Storage of Acidic Silicone Sealant

Storage of Acidic Silicone Sealant
Unopened (original sealed tube/cartridge):

Cool and dry: This is the most important requirement. Store in a cool, stable temperature location. The ideal storage temperature range is typically 5°C to 25°C (41°F to 77°F). Avoid direct sunlight.

Protected from light: Ultraviolet rays accelerate the aging of the sealant, affecting its performance. Store in a dark cabinet, box, or warehouse.

Protected from moisture: The sealant cures by absorbing moisture from the air. Ensure a dry storage environment with minimal relative humidity. Avoid basements (which may be damp) or under sinks.

Packaging integrity: Keep the factory aluminum film seal and plastic cap on the tube/cartridge intact to ensure complete isolation from air and moisture.

Avoid extreme temperatures:

Freeze protection: Never freeze! Freezing will damage the sealant’s structure, causing it to solidify or severely delaminate, clump, and become completely ineffective. Even after thawing, its original properties will not be restored.

High Temperature Protection: Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures (e.g., above 30-35°C / 86-95°F). High temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions, potentially leading to premature curing or viscosity changes. They can also cause gas expansion in the tube, potentially leading to leaks.

Opened Status:

Immediate Disposal: After use, reseal the tube immediately.

Nozzle Cleaning: After use, wipe away any excess adhesive from the nozzle.

Effective Sealing:

Tubes: Secure the plastic cap securely. For a better seal, squeeze a small drop of adhesive onto the nozzle before tightening the cap (creating a “liquid seal”) or use a dedicated silicone nozzle cap.

Cartridges: If using a glue gun, remove the mixing tube (nozzle) and seal the nozzle tightly with the included plastic plug or a purchased nozzle. Never leave the nozzle open and exposed to air.

Short-term Storage: Even if resealed, the longer the sealant is exposed to air after opening, the greater the risk of moisture contact and the risk of curing starting at the tube opening. It should be used as soon as possible (typically within a few weeks to one or two months, depending on ambient humidity).

Storage conditions are the same as unopened: Storage should remain cool, dry, and away from light, avoiding extreme temperatures.

Shelf Life:

Unopened and strictly adhered to the above storage conditions, the typical shelf life of acidic silicone sealant is 6 to 12 months (please refer to the product packaging for details).

The shelf life is significantly shortened after opening, possibly to just a few weeks. If signs of curing are observed at the tube or barrel opening (hardening, difficulty in extruding), or if lumps, thickening, or curing are observed during extrusion, the sealant should not be used.

Expired or improperly stored sealant may lose its effectiveness even if it is unopened, and may exhibit poor curing and adhesion upon use.

Stacking:

Tubes should be stored flat, not upright. Storing the adhesive flat prevents sedimentation and delamination within the tube. It also prevents the tube tail from long-term pressure deformation, which could lead to seal failure or even rupture.

Cartridges can be stored upright or flat, but avoid stacking them too high, which could cause deformation of the underlying packaging.

Tips:

Clear labeling: Ensure the production date and expiration date are clearly visible during storage, and follow the “first in, first out” principle.

Keep away from children and pets.

Ventilation: While sealed during storage, the storage area should be well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of volatile gases (especially the acetic acid odor of acidic adhesives). Avoid storing with food or beverages.