How to Apply Sealant

How to Apply Sealant

Cut the Hose Seal: Use a utility knife or scissors to cut the seal evenly along the top of the collar on the hose opening.

Install and Cut the Nozzle:

Tighten the nozzle onto the hose opening.

Use a utility knife to make a diagonal cut at approximately a 45-degree angle at the tip of the nozzle, depending on the desired bead width. The size of the cut determines the width of the bead. Note: A smaller cut is better than a larger one; a smaller cut can be made larger, but a larger cut will make it harder to control. Typically, the cut diameter should be slightly smaller than the desired bead width (because the sealant will spread slightly).

Installing the Gun: Insert the hose into the gun with the rear end facing forward, ensuring it is securely engaged.

Testing the Nozzle: After first use or after replacing the hose, squeeze the gun several times until the sealant flows continuously and evenly from the nozzle. This will remove any unevenly mixed or dried sealant at the tip. Discard a small amount and dispose of it.

Applying Masking Tape (Recommended): Apply masking tape to both sides of the gap where you want to apply sealant, keeping it close to the edges. The distance between the two strips of tape is the desired gap width.

Applying the Sealant:

Aim the nozzle at a 45-degree angle toward the gap.

Maintain a steady and even speed while continuously pulling the trigger to ensure the sealant is applied continuously and fully into the gap. Ensure that the sealant is in full contact with the substrate on both sides of the gap.

Key Points:

Continuous and Full: The sealant strip must completely fill the gap without any breaks or bubbles in the middle.

Contacting Both Sides: The sealant must wet the substrate on both sides of the gap.

One-Shot Forming: Try to apply each seam in one go, avoiding pauses or repeated applications.

Trimming/Flattening: This is a critical step for both aesthetics and sealing effectiveness and should be completed before the sealant dries (usually within 5-20 minutes after application, depending on the product instructions and the environment).

Method 1 (recommended): Use a dedicated adhesive scraper or scraper (or gloved fingers) dipped in a small amount of soapy water (this effectively prevents sticking). Smoothly apply pressure along the adhesive strip along the seam, ensuring full contact between the adhesive and the substrate and no bubbles. Scrape off any excess adhesive.

Method 2: Use clean fingers (wearing gloves) dipped in soapy water to gently smooth and flatten the surface of the adhesive strip.

Removing the Masking Tape: After trimming is complete and before the sealant has dried (usually immediately after trimming), carefully remove the masking tape from both sides. Tear away outward at an angle greater than 90 degrees to avoid damaging the edges of the adhesive strip.

Cleaning Spilled Adhesive: Before the sealant cures (drying), use a clean, damp cloth (or a cloth dampened with soapy water/solvent) to promptly remove any excess adhesive from tools, fingers, or the substrate. Once cured, cleaning will be very difficult!