Uses of acrylic sealants

Acrylic sealant is a very common, water-based, one-component sealant known for its excellent elasticity, adhesion, weather resistance, environmental friendliness (low VOC), and ease of application. Its primary applications are in the construction, renovation, and DIY sectors, particularly where moderate elasticity and good weather resistance are required.

The following are its main applications:

Building joint sealing:

Window and door frame joints: Seals gaps between windows and door frames and walls to prevent the infiltration of wind, rain, dust, and noise.

Wall panel joints: Seals expansion joints and joints between various exterior wall panels (such as fibercement boards, metal panels, and composite panels).

Curtain wall joints: Used for joint sealing in some curtain wall systems.

Pipe/cable penetrations: Seals gaps around holes in the wall where air conditioning ducts, electrical wiring, and cables pass through.

Roof joints: Seals the joints between roof tiles, metal roofing panels, chimneys, and other structures (select a weather-resistant, outdoor-grade sealant).

Interior Renovation Caulking:

Gypsum Board Joints: Filling and sealing the joints between gypsum boards (drywall) is an important step in wall leveling.

Baseboard and Cornice Joints: Seal the joints between baseboards and cornices and walls, floors, or ceilings to prevent dust accumulation.

Interior Door and Window Frame Joints: Seal the gaps between interior door and window frames and walls.

Ceiling Joints: Seal the joints between ceiling panels (such as gypsum board, PVC board, and aluminum gussets).

Interior Wall Crack Repair: Repair small cracks in walls and ceilings.

Small Area Bonding and Fixing:

Lightweight Material Bonding: Bonds wood, gypsum board, cement board, masonry, foam materials, and some metals (such as aluminum and galvanized steel).

Moulding and Decorative Strip Fixing: Secures lightweight items such as interior moldings and mirror frames.

Tile Edge Sealing/Securing: Can be used to secure or seal the edges of wall and floor tiles (especially in non-wet areas). However, it is not recommended as the primary tile adhesive for large installations or areas subject to long-term water exposure (such as shower enclosures).

Other Uses:

Concrete Joint/Crack Sealing: Seals expansion joints in concrete pavements and floors, or repairs minor cracks (select a type suitable for the concrete).

Air Duct Sealing: Seals the joints of metal or fiberglass air ducts.

Key Advantages of Acrylic Sealant:

Environmentally Friendly and Non-Toxic: Water-based, low odor, and low VOC, making it safer for indoor use.

Easy to Use and Clean: Extrudes smoothly, making tool storage easy (uncured adhesive can be wiped clean with a damp cloth), and requires no mixing.

Excellent Elasticity and Movement Capacity: Can withstand joint movement of ±7.5% to ±12.5% (depending on the grade) due to thermal expansion and contraction, without cracking.

Excellent Weather and UV Resistance: Particularly suitable for outdoor use, resists yellowing and chalking.

Good Adhesion: It has excellent adhesion to porous building materials (such as concrete, wood, masonry, and drywall), as well as metals and plastics.

Paintability: After curing, the surface can be painted (either water-based or oil-based), blending seamlessly with decorative finishes.

Important Notes:

Not Suitable for Long-Term Submersion in Water: While weather-resistant (it can withstand rain), it should not be used in areas subject to long-term submersion in water (such as underwater, in swimming pools, bathtubs, and shower enclosure joints). Silicone adhesives or modified silane (MS) adhesives should be used for these applications.

Substrate Compatibility: While widely used, it may not adhere well to certain plastics (such as PTFE, PE, and PP) or oily surfaces. It is best to test or consult the manufacturer before use.

High-Temperature Resistance: Generally, its high-temperature resistance is limited (usually below 80-90°C), making it unsuitable for high-temperature equipment or pipe sealing.

Curing Time: While it dries quickly, full cure and achieving final properties may take several days to several weeks (depending on the depth of the adhesive joint and the temperature and humidity).

In summary, acrylic sealants are ideal for sealing building joints (especially doors and windows), caulking interior joints (especially drywall), light-duty bonding, and outdoor weatherproofing. They are particularly popular for their environmental friendliness and ease of use. However, for long-term water immersion or high-temperature environments, other sealants may be necessary. Please consult the product’s detailed instructions based on the specific application scenario when making your selection.