Our favourite silicone sealant smoothing tool is the No Nonsense Smoothing Tool
Pros:
User-friendly design for easy tooling.
Versatile, suitable for various sealant applications.
Affordable, providing cost-effective value.
Durable for long-term use.
Cons:
Could do with some larger profile sizes for wider joints.
Read on for the full review as well as some other product recommendations.
In the realm of home improvement and maintenance, silicone sealant stands as a stalwart guardian against leaks, drafts, and moisture intrusion. Whether you're sealing gaps around windows, doors, or in the bathroom, achieving a neat and professional finish is crucial.
Yet, the application of silicone sealant is only half the battle – the real finesse lies in smoothing it out seamlessly. If you've ever wondered about the best tool to achieve that smooth, polished look for your silicone sealant projects, you're in the right place.
In this blog post, we'll explore the tools that can elevate your sealing game to professional levels. So, whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of home improvement, you are about to discover the best tools to smooth silicone sealant with precision and finesse.
What Is A Silicone Sealant Smoothing Tool?
A silicone sealant smoothing tool is a specialised instrument designed to achieve a flawless finish when working with silicone sealant. These tools are crafted with precision to facilitate the smoothing and shaping of freshly applied silicone, ensuring that the sealant adheres uniformly and seamlessly to the intended surfaces.
Typically featuring a sleek, ergonomic design, these smoothing tools come in various forms, such as spatula-like blades or double-ended tools with different profiles.
The primary purpose of these tools is to provide users with the means to create a professional-looking seal, free from uneven edges or imperfections.
A silicone sealant smoothing tool not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the sealed area but also contributes to the long-term effectiveness of the seal by ensuring proper adhesion and coverage.
In the following sections, we will delve into the specific types of silicone sealant smoothing tools and explore how each can be used to achieve optimal results in your home improvement projects.
The Best Silicone Sealant Smoothing Tool
No Nonsense Smoothing Tool
The No Nonsense smoothing tools come in 2 separate kits, straight joints or concaved joints. For 99% of my applications i use the straight joints kit, although the concaved kit certainly comes in handy from time to time.
Contents Of The Straight Joints Kit
3 double-ended smoothing tools for straight joints in 5 sizes.
3mm x 90°
5mm x 45°
6mm x 45°
8mm x 45°
10mm x 45°
Contents Of The Concaved Joints Kit
3 double-ended smoothing tools for concave joints in 5 sizes.
4/6mm
8/10mm
12/14mm
There are many reasons why the No Nonsense smoothing tools are an absolute staple in my tool bag.
First and foremost is their exceptional design, which strikes the perfect balance between functionality and user-friendliness.
The tools boast a comfortable grip, allowing for precise control during the smoothing process, ensuring that even intricate corners and edges are handled with ease.
I especially like the fact that the tool narrows towards the point that goes through the silicone. This specific characteristic becomes incredibly advantageous when dealing with joints that aren't perfectly squared.
The tool's ability to narrow towards the point allows for easy manoeuvring; a slight tilt or holding the tool at an angle is all it takes to achieve a flawlessly straight line. They also work well when tooling in confined areas, such as around the back of bath taps etc. This adaptability ensures that even when faced with less-than-ideal sealing conditions, the No Nonsense tool remains effective in delivering a professional and precise finish.
One standout feature is the dual-ended nature of these tools, offering a variety of profiles to accommodate different sealing needs. Whether it's a flat edge for broad strokes or a curved tip for intricate detailing, the No Nonsense smoothing tools provide versatility that is indispensable in various sealing applications around the home.
Durability is another key factor that sets these tools apart. Crafted from high-quality materials, they withstand the rigors of frequent use without compromising performance.
I've found that the edges stay sharper a lot longer than other similar tools on the market. The longevity of No Nonsense silicone smoothing tools not only ensures a smooth finish today but guarantees reliability for future sealing projects.
Lastly, the affordability of these tools makes them accessible to a wide range of users without sacrificing quality. Priced at around £12.99 per kit these certainly won't break the bank.
These are no doubt my favourite smoothing tools on the market. However, If i was being hyper critical, my only grip with them is the biggest joint size in the straight tool kit is 10mm. Ideally i would like to see the joint sizes go up to maybe 12-14mm. It's rare i need to seal a joint that big, but when i do, these will certainly come in handy.
Overall, No Nonsense have managed to combine effectiveness with cost-effectiveness, making these smoothing tools an invaluable addition to any DIY toolkit. For anyone seeking a reliable, versatile, and budget-friendly solution for achieving professional-looking silicone seals, No Nonsense silicone smoothing tools undoubtedly stand out as the top choice.
Pros | Cons |
Simple, sleek, user friendly design | Would be nice to see some bigger joint sizes over 10mm |
Very durable | It would be better to have both the straight joint kit and concaved joint kits in the same pack. Rather than spending double on 2 separate packs. |
Wide range of joint sizes | |
Easy to clean | |
Good price |
Cramer Fugi Profiling Kit
3 piece pack consisting of 16 different profiles.
5mm, 8mm, 10mm & 16mm Straight Joints as well as a range of curved profiles.
After reading rave reviews, I decided to give the Cramer Fugi Profiling kit a go.
Overall, my experience with this tool has been a mix of satisfaction and some minor drawbacks.
One of the standout features of the Cramer Fugi Profiling Tool is its versatility. The set includes various profiling tools that cater to different joint sizes and shapes. While the inclusion of both straight and concave joint profiles in the Cramer Fugi Profiling Tool kit is convenient, it does limit the range of available joint sizes. For example the biggest straight joints jump from 10mm to 16mm, it would be nice to have had some in between.
The tool's build quality is commendable, featuring durable materials that seem well-suited for regular use.
However, the learning curve for using the Cramer Fugi Profiling Tool was steeper than first anticipated. While the accompanying instructions were helpful, achieving a consistently clean finish took some practice. The tool's fairly bulky design, though versatile, could be slightly cumbersome in tight spaces, making it challenging to maintain precision in hard-to-reach corners.
On the positive side, the Fugi Profiling Tool does an excellent job of preventing excess sealant wastage. The adjustable bead depth and the ability to create a uniform finish contribute to a professional-looking seal.
The tapered edges of the tool allow for easy removal of excess silicone without smudging it across the surrounding surfaces.
Price wise, at around £14, this is very reasonable considering the build quality and the amount of profiles you get in this kit. Compared to the No Nonsense kit its almost half the price for the same amount of profiles.
In conclusion, the Cramer Fugi Profiling Tool is a reliable choice for achieving clean and precise silicone seals, especially in more accessible areas. Its versatility and durable construction are notable strengths, but users should be prepared to invest time in mastering its use, particularly in confined spaces.
Pros | Cons |
Big range of joints (straight and curved) in one kit | Limited joint sizes |
Durable | Quiet a bulky design |
Good price |
Volden Sealant Smoothing Tool
Comes with 2 x large smoothing tools, 3 x small smoothing heads and 1 x handle
Straight joint sizes come in 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm and 18mm
2 x Curved profiles
Opting for the Volden Sealant Smoothing Tool was prompted by its promise of a diverse range of profiles and joints, a feature that brings versatility to the forefront. The set includes pieces designed to clip onto a handle, enhancing the tool's adaptability for different sealing tasks.
However, it's worth noting that the handle isn't particularly robust when significant pressure is applied, and users may find it less durable than expected.
One noticeable drawback stems from the size of the tool's components. The smaller pieces, while contributing to the tool's versatility, can pose challenges during application. Due to their size, they are prone to getting easily caked in silicone, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain optimal performance. This aspect adds a layer of inconvenience, particularly in projects where efficiency is paramount.
Another consideration is the wear on the rubber edge after a few uses, a factor likely linked to the tool's budget-friendly nature. The wear can impact the tool's efficiency over time, making it necessary for users to weigh the trade-off between affordability and long-term performance.
Still you can't really complain when it costs just £6 for the whole kit.
In summary, the Volden Sealant Smoothing Tool offers commendable versatility with its range of profiles and joints.
The ability to attach some pieces to a handle enhances its functionality, but users should be mindful of the handle's durability under pressure.
The challenge of small components getting caked in silicone, coupled with the wear on the rubber edge, reflects the tool's budget-friendly nature, making it suitable for specific projects where these limitations can be accommodated.
Pros | Cons |
Large range of profiles | Overall product durability and build quality |
Handle attachment option | Small component challenges |
Very low price |
The Best Silicone Sealant Smoothing Tool? - The Verdict
Among the choices of smoothing tools we've looked at , the No Nonsense Smoothing Tool takes the lead as my favourite, outshining the Cramer Fugi Kit and the Volden Sealant Smoothing Tool.
What I love about the No Nonsense tool is its user-friendly design and range of profiling sizes. The fairly narrow nature of the tool and hard wearing material, makes it a joy to use for various applications.
It's these two factors alone that make this my favourite sealant tool.
However, the fact that the Cramer Fugi Kit and Volden Tool come with larger profile sizes, means i always keep those in my toolkit, just in case i need them.