Silicone Corners
Today, in MANA's tips and tricks, we answer Ivo's question. He is facing the following issue after the work of some craftsmen. He hired craftsmen to install a plasterboard ceiling, but afterward, he found that its corners were finished with acrylic silicone instead of tape.
He wants to know how he can apply paper tape to ensure that after years, this silicone will not peel off, and his corners will not crack, avoiding the need for repeated repairs.
In this case, there are two options depending on the type and size of the joint.
Option One:
If the joint formed between the ceiling and the wall is very small, up to 2-3mm, the silicone is not rounded and does not protrude, but is cut flush, and the corner is sharp. You should work with ready-mix polymer filler, and the tape can be applied over it without issue. However, there is no guarantee that this will be a long-lasting solution.
Step One - Preparation
If your corner is rounded but the joint is small, and you want to apply tape over it, you need to straighten it to make it sharp.
This can be done by sanding the corner with a sanding block, which you can order here.
After that, it needs to be dusted. It is advisable, if you don't have much experience, to then prime, being careful not to have splashes or drips. This will guarantee a longer open time for work when applying the tape. For greater strength, you can use deep-penetrating primer, which you can order here.
Applying the Tape
After the primer dries, the tape is applied. The faster way here is to apply it with a banjo taper or an automatic taper, but if we don't have such tools and have a small volume of work, we can rent a Banjo Taper from here and get the job done in one day.
Option Two:
When you have larger joints, like Ivo's 5mm silicone, it needs to be removed. Or if you like to ensure that everything will be done well.
Removing the Silicone
This can be done with the help of a putty knife like the one from DEWALT, which you can order here. Or with a utility knife like the one from OX, which you can order here. Scrape it from both sides, then grasp it and pull it like an elastic band.
Preparation Before Taping
After removing the silicone and dusting, you need to fill the resulting joint with a gypsum-based dry filler. Fill the joint, level it, and let it dry completely.
Priming and Applying the Tape
If you don't have experience, you can prime the corners with deep-penetrating primer, which you can order here. This will give you a little more open time for work and seal the base. But be careful of splashes and drips. After that, the tape is applied with ready-mix filler. It is recommended to use this because it provides a longer open time for work.
Once you apply the tape, wait for it to dry before the 2nd and 3rd coats to avoid the tape peeling off, wrinkling, or tearing.
You can watch the video here:
Work smart, not hard!
Follow our website for more tricks and tips in construction and repair activities.