Neutral Silicone Sealant Storage
Neutral Silicone Sealant Storage
Unopened Product:
Keep the original packaging sealed: Ensure the aluminum foil seal or inner cap on the bottle/tube is intact and do not puncture it prematurely.
Storage Environment:
Temperature: The ideal storage temperature range is generally 5°C to 25°C (41°F to 77°F). Avoid extreme high temperatures (>30°C / 86°F) and low temperatures (<0°C / 32°F).
High temperatures can significantly shorten the shelf life and may cause the gel to become thinner, the packaging to bulge, or even partially solidify prematurely.
Low temperatures (especially below freezing) may cause the gel to freeze, separate, or thicken, and its properties may not be fully restored after thawing.
Humidity: Store in a dry environment. Avoid damp basements, bathrooms, etc.
Location: Store in a cool, dark place, such as a warehouse shelf (away from windows) or a storage cabinet. Avoid direct sunlight.
Keep away from heat sources: Avoid heat sources such as radiators, boilers, stoves, and engines.
Stacking: Stacking can be done horizontally or vertically, but ensure it is secure and does not cause damage to the packaging due to drops. Avoid prolonged compression by heavy objects, which may cause deformation and leaking of the adhesive.
Opened Products:
This is crucial, as the product is highly susceptible to solidification due to moisture after opening!
Seal Immediately:
Cleaning the Bottle: After use, thoroughly wipe any residual adhesive from the bottle opening (threaded area) and the tip of the nozzle with a tissue or cloth.
Secure the Cap: Firmly tighten the original plastic cap (inner cap). This is the first line of defense.
Seal the Nozzle (if keeping it): If the nozzle is in good condition and you plan to use it again:
Securely seal the nozzle opening with tape (such as electrical tape).
Alternatively, and more effectively, after cleaning, insert a small nail or needle into the nozzle opening (making sure the adhesive does not block the needle hole), then replace the bottle cap. Remove the nail for the next use. Special “sealing nozzle caps” or “silicone sealing plugs” are commercially available and offer better results.
Alternative Method (Recommended): If there’s a large amount of adhesive left and it won’t be used soon, the safest approach is:
Clean the bottle opening and remove the nozzle.
Cover the bottle opening with a clean piece of plastic wrap (such as plastic wrap) and tighten the cap firmly, using the film to strengthen the seal.
Alternatively, purchase a special silicone adhesive bottle cap.
Storing Upside Down (Optional but Effective): Store the sealed bottle upside down (with the bottle opening facing down). This will seal the bottle opening, preventing air from entering and significantly delaying curing. However, be sure to tighten the cap tightly, or the adhesive will leak!
Storage Conditions: Same as for unopened products (cool, dry, and away from light).
Use as Soon as Possible: Even if the seal is intact, the shelf life of the opened adhesive is significantly shortened. It’s generally recommended to use it within 1-2 months. The longer the seal is, the higher the risk of the adhesive curing and clogging the nozzle or deteriorating adhesive properties.