A GUIDE TO SILICONE SEALANT

People working in the industrial setting or even people who are simply fond of doing DIY repairs at home know about this common thing: leaks are bound to happen - no matter how properly weatherproofed and waterproofed a space is. Thankfully, silicone sealants solve that problem. In this article, get to know more about what a silicone sealant is, its uses, and how to apply it properly to get the most out of its sealing prowess. 

WHAT IS SILICONE SEALANT?

A silicone sealant is a heavy-duty adhesive that is used mostly to create a watertight or airtight seal between two surfaces. It has a gel-like texture, and you can usually find silicone sealants sold in bottles with nozzles that act as an applicator. Contractors and home improvement enthusiasts typically use silicone sealants due to their flexibility and durability. 

It’s also compatible with different surfaces such as aluminum, ceramic, glass, metal, plastic, stone, enamel, and porcelain. 

Silicone sealants are also available in different colors, so choosing the right color that matches the surface is highly important as you can’t paint over a silicone adhesive. The XFasten Silicone Sealant is available in both black and white. 

HOW TO APPLY SILICONE SEALANT

To make sure that the application is smooth and hassle-free, follow these tips to properly apply silicone sealant: 

1. Make sure that the surface is clean so that the sealant will adhere properly. You can use a window scraper to remove any unwanted residue. It is also commended to clean the surface using a soap solution. Wipe it dry. 
2. Important: Make sure that no dust, dirt, grime, oils, or any residue is present on the surface. Brush away all dust and dirt. 
3. Cut a 45-degree angle on the sealant’s nozzle. This is to make the installation more manageable, especially if you will be installing it in a hard-to-reach area. However, if you’re using the XFasten Silicone Sealant, this step is optional as the nozzle’s hole is already designed for optimal sealant flow. But if you want to be more precise, then you can proceed to do a 45-degree angle cut. 
4. Apply the silicone sealant by dragging the tip of sealant nozzle along the surface of the seam. Do not worry about excess sealant as you can wipe this off later. Important: The sealant is meant to fill in the gap between the two surfaces, but it is not designed as an adhesive that bonds two surfaces together. Make sure to apply a generous amount of sealant to the crevice to ensure maximum sealing. 
5. Spread the sealant evenly. Wipe off and scrape any excess using a window scraper or any flat-tipped object or tool that can act as a scraper.
6. Alternatively, you can use your finger to spread the sealant. Have a container of water nearby and wet your finger by dipping it on the water. Use your finger to spread the sealant evenly. Keep dipping your finger in water as silicone does not adhere to water. 
7. Let the sealant dry. The sealant sets in 30-60 minutes. 

HOW TO REMOVE EXCESS DRIED SILICONE SEALANT

One of the less enjoyable things when doing a home improvement project that involves silicone sealant is the residue that it leaves on surfaces. However, if you know what to do, removing excess dried silicone sealant is an easy feat. Here’s how: 

1. Prep the area for sealant removal. Remove any items that you don’t want to get dirty or break during this process. 
2. Make sure that the area and the silicone is already dry. This is to ensure that the process will be easier and faster. If the area is wet, pat it dry with a cleaning cloth or air-dry. 
3. To remove the silicone sealant, use a lubricant or degreaser on the silicone sealant that you want to remove. Let it sit for a few minutes. You can also use a silicone sealant removal tool or scraper for efficiency purposes. Silicone sealant removal tools typically comes with a stainless steel blade, so make sure that you’re wearing gloves to protect your hands from cuts or possible injuries.
4. Dispose the excess dried silicone sealant properly. Clean up any residue left with a cleaning cloth and lukewarm water. 

HOW LONG DOES SILICONE SEALANT TAKE TO DRY?

Most silicone sealants typically take about 24 hours to cure. However, there are also some factors to consider that could affect the overall curing time: 

WHAT IS THE BEST SILICONE SEALANT?

You need to choose tough solutions, especially for home and automobile repair. However, if you have little to no experience in sealing leaks, you would not only need tools that are built to last but also beginner-friendly and economical. If you’re looking for professional-finish silicone sealant, then look no further than the XFasten Silicone Sealant.