The Dos and Don’ts of Working with Silicone Adhesives and Sealants

Getting Started with Silicone Adhesive and Sealants

If you have ever worked in an industrial setting, you are probably familiar with silicone adhesives and sealants. Silicone adhesive sealant is versatile, but it must cure, unlike other adhesives. Curing is the process of letting something dry, and even though it isn’t difficult, patience is required. The cure time for silicone adhesives can range from 24 hours to several days, depending on how thick the sealant is. Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure you make full use of silicone adhesives and sealants.

Dos of Using Silicone Adhesives and Sealants

USE A PRIMER WHENEVER POSSIBLE

Sealants adhere better to surfaces after primers have been applied. The shelf life of primers is short, but they help increase adhesion by 20%. There are a few solvent-based primers that can be applied by brush or cloth, and they will strengthen your bond.

CONSIDER THE SEALANT’S SHELF LIFE

Sealants today cure at a rate of 2-3mm per 24 hours, which is why they won’t last forever in the tube. Sealants in hot and humid conditions have a short shelf life. By keeping them in the refrigerator, you will be able to extend their shelf life, and by keeping the nozzles attached, they will cure more slowly as well. Do not open the tubes until you are ready to use them.

PREP YOUR WORKSPACE

Keep in mind other people, including pets, may come into contact with the space you are working in, so make sure your silicone applicator is kept out of reach of children and animals. If your adhesive has an odor, work in a well-ventilated area.

An Easy Way to Remove Sealant

Manufacturers always get queries from people asking if there is any miracle substance that can help remove the sealant. Well, the answer to this is no. The only way you will be able to remove sealant is through mechanical methods, such as a cheese wire or sharp knife, or by abrading it with a sander.

Don’ts of Using Silicone Adhesives and Sealants

NOT CHOOSING THE RIGHT ADHESIVE

You must check the materials you will be working with before purchasing silicone adhesive or sealant for your project. Certain adhesives are designed specifically for certain materials.

RTV silicone is recommended for industrial applications such as engines, oil pans, transmissions, etc. You can use Window Silicone Sealant in a wide range of industrial applications if you are searching for a general-purpose, durable sealant. 

NOT CHECKING THE EXPIRATION DATE

Make sure that silicone adhesives and sealants are not outdated before purchasing. It is easy to overlook this detail. When silicone sealant reaches the end of its shelf life, it undergoes changes. Expired tubes dry more slowly and are no longer effective.

NOT CLEANING THE SURFACE

If there is any grime, oil, grease, or other residues on the surfaces which you are working with, you will have a difficult time forming a solid and good bond. Make sure you clean surfaces thoroughly and let them dry before proceeding with your work.

NOT FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS

There are various types of sealants and adhesives, and they come with slightly different instructions for how they are to be used, particularly in terms of how long it takes for the sealant to dry. There are very strong adhesives that might need to be mixed with other substances before use. Therefore, always read the instructions and follow them to the letter.

NOT USING PRESSURE

Gluing metal together is different from gluing paper and waiting for it to dry. Ensure that the bond formed is as strong as possible by applying pressure. When the pieces are held together with firm pressure, the adhesive will bond to the metal surfaces that have been prepared. Wait as long as possible before removing the clamp, and allow the adhesive plenty of time to dry. Be careful not to rush the process, otherwise you will have problems.

Ready to Get Started?

If you have questions or would like to place an order for silicone sealant, please contact us. We would be happy to guide you through the purchasing process and answer any questions you may have.