Silicone sealant is a multifunctional protective substrate that can be used in various applications and environments. Because of their specific ability to form a watertight seal preventing the passing of liquids, they are often used for filling gaps and cracks between different building materials. They can also be fantastic at blocking out sound, so they are an essential product in any professional tradesperson's arsenal.
In this blog post, we highlight some tips and tricks when working with silicone sealants so you can achieve that picture-perfect finish every time with ease.
Different Types Of Silicone Sealant
There is no single type of silicone sealant that you should use for everything. There is a range of silicone sealants available on the market, and all have different flexibility, durability, and resistance.
So how do you know you are using the right one for the job? Silicone sealant is categorised by what job it is suitable for, making choosing the right product very straightforward.
Acetoxy Silicone Sealants
They release acetic acid (which smells a little like vinegar) as they cure, and due to its fast curing time and rigidness when applied, it makes it one of the most commonly used sealants. On the downside, it generally has poor adhesion.
Neutral (Neutral Alkoxy) Silicone Sealants
A neutral silicone sealant releases alcohol as they cure, which results in them producing almost no smell. Compared to Acetoxy sealants, they have better adhesive properties for a greater range of materials. On the downside, they can be more expensive and are slower to cure, taking one to five days, depending on thickness, temperature, and humidity conditions.
Low Modulus Sealants
Stretchy but not the most hardwearing, these sealants offer better adhesion and offer more flexibility and durability. In general, low modulus sealants are preferred, especially in high moving joints such as window frames or expansion joints. These also work well with joint backer rods to ensure the sealant is applied at the depth intended.
High Modulus Sealants
They are less stretchy but more hardwearing; they are recommended for sealing baths, showers, sinks, washbasins, kitchen worktops, and many other sanitary and internal applications.
Tips And Tricks To Get A Perfect Professional Finish With Silicone Sealants
Using silicone sealants is common practice in any construction job, and it is no rare sight to witness a poorly applied sealant around a bathtub or windowsill. We have compiled some industry tricks to assist you in getting a perfect finish.
Use Masking Tape For Straight Silicone Application
Apply the professional masking tape to cover both sides of the line to be sealed; apply the sealant across the area, and then remove the tape before the sealant is dry. It is the same concept as cutting when painting an object or room and allows you to create a clean finish instantly.
Grab Glass Cleaner To Apply Silicone Sealant
When it comes to sealing, silicone can be tricky to get right. While years of practice make perfect, there's another tool that can help: window cleaner.
After removing any old sealant, cleaning and drying the surface, lay the silicone as normal. Next, grab your glass cleaner and spray over the fresh sealant. This won't mix with the silicone, allowing you to smooth it out without sticking to any unwanted surfaces. Then all you need to do is leave it to dry, helping you achieve a perfect finish every time.
What Is The Best Way to Store Silicone Sealant?
The best method is to leave the nozzle attached, ensuring it is fully screwed on to provide the best possible seal to the cartridge thread and then squeeze out a small dab of sealant from the tip of the nozzle and leave it to cure.
This effectively forms a plug and slows further curing of the sealant down through the nozzle. When you need to use it next, pull carefully on the hardened plug, and it should pull out, leaving the nozzle ready to extrude the product.
If it breaks off or the sealant has cured further down, unscrew the nozzle and clean it out with a piece of wire or small screwdriver; re-attach, and you're ready to go again.
What Is The Best Way To Remove Old Silicone Sealant Before Replacing It?
- Apply sealant remover.
- Leave for 3 hours.
- Gently scrape away the silicone sealant using a strong plastic tool.
- Clean the area with a dry cloth.
Apply rubbing alcohol to remove residue. Before applying new sealant, you must first prep and clean the area. One way of doing this is to use rubbing alcohol. This is a particularly effective solution for soap, making it an excellent option for bathrooms and kitchens.
After removing any old sealant or paint, apply the rubbing alcohol to remove any product residue. Because it's fast-drying, you can wipe and then start sealing.
Fast Build has a conclusive range of silicone sealant products you can browse through to suit your professional needs. To answer any questions you may have regarding our products, please get in contact with Fast Build today, and one of our knowledgeable team members can assist you.
