siliconing technique...

[widler]

Finger,if i take my time its very neat, i go around all bath /shower at once then use my finger and bacteria,better finish with bacteria.
Im kinda joking there,how in the gods do u all know bacteria makes it go gar gar, seriously you lads would believe owt.
I want scientific proof,its goes mouldy cos of constantly wet nowt to do with bacteria
jesus h Christ

 

[Qwerty]

Seriously widler, mould on silicone is nearly always due to the old "saliva wipe" technique.

The most common type of bacteria found in saliva is Streptococcus. People typically have Streptococcus in their mouths living benignly, although certain species are responsible for diseases such as strep throat, meningitis and bacterial pneumonia. Now tell me how that wouldn't cause mould (bacteria). Bacteria multiplies in damp and warm conditions i.e bathrooms!!

I will stick to my forming tools and fairy liquid thanks!

 

[widler]

So if that was the case wouldnt it grow everywhere in bathrooms ? I mean, its only usually around the wet areas is it not ?
I re did my ensuite last year ( or maybe the year before) with the silicone things and a spray, not any saliva , guess what ,its still mouldy around the wet areas in the showers, not in the corners mind just where its wet.
When i did my kitchen with me fingers and saliva its got mouldy around my sink no doubt about it but everywhere else not a bit.
Seriously mate we aint flippin komodo dragons folk read stuff and believe it to be true when in fact using saliva does not make a iota of difference in wet areas.
Ps im not saying we don't have bacteria in our mouths, jeez ive had enough coldsores offa dirty women but it being the reason it makes silicone mouldy

 

[Qwerty]

Ok widler. Im speaking from both experience with silicone and also when I have attended mapei hq in Halesowen where I discussed this matter with the technical guys there. Here is a link to an Aussie silicone company that specifically mention saliva in their technical specs!

http://www.insulationindustries.com.au/SiteFiles/insulationindustries2010comau/770data.pdf

Do you just disbelieve that it encourages mould growth or do you have any evidence it doesn't?

 

[widler]

Oh jesus h christ, forget it,i have proved it will grow with or without it,with using your finger and with using fairy.
If a bit of bacteria makes it happen quicker then maybe it does but even wonder silicone with fabulous mould resistant technology with grow mould in a short while.
Its blocko aint it?
Listen bud why dont you do a test piece( i did un beknown to me) i know some of you wonder tilers like your little tests, and come back in 12 months time,pm me with pics .
Thats me done on this one, come back in 12 months with your finding prof

 

[Qwerty]

forget it,i have proved it will grow with or without it,with using your finger and with using fairy.
If a bit of bacteria makes it happen quicker then maybe it does

Im sorry that Widler misinterpreted me giving sound advice as arguing, but again I strongly disagree to his last observation. Saliva used to smooth silicone WILL cause mould at some point, there is no maybe about it. This will be sped up in damp & warm areas. Hygiene plays a big part too I guess, as a good cleaning regime afterwards will keep any potential new bacteria at bay.

Not once have I had any of my previous customers have any of their silicone mould. I have used mapei & dow corning silicone, forming tools and fresh fairy water mix on each & every one of them (including my own!.....see photo below).

This is the corner of my shower which is used twice a day most days by my wife & I. This is now nearly 5 years old and proof enough for me ........no need for a 12 month test either.



Below is a photo of a new build flat where the builder used his saliva to smooth the silicone (flat was around two years old). I was asked by the owner to renew the silicone only.

Below I have attached a photo of my silicone afterwards (grout still mouldy I know but that is what comes with builder using all in one addy & grout!). This photo was taken around 9 months AFTER I siliconed it when I returned to re-seal their travertine splash back.

 

[widler]

Ok when i get a life and can be arsed taking photos i will do the same in my house, not once have i never seen no mould in a house in nearly 30 years of trading, but then again im a multi trader not a proper tiler ,

 

[widler]

Ps i will say if you have never had mould in any house is
U only been trading 2 years love ?

 

[DHTiling]

I spray with fairy mix and then run over with index finger nail(back side). Keep my finger wet with fairy mix and clean my finger on a clean cloth as i go.

Bang on. Best way.

 

[DHTiling]

Bacteria grows on anything , licking ya finger causes it is pants.

High humidity is the cause and lack of proper cleaning regime.

 

[Andy Allen]

I use my finger and wipe it on the curtains.......:smilewinkgrin:

 

[Qwerty]

Thats me done on this one

Who you kidding mate!!! Have a good weekend

 

[merit]

been told in the past that mould is a living organism and needs something to feed off to grow,soaps contain animal fats that the mould loves , not cleaning after showers ect has an effect, dunno about spit

 

[DHTiling]

I use my finger and wipe it on the curtains.......:smilewinkgrin:

Just one finger :lol: little one have we. Lol.

 

[Andy Allen]

rrr:rrr:rrr:

 

[John Benton]

I always tell my customers once they have showered to take the shower head and spray down the walls to wash off any body fats/oils shampoo residue as this is full of bacteria. Leave it, and mould will grow, clean it down and you will have less chance of mould occurring!!!!

 

[DHTiling]

I always tell my customers once they have showered to take the shower head and spray down the walls to wash off any body fats/oils shampoo residue as this is full of bacteria. Leave it, and mould will grow, clean it down and you will have less chance of mould occurring!!!!

I do the same.

 

[CJ]

I always tell customers with teenagers, to blame them.

Ventilation, or lack of it causes discolouration in silicon/grout. If people open a window or had a decent extractor, that would help no end.