a silicone container for 10 minutes in water at a cool temperature. After that, the water is poured out, and the mold is turned inside out and wiped with a soft sponge.
  9. For easy storage, all oven accessories can be folded down to save space. They quickly take their original shape when straightened, do not deform and do not wrinkle.
  10. You can use the forms in the microwave only if it is completely dry. It is also worth considering that the edges of the container should not come into contact with the walls of this household appliance.

Mostly bakeware is used for making muffins. There are many recipes for this dessert, which is baked using silicone molds.

Cupcake recipes

Classic muffins

What you need:

  • 3 chicken eggs;
  • 190 grams of sugar sand;
  • incomplete faceted glass of 15% sour cream;
  • three quarters of a package of butter;
  • a little baking powder;
  • faceted glass of flour;
  • a couple of handfuls of raisins.

How to cook:

  1. The flour is sieved.
  2. The raisins are washed and dried with a towel.
  3. The oil is heated in a water bath.
  4. Eggs are beaten with sour cream and granulated sugar, and then butter is poured into this mixture.
  5. Flour mixed with baking powder is poured into the egg liquid.
  6. The dough is gently kneaded, and then raisins are added to it.
  7. If silicone molds are used for the first time, they must be greased with oil.
  8. The containers are filled with dough to two-thirds of the volume.
  9. Cupcakes are baked in the oven at 180 degrees for about half an hour.

Yeast muffins

What you need:

  • 3 full faceted glasses of flour;
  • two thirds of a package of butter;
  • half a glass of milk;
  • dry yeast packaging;
  • some salt;
  • half a glass of raisins;
  • a couple of handfuls of candied fruits;
  • 5 eggs;
  • a little vanillin.

How to cook:

  1. The raisins are washed and steamed with boiling water for several minutes.
  2. The milk is heated and then yeast is poured into it.
  3. The oil is melted in a water bath.
  4. Flour is mixed with sugar and baking powder.
  5. Milk and butter are poured into flour. The whole mixture is thoroughly mixed until a homogeneous consistency is obtained.
  6. Pre-beaten eggs are poured into the mixture, vanillin is poured.
  7. Dried fruits are poured into the dough.
  8. Silicone molds are filled with prepared dough to two thirds. The top of the future cupcakes is oiled.
  9. They are baked for 45 minutes in the oven.

You can decorate the surface of the muffins with chocolate chips.

Curd based muffins

What you need:

  • 250 grams of low-fat cottage cheese;
  • packaging of butter;
  • 3 chicken eggs;
  • incomplete faceted glass of sugar sand;
  • a couple of tablespoons of starch;
  • 160 grams of flour;
  • a small amount of baking powder;
  • a handful of raisins.

How to cook:

  1. The curd is mixed with sugar using a fork. Eggs and starch are driven into the curd mixture. Everything is thoroughly mixed.
  2. Softened butter is added to the mixture, flour and baking powder are sieved.
  3. The raisins are washed, soaked in boiling water.
  4. Raisins are poured into the curd dough, everything is mixed.
  5. The dough is poured into molds and baked in the oven at 180 degrees for 40 minutes.

Instead of raisins, you can add other favorite ingredients to muffins, such as berries, nuts, and chocolate. So the dessert will turn out with a richer taste and will become a favorite delicacy for every family member.

Silicone molds: expertise (video)

Silicone baking dishes are a godsend for housewives, as they allow not only to simplify the cooking process, but also to save time on washing dishes after it. This material is not only convenient and practical to use, but also harmless to health.

A bathroom is a special room in an apartment, which is almost always warm and humid. Such conditions are a favorable environment for emergence there. It will be quite difficult to get rid of them in the future. Therefore, all cracks and gaps at the joints of surfaces in the bathroom must be repaired during repairs. And for these purposes, silicone sealant is most often used. And in order to do everything neatly, you must first familiarize yourself with how to use it correctly.

Silicone based sealant application

There is different types sealants, and the most common is silicone. It has excellent properties and is ideal for sealing joints in bathrooms. There are two types of it: acidic, used only for metals that do not rust, and neutral, used for any surfaces. It is a neutral sealant that is often chosen for bathrooms. Among the advantages of silicone sealants are:

  • high degree of strength;
  • excellent elasticity;
  • good resistance to temperature shocks;
  • excellent water-repellent characteristics;
  • long service life.

Attention! The best option for bathrooms there will be a silicone sealant labeled "sanitary". It contains special antibacterial additives that prevent the formation of fungus.

Preparation of surfaces for sealant

Silicone sealant is very easy to use. But first you need to make preparatory work in the places where it will be used. Surface preparation consists of three stages:

The sealant allows you to reliably seal all joints and seams

  • cleaning the joints and seams in the bathroom from dirt and dust - you can use a vacuum cleaner for these purposes;
  • degreasing surfaces intended for sealing with a sealant - for this, wipe the cleaned seams with acetone or alcohol;
  • drying the work surface - wipe dry or do it with a construction hair dryer.

Attention! Careful preparation of joints in the bathroom for the sealant will ensure the best adhesion to the surface.

How to use a sealant

Silicone sealants are sold in standard packaging - tubes. Before you start using the product, you need to prepare it. For this, the end of the tube should be cut at an angle, which facilitates the application of silicone, and put on the cap supplied with the sealant kit. After that, the prepared tube is loaded into a special pistol and fixed in it.

After inserting the tip of the tube with the sealant deeper into the seam, it is necessary to evenly apply the silicone over the entire surface to be treated. The force of pressing when working with a pistol must be compared with the moderation of movement along the gap or joint. This will allow you to end up with a smooth and beautiful seam... Silicone serves to protect the surface from moisture penetration. Therefore, saving sealant will be inappropriate here. All voids of the processed seam must be filled. If this is not done, then when the silicone dries, cracks may form between the surface itself at the joint and the sealant.

The seam may not always turn out perfectly straight the first time. There is nothing wrong here. Until the sealant has had time to harden, you can remove the excess and level the seam with a rubber spatula slightly moistened with water, or use a small scraper made of a piece of plastic for this purpose. Many, however, smooth the seam with just a finger when nothing suitable is at hand. But it is better to at least moisten your finger in soapy water before doing this.

Advice. In order not to stain the surfaces adjacent to the seam with silicone, it is better to stick the assembly tape as close to the joint as possible before applying the product and remove it after the work is completed.

How much dries after application of silicone sealant for the bathroom

The drying times of silicone sealants are indicated by different manufacturers. But regardless of its composition, it can dry in different ways. It depends on the type of surface, and on the thickness of the applied layer, and on the temperature in the room. The top layer of sealant ceases to be sticky after about 20-30 minutes, but inside it is still liquid.

After several hours, the silicone hardens, and it takes about a day to completely dry. For deep and voluminous seams, it may take even more time - up to two days. And all this time it is necessary to protect the composition applied to the seam from moisture that can get on it, that is, it is better not to use the bathroom.

Sealant application

How can old silicone sealant be removed

Before sealing the gaps with a sealant during repairs, the joints must be thoroughly cleaned of the old layer of silicone. You can delete it:

  • mechanically - scrape off the already hardened, old layer of silicone with a sharp knife;
  • special means - sometimes it is impossible to remove a layer of old sealant with a blade or knife. In this case, special washes and solvents will help to remove it.

The better to dissolve the silicone sealant

A small amount of this product can be wiped off with alcohol, gasoline, white spirit. There are enough on sale and a variety of solvents with which to remove the sealant from the surface. But most of them do not completely clean off the silicone, but only soften it. But after that it will be much easier to remove it. But it should be borne in mind that all these funds may have some restrictions on their use on certain types of surfaces. Therefore, you first need to try them on an inconspicuous place.

Silicone based sealant is a convenient and practical tool and is easy to use. Using it in the bathroom allows you to effectively protect this room from the appearance of traces of mold and mildew there.

How to use silicone sealant: video

Silicone sealant: photo



How to use silicone baking dishes: nine important rules.

Many housewives have already appreciated the convenience of using silicone molds. Such forms are made from chemically inert silicone that does not emit harmful substances when heated - it is from this material that medical implants are made.

Of course, if you want not only to use silicone baking dishes, but also to be absolutely sure of their safety, buy products from well-known, well-established companies.

All kinds of kitchen utensils are made of silicone - spatulas, brushes, potholders, hot coasters and even knives. However, the palm is, of course, occupied by silicone baking dishes of all kinds, sometimes the most bizarre forms.

If you are still not one of their lucky owners, you may simply not know how to properly use silicone baking dishes. Then read the article and fill the knowledge gap!

Rule 1
Silicone molds, unlike glass and metal ones, are distinguished by increased flexibility, so you need to pour the dough into them when they are already on a baking sheet or wire rack. Otherwise, acrobatic manipulations are inevitable in an attempt not to spill the batter and, as a result, spoiled mood and dissatisfaction with the form.

Rule 2
Feel free to use silicone molds in any oven - gas, electric, microwave. Put them in the freezer too. Such molds can easily withstand temperature differences from -40 ° C to + 240 ° C, therefore they are excellent not only for baking, but also for freezing.

Rule 3
Manufacturers recommend lubricating the silicone mold before using it only once, the very first. I personally did not grease, and there have never been any difficulties with taking out the finished baked goods. If in doubt and you feel calmer, grease the dish before each baking - there will definitely be no harm from this. Do not forget just before you start using the silicone mold, wash it with a soft detergent.

Rule 4
Please note that the baking time in silicone molds is almost the same as in conventional ones. At least I didn't feel any difference. Note also that the crust is formed only on top, the bottom of the baked goods is moist.

Rule 5
Remove the baked goods from the mold, letting it stand for five to seven minutes. Then just tilt the baking dish to one side - the finished baked goods will fall out of the baking pan without any effort on your part. If the baking is still stuck and cannot be removed, bend the edge of the mold outward, since the silicone allows you to do this without any problems. Pre-hook the side of the stuck cake or cake with a silicone or wooden spatula. Do not use metal knives or forks to remove the baked goods - pierce the baking pan at once.

Rule 6
Feel free to use silicone molds not only for baking pies and muffins, but also for cooking meat, fish, vegetables. Naturally, in this case, choose a round, rectangular or square shape.

Rule 7
When buying, choose silicone molds with a minimum of decor, with smooth, even edges without fine "thread". Otherwise, problems may arise both with removing the finished baked goods from the mold, and with the subsequent washing of this "thread".

Rule 8
Although baked goods in a silicone mold do not burn, a thin layer of dough remains on the walls of the mold after removing it. To wash this layer, soak the mold for five to ten minutes in cool (this is important!) Water. Then carefully turn the mold inside out and rub it lightly with a soft sponge - the dough remains will come off without any problems even from the smallest grooves. Do not use harsh abrasives.

Rule 9

When storing, bend the silicone molds as you like, roll it up into a tube, put it in narrow cabinets and in the far corners of the shelves - they will not crumple, do not deform and take their original form instantly.

These are the basic rules that you need to know before you start using a silicone baking dish - as you can see, there are not very many of them and they are all quite simple.