Joints provide for tiling for clean and hygienic connections and where grout reaches its limits, silicone is used. This is the only way to prevent moisture from penetrating underground, especially in sanitary rooms. Too big is the danger of mold growth. It is important, however, that the silicone is applied completely, in order to provide sufficient protection. This is where the joint smoother comes in, helping you to make tight, clean joints.
The joint straightener, also known as silicone straightener, silicone puller, Fugenfux or Fugenboy, is specially designed to make it as easy as possible to apply silicone joints on tapered tile walls and for wall sealing of washbasins, sinks or bathtubs. In contrast, the frequent use of finger-pulling can cause the joint gap not to be evenly filled, which in turn leads to the formation of air pockets where bacteria and mold spores like to settle.
Our clear recommendation therefore lies in the use of a joint glazier to achieve a lasting hygienic and visually perfect result when applying silicone joints.
The joint smoother in use
Joint straighteners are available in different versions and the purchase price is really manageable. The models are usually made of plastic and are precisely processed. One side of the joint smoother has bevelled edges and in use, you must make sure that the slope is always facing you. For grouting in areas that are difficult to access, such as under radiators, you get special flattened joint pullers. It is also advisable to use a joint straightener set, as you will then have several widths and shape profiles directly available.
Preparations: If the room you want to bake is newly tiled, you can usually start immediately. If, however, the old silicone joints are still present, you must first remove them. A cutter knife is available here or a special Silikonfugenentferner. Then you have to remove the remaining remains best with silicone remover. Your work surface must be free of grease and oil.
Setting the backfill cord: The silicone that you apply must adhere only to the two adjacent tiles and not to the surface. Therefore, the use of a backfill cord is recommended. These cut them in length and press them into the joint. You can prevent unwanted 3-sided adhesion.
Pull silicone joint: The silicone is clamped in this point in the silicone gun. Start at the beginning of the joint and hold the silicone gun at an oblique angle of approx. 45 ° to the body. When squeezing, you then move to the body at a steady speed. Make sure that the silicone covers the entire edge without gaps.
Handle for the joint smoother: Take the joint smoother now. Hold the bevelled surface to the body. Work at right angles and pull the joint straightener evenly back to the body. You can then easily remove the excess silicone. You should now have pulled a clean joint. At the corners, place the joint smoother in this and pull a small piece in the direction of the already processed joint.
Good to know: Before you use the joint straightener, you can also spray the silicone with lubricant to make peeling even easier.
Play it safe and invest in a joint smoother or in a corresponding joint straightener set. You will not regret it, especially as joint smoothing tools are also ideal for removing acrylic and polyurethane grouts and can not be used only once. The results speak for themselves.