Moisture, mould, and mildew are the most common problems in bathrooms and laundry rooms. Silicone, acrylic, and latex can be used as caulk to seal cracks, joints, and gaps to prevent moisture from leaking. However, for caulk to be adequate, it needs to cure properly. Curing makes the caulk waterproof, and that’s how it stops water from leaking behind bathroom or laundry room countertops.

There are differences between curing and drying when using silicone in bathrooms and laundry. Dry and cure caulk are often used interchangeably, but they have different processes.

During the drying process, moisture evaporates from the caulking to leave the silicone surface dry to touch within a couple of hours. In contrast, the curing process is more complex and slower after the caulking has been installed and exposed to air. It must be completely cured before the water gets anywhere near it.

It is ideal to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the curing process instead of speeding it up. For this reason, it’s vital to determine which variables will affect its successful application.

Here are three factors that affect silicone drying:

1. Humidity Levels

The curing process requires moisture in the air, so more humid air will shorten the curing process. If you are caulking during the winter, make sure to turn off your heat or keep the bathroom door closed so the air won’t dry out. In dry climates, you may need to wait 48 hours before using the shower.

2. Temperature

Warmer temperatures can speed up the curing process. However, you should not use direct heat to cure the caulk. Warm climates are likely to have more humidity, except for desert areas, which require a longer curing time (possibly up to 48 hours). 

3. Product Type

Not all silicone caulk is created equal. Some types are more complex than others, requiring longer cure times based on their formula.

These things can take longer to dry because some silicones are mixed with acrylic or latex. It’s essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them to not damage the caulk.

You can try fast-drying silicons, which dry faster, so you can use the bathroom or laundry area by the next day.

Things to Avoid When Drying Silicone

It is not recommended to expose silicone to moisture before the caulk cures completely since moisture can compromise the waterproof properties of the caulk. However, if you can’t wait 24 hours for it to settle, wait at least 12 hours.

The right way to do this is to take a deep breath and wait until the next day. This ensures that the silicone has dried entirely and can’t absorb any water.

It is not good to expose the silicone to moisture until it has fully cured. Try applying it in the evening and leave it overnight. 

Moreover, using a hairdryer to speed up the drying process is not recommended. Silicone dries comparatively fast, but caulk needs to cure properly. Heat softens up the caulk, disrupting its adhesion and slowing down the curing process by preventing complete curing.

Caulk spontaneously cures with moisture in the air. Using heat will ruin the curing process, requiring replacement and additional time.

Conclusion

Silicone and other sealants are very useful to sanitise your bathroom and laundry areas, but you must know how to use them properly and effectively. This is because they are important parts of constructing waterproof building materials.

Like many other valuable products, they should be used responsibly and carefully. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions to ensure that no one gets hurt or anything gets damaged.

If you are looking for the best caulking and sealing services, seal the deal with Quality Seal Australia. We specialise in top-quality silicone and caulking services to the building industry in Brisbane and Gold Coast. Contact us today!