You must know these little-known facts about silicone sealant!
You must know these little-known facts about silicone sealant
What is silicone glue? First understand its “identity label”
Silicone glue, known as “all-purpose glue” in the industry, has polydimethylsiloxane as its core ingredient (sounds complicated? Just remember that it is a member of the “silicon family”~).
– Features: high and low temperature resistance, anti-aging, waterproof and moisture-proof, and can silently withstand tension/compression, which can be called the “hexagonal warrior” in the material world.
– Wide application: sticking tiles, sealing balconies, and filling gaps in kitchens and bathrooms in home decoration; making cars, sticking glass, and sealing electronic components in industry… Wherever a stable connection is needed, it can be found.
💡 Don’t step into pitfalls when choosing glue! Distinguish the “Three Brothers of Silicone Adhesives” in 3 Minutes
There are many kinds of silicone adhesives on the market. Remember these 3 most commonly used ones——
1. Silicone structural adhesive
– Mainly “hard-core load-bearing”: can directly “weld” glass, metal and other materials to the wall (such as glass curtain walls), with ridiculously strong tensile strength and a maximum safety factor.
– ✅ Suitable for: scenes that need to withstand mechanical stress (emphasis: don’t use it as an ordinary sealant!).
2. Silicone sealant
– Good at “checking for leaks and filling gaps”: caulking, sealing, and waterproofing in one step, such as the edge of the kitchen sink, the gaps between doors and windows, and say goodbye to the trouble of leaks and mold.
– ✅ Divided into “neutral” and “acidic”:
– Neutral adhesive: mild and non-corrosive, can be used to stick to metal, stone, and glass, the first choice for home decoration (especially sensitive materials).
– Acidic adhesive: fast curing, strong adhesion, but with a slight pungent smell, suitable for sticking ceramics and glass (don’t touch metal! It will corrode).
3. Silicone weather-resistant glue
– Designed for “outdoor combat”: UV resistance, wind and rain resistance, temperature difference resistance, open-air doors and windows, balconies, and exterior wall seams all rely on it to withstand the ravages of time.
– ✅ Remember: Don’t be lazy when using glue outdoors, choose weather-resistant glue so that it won’t crack or turn yellow!
⚠️ Pit-avoiding guide: 90% of people have stepped on these 3 misunderstandings!
1. “The thicker the glue, the better”? Wrong!
Viscosity and use are linked: structural glue requires high viscosity to bear the load, and sealants pay more attention to fluidity (easy to glue and fill the gaps). Don’t blindly pursue “thickness”.
3. “Can’t be torn off after curing = good adhesion”? Not necessarily!
Good silicone glue is “strongly adhered + easy to clean”: the edges are neat after curing, and it can be easily rubbed off if it sticks to your hands/tools by mistake (inferior glue will stick to “psoriasis”).
🛠️ Practical tips: You can become a “master” by applying glue yourself
1. Before construction: the surface must be completely dry + clean
Dust, moisture, and oil stains will make the glue “unstickable”. Wipe it clean with alcohol/rags and wait until it is dry before starting work.
2. When applying glue: hold the glue gun at a 45° angle and move at a constant speed
It is recommended for beginners to apply masking tape (tear it off immediately after applying the glue, the edges are super neat), don’t be greedy and pile it up into “big lumps”, the thickness is uniform to look good and durable.
3. Curing period: Don’t be impatient!
Neutral glue takes 24 hours to cure under standard temperature conditions, acid glue is faster, and only takes (4~8 hours) at a temperature of 25℃. Don’t touch it or water during this period, and wait patiently for the “glue to dry”~
🌟 Why is silicone glue called “invisible sense of security”?
The doors and windows of the house do not leak, the glass curtain walls do not fall off, the car parts do not loosen… These “stable happiness” are all made possible by the silent efforts of silicone adhesive. Choose the right adhesive and use the right adhesive, small details can also support great quality~