Getting Started with Silicone Adhesive and Sealants
İf you’ve ever worked in an industrial setting, you’re likely to have come across silicone glues and sealants. Silicone adhesive sealant can be used for many things, but unlike other adhesives, it needs to dry. Curing means letting something dry, and even though it isn’t hard, it takes a lot of time. If the sealant is thick, it could take a long time to dry. Silicone adhesives can dry in as little as 24 hours. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of silicone adhesives and sealants.
Dos of Using Silicone Adhesives and Sealants
USE A PRIMER WHENEVER POSSIBLE
Primers are important because they help sealants stick to the surface you want to protect. This is why they are important. There are some primers that have a short shelf life, but they can help improve adhesion by 20%. They can be applied with a brush or with a cloth, and they will help your bond.
CONSIDER THE SEALANT’S SHELF LIFE
Because most sealants sold today cure at a rate of 2-3mm per 24 hours, they won’t last long in the tube. They have a short shelf life if they are kept in hot and humid places. Making sure they’re in the fridge will help them last longer, and making sure they always have their nozzles attached will also help them cure more slowly. Obviously, don’t open the tubes until you’re ready to use them.
PREP YOUR WORKSPACE
Keep in mind that other people, as well as pets, may come into contact with the space you are working in. Make sure your silicone applicator is out of reach of children and pets. In this case, pick an area that is well-ventilated.
An Easy Way to Remove Sealant
Always, people want to know if there is some magic substance that can help them get rid of the sealant. That’s not true. It’s the only way to get rid of sealant. You can use a cheese wire or a sharp knife, or you can sand it off.
Don’ts of Using Silicone Adhesives and Sealants
NOT CHOOSING THE RIGHT ADHESIVE
Silicone adhesive and sealant should be checked before you buy them for your project. There are adhesives that are made for certain materials. Here is a guide to help you choose the right silicone for your job.
For things like engines, oil pans, transmissions, and more, we use APEL SS700. Make sure to check out the Mirror Adhesive from APEL MG700. It’s an all-purpose sealant that can be used in many types of industrial jobs. If you want to stick it to a non-porous surface, like glass or metal, it works great. Urethane sealant made by APEL is good for things like aluminum, brass, steel, mortar, granite, marble, wood, and a lot of other things.
NOT CHECKING THE EXPIRATION DATE
You should make sure that the silicone adhesives and sealants you want to buy are not out of date. This is a small thing that is easy to forget. If a silicone sealant is past its shelf life, it changes in a way that is not good. It takes a long time for tubes that are out of date to dry and are no longer useful.
NOT CLEANING THE SURFACE
If there is any dirt, oil, grease, or other residue on the surfaces you are working with, it will be hard to make a strong and good bond. Make sure you clean the surfaces thoroughly and let them dry before you start your work.
NOT FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS
There are a lot of different types of sealants and adhesives, and they come with different instructions for how to use them. For example, how long it takes for the sealant to dry is different for each one. They might need to be mixed with other things before they can be used. In order to do this, always read the instructions and follow them in full and correct order.
NOT USING PRESSURE
People glue metal together in a different way than they glue paper and wait for it to dry on its own. Pressure must be used to make sure the bond is as strong as possible. A vise or clamp can hold the pieces together with a lot of pressure so that the adhesive can stick to the metal surfaces that have been cleaned and prepped before. As long as possible, keep the clamp on and let the glue dry. Do not speed up the process, because you will have problems if you do that.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you want to buy silicone sealant right away or if you have more questions about it, we can help. A member of our knowledgeable staff would be happy to help you through the purchasing process and answer any questions you might have about it.
