Everbuild General Purpose Silicone

General Purpose Silicone is a medium modulus, non-shrinking, acetoxy cure silicone sealant suitable for sealing and glazing applications on glass, aluminium, most ceramics, and painted surfaces. It is also resistant to weathering and ozone.

Silicones are derived from polymerized siloxanes – molecules consisting of chains made up of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms. Their unmatched flexibility and thermal stability make them useful in a range of industries, including construction, industrial coatings, and adhesives & sealants.

Suitable For

Everbuild General Purpose Silicone, commonly known as GP Silicone is an acetoxy cure sealant with built in fungicide to help prevent the growth of bacteria, mildew and black mould in areas of high humidity. It has several uses and is ideal for sealing sanitary areas, around baths, showers and basins, aluminium gutter sealing and for general draught proofing. It has a neutral curing action and is quick to set with low dirt pick up. It is safe to use on most General Purpose Silicone smooth surfaces, metals, glass, most types of wood and ceramics. This product is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications and has a life expectancy of up to 25 years.

Silicone is resistant to extreme temperatures, weathering, moisture and ozone so it’s a great choice for use on materials that are regularly exposed to the elements. It’s also a good choice for sealing components in electronic devices and appliances where there are constant vibrations.

It’s important to choose the correct product for your application so that you get a strong bond and lasting durability. Using a silicone sealant that’s not designed for your project can lead to failure and expensive call backs. It is also crucial to prepare the surface properly before applying the silicone. This includes removing loose or flaking surface coatings, cleaning the area and priming it if required.

Sealing Sanitary Areas

Silicone sealants can be used to effectively and reliably seal sanitary areas, including showers, baths and basins, kitchens and sinks. They will bond to various substrates, such as glazed tiles and enamel, as well as to metal surfaces (aluminium / stainless steel) and glass. They are also suitable for sealing around rimless showers and the perimeter pointing of double glazed units. They will not adhere to acrylics, PVC, marble and natural stone, bitumen, PE, PP or PTFE. For this type of application, choose a General Purpose Silicone containing an anti-fungal compound to prevent mould growth in damp areas.

Most silicone sealants are moisture resistant, meaning they can hold up well against humidity and water in a variety of environments. This makes them an ideal choice for use in rooms like bathrooms and kitchens, where there is a high level of moisture each day, as well as in outdoor areas, as they can resist rain, thaw/freeze and other weather conditions.

Some silicone sealants are designed to withstand higher temperatures, so are useful for industrial applications, such as the manufacture, repair and assembly of auto parts. Typically, they are able to withstand up to 260°C continuous, and 400°C intermittently. For example, there is a specialist aquarium silicone sealant, called Akfix 100AQ, which adheres well to glass and is safe for fish and plants.

Glazing Applications

Silicone adhesives and sealants are an ideal choice for a wide range of applications around the home and in the workplace. They are resistant to heat, moisture and weathering so can be used in a variety of projects including window or door sealing, draught proofing and glazing. They are also often utilised in craft and pet projects such as aquarium or terrarium seals.

Choosing the right type of silicone sealant will ensure that the project you are working on can be completed successfully. There are different grades of silicone adhesives and sealants to suit the material you are working with, and there are neutral cure and acid cure variants for use with a variety of non-porous materials and substrates.

It’s important that the surfaces you are sealing are clean and dry before applying any silicone products. Any grime or residue can impact the bonding process and result in a poor finish. Depending on the product you are using, surface preparation can include cleaning with a suitable solvent cleaner or abrading.

Most silicone sealants are supplied in either cartridges or tubes with a nozzle for precise bead application. They can be applied manually or using a caulking gun. You will need to select a tube size that is appropriate for the project you General Purpose Silicone are working on, taking into consideration the amount of silicone adhesive or sealant you will require to achieve your desired finish.

Aluminium Gutter Sealing

Gutter connections are prone to leaking and rusting, so it’s vital that the seam sealant used is both durable and weather-resistant. If you want to ensure your guttering lasts for years, a silicone sealant is the best choice. Its elasticity allows it to expand and contract without letting water in, while its tough chemical resistance means it can stand up to a range of chemicals.

This high-quality, medium modulus general purpose silicone caulking material from Heng’s is a ready-to-use, 100% multi-purpose RTV silicone rubber that cures to a tough, rubbery solid upon exposure to atmospheric moisture. It adheres well to most smooth surfaces, including glass, most types of metal, aluminum, ceramics, most plastics, and natural and synthetic fibre. It also features a built-in fungicide to prevent the growth of mildew and black mould in areas of high humidity.

Silicones are widely used in a variety of industries. They’re often applied to road surfaces and maritime vessels, for example, to reduce the effect of oil, gasoline, salt, and acid rain. They’re also often found in swimming gear and sports goggles, as they’re able to keep out water and prevent fogging or condensation. However, it’s important to note that silicone elastomers aren’t suitable for every environment or project. To learn more about their specific properties, speak to a silicone specialist like SIMTEC today.