Working with Silicone Adhesives and Sealants – An Overview
You’ve probably come across silicone sealants if you’ve ever worked in an industrial setting. These silicone sealants are versatile, but they must have time to dry, unlike other adhesives.
Curing is the process of allowing them to dry completely. While it is not always a complicated procedure, it does require patience. Silicone sealants can be dry in as little as 24 hours, but they can potentially take several days if the sealant is too thick. This is why you need to master the right way of applying it to your construction projects.
Here are five dos and don’ts when working with silicone adhesives and sealants:
5 Dos of Silicone Adhesives and Sealants
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Use a Primer Whenever Possible
If you want your adhesive or sealant to be strong, use a primer. They help sealants adhere to your chosen surface. Not all primers are solvent-based, and not all of them can be used by brush. There’s one that can be used by a cloth.
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If You’re Using a Sealant, Use a Sealant Penetrating Catalyst
These are an additive that you can add to your silicone sealant that makes it more user-friendly. A sealant with a penetrant will be easier to apply, require less curing time, and be cleaned with water.
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Use Properly Measured Quantities of Silicone Adhesive
There is a fine line between utilising too little or too much silicone adhesive. If you don’t apply enough to form a bond, you will not fully seal the surface. On the contrary, if you apply too much silicone, then you’re bound to encounter issues such as bulging and blistering.
The amount of adhesive you’ll need depends on the type of silicone you’re using. Don’t ever make substitutions or try to experiment with silicone adhesives. If you aren’t sure about the process, get in touch with the manufacturer immediately.
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Add Retarder or Accelerator to Silicone Adhesive
If your sealant is more liquid than you’d like, then you can add a retarder. This slows the drying process and makes your sealant more liquid. Conversely, if your sealant dries too quickly, then a broad range accelerator will help to speed up the resulting curing process.
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Check the Sealant’s Shelf Life
Most sealants sold today cure at the rate of 2 to 3 mm per 24 hours, which is precisely why they do not last for long after opening the tube. For this reason, storing them in the refrigerator will help extend their life.
5 Don’ts of Silicone Adhesives and Sealants
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Don’t Use Retarders or Accelerators Without Consulting the Manufacturer
Just as you shouldn’t substitute ingredients in your recipes, you shouldn’t substitute ingredients in your silicone adhesives. Carefully check the manufacturer’s instructions before trying out any substitutions.
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Don’t Heat or Burn Your Silicone
If you need to heat application to your silicone sealant, allow it to cool before using your heat source. In addition, try not to burn your silicone as it might create unwanted byproducts.
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Don’t Use Silicone in Applications Such as Oven Cleaning
Silicone adhesives are flammable. If you’re using them in a place where they may come in contact with a flame or other heat source, they will combust and turn into a fire hazard.
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Don’t Use Silicone Sealant on Incompatible Surfaces
If the surface your sealant is being applied to is incompatible, you will end up with an unusable mess. If your sealant doesn’t stick, you don’t need to panic. Allow the sealant to dry, and then scrape or sand it down. Afterwards, you’ll need to begin over again.
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Don’t Allow Silicone Sealant to Contact Water Until It Has Set
Do not apply a sealant to a water-saturated surface. Water will dilute the sealant, weaken it and cause it to break down. Many silicones use water-based, so you can avoid this issue entirely.
Conclusion
With a proper primer, you’ll have a better adhesive, less waste and less time spent waiting for your sealant to dry. Remember to clean up any messes immediately. Don’t wait for a sealant to cure before you clean it up, or you’ll risk having your sealant break down. Since it involves complicated processes, it is better to get professionals to do the job correctly for you.
Quality Seal Australia is the best place for all your caulking and sealing services. We specialise in top-quality silicone and caulking services to our clients around Brisbane and in the Gold Coast. Contact us today!