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Sealants fill joints and keep out water, air and draughts, while adhesives bond one material to another. This category covers silicone, frame and construction sealants, grab and hybrid adhesives, expanding foam, superglues and two-part epoxies, interior and exterior fillers, and tile adhesives and grouts.

Sealants, foams and fillers

• Sanitary sealants: for joints around baths, basins, showers and kitchen worktops. They are covered by BS EN 15651-3, which also grades how well the cured sealant resists mould growth.
• Facade and frame sealants: for outside joints and around window and door frames, covered by BS EN 15651-1.
• Expanding foam: fills and insulates larger gaps, for example around pipes and frames.
• Fillers: repair holes and cracks in masonry, plaster and woodwork; choose an exterior grade for outside work.

Adhesives

Grab and hybrid adhesives fix panels, trims and fixtures, while superglues suit small repairs. Two-part epoxies and other reaction resins cure by a chemical reaction once mixed. Check that the adhesive suits both surfaces and whether it is rated for indoor or outdoor use.

Tile adhesives and grouts

Tile adhesives are classified under BS EN 12004: C for cement-based powders, D for ready-mixed dispersion adhesives and R for reaction resin. Class 1 is a normal adhesive and class 2 an improved one, and extra letters show fast setting (F), reduced slip on walls (T), extended open time (E) and deformability (S1 or S2). Grouts are classified under BS EN 13888: CG2 is a cement grout with improved abrasion resistance and lower water absorption, and RG is a reaction resin grout.

Most products need a sound, clean and dry surface, so prepare it as the label directs. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety data. For brushes, tapes and other decorating supplies, see decorating tools and sundries.