Siliconing a ripply surface..

ChroniC · 2025-12-20T20:35:55+0000

I need to run a large bead of silicone around the shower tray base where it meets the Vinyl floor. But, the vinyl has a wood effect that if I run a silicone removal tool along the bead, it leaves a terrible edge where it pushes into these tiny edges.

Anyone got a bright idea on how to do it neatly?

Orifice · 2025-12-20T21:34:41+0000

Metex Silicone Block. Shape of it gives a decent joint whilst not allowing the surface ripples to impact the finish.

ChroniC · 2025-12-20T22:10:35+0000

No it won't. All due respect, I have something similar. These things only work on smooth surfaces. When you drag them, they push the silicone into the wood pattern and it looks garbage.

Begbie · 2025-12-20T22:15:57+0000

Wet finger?

mickyflinn · 2025-12-20T22:18:41+0000

clear silicone is less noticeable

bazzabear · 2025-12-20T22:20:58+0000

Can you not just mask off the surface first? Then apply the silicone and bead it as usual, and then remove the masking tape to give you a nice sharp edge.

ChroniC · 2025-12-20T22:41:02+0000

I hadn't thought about it. I could.

Orifice · 2025-12-21T08:49:15+0000

ChroniC said:
No it won't. All due respect, I have something similar. These things only work on smooth surfaces. When you drag them, they push the silicone into the wood pattern and it looks garbage.

You still need masking tape. The shape of the thing stops it transferring any deviations to the silicon, but nothing except masking will prevent it pushing silicone into any undulations. I've done loads around a wood patterned LVT bathroom floor with no issues when masked.

ChroniC · 2025-12-21T14:45:41+0000

I'll try that first.

fobose · 2025-12-21T17:35:21+0000

I used masking tape on my LVT wood effect around all my skirting and it looks immaculate. Remove the masking tape as soon as your finished though.