What Should You Consider When Buying Silicone? How to Apply Silicone?
Choosing the Right Silicone and Its Applications
Choosing the right silicone is essential for achieving a durable, long-lasting, and high-performance seal. Each type of silicone is specifically formulated for different surfaces and application conditions. Selecting the appropriate product ensures superior adhesion, reliable sealing, and long service life.
General Purpose Silicones (S51, S200 / S300, S610)
General purpose silicones provide excellent adhesion and sealing performance on glass, ceramic, tiles, porcelain, enamel, aluminum, and many other non-porous surfaces. They are ideal for sinks, kitchen countertops, windows, doors, sanitary ware, glass installations, and general sealing applications. They cure quickly and offer excellent resistance to UV rays and moisture.
Products:
- S51 General Purpose Tube Silicone
- S200 / S300 Universal Silicone
- S610 Universal Sausage Silicone
General Purpose Neutral Silicones (S260 / S360, S621)
Neutral silicones are designed for use on natural stone, marble, granite, concrete, PVC, aluminum, galvanized steel, and other sensitive materials without causing corrosion. Their low-odor formula makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. They provide excellent resistance to UV exposure, weathering, and aging.
Products:
- S260 / S360 General Purpose Neutral Silicone
- S621 General Purpose Neutral Sausage Silicone
Bathroom & Kitchen Silicones (S60, S341)
Specially formulated for areas exposed to constant moisture and water. They are resistant to mold and mildew, making them ideal for sealing around sinks, bathtubs, showers, kitchen countertops, ceramic tiles, and joints requiring long-lasting waterproof protection.
Products:
- S60 Bathroom & Kitchen Tube Silicone
- S341 Bathroom & Kitchen Silicone
Shower Cabin Silicone (S331)
Designed specifically for shower enclosure installations and glass joints. It provides excellent waterproof sealing between glass-to-glass and glass-to-aluminum connections, effectively preventing water leakage while ensuring long-lasting performance in bathroom applications.
Product:
- S331 Shower Cabin Silicone
Aquarium Silicone (S320)
A specially formulated silicone with superior adhesion to glass surfaces. It contains no solvents and is safe for aquatic life after curing. It is ideal for aquariums, terrariums, glass display cases, and other glass construction applications.
Product:
Mirror Silicone (S381)
Developed specifically for bonding mirrors without damaging the reflective backing. It provides strong, permanent adhesion for mirror installation.
Application Tip: Apply the silicone in vertical beads spaced approximately 5 cm apart rather than in an "X" pattern. After installation, secure the mirror with masking tape for at least 24 hours.
Product:
Glass Sealing Silicones (S391, S631)
Designed for glazing systems, shopfronts, windows, and glass joints requiring high-performance sealing. They offer outstanding resistance to UV radiation, rain, moisture, and outdoor weather conditions while maintaining long-term elasticity.
Products:
- S391 Glass Sealing Silicone
- S631 Glass Sealing Sausage Silicone
Construction & Facade Silicone (S370)
Developed for professional construction applications. It is ideal for facade joints, aluminum window systems, curtain wall glazing, window installations, and building expansion joints. It provides durable sealing with excellent resistance to UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and harsh weather conditions.
Product:
- S370 Construction & Facade Silicone
RTV High Temperature Silicones (S57, S74, S357)
Specially formulated for applications exposed to high temperatures. They maintain flexibility and sealing performance within a temperature range of approximately -40°C to +350°C. Suitable for engines, transmissions, ovens, fireplaces, boilers, chimneys, and industrial equipment.
Products:
- S57 RTV Tube Silicone
- S74 Neutral RTV Tube Silicone
- S357 RTV High Temperature Silicone
How to Apply Silicone
Proper application techniques are essential for achieving maximum performance and a professional finish.
1. Prepare the Surface Ensure the application surface is clean, dry, and structurally sound. Remove all dust, grease, oil, dirt, and old silicone residues before application.
2. Prepare the Cartridge Cut the cartridge nozzle according to the required bead size at approximately a 45° angle and insert it into the caulking gun.
3. Apply Masking Tape For clean, straight seal lines, apply masking tape along both sides of the joint before application.
4. Apply the Silicone Apply the silicone in a continuous, even bead without leaving gaps. Fill the joint completely to prevent air pockets.
5. Tool the Joint Before the silicone skins over, smooth the bead using a silicone finishing tool or an appropriate joint finishing spatula.
6. Remove the Masking Tape Carefully remove the masking tape immediately after tooling to achieve clean, professional edges.
7. Allow Full Cure Protect the applied silicone from water, impact, and mechanical stress until it has fully cured. Curing time varies depending on the product type and environmental conditions.
Important Tips for Silicone Applications
- Always select the appropriate silicone for the intended application.
- Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and stable before application.
- Completely remove old silicone before applying a new layer.
- Follow the recommended application temperatures specified in the product Technical Data Sheet.
- Avoid contact with water until the silicone has fully cured.
- Use neutral silicone on natural stone, marble, and corrosion-sensitive metals.
- Use Bathroom & Kitchen Silicone in permanently damp environments.
- Use only RTV High Temperature Silicone for applications exposed to high heat.
- Use only Aquarium Silicone for aquarium construction and repair.
- Always use Mirror Silicone for mirror installations and follow the recommended installation procedure