Clear silicone kicks out water
If you are a handy person around the house, you need to know about clear silicone. This versatile sealant is the top choice for wet areas, bathrooms, and exterior applications.
Why use clear silicone?
Clear silicone sealant is an indispensable product for the DIYer. It is one of the best sealants for keeping water out of cracks and crevices that need to stay dry. It won’t shrink or crack, so it’s great for exterior applications such as windows and doors or sealing up wires or pipes that penetrate the wall. It is also commonly used around bathtubs, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures.
Clear latex sealant is also available. Latex sealant has many of the same qualities but is less water resistant. It is a bit easier to clean up and is also paintable. Your choice will depend on the particular project you are doing.
Clear polyurethane sealant is a little less common. The advantage of polyurethane is that it may adhere better than silicone to certain materials. It is durable; however, it tends to break down faster if exposed to sunlight and weather, so bear that in mind.
How to apply clear sealants
Whether you need clear sealant for crafts, for construction projects, or plumbing fixtures, here are some simple guidelines for application.
- Make sure the areas to be sealed are clean and dry.
- Insert the tube into a caulk gun, cut the nozzle, and puncture the foil seal at the base of the nozzle.
- Squeeze the trigger and move evenly along the seam to be sealed so as to lay down a uniform bead of sealant.
- Use a caulk tool or your finger to smooth the sealant and feather it into the surrounding materials.
- Allow it to dry for the specified drying time before use.
- Clean up hands and tools immediately with warm soapy water.
Clear silicone can also be used as an adhesive and will bond to many types of material such as rubber, metal, and glass. If the surface to be bonded is smooth or shiny, roughen it up with a bit of sandpaper to improve adhesion. Then apply the clear silicone and clamp the items or otherwise hold them together until the silicone has cured.
Always work in a ventilated area and wear protective gloves and safety glasses while working with clear sealants and other adhesives.
How to find the right clear silicone sealant
We recommend Loctite Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant for most applications where a quality clear silicone is called for. This sealant comes in an easy-to-use dispenser, so no caulk gun is required. It creates a strong, waterproof, protective seal and bonds to metal, glass, rubber, tile, and porcelain. It can be used indoors and out and will even hold up submerged in water, so it’s suitable for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.