Off-topic DIY question

[Fuzzy]

A question for VAC DIY experts...

Currently decorating/renovating the kitchen and I've removed all the old silicone from around the inside of the window frame (it was a right mess, and had pulled away from the wall/plaster anyway).

I'm now left with a gap, of course, that I'll need to clean up the frame and re-seal with new silicone (and a few bits will need a small amount of filler).

The walls are going to be papered with 2000 grade lining paper and then painted - my question is... should I do the silicone seal BEFORE or AFTER papering and painting?

Thanks

Fuzzy2016-04-02 12:58:36

 

[Mr20to5]

Depends on a few things really, but nothing really matters as long as you fill the hole to prevent draughts, etc.

Do you want to be able to see your efforts or not, which could also be read, are you a neater painter/paperer or better with a caulking gun/tube?

If it were I in my house, I would fill that gaping gap with filler, allow to dry (properly) then put up your lining paper and paint. Finishing off with a really neat thin line of silicone/caulk running the length of your window/frame, etc.

But if you were afraid of your caulking not being perfect, etc, then I would apply prior to paint, then you can use masking tape to get a nice straight paint line along the edge.

Hope that helps.

 

[guddler]

Neil's pretty much covered it. Depends how big the gap is, it looks small enough for caulk, if not, use some expanding foam but I don't think it's big enough for that.

One key thing is, if you're going to paint, use decorators caulk, not silicone as paint won't go on silicone properly.

 

[Fuzzy]

Thanks fellas.

The gap's probably 5-7mm at its widest point.

Is regular Polyfilla OK for this, then?

Yes, I hate decorating and yes, I acknowledge my cluelessness!

 

[Mr20to5]

Regular polyfiller is fine, the cheaper the brand the more they tend to shrink and may just need a quick second application.

Push it in to the gap with a smooth blade, give it 10 mins then spray with a fine mist of water and run your smooth blade over it again to remove any excess and leave ready to cover with your paper.